The Best Hockey Bags for 2024 (with reviews)

Hockey players at any level have a ton of gear to carry around, so the right equipment bag can make all the difference. Ice hockey bags have a variety of different features, which can make the “right” one sometimes feel a bit hard to come by if you’re not sure what to look for. 

So, what is the best hockey gear bag for 2024? Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as just deciding on one certain bag. But we’ve made finding the best ice hockey equipment bag easy, whether you’re looking for a bag for a youth player, a hockey stick bag, or you need a good hockey goalie bag. Read on, as we walk you through everything you need to think about before purchasing a new bag. We’ll even share some of our all-time favorite bags this year.

To see more options, check out our full selection of hockey bags on HockeyMonkey.com.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• List of the Best Ice Hockey Bags
• What Are the Different Hockey Bag Types
• Factors to Consider When Selecting a Hockey Bag
• Best Hockey Bags by Category

List of the Best Ice Hockey Bags

1. Bauer Tactical 36in. Senior Carry Hockey Equipment Bag

2. CCM 450 Player Elite 32in. Carry Hockey Equipment Bag

3. Kobe Team 30in. Carry Hockey Equipment Bag

4. Warrior Pro Player Large 32in. Hockey Equipment Bag

5. True Pro Senior Hockey Equipment Bag

6. Bauer Elite 36in. Senior Carry Hockey Equipment Bag

7. Bauer Pro 30in. Junior Carry Hockey Equipment Bag

What Are the Different Hockey Bag Types?

Hockey players have more equipment to carry than a lot of other athletes. Helmets, skates and protective hockey gear take up significant space in bags, so the right one is important if you want to protect your gear. There are a few types of bags to consider when you’re searching for the best ice hockey gear bag.

Wheeled Bags

Wheeled rolling hockey bags usually have two wheels at one end of the bag and pull straps at the other. Wheeled bags can be a great option for players who are forced to park some distance from the rink. They’re also ideal for youth hockey players who aren’t strong enough yet to easily lug all their gear on their own.

Backpack Bags

A hockey bag backpack is designed to be compact and carried on your back to and from the rink. Generally, players with smaller and lighter equipment will choose a backpack-style gear bag.

Duffle 

A duffle is the traditional-style hockey bag that you'll see most-used by professionals and players with bulkier gear. Hockey duffle gear bags are carried over the shoulder by heavy duty straps. They easily contain all a player’s gear in an open main compartment, and they may have internal pockets for organization. 

Wheeled Duffle Hybrid Bags

A hockey duffle bag with wheels is a hybrid bag that combines open compartment features with the ability to pull your bag behind you. You'll find these bags in a number of styles and sizes that may fit your needs.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Hockey Bag

When choosing your hockey gear bag, you should consider a number of factors. The size of the bag, durability and longevity, storage options and how much you’re willing to spend will all play a part in your decision.

The Bag Size 

Make sure your hockey bag is the right size for all your gear. Youth players don’t need as much space as adult hockey players do. If the bag you’re buying is for a younger player, you probably don’t need the size or all the professional specs some bags offer. In fact, a big bag may even have too much space to store equipment securely. By contrast, Elite players will likely carry more gear than recreational players, so the largest-sized bags may be worth the investment to ensure all their gear fits.

How Durable it is

A hockey gear bag will go through a lot of abuse as you use it. Heavy equipment can weaken the shell or bottom. The bag may be dragged up or down rink stairs and thrown around locker rooms. Bulky bags can snag and tear. Some materials used in hockey equipment bags will be more durable than others, so you might want to look for a gear bag with reinforced handles, corners and bottoms for maximum life.

The Bag Material 

Ice hockey equipment bags are constructed out of a variety of materials. High-density polyester can be stronger than nylon and other materials, and rubber corners and reinforced pockets can also contribute to a longer life-span. When looking at the density of polyester material, you might notice a durability rating from 100 to 1000+. The higher density ratings indicate more durable materials.

How Many Compartments Does it Have? 

Some gear bags come with a simple, wide open main compartment, while others have side pockets, mesh interior pockets and other storage options. If you're a casual drop-in hockey player looking for a simple bag that’ll just hold all your gear, you may not need a ton of customization options. However, if you like to keep your gear extra organized, or if you like to separate your skates, tape and other accessories, you might want a bag with multiple compartments.

