Equipment bags

[epstud74 24]

I'm looking for a functional, yet nice bag for my godson. He plays bantams and I was just surfing the net looking at bags and I noticed the backpack type bags with telescoping handles and rollers. Would these be big enough? He's currently using a ratty old Bauer Supreme bag made of some lower end nylon.

Here is the link to one of the bags:

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/warrior-hockey...-mac-daddy.html

[Chadd 916]

At that age I would get some idea what type of bag he would like before shelling out for a new one.

[epstud74 24]

He's not picky and is still in the same skates he wore last year, but good idea I'll ask him..

[Chadd 916]

He's not picky and is still in the same skates he wore last year, but good idea I'll ask him..

Peer pressure can be a major issue, it's not a reflection on him.

[epstud74 24]

I understand completely, but are these backpacks a waste of $$$ compared to a nice, duffel typed traditional bag? Man its difficult to type and my 5 1/2 month old son is babbling non-stop while I'm listening to the Gophers-Michigan game. I've never seen him this excited haha..

[Chadd 916]

I understand completely, but are these backpacks a waste of $$$ compared to a nice, duffel typed traditional bag? Man its difficult to type and my 5 1/2 month old son is babbling non-stop while I'm listening to the Gophers-Michigan game. I've never seen him this excited haha..

The people around here who like them, like them because they're easier to carry from the car and get through doors. I really haven't seen many kids who play ice using them in this area, most tend to be inline guys.

[epstud74 24]

I kind of figured that judging from the makers of these bags who tend to be more "inline" oriented.

[cause4alarm 7]

Some people make fun of players who use backpacks or wheeled bags. Is your godson going to be alright with the stigma of using unfashionable gear?

Also consider how and where he transports his equipment.

Wheels might be fine if he has to go through airports and stuff, but keep in mind that the frames on those add extra weight which would be a hassle if he has to keep lugging it out of a car trunk. Essentially, will he be carrying the bag more or will he be rolling it more?

And as Chadd says, backpacks will require tricky maneuvering if he has to go through tights spots (narrow doorways, turnstiles). However, if he plans on skating to the rink, it would be easier to tote gear in a backpack where the weight can be distributed over both shoulders than a duffel.

Personally, I prefer the plain army-style jumbo duffel. It lacks ventilation and compartments, but's smaller than most bags, which is useful if you carpool with other hockey players and need to cram lots of bags into the car. Of course, if it isn't a customized team bag, it will be severely lacking in the coolness factor.

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I'd like to point out to the mods, that there isn't a dedicated section for equipment bag reviews.

[epstud74 24]

True, not much review regarding bags. Kids or adults who travel a lot for hockey probably do not want to dick around with cheap bags that rip or are too small.

[mdamson 0]

I found this bag that looks like a great deal. Upgraded metal zippers are a big plus and no minimums as long as they are not custom printed.

http://www.sumsports.com

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

I'd like to point out to the mods, that there isn't a dedicated section for equipment bag reviews.

Sure there is, it's the accessories section.

Under Protective equipment.

[LoXish 0]

I use a Nexed Fluid backpack bag and I love it compared to my old Kobe 40" canvas/metal zipper bag... the Kobe was SO big and bulky and just hard to maneuver with... really strained my shoulder after a game carrying it up the stairs and out of the rink.

The backpack bag is much easier on my shoulders/back and has plenty of room and is just as durable as my Kobe...

I would recommend the backpack bags, especially for a kid.

[Spreedizzle 1]

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/easton-eb-stealths5bag.html

I've been using this bag for about 6 months and to date.....has been the best bag that I have ever used. Love the roll up panels that expose the mesh to improve ventilation. Since getting this bag, and being persistent to air out my gear, the smell of my equipment has decreased drastically. There is plenty of room in the bag, and the removable "travel" bag is a nice feature too.

[Cove 39]

lol, its a hockey bag.. It doesnt need to be fancy, or have wheels or nothing lol.

[Rustpot 1]

lol, its a hockey bag.. It doesnt need to be fancy, or have wheels or nothing lol.

I have a cheap Vector SMU bag from the monkey. Holds all my gear in the main compartment. $20 and it doesn't have mesh vents, skate pockets, wheels, a shoulder strap, or any other bells or whistles.

It's going strong without a mark on it for over a year now.

IMO, bags come down to 2 things- Materials and cost. Find a cheap bag made of good nylon, with good stitching and strong zippers that fits all of your gear, and it won't matter what else it can do.

The only time other jazz comes into play is when you're traveling and need your equipment to dry in the bag, or to get other features when your gear is going to be stored wet or moved often by someone other than you (reinforcement for when the bus driver tosses it onto the ground)

[A2rhino 63]

I got an Eagle pro bag for Christmas and the damn thing is falling apart. It also does not come with a shoulder strap. Very disappointed.

[TBLfan 25]

My EWH bag by Fury is still going strong and has no signs of wear and tear. It's suuuper big and extremely well made, only wish it had an external pocket or maybe another pocket besides the skate pockets and maybe a U-shaped opening... but I don't think I'll have to buy a new bag for years upon years.

Also no shoulder strap but the handles fit over my shoulder just fine.

[Law Goalie 147]

Little tip: look for bags that have "SMI" on the rivets, and you'll love them forever. That company makes the best bags I've ever seen, and they supply the Leafs & Marlies.

[TBLfan 25]

Exactly, I tried putting a shoulder strap on my Fury bag and it was soo uncomfortable. Using the handles is much more comfortable and now I don't knock things over.

[A2rhino 63]

Let me start by saying I'm not some fatty at all. I tryed to use only the handles over my shoulder and it doesnt fit. It's extrememly tight. I rigged a strap on it with some carabeaners and a shoulder strap from an old bag and it worked for about a month and now the bag is tearing. As for the weight on my shoulder well where else would it be if I was to carry it other than in my hand pulling even more on one side than on the shoulder.

[TBLfan 25]

I'm not sure about the eagle pro bag but I know my Fury handles are pretty long. I just curl it like a dumbell and rest the handle on my shoulder. Whether it would work for the eagle bag or not, I cannot tell you but it works great with my bag. :) I highly recommend it.

[A2rhino 63]

Thanks for the recomendation, I'll check it out.