Competition days are exciting, but they can also feel rushed. The easiest way to make the morning calmer is to prepare the bag before you need it.
This checklist focuses on practical essentials that apply to many gymnasts. Your club may have its own requirements, so always use the official competition information from your coach as the final word.
1. Competition leotard and club kit
Pack the competition leotard, tracksuit or club clothing the night before. If your club requires a specific hairstyle, warm-up top, socks or footwear, add those to the same section of the bag so nothing is forgotten.
2. Chalk and chalk holder
If the gymnast uses chalk, make sure there is enough for the day and that it is easy to carry cleanly. ChalkBuddy® is designed for standard block chalk, while PowderBuddy® is for powdered chalk.
For a fuller explanation of the different formats, read our block chalk vs powdered chalk guide.
3. Grips, wristbands and hand protection
Pack only the equipment the gymnast normally trains with and check it before leaving home. This may include grips, wristbands or bar gloves, depending on level and coach guidance.
It is usually a bad idea to introduce unfamiliar hand protection for the first time on competition day.
4. Hair kit
Keep hair ties, clips, pins and a small brush together in a separate pouch. Add more than you think you need. Small hair accessories are exactly the sort of thing that disappear at the worst possible moment.
5. Water
Take a clearly named bottle with a secure lid. Check the club's rules on where bottles can be kept on the competition floor.
6. Suitable snacks
Competition days can involve long waits. Pack simple, familiar food that the gymnast already knows suits them and follow any club or venue rules about eating. A compact container such as SnackBuddy® can help keep suitable dry snacks organised.
7. Spare clothing
A comfortable layer for travelling home is useful after a long day. Depending on the event, consider a spare T-shirt, leggings or other club-approved clothing.
8. Tape and everyday essentials
If the gymnast normally carries sports tape, pack it with the rest of their bar kit. SPORTTAPE Tear EAB is one option in the Gymatics range. Any personal medication should be handled according to the parent, guardian, club and venue arrangements.
9. Competition information
Save the venue address, arrival time and coach contact details somewhere easy to access. It can also help to screenshot the information in case mobile signal is poor at the venue.
10. Name the bag and important kit
Competition changing areas can contain dozens of similar bags and accessories. Labelling key items reduces the chance of something being left behind.
A simple night-before check
- Leotard and club kit packed
- Chalk and bar kit checked
- Hair kit ready
- Water bottle washed and ready to fill
- Snacks packed
- Venue and arrival time confirmed
- Phone charged if needed
Keep the morning simple
The purpose of a checklist is to remove unnecessary decisions on the day. Pack the bag, check it once, and let the gymnast focus on the part that matters: enjoying the experience and doing the gymnastics they have trained for.
For a broader everyday kit list, see our gymnastics bag essentials guide.
