Volleyball tournaments require athletes to come prepared with all the necessary gear, apparel, and accessories to play at their best through multiple games against tough competition. Smart packing ensures you have everything needed to compete with confidence and comfort.
Use this comprehensive volleyball tournament checklist to organize equipment, uniforms, training items, medical supplies, comfort goods and more before you hit the road. Planning ahead takes the stress out of getting ready so you can focus on playing hard when it counts the most!
Contents
Volleyball Tournament Packing List
| Category | Items | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Volleyball Gear | Balls | ☐ |
| Knee pads & braces | ☐ | |
| Court shoes | ☐ | |
| Equipment bags | ☐ | |
| Apparel | Uniforms & jerseys | ☐ |
| Performance undershirts | ☐ | |
| Practice outfits | ☐ | |
| Jackets & layers | ☐ | |
| Headwear & accessories | ☐ | |
| Training Items | Stretching equipment | ☐ |
| Ice/heat therapy | ☐ | |
| Hydration drinks & supplements | ☐ | |
| Medical Supplies | First aid kit | ☐ |
| Health medications | ☐ | |
| Comfort Goods | Sleeping gear | ☐ |
| Electronics | ☐ | |
| Toiletries | ☐ | |
| Clothing/shoe care | ☐ | |
| Luggage & organizers | ☐ |
Download Volleyball Tournament Packing List PDF
Volleyball Gear & Equipment
The right performance volleyball gear gives players an edge during tournament play when points matter most.
Volleyballs
Every player should pack 2-3 regulation volleyballs properly inflated to ensure ready replacements if one gets lost or damaged. Opt for genuine leather game balls for optimal handling.
- Molten FLISTATEC Official Match Balls
- Mikasa V200W Official Match Balls
Mesh carry bags protect balls when not in play.
Knee Pads & Protective Gear
Several pairs of volleyball knee pads allow quick change-outs after sweaty games. Choose thick, shock-absorbing models with an open back design for mobility and breathable fabric lining. Protect other body parts as needed with ankle braces, arm sleeves, or athletic tape for existing injuries.
| Product Name | Key Features |
| Mizuno LR6 Volleyball Knee Pads | 6mm thick padding, breathable fabric, adjustable Velcro strap |
| Asics Slider Plus 4 Knee Pads | Slip-on padded sleeve design, spandex/polyester blend |
| Nike Unisex Pro Volleyball Arm Sleeves | Moisture-wicking compression fit sleeves support arms |
Volleyball Shoes
Pack 2 pairs in case tournaments run long. Choose court shoes with lightweight uppers, EVA midsoles, non-marking gum rubber outsoles and possibly removable ankle braces for maximum support during play.
- Asics Gel-Netburner Ballistic MT Volleyball Shoes
- Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Mid Volleyball Shoe
Replace worn laces pre-tournament for secure fit.
Team Equipment Bags
Responsible players should bring mesh equipment bags for the team to stash volleyballs, first aid supplies, and other shared gear. Carrying bags with shoulder straps allows easy transport.
Uniforms & Apparel
Pack plenty of performance athletic apparel for multiple tournament games and changing conditions.
Jerseys & Uniforms
Have 2 official school/club jerseys ready for game play. Vibrant reversible tanks allow teams to switch coloring when style clashes occur. Match with team shorts, plus 2 extra sets accounting for spills, stains, or sweat.
Performance Undershirts & Accessories
Moisture-wicking base layers keep players comfortable under uniforms.
| Under Armour HeatGear Sonic Compression Shirts | Stretch fabric & flatlock seams prevent chafing |
| Nike Pro 3” Volleyball Spandex | Breathable lightweight shorts avoid visibility under outer layers |
Have backup sleeveless shirts, spandex, knee-high socks to replace sweat-drenched gear between tournament games.
Practice & Warm-Up Outfits
Pack versatile athletic ensembles like hoodies, joggers, training tees, and shorts for practicing on off days or warming up pre-game. Prioritize stretch fabrics with wicking technology and reflect school colors and branding.
Jackets, Vests & Layers
Include wind-resistant outer layers for maintaining muscle warmth and comfort during bench time or after competitive play. Choose breathable lightweight down vests, insulated jackets, or weatherproof shells fitting over uniforms.
Headwear & Accessories
Sun visors, headbands (no plastic bands per regulation rules) and hair ties help competitors stay focused on games, not adjusting fit. Have multiple elastic hair bands as back-ups.
Training & Recovery Items
Support muscle readiness, sustained energy, and post-game repair for peak tournament performance.
Stretching & Massage Equipment
Transportable rollers, massage sticks, and resistance bands help athletes warm-up properly and stimulate healing tissues after intense play. Foam rollers allow self myofascial release almost anywhere while massage balls target specific trigger points.
