Summer is a great time to join a sports league (for adults or for kids) but it's something I haven't done in years! We do get out for the occasional family game though, and we have a family reunion coming up this summer, so who knows what kind of activities we might find ourselves participating in!
Sports are a great way to have fun and escape the stress of everyday life. Whether you went ahead and signed yourself or your kids up for a team or you're just participating in the occasional sporting endeavor, there are a few essential items you’ll want to bring along. Check out this handy list for tips on packing for a day on the field:
• Water Bottle
Hydration is no joke, especially when it gets hot out there. Don’t rely on nearby water fountains. If it’s out of order or not near your game, you’ll be out of luck. Look for an insulated stainless-steel water bottle to keep your water cold for hours under the sun. And remember, sharing drinks with teammates is a surefire way to catch a season-ending illness (or worse), so make sure to bring your own.
• Safety Equipment
Sport-related injuries can be serious and could keep you on the side lines in the short term, or lead to long-term problems. Protective equipment like helmets, elbow and knee pads, eye protection and mouth guards can help to reduce your chances of getting hurt or the severity of your injury. Find out what gear your sport requires and pick it up before your first game.
• First-Aid Kit
The type of first aid you’ll need varies by sport, but there are a few general supplies that will come in handy no matter what. You may want to have instant chemical cold packs, bandages, cleansing wipes and distilled water for cleaning wounds. Pack a pain medication like ALEVE to give you 12 hours of relief to keep you in the game.
• Sunscreen
Sun protection is key all year round, but especially if your game will keep you in the hot sun for a couple of hours. Apply your sunscreen before you get dressed for the game and keep it on the sidelines to reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, and reapply immediately after toweling-off.
If time is a factor, try a spray like Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Continuous Spray; apply just 15 minutes before sun exposure. It goes on fast, has a light and breathable feel, and stays on strong when you sweat. Keep in mind that sprays should be rubbed into the skin just like lotion to avoid missed areas. For a small and portable option, pick up the new Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Stick. It provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and won’t run into your eyes when you sweat. We've been using it on trips to the pool this summer and I'm always glad it's so quick to apply!
• Spare Clothes
Keeping an extra pair of clothes on hand keeps you dry and comfortable on the way home, not to mention protecting the interior of your car. As an added bonus, you’ll be ready for any outings after the sports are over!
Have you joined any sports leagues this summer?
What are the most important things in your duffel?
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We keep all of this in our bag as well as snacks. After a hard game or practice, my kids are always starving.
ReplyDeleteGood one! Even I get a little hangry without snacks! ;)
Delete(whether we're playing sports or not! haha )
DeleteWe are all about sports right now since school is out but we gotta stay indoors because this Florida heat is brutal! Swimming and basketball are key!
ReplyDeleteSwimming must be lovely in that heat! :)
DeleteAlive is my absolute favorite to relieve pain. This is a great list for summer essentials!
ReplyDeleteSunscreen for sure! We made sure to stock up in February before inventory ran out!
ReplyDeletehaha, Sounds like a good approach!
DeleteWe are two weeks into summer and we have already gone through two things of sunscreen. We don't mess around in our family.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's impressive! You've obviously had a lot of fun in the sun! ;)
DeleteI love a good list of must have essentials. The chemical cold packs are awesome to have on hand. E just refilled our summer kit.
ReplyDeleteKids must be so much fun, seriously. This is a great list. I don't even go to the grocery store without water during the summer
ReplyDeleteGood post. I will be dealing Ñ¡ith many of tÒ»ese issues as
ReplyDeleteѡell..
We have! My son loves to play sports! Water is a must in the crazy hot weather here.
ReplyDeleteSonscreen is so very important,grea post!
ReplyDeleteSunscreen is a must!
ReplyDelete