Welcome to a fresh twist on the classic ‘What’s in My Bag’ post. While your list might change with the seasons or when you’re heading to a competition, consider this a fun sanity check before your next trip to the rink. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned skater, these essentials will keep you prepared and comfortable on the ice. Dive in and let me know your thoughts in the comments—agree, disagree, or have something to add?

Skates
Ok, obvious, but who hasn’t gone to the rink at least once only to realize they left their skates at home or thought they were in a locker? (I once left mine in a Zipcar and it took two hours of panic calls for the company to track down the car and allow me access to it – years off my life)

Hard Guards
Also known as “tools that let you walk like a normal person without tripping over the toe pick.” (If you know, you know)

Soft Guards or Soakers
They protect your blades and your bag, plus with today’s designs, they look cool and express your personality. I’m looking at you, animal covers!

Towel
A towel because you’re an adult who pays for your blades, and needs them to last so you always wipe off the water post-practice.

Spare Laces + Screwdriver
Because unlike one famous skater, you wouldn’t actually show up to the Olympics without spare laces in your bag. And you responsibly check the screws on your blades every month or so. You do, right? More on that here.

Gloves
Because you’re not a child and therefore much more delicate, you hate to grab the blade with bare hands for those spin positions.

Bunga Pads
Again, because you’re not a child, you know how much blisters hurt, you need to put your best foot forward for sandal season, and you’re not a fan of change. These pads got you through your new skate break-in periods and therefore your thoughts are they must be essential for all future skating success.

Spare Socks
Because you’re an adult who understands hygiene and wouldn’t ball up sweaty socks in the bottom of your bag only to pull them out the next day for round two.

Butt Pads
Because you understand that you are a greater distance away from the ice than your little four foot training mates and therefore your falls will hurt more.

Foot Spray
Sort of like deodorant for the inside of your skates, because you need to store these items in your house or locker and do not wish to smell like hockey equipment at this point in your life.

Bonus
Tissues, hairbrush, and lip gloss!

And speaking of bags, which type are you?

The Minimalist 

Knows what they need, every item has a specific place, cleans out their bag regularly, and meticulously loads and unloads the bag for each practice.

The Multitasker

Sometimes walks or bikes to the rink, thinks of the multitude of compartments as a closet system to-go, and plans for the day ahead by adding hydration and a laptop into the mix.

The Maximalist  

If it fits, they pack it. Skating equipment, change of outfit, recovery tools, extra of everything, tossies from the 2019 competition season, lucky Squishmallow, and a random assortment of snacks. If you ever find yourself trapped at the rink, you’ll want to befriend one of these people; you could live for several days on what’s inside that bag.