What to Pack for a Polo Tournament (and What to Share)
We’ve been to a lot of tournaments as players, as organizers, and sometimes as tired people with folding chairs and a backpack full of bananas. One thing holds true every time: the people who pack well make the weekend easier for everyone around them.
Packing is one of the first ways you can help before a tournament even starts. It keeps you from borrowing tape off the organizer an hour before your first game, and it makes you someone people are glad to see roll up.
1. Pack for yourself first
Tournament days are long and often run into the evening. Get your own stuff covered before thinking about anyone else.
The essentials
Your bike
Your mallet, plus a backup if you have one
Helmet
Gloves, pads, or whatever protection you wear
Team jersey, ideally two in contrasting colors
Flat-soled shoes or whatever you play in
A ball for warming up
Water bottle, snacks, and a cooler
A small first aid kit and any personal meds
Sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, and a hat
A towel and at least one change of clothes
A folding chair or blanket for between games
If you show up ready, you won’t be hunting for a rotor guard, getting heat sick, or asking the organizer for tape right before your game.
When we play in the Southeast Region, we have to consider the heat and the humidity. We’re always thinking about how we’ll stay cool and hydrated.
2. Pack to share
Once you’re covered, think about extras for the group. Bring what makes sense for your trip.
Good extras
Hockey tape, zip ties, and Sharpies
Extra balls, mallets, or helmets to loan
A portable speaker
Bulk snacks like bananas, granola bars, and chips
Water jugs and reusable cups
Backup chargers or an extension cord
A drill, scissors, and bike tools
A pop-up tent, shade umbrella, or extra chairs
Trash bags and hand sanitizer
Most of these get borrowed at least once over a weekend.
3. Traveling light
Not everyone drives in with a full trunk, and that’s fine. If you’re local or driving, you’re in the best spot to bring the bulky stuff: tents, chairs, water jugs, extra mallets. If you’re flying or packing light for a carpool situation, there are other ways to help.
How to help
Pick things up once you’re in town, like snacks, a case of water, or a bag of ice.
Post in the group chat: “Anyone need anything from the store?”
Chip in money if the host club takes donations for ice, printing, first aid supplies, or court materials.
Ask the organizer what they still need. It might be a hardware store run or a bag of fruit.
4. Pack with the group in mind
Bike polo runs on mutual aid. People cover for each other and step in where they’re needed, so nobody has to do everything alone. Packing a little extra is an easy way to do that.
How to help
Think about what someone else might need, too.
Offer your tape, ibuprofen, or spare ball without being asked.
Share your shade and snacks with whoever’s nearby.
Trust that it’ll come back around when you’re the one who forgot something.
You don’t need a wagon full of supplies. Show up ready to play and willing to share.
Pack it, share it
If everyone comes prepared, there’s more time on the court and less stress for the people running it. Bring what you can and share what you’ve got.
Keep Helping
This post is part of our series on what keeps tournaments running.
Next up: How to Be a Good Guest at a Tournament You’re Not Organizing: how visiting players can support the host club.
Start from the beginning: So You Want to Help? Here’s What Makes a Bike Polo Tournament Happen
