Ice Hockey Gear Guide

Youth Hockey Bags & Gear Care: Drying, Odor and Maintenance (2026)

A good bag and a drying habit protect the gear you just paid for.

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Choosing a Bag

Type	Best For	Notes
Wheeled bag	Kids who can't carry a full kit	Easier on a small player; check the handle and wheels.
Carry (duffel) bag	Older kids, short walks	Lighter and cheaper.
Backpack-style	Mixed use	Not great for a full kit.

Look for ventilation panels, a separate skate pocket, and sturdy zippers. A bag that's too big for a small kid becomes hard to lift; size for the player, not the gear.

The One Rule: Never Leave Gear in the Bag

Moisture is what causes odor and breaks down padding. After every session, take everything out and let it air dry fully before storing.

Item	Care
All pads, pants, gloves	Hang or lay out to air dry; keep out of the bag and the car.
Skates	Remove insoles, loosen laces, wipe blades dry and use soakers or guards to prevent rust.
Helmet	Wipe the interior; avoid harsh chemicals that can damage foam or shell.
Base layers and socks	Wash after each use.

Never put hockey gear in a hot dryer. Check each product's care label for washing instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of hockey gear smell?

Prevention is the best fix: air out the gear fully after every session and wash base layers. Check care labels before washing any gear.

Can I wash pads in a washing machine?

Many pads can be washed on gentle, but follow each product's label and always air dry.