How Much to Spend 

Once you've decided on the features you want in your equipment bag, next you want to look at price. Budget bags will likely contain less storage options and may be made from inferior materials. If you want a long-lasting bag with upgraded features, you might need to be willing to spend a bit more. Casual players may be able to get away with a cheaper bag, but those players who are on the ice multiple times a week may want to consider expanding their budget.

Best Hockey Bags by Category

As promised, it's time for our recommendations for the best hockey bags in several different categories. (and don’t worry if you don't see something that piques your interest here...we’re confident you'll find a great selection of alternatives at HockeyMonkey).

Best Budget Hockey Bag

CCM 30in. Carry Hockey Equipment Bag: The CCM 30 Inch Carry Hockey Equipment Bag is ideal for young players new to the game, offering a perfect blend of lightweight durability and affordability. Its simple design and 30in size ensure it meets the basic needs of starting players without breaking the bank​

Best Wheeled/Rolling Hockey Bag

CCM 490 18in. Wheeled Hockey Equipment Backpack: It stands out for its versatility and durability. Equipped with heavy-duty, water-resistant materials and all-terrain wheels, this backpack adapts to any environment. It offers convenient storage with its main compartment, side skate pockets, and an accessory pocket. The padded backpack straps and retractable pull handle make transportation easy, making it the perfect choice for players who value mobility and organization​

Best Hockey Backpack

Warrior Pro Carry Backpack: The Warrior Pro Carry backpack is our choice for best backpack because of its versatility and easy use. A strap system holds gear in place while carried, and double pull-cord zipper pulls let you access gear easily. Full end pockets let players separate skates and wet items from the rest of their gear.

Best Hockey Duffle Bag

Bauer Tactical Duffle Bag: The Bauer Tactical Duffle Bag's design prioritizes flexibility and robustness for active players. Made from heavy-duty 840D with TPU backing and a ripstop top panel, it ensures lasting durability. Features like a large main compartment, separate end pocket, hidden external organizer, and premium handles with an adjustable shoulder strap make it both practical and comfortable for transport. Its compact dimensions and resilient construction make it a standout choice for athletes looking for a reliable duffle bag solution​

Best Hockey Hybrid Bag

Bauer Premium 36in. Senior Wheeled Hockey Equipment Bag: The Bauer Premium 36in. Senior Wheeled Hockey Equipment Bag excels with its durable 600D poly and ripstop dobby weave construction, offering a sturdy, long-lasting design. The oversized U-shaped opening, separate end pocket, and internal organizer panel simplify gear organization, while DryFlow grommets enhance ventilation. The bag's reinforced base, extension pull handle, and rivet-reinforced HD webbing make it a top choice for adult players who need a reliable bag that can handle the rigors of travel and frequent use

Best Youth Hockey Bag

Bauer Tactical 33in. Junior Carry Hockey Equipment Bag: The Bauer Tactical 33in. Junior Carry Hockey Equipment Bag has heavy-duty 840D construction with TPU backing and a ripstop top panel ensures durability for the demanding needs of youth players. The bag features a large main compartment with internal mesh organizers for easy gear management, reinforced pro-tarp bottom, and premium nylon webbing with an adjustable strap for comfortable transport. Ideal for young athletes, this bag combines durability with organizational efficiency

Best Adult Hockey Bag

Bauer Tactical 36in. Senior Carry Hockey Equipment Bag: The Bauer Tactical 36in. Senior Carry Hockey Equipment Bag is crafted to accommodate the full arsenal of adult player gear with its 36" x 17" x 19.5" dimensions, offering exceptional durability and organization. The combination of heavy-duty 840D material with TPU backing and a reinforced pro-tarp bottom ensures that it can withstand the rough and tumble of frequent travel and use, making it the go-to choice for adult hockey players who demand the best in durability and design

Find the Best Selection of Ice Hockey Bags at HockeyMonkey!

HockeyMonkey has a large selection of adult and youth ice hockey gear bags, so you’re sure to find the right one for your game. Now that you know all of your options, it’s time to browse our full selection of hockey bags.  

This article was originally published on September 14, 2021, and has been updated with new information.