Introduction:
Tournament season is here—and whether you're heading to a national qualifier or a weekend invitational, your success starts long before the first whistle.
Being prepared means more than showing up with uniforms. It means knowing what to pack, what to double-check, and what to avoid scrambling for the night before.
This guide is built for club coaches, directors, parents, and players looking to travel like professionals. Use this checklist to help your athletes stay organized, focused, and ready to perform from the first match to the final point.
Why Travel Prep Can Make or Break a Tournament
You’ve seen it before—players forget socks, someone brings the wrong warm-up, or an entire team shows up without water bottles. It happens more than you’d think.
The fix? A travel system built around consistency.
When your team packs with intention, they:
- Eliminate distractions
- Feel more confident
- Spend less time fixing problems
- Represent your program with pride
Let’s make that easy.
✅ The Ultimate Volleyball Tournament Packing Checklist
You can copy, print, or share this list with your team, parents, and players before your next travel weekend.
🏐 Essential Volleyball Gear
- Game jerseys (double-check all sets)
- Matching spandex/shorts
- Court shoes (clean and broken in)
- Knee pads
- Long socks (multiple pairs)
- Ankle braces or sleeves (if needed)
- Practice shirt(s)
- Team warm-up top/jacket
- Team pants or joggers
- Uniform-appropriate sports bras/undergarments
- Hair ties or headbands
Coach tip: Encourage players to pack gear in reverse match order. First-day jersey goes on top.
🎒 Tournament Day Essentials
- Team backpack or gear bag
- Water bottle (labeled)
- Towel or sweat towel
- Small personal first aid kit (band-aids, blister care)
- Recovery tools (foam roller, resistance bands)
- Face masks or hand sanitizer (if required by venue)
- Printed tournament schedule + hotel address
- ID or player credential if needed
🍎 Snacks & Nutrition
- Electrolyte drink or hydration tabs
- Refillable water bottle
- Non-perishable protein snacks (bars, trail mix, jerky)
- Easy fruit (bananas, oranges)
- Light lunch if there’s no team meal (wrap, sandwich, rice bowl)
- Gum or mints (keeps focus between games.
- Avoid messy snacks or dairy-heavy foods before competition.
🧳 Hotel & Travel Items
- Casual clothes for team dinners or free time
- Pajamas/loungewear
- Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
- Shower shoes or flip-flops
- Phone + charger (portable charger is a bonus)
- Earbuds/headphones
- Optional: Eye mask or earplugs for better rest
- Laundry bag or extra bag for dirty clothes
- Weather-appropriate gear (rain jacket, hoodie, etc.)
👩💼 For Coaches & Team Managers
- Extra copies of roster + emergency contacts
- Extra socks, jerseys, knee pads for emergencies
- Ice packs or wrap
- First aid kit
- Whistle and clipboard/notebook
- Snacks + drinks for coaches
- Team meeting reminders or itinerary
- Rules or venue-specific requirements
Pro tip: Have a shared digital checklist for players to check off before leaving.
Tournament Travel Tips from All Volleyball Coaches & Parents
🟢 Pack the night before—never the morning of
Rushing leads to forgetfulness. Encourage your team to pack early and use the checklist.
🟢 Label everything
Lost gear is common at big events. Names or initials on bags, bottles, and knee pads go a long way.
🟢 Match your brand
Matching warm-ups and travel gear help build a unified, professional presence. It also makes it easier to spot teammates across a crowded venue.
🟢 Overpack socks, underpack stress
You’ll never regret packing extra socks—but you will regret chasing down replacements during a lunch break.
Gear Up, Then Focus on the Game
The better your travel prep, the more your athletes can focus on what matters: teamwork, performance, and enjoying the journey.
Need help preparing your program for travel season?
👉 Explore team travel gear at All Volleyball
From custom backpacks to warm-up sets and tournament bags, we’ve helped hundreds of clubs look and feel ready to compete.
Or reach out to talk with a team gear expert—we’re here to help make travel one less thing to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should a player pack in their volleyball backpack?
Uniform, shoes, knee pads, socks, water bottle, towel, recovery gear, snacks, and a phone charger. Use our checklist above for the full list.
How do we keep our team organized during tournaments?
Assign packing checklists, use team group chats for reminders, and consider matching team travel gear for easy visibility and unity.
What kind of bag is best for volleyball tournaments?
Look for volleyball-specific backpacks with ball compartments, shoe pockets, and durable zippers. Brands like Mizuno, Nike, and Under Armour are popular choices.
How early should we prep for a multi-day event?
Ideally, start packing 2 days before departure and confirm uniform sets, shoe fit, and travel logistics at least one week in advance.