Most “what’s in my bag” videos consist of a wallet, a pair of sunglasses, a few chapsticks or lip glosses, maybe a travel-size container of hand sanitizer, a phone and a wad of old receipts. For swimmers, the “what’s in my bag” trend looks a little different.
A wet towel, a damp suit, an old granola bar wrapper from last weekend’s meet, a pair of goggles barely hanging on, a change of clothes and probably a few random pieces of memorabilia from seasons past. Swimmers take their swim bags everywhere. They’re like black holes — somehow fitting twice as much as you think they can. While every swimmer has their own system for practices, meets and travel, here are some essentials you should always keep in that bag and a few other items you might consider.
Extra Gear
Any swimmer knows the panic right before a race starts when your cap or goggles snap. It’s a great idea to keep at least one extra cap and two pairs of goggles in your bag at all times — most swimmers already do. Brands like Speedo, TYR and Arena are go-tos, and honestly, just having a reliable backup pair is everything. Pro tip: keeping them in a hard case might help make sue they don’t get crushed at the bottom of your bag.
Snacks
A must. Swimmers basically live off snacks. Barebells, Clif Bars, Quest and Aloha bars are all solid, easy options. Trail mix, beef jerky or even applesauce pouches are great for quick energy between events. A small bag with a small variety of snacks ensures you’re always ready for a refuel, whether it’s in between school and practice or right after a morning dryland session.
Extra Water Bottle + Electrolyte Packets
Keeping an extra reusable water bottle with a few packs of electrolyte powder, like Liquid I.V. or Gatorade, is a great way to ensure you’re staying hydrated. When you’re training for hours, especially in the summer or in hot climates, it’s essential to keep your fluid levels up. Storing a few packets inside your water bottle keeps everything organized and ensures you’re always ready to go.
Hair Supplies
For the girls: I can’t count how many times I’ve heard, “Does anyone have a hair tie?” right before practice starts. They disappear into thin air, just like socks in the dryer. Keeping a stash in your bag at all times is a must. Brands like Kitsch are great, but you can also find bulk packs of hair ties at most dollar stores for a more affordable option. It’s also helpful to keep a hairbrush in your bag at all times. In the chaos of practices, school and everything else in a swimmer’s schedule, it’s easy to forget the basics. Having a brush, or any everyday essential, that lives in your swim bag can make a big difference. Wet Brush is basically a swimmer staple at this point, but realistically, any brush will get the job done.
Travel Size Soap
Similarly, keeping travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash or any other essentials is a great addition to your bag. Whether you’re heading straight from practice to class, work or a team event, having those items on hand makes it easy to rinse off and feel somewhat put together after hours in chlorine. It’s a small thing, but it can make a long day at the pool feel a lot more manageable.
Wet/Dry Bags
It’s a hard truth most swimmers don’t want to talk about, but after years of wet suits, towels and clothes being thrown into the same space, an old swim bag can become susceptible to mold. To minimize the damage, using a wet bag to separate damp items can help prevent odors, mildew and everything else in your bag from getting soaked. Dry bags can also be used to organize other items you may keep in your swim bag. Brands like TYR and Jolyn offer options designed specifically for swimmers, but there are plenty of choices beyond that. Retailers such as Target and SwimOutlet carry a wide variety of affordable bags in different sizes, colors and patterns, making it easy to find one that fits your style and your bag.
