Practical must-haves for long days in the gym and weekends on the road.
If you’re a volleyball mom, you know the drill. Early mornings, long drives, hotel stays, hours sitting on bleachers, and plenty of downtime between games.
And somehow, no matter how prepared you think you are, there’s always something you wish you’d packed!
After spending plenty of weekends traveling for volleyball, I’ve learned that having the right things packed makes the entire weekend a little easier. I’m not talking about bringing everything you own. Just a few practical essentials that make those long tournament days more comfortable, organized, and enjoyable.
Whether you’re heading to a one-day tournament or spending the entire weekend away, here are my volleyball tournament must-haves for sports moms.
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1. A Comfortable Bleacher Seat
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that gym bleachers are not designed for sitting all day!
Between warmups, matches, and waiting for the next game, you can spend hours sitting on hard bleachers.
A padded bleacher seat with back support makes a huge difference. Look for something lightweight, easy to carry, and comfortable enough for a full tournament day.
Hint: I got mine from Facebook Marketplace from another mom whose kid was moving to college.
2. A Spacious Tote Bag
A good tournament bag is essential, especially when you’re carrying snacks, drinks, chargers, and everything else your family might need.
I prefer a backpack style with multiple pockets so I’m not digging around trying to find my keys or phone, but my hands are still free.
Some people also like totes that stand upright and have a space for a water bottle.
Shop tournament tote bags and backpacks
3. An Insulated Tumbler
Tournament weekends usually mean leaving the hotel early and spending most of the day at the gym.
Having an insulated tumbler means I can bring my own drink instead of constantly buying something at the concession stand.
Choose one that’s easy to carry and holds enough to get you through several matches.
4. A Cozy Blanket
Why are volleyball gyms either freezing cold or ridiculously hot? There never seems to be an in-between!
I always recommend packing a lightweight, cozy blanket for those chilly gyms.
It can also come in handy during the drive or at the hotel. My daughter uses hers on the bus for volleyball, track, and every car ride in the winter.
5. Plenty of Snacks
Concession stands can get expensive, especially when you’re feeding a family during an entire tournament weekend.
I like packing a combination of snacks that are easy to grab and don’t require much preparation. See some of our favorites: 10 Budget-Friendly Tournament Snacks Every Sports Mom Should Pack.
Some of our favorites include:
- Pretzels and crackers
- Granola bars
- Applesauce pouches
- Fresh fruit
- Trail mix
- Beef sticks
- Peanut butter crackers
Reusable snack containers help keep everything organized and prevent food from getting crushed in the bottom of the bag.
Shop reusable snack containers
6. A Portable Phone Charger
Between checking tournament schedules, taking pictures, sending updates, and scrolling during breaks, my phone battery never seems to last the entire day.
A portable charger is one of those things you don’t think about until you desperately need it.
I recommend keeping one charged and ready in your tournament bag. I love this one specifically because it plugs directly into the wall and I don’t need a million cords. The entire team can use it.
7. A Small First-Aid and Essentials Bag
Someone always needs something!
Keeping a small pouch stocked with basic essentials saves a lot of digging through bags or making unnecessary stops.
Mine includes things like bandages, tissues, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and a few other everyday necessities.
I also keep extra hair ties because those seem to disappear faster than anything else.
Shop small organization pouches
8. Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
Between gym floors, bleachers, snacks, and public restrooms, wipes are something I always like having nearby.
A travel pack takes up almost no space and comes in handy more often than you’d think.
9. A Good Book and Headphones
One thing people don’t always realize about volleyball tournaments is how much downtime there can be between matches.
Sometimes you have just enough time to grab lunch. Other times you’re waiting for hours.
I like having a good book and headphones in my bag so I have something to do besides stare at my phone.
It’s a small way to make those long tournament days a little more enjoyable.
10. A Small Hands-Free Bag
A spacious tote is great for carrying everything into the gym, but sometimes you don’t want to haul the entire bag around.
A small crossbody or belt bag is perfect for keeping your phone, wallet, and keys close when you’re heading to the concession stand or walking around the tournament facility.
See how I do this in my post Whatâs in My Sports Mom Bag? The 3 Bags I Never Leave Home Without.
11. A Toiletry and Organization Case
When you’re traveling for an entire weekend, staying organized makes packing and unpacking so much easier.
A small toiletry organizer keeps everything in one place at the hotel, while smaller pouches can separate chargers, personal items, and other essentials.
I especially love anything that makes packing up on Sunday morning quicker!
During club season I find it easiest to keep this bag packed with a second set of everything rather than totally unpacking and repacking every 4 days. It makes it much less likely something will be forgotten.
Shop travel organization essentials
A Few Extra Tips for Volleyball Tournament Weekends
Beyond what goes in my tournament bag, there are a few things I try to do before every weekend away.
Pack the night before. Early tournament mornings are hectic enough without searching for chargers or missing socks.
Bring more snacks than you think you’ll need. Especially if you have hungry teenage athletes!
Check the tournament facility rules. Some venues have restrictions on outside food, coolers, and seating.
Keep a separate hotel bag. That way, you’re not hauling everything into the gym every morning.
Refill and restock when you get home. It’s so much easier to prepare for the next tournament when your essentials are already organized.
Making Volleyball Weekends a Little Easier
Volleyball weekends can be exhausting, but they’re also some of my favorite weekends.
There’s something special about watching your kids compete, spending time together, and cheering them on through the wins and losses.
And while no amount of packing will make those early mornings disappear, having a few favorite essentials definitely makes the weekend more comfortable.
You don’t need everything on this list. Start with what will make the biggest difference for your family and build your tournament bag from there.
đ Shop My Volleyball Tournament Weekend Essentials
I’ve put together a collection of practical finds for long tournament days, hotel weekends, and busy sports families.
Shop My Volleyball Tournament Favorites on Amazon
Here’s to another weekend of volleyball, caffeine, bleachers, and cheering on our favorite athletes!
Kim.Kids.Chaos
Practical ideas for the life we’re living.
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