Welcome travel sports mom! Let’s help find the best bag for you: fashion meet function!
Bags are a travel sports mom’s best friend. Maybe a little cliché, but it’s true. Before your child joined a sports team, you thought of bags as just another accessory. However, now that you’re part of this travel team, you soon realize that you are the manager of the ‘what if’ scenarios for every sports event.
- What if it starts raining midway through the lacrosse game? Travel umbrella– check
- What if it’s really windy on the soccer sidelines? Blanket- check
- What if the restrooms at the baseball complex run out of toilet paper? Extra tissues and wipes- check
- What if I get thirsty during her softball game and the concession stand isn’t open? Water bottle- check
Just like your child carries all of his sports gear, you carry all of your essential mom gear for the game. In order to help you do this effectively, I compiled a complete list of the best bags for travel sports moms. Small bags for the bare essentials, mid-size for the ‘it’s a long way back to the car’, and the heavy duty size for the ‘we’re going to be here all weekend’. So let’s dive right in and help find the best bag for you!
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Small Bags
Carrying a purse everywhere is a pain sometimes. It’s heavy. The bigger the purse, the more you feel the need to fill it. Many times, all you need are the essentials- phone, car keys, credit card. This is when small bags like a crossbody, wristlet, or a fanny pack are perfect. They’re compact, lightweight, and handsfree.
Wristlets
A wristlet purse is one of the smallest and lightest accessory you can find that can carry the essentials of a travel sports mom. As the name implies, a wristlet can be worn on your wrist as a standalone purse or can double as a wallet in a larger purse. These wristlets come in many whimsical cotton fabrics. Leather wristlets are more sophisticated while this fun neoprene wristlet is both practical and durable.
Crossbody
Crossbodies are one of my favorite kinds of bags because they come in so many different styles and can be dressed up or down. Need something for that out of state tournament that doesn’t take up a lot of room in the suitcase, can be easily cleaned, and looks great at the field and dinner? Try this one. Maybe you need something small but want a little flair to change it up? Try this one with interchangeable straps. Or maybe you want a sporty look that’s a little sturdier? I love this option!
Belt Bag
Belt bags, previously referred to as fanny packs back in the ‘80s, have come a long way since then. No longer viewed as the nerdy accessory, these bags are now donned by everyone from your sporty soccer mom to young dads to hip teens. And with good reason. They’re lightweight like a crossbody or wristlet, but since you attach them around your waist or torso, you can be more active. This one comes in so many colors (I love the camo!)
Medium Bags
Mid-size bags for travel sports moms like totes and backpacks are significantly larger and can hold more items than small bags. They’re great for long games when you may not get back to your car for a while or when the weather dictates the need for multiple accessories like blankets and jackets.
Totes
A good mid-size tote is the most versatile bag you’ll own. They’re not only good for game day, but they also are great for the beach, the lake, an overnight trip and just about anything else. As I mentioned in my soccer mom accessories post, I love neoprene bags. From a practical standpoint, they’re easy to wash and are lightweight. With so many fun colors and patterns, these bags jazz up any outfit. Another favorite is the slouchy hobo tote in a pastel color.
Backpacks
Backpacks are another great option for travel sports moms because the bigger the bag, the more your shoulder hurts after carrying it for a while. A cute slingback like this is great for a handful of items. I also love this backpack with the whimsical tassel for a more sophisticated look.
Collapsible Wagons
I bet you’re looking at the category ‘collapsible wagons’ and thinking those are definitely not bags. On one hand, no, but on the other hand, yes, because they’re basically an extension of your arm. If you’ve ever been to a lacrosse, baseball, or softball tournament where you’re at the sports complex all day, you will agree with me that your wagon is your home for the weekend.
It’s amazing how much you can pack in a wagon! No longer do you have to make decisions on what you can bring based on the size of the bag. Travel sports team essentials that won’t fit in a bag but will in a wagon include:
- Tent
- Folding chair(s)
- Attachable or separate umbrella
- Cooler
- Younger siblings
- Extra clothing (jackets, scarves, vests)
- Team Snacks
I could bore you about how much I love my collapsible wagon, but one of the main reasons I love it is because I also use it at the beach, when moving, at the lake, and basically anywhere I have to load heavy items and transport them far distances.
Conclusion
Bags, in all shapes and sizes, really are a travel sports mom’s best friend. They’re the intersection of fashion and function for handling all the necessities. So why not spice it up and find the best bags out there to not only carry the essentials, but make you look fabulous on the field!
Do you have a favorite bag you can’t live without during the travel sports season? If so, please share! I’m always looking for a great handbag!
And once you have your bag picked out, please check out my post on Ultimate Soccer Mom Outfits – must wear fashion for the sidelines for soccer moms!
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