Swim Bag Essentials: What a Competitive Swimmer Actually Uses
What's in My Swim Bag? The Gear I Actually Use as a Competitive Swimmer
When I first started competitive swimming at age 5, I thought all I needed was a swimsuit, a pair of goggles and a swim cap. As I grew in the sport I needed a lot more gear.
After a lot of practices, meets, and coach recommendations I've figured out what I need in my swim bag and at home. These are items I use almost everyday.
My Current Swim Bag Essentials
- Swimsuit
- Goggles + backup goggles
- Swim cap
- Towel
- Fins
- Kickboard
- Pull buoy
- Snorkel
- Paddles
What New Swimmers Actually Need
New swimmers, you don't need everything on this list. My swim gear has grown over years of competitive swimming. If you're just getting started, begin with the basics and add equipment as your coaches recommend it. For a brand new summer league swimmer I’d recommend just a few items:
- Swimsuit
- Goggles + backup goggles
- Swim cap
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Mesh gear bag
- Wet/Dry Bag
- Goggle case
Best Swim Bags for Competitive Swimmers
Just Starting Out | TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack
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When I first started year round swim I kept all my gear in the TYR (opens in new tab)Big Mesh Mummy Backpack which worked amazingly when I only had a couple things in my bag like a kick board fins and a towel. If you’re just starting out in competitive swimming, this is the bag to start with.
More Practice Gear | Sporti Mesh Swim Bag(opens in new tab)
After a while I had more gear than I could carry in just my hands to and from the deck so I added the Sporti Mesh Swim Bag(opens in new tab) Drawstring Backpack to my growing gear collection. This bag works great for storing a lot of gear at once and is very easy to carry to the pool edge and store. I bring all my water safe gear to the edge of the pool in this bag. It gets wet, but dries quickly.
Current Everyday Bag | ARENA One Go Swim Backpack(opens in new tab)
Eventually I needed more space for additional towels, clothes and other gear so I upgraded to the ARENA One Go Swim Backpack(opens in new tab), and I love it. This bag has padded straps that sit comfortably even when the bag is heavy. It holds all kinds of things with tons of space and includes a mesh pocket to hold caps, goggles etc. I use this bag and the Sporti Mesh Swim Bag for all my gear.
Competitive Swim Practice Gear
Just Starting Out | Speedo Junior Hyper Flyer Goggles(opens in new tab)
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I love these goggles and I have used them for years, they last a long time and the anti-fog coating is really helpful. The Speedo Junior Hyper Flyer Goggles(opens in new tab) are a great pair of entry level goggles for swimmers ages 10-15. I still use these at practices today.
Advanced Goggles | ARENA Unisex Cobra Ultra Swipe(opens in new tab)
Just this year I upgraded my goggles to the ARENA Cobra Ultra Swipe Goggles(opens in new tab), which are amazing. The anti-fog design works amazing and the goggles stay fog-less for hours.
Swim Goggle Case(opens in new tab)
I use this case everyday for my goggles and it protects them so well. A goggles case(opens in new tab) with air holes helps my goggles to dry out after each use, keeping them from molding or getting musty.
TYR USA Silicone Cap(opens in new tab)
I’ve used the TYR USA Silicone Cap(opens in new tab) pretty often and it fits really well, it is a thicker cap so there is less chance of it ripping. The thickness also helps to keep water out, so my hair stays pretty dry. I really prefer silicone caps because they pull on your hair less and tend to last longer.
Speedo Team Pull Buoy(opens in new tab)
Pull buoys sit between a swimmer’s legs during certain drills and help with body position, builds upper body strength, and refine stroke technique. I use the Speedo Team Pull Buoy(opens in new tab) everyday during practice and it works great.
Speedo Team Kickboard(opens in new tab)
I love my Speedo Team Kickboard(opens in new tab). The thinner build allows for your hands to be around the front of the kickboard instead of just sitting on top. Kick boards are great training tools to build leg strength and focus on kicking techniques.
