It’s almost the off-season and you’re dusting off your skates for another go at the ice. You’ve got your stick, helmet, and pads packed, and you’re ready to hit the ice. So how do you keep your equipment in good condition and safe while traveling? You might be surprised to hear that there are several different ways to do this, and none of them require a lot of money. In fact, you can build a hockey drying rack for less than $100 that will not only keep your gear safe and clean but will also serve as a souvenir of your trip. So read on to learn how.
Table of Contents
The Basics
To begin with, you need to decide how you’re going to store and transport your hockey gear. Are you going to pack it in your car for the drive to the ice rink? Are you going to rent a storage locker at the rink to store all of your gear? Do you have a kayak that you transport on your back? You might want to think about how you’re going to keep your equipment organized and where you will store it. You might also want to consider the size of your equipment. Do you need a large or a small dry hockey bag? You will need a large one if you’re carrying skates, sticks, and other large equipment. Do you need a helmet bag or pack? How about your gloves, pads, and jacket? You will want to make sure that all of these items are easily accessible in case you need them while playing. If you plan on storing your gear at the rink, you will also need to think about how you are going to get your gear back to your car or house. Will you have a partner helping you carry your gear to the car or are you going to load it all on your own?
The Dry Bag
If you decide to store your hockey gear at the rink, the first thing you should get is a clean and dry bag. These bags are the perfect size to transport all of your gear in and they will keep everything organized and dry. If you do not have one and are planning to travel with your hockey gear, you can get a small one for about $20 at most sports equipment stores. If you want to keep things cheap, you can also find smaller bags at Walmart for about $10. A dry bag will keep your gear safe from the elements while also letting you organize your stuff easily when you are on the move. When you reach your destination, you can throw the bag into the trunk of your car or store it at home. You can even take the bag on the ice if you want to keep your gear protected during the game.
The Kayak Bag
Another way to keep your equipment safe and clean is to transport it in a kayak bag. These bags are designed to fit comfortably inside a kayak and provide excellent protection for your gear. The interior of a kayak bag is lined with an oleophobic coating which prevents the exterior surface from becoming wet and sliding around when inside the kayak. When you are not using the bag, you can roll it up and store it in the kayak. When you are ready to use it, simply unroll it and access the goods inside. A kayak bag will protect your gear from the spray on the water as well as the heat of the sun. It will also keep your gear dry and clean during transport or storage. If you want to travel with your skate equipment, you can get a small kayak bag for about $25 at most sports equipment stores. If you want to keep your gear more sophisticated, you can get a large one for about $40 at paddle sports equipment stores. You could also get a medium one for about $35 at most outdoors gear stores. If you’re planning to store your gear at the rink, you can get a larger one that will hold all of your equipment for about $50. A kayak bag will protect your gear from the spray on the water as well as the heat of the sun. It will also keep your gear dry and clean during transport or storage.
Rolling Case
If you decide to store your hockey gear at home, you can get a rolling case. These cases are made of thick and durable material and can withstand significant impact without failing. They will protect your gear from dust, water damage, and blunt trauma. When you are loading the case onto your vehicle, make sure that everything is tight and snug, otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your gear during transport. If you are carrying a lot of gear, it might be a good idea to get an extended handle so that you can roll the case easily. When you unload the case at your destination, make sure that all of the items are packed well and that nothing is damaged during the process. A heavy-duty rolling case can cost up to $100 but will last a lifetime if you use it correctly and replace broken parts regularly.
The Rubbermaid Case
The final, and probably the most popular option, is the Rubbermaid case. These cases are designed to fit nearly all sizes of vehicles and can protect your gear from dust, water damage, and blunt trauma. They are also equipped with an airtight seal which prevents the contents from getting wet or damaged during transport. The case is made of thick materials and has a high-quality finish which makes it look like a precious metal. It has a roll-top lid which provides an airtight seal and two large mesh pockets on the inside. One of the great things about a Rubbermaid case is that it can hold a variety of items including skates, sticks, helmets, and other hockey gear. If you’re traveling by car, you can get one that will fit comfortably in the backseat. If you want to store your equipment at the rink, you can get a medium case for about $50 and a larger one for about $100. You can also get a case that will fit in the trunk of your car for about $75. These cases are popular because they are extremely durable and can take a beating while still providing excellent protection for your gear.
As you can see, there are several different ways to keep your hockey gear safe and clean while on the move. If clean is important to you, it’s worth looking into buying a bag that will keep your gear clean and dry or storing it at the rink in a safe and dry location. If you want to keep your gear safe and sound while traveling, you can get a kayak bag or a rolling case. If you want to store your gear at home, you can get a Rubbermaid case or a rolling case. Of course, you can also bring a bag or two if you want to be extra secure when driving on the road. Whatever your needs, there is an option that will fit the bill and provide excellent service. You can also use these bags as a souvenir when you play or practice hockey. It’s all about what works best for you and your budget.