Ice Packs & Hot/Cold Therapy
Pack flexible ice sheets for treating minor muscle strains/sprains or reducing inflammation after matches. Attachable hot/cold gel therapy packs offer compression and adjustable temp relief. Use microwaveable shoe insoles, neck wraps, or packs as portable heat sources during chilly tournaments too.
Hydration Drinks & Supplements
Combat dehydration, muscle cramps and energy depletion during long competitions with electrolyte mixes and performance hydration drinks. Pack protein/recovery shakes or bars to aid muscle repair overnight. Creatine boosts power while caffeine enhances alertness but verify allowable supplements with sports federation rules.
| Product Name | Key Ingredients |
| Gatorade Thirst Quencher Powder | Carbs, electrolytes (sodium, potassium), B vitamins |
| Ultima Replenisher Hydration Electrolyte Powder | Electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, no carbs/sugars |
| Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder | 30g plant-based protein |
Health & Medical Supplies
Preventing or caring for injuries helps athletes play through exhaustive tournament schedules. Pack both preventative and treatment medical gear.
First Aid Supplies
Stock a basic care kit with adhesive bandages, gauze pads, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, latex gloves, trauma shears, tweezers, triangle bandages for slings, and basic medications like NSAIDs (ibuprofen), antihistamines, decongestants, antacids and motion sickness tabs useful for long bus rides.
Replace depleted materials after each tournament. Consider Red Cross first aid, CPR, or AED certification before tournaments too.
Preventative Health Items
Support general health and body maintenance by packing daily vitamins, electrolyte tablets for hydration, yeast infection medication for girls, athlete’s foot spray and spare contacts for poor vision.
Have personal epi pens, inhalers, glucometers, or prescription meds accessible for athletes with asthma, allergies, diabetes or other medical conditions requiring rapid treatment during tournaments.
Comfort, Convenience & Other Gear
Make downtime more enjoyable and reduce stress with travel amenities and personal electronics.
Sleeping Supplies
Rest well between games with supportive pillows and cozy blankets or sleeping bags for comfort. Pack eyemasks and earplugs to mitigate uncomfortable lodgings.
Electronics & Entertainment
Stay charged with backup battery packs, multi-port chargers and plug converters. Download movies, ebooks or music playlists beforehand for offline entertainment. Portable speakers allow group jam sessions. Avoid console gaming systems or drones that could get damaged en route.
Hygiene Products
Pack enough toiletries and beauty supplies for tournament length like combination shampoo, soap bars, deodorant, dry shampoo, cosmetics, hair ties, skincare products, feminine products, and oral hygiene gear (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash).
Share large pump bottles instead of many travel sizes to reduce waste. Biodegradable wet wipes are great for cleaning hands/faces on buses lacking sinks.
Clothing & Shoe Care
Carry a folding travel steamer to smooth wrinkled uniforms between tournament matches. Fabric shavers safely remove bobbles or pilling. Shoe cleaning wipes clean dirty soles while cedar shoe trees preserve shape overnight after sweaty wear.
Luggage & Packing Organizers
Transport gear easily using quality wheeled duffels, overlapping packing cubes, and accessory pouches keeping similar items together. Embroider identifiers help spot bags faster. TSA-approved locks boost security en route.
Volleyball Tournament Packing List FAQs
What are the absolute essentials every player should pack?
The volleyball basics mandatory for tournaments are uniforms, court footwear, knee pads, balls and a water bottle at minimum. Pack backups where possible, as damaged or soiled critical gear can sideline athletes.
How should players pack to avoid wrinkling uniforms?
Suggested methods are folding items versus hanging, placing items in breathable garment bags, inserting packing folder boards on both sides of folds, and putting uniform layers in order of wear. Carry a travel steamer for quick touch-ups.
What shoes work best for volleyball tournaments and multiple court types?
The top shoe traits for multi-day tourneys across various floors are durability, traction, and comfort. Popular versatile options with gum rubber outsoles minimizing floor marking are Mizuno Wave Lightnings, Asics Gel Rockets and Nike Air Zooms.
Conclusion
Smooth tournament play requires thorough preparation and strategy. Teams and athletes may focus on competition with excellent gear, uniforms, medical supplies, and rehabilitation equipment. Before traveling, gather your volleyball gear, attire, training gear, and creature comforts with our volleyball tournament checklist. Checking packing boxes ahead of time reduces stress so players, coaches, and staff may focus on collaboration, strategy, and support throughout tight game schedules against top opponents.
If done right, advance packing sets the stage for peak play. So use this guidance to finalize details before leaving. Your equipment and outfits are ready, so play with passion, unity, and fun at your next big volleyball tournament!