FINIS Swim Fins(opens in new tab)
The FINIS Swim Fins(opens in new tab) have many different sizes which makes finding the right fin a lot easier. I use these fins all the time and they hold up really well.
Swim Hand Paddles(opens in new tab)
I use the Swim Hand Paddles at practice almost everyday and they work well. The straps sit very comfortably and each finger has a specific place it sits. Hand paddles(opens in new tab) help to increase distance per stroke when practicing.
Speedo Training Snorkel (opens in new tab)
I like the Speedo Training Snorkel(opens in new tab) because the head piece is adjustable so it fits all sizes of people and the straps adjust too. Snorkels allow swimmers to focus on stroke and technique without having to think about breathing. It’s a great training tool.
Other Gear That’s Always In My Bag (Other Than Towels)
RTIC 20oz Journey Water Bottle(opens in new tab)
Staying hydrated while practicing is so important. So many swimmers think they don’t sweat, but you are absolutely sweating during a 2 hour practice. I really like my RTIC 20oz Journey Water Bottle(opens in new tab). It’s held up to many drops and has enough water to keep me hydrated through practice.
Wet/Dry Bag(opens in new tab)
When I started year round competitive swim, a coach recommended I keep a couple wet/dry bags(opens in new tab). I keep the clothes I’m going to change into in these bags to insure they stay dry. After I change, my wet suit goes into one of these bags so it doesn't leak on anything else in my bag.
ARENA Team Solid Parka(opens in new tab)
Another piece of gear I picked up when I went year round was my swim parka. I have the ARENA Team Solid Parka(opens in new tab) and I love it. It keeps me warm after and between races and is a huge benefit when you’re competing in a natatorium. They are not the cheapest investment so consider sizing up if you want it to last a while.
Swimmer Ear, Hair, & Body Care
Swim-Ear Drying Aid(opens in new tab)
One of my coaches recommended Swim-Ear Drying Aid(opens in new tab), and I've been using it after swimming for the last couple of years. It's become a regular part of my after-swim routine to help dry my ears after practice.
Ultra Swim Chlorine Removal Shampoo(opens in new tab)
This Shampoo was recommended to me by a coach and it works so well. I use the Ultra Swim Chlorine Removal Shampoo(opens in new tab) every time I wash my hair and since I started using it my hair has been so much softer and healthier.
Swimmers Soap(opens in new tab)
This soap was recommended to me by a coach and I love it. I use the Swimmers Soap(opens in new tab) whenever I shower and it helps me get the chlorine smell and feeling off my skin.
Beautikini Period Swimwear(opens in new tab)
This swim suit I use every month so I am able to continue practicing. Beautikini Period Swimwear(opens in new tab) works so well and holds a lot in the thicker bottom. I wear it for the entire practice and have never had any issues. I will say, it feels a little different than a regular suit, but I’m still able to do everything everyone else does every practice.
Pacifica Coco Peptide Damage Care Conditioner
Chlorine and chemicals in the pool can damage your hair, I like this Damage Care Conditioner from Pacifica(opens in new tab) to help moisturize my hair.
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Now Let's Go Swim!
Like any sport there's a lot of gear to collect, but you don't have to go buy everything on this list all at once. If your swimmer is starting out, begin with the basics:
- A good practice swim suit
- A pair of goggles
- A good water bottle that will keep the water cold
- A silicone swim cap
As you progress in the sport and with coach recommendations, start adding in other things. Most importantly, have fun!
Please note these are all products we've used. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help fund our adventures, or at least they can buy us a coffee along the road.
About the Author | Issa
Issa is a Houston area teen, competitive swimmer, and lover of nature. She enjoys hiking, camping, swimming, paddle boarding, and every single animal. She spends her days quickly finishing homeschool work so she can jump in the pool and swim for hours. When she's not in the pool you can probably find her tending her succulents, hanging out with friends, or playing with her dog.