Equipment Bags: Wheeled vs. carried

[fifthlinegoon 0]

Backpack! I've used regular, wheeled and then backback; I'll never go back. I've never forgotten any piece of gear because of the different compartment. The bag last longer because the weight is distributed better on the straps. I can carry my stick in one hand and a small cooler of beer in the other without effort.

I actually had to buy 2 more old school easton z-air backpacks on ebay because the new Easton one look too big and ugly. I even bought one with wheels but I don't think I'll use it because it redundent.

With wheels on right with out on left

[BlackIce 1]

The one problem with a wheeled bag is when you put it in trunk the wheels can scratch your car. Also after a game you get lazy and drag it down the stairs to the basement. Most stairs on the way down to the basement are wood and you mess up your stairs a bit. However, wheeled is easier on the back.

[thehomez 0]

I have to say - I'm really liking the looks of this Grit Hockey Tower. I like that it has a place for everything, while my current bag everything is just shoved in. If you have nice gear, this looks like a good way to take good care of it.

http://demonxtreme.com/extra%20pages/kitbag_grittower_1000x800.html

K

That bag looks sweet, only if it wasn't $100+ bucks...

[SolarWind 23]

My wife talked me into wheeled bag (Vapor XXXX) - I gave it a go, but it didn't last long & the bag is now sitting in my garage collecting dast for almost a year - major probjems were weight (it IS quite a bit heavier) + just plain pain in the rear pulling the bag in bad weather (even rain is bad, forget about snow) & around different obstacles like stairs, curbs etc

plus the intangibles of course - around here only old guys are seen pulling bags around B)

with that my personal vote goes for a regular bag

[AHF 1]

That bag looks sweet, only if it wasn't $100+ bucks...

...and quite heavy. And that's without the gear in it.

Personally, I don't want to have to 'organize' my gear after a game. Throw everything in the bag and go.

[KABAROV 0]

http://www.gritinc.net/hockey.html

I use the grit hockey tower. I love the organization and all the storage pockets available. It even has slots on the side to hold a couple sticks. When you are done hockey, you can hang your gear off of your bag and open the zippers to allow full ventilation. So far it's held up for about 6 months great.

Also, in the locker room, you get a nice carpet to keep your feet dry. Keeping the skates and helmet separate is a nice feature to save your visor. Two thumbs up from Kabarov.

[DarkStar50 679]

The backpack bags don't fit all my gear. I get all the equipment into the bag but put all my clothing(jersey, socks, jock, towel, etc.) in big clear plastic bag(usually one that the pants or shoulder pads come in. I get them at the pro shop). I could never fit the plastic bag into the backpack. I tried the RBK backpack, FWIW.

I tried a wheelie a few times. It is certainly easier than banging off walls with my traditional bag. My problem is besides the bag and carrying sticks, I always bring a cup of coffee(7/11 next to the rink, another old habit from forever) into the rink. I couldn't manage the sticks and pulling the bag in one hand, and holding the coffee cup in the other other. I got mashed up at the doors and narrow hallways. Pretty lame, I know.

So, I use the MSH bag made by SMI. It is holding up and fits everything. I have a system when packing the bag to go to the rink so gear gets packed in order. I have a system after the game and a few beers where gear gets thrown in as I damn well please. The plastic bag full of all the wet socks, shirt, towel, jersey, etc helps when I get home. The bag goes straight to the laundry room.

[andysly 1]

My problem is besides the bag and carrying sticks, I always bring a cup of coffee(7/11 next to the rink, another old habit from forever) into the rink. I couldn't manage the sticks and pulling the bag in one hand, and holding the coffee cup in the other other. I got mashed up at the doors and narrow hallways. Pretty lame, I know.

I had the same issue Darkstar, until I thought of a solution. When I zipper my wheeled bag closed I leave it unzipped about 6 inches on the end with the handle. Then I slide in my sticks, knob-first. This way I can pull my bag with one hand and my sticks are coming along for the ride. My other hand is now free. Still might be a balancing act when you get to the door. But if you time it right you can walk in right behind someone and they'll hold the door open for you.

[DarkStar50 679]

Thanks for the tip. I'll practice in the driveway!

[shoeshine boy 246]

I have both. I just got the Easton Stealth S17 36" bag to use as an everyday bag but when I go to tournaments where I have to fly I take my Bauer wheel bag. it just makes things easier in the airport.

[andysly 1]

Thanks for the tip. I'll practice in the driveway!

LOL.....By the way, as soon as I get some disposable income (read: as soon as the wife gives me the go-ahead, I'm going to come up to see you for some gear.

[dumbpolak9 1]

i use a carry bag. im an old school guy. i say the wheeled bags make you look like a pandzy. but i do like the grit bag i would get one if it were cheaper.

[andysly 1]

Honestly, I don't care if others look at me weird because I use a wheel bag. I'm 37 years old. The days of worrying what a bunch of 20 somethings think disappeared a LONG time ago.

[carterb 0]

Honestly, I don't think anyone cares whether you use wheeled/carried, regardless of age. I've never seen someone get jeered for using a wheeled bag. No one cares, do what is easiest for you.

[TBLfan 25]

I've definitely seen and have made fun of people with wheel bags but it's harmless fun. If it wasn't for the bag, we'd be making jokes about something else.

Do what works best. I use a carry bag and I toss my sticks through the handles(so they sit front to back), this pretty much gives me two free hands with the straps over my shoulder.

[hockeyfreak7 0]

i personally despise the people who walk into a crowded locker room with a gigantic wheeled bag...trampling everything in their path.

probably one the only hockey pet peeve that is ahead of mismatching socks in my book.

and backpack bags are dumb as well imo.

just carry your bag.

[Zamboni 6]

My 9 year old daughters team is having the same disscusion on wheeled bags. :P

[shoeshine boy 246]

I don't mind kids, especially below a certain size having wheel bags. it teaches them to carry their own gear. what drives me crazy though is when the kid comes out and mom or dad is pulling the kid's wheel bag.

[starsfan71 9]

I don't mind kids, especially below a certain size having wheel bags. it teaches them to carry their own gear. what drives me crazy though is when the kid comes out and mom or dad is pulling the kid's wheel bag.

God that is annoying, however I do not like seeing little kids carrying huge bags especially Goalies on their backs. Having had back problems at a young age it makes me nervous for them.

[likwidsix 0]

if you play REALLY hard, you shouldn't be ABLE to or WANT to carry your bag to the car

[starsfan71 9]

if you play REALLY hard, you shouldn't be ABLE to or WANT to carry your bag to the car

Or you aren't a pussy and are well conditioned and can still carry your bag.

[phunky_monkey 6]

Wheels for me, as I live in a condo. Much easier to navigate in tight quarters, and a lot easier on the walls. If I was to carry it, my door/walls would be all scratched up.

I pick it up as soon as I'm out the door though. The extra weight from the wheels is not an issue for me.

Sometimes I think I should have got a wheeled bag for this very reason. I kill the hallways in my apartment block, but i'm getting better.... oops. I usually just drag it out the door and down the hall to save the walls