Every great tournament starts with a great game plan! If you’re a lacrosse parent, you know that tournament season means early mornings, long drives, and weekends that blur into one big highlight reel. Between the gear, the snacks, and the sideline strategy, being prepared can turn a stressful trip into an enjoyable team experience. Here’s your go-to guide for surviving (and thriving) on the travel lacrosse circuit.
Pack Like a Pro
A smooth weekend starts with a well-organized bag. Encourage your player to double-check their gear the night before:
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Stick and backup stick (because something always breaks at the worst time). Your gameday stick and backup stick should be exact replicas of each other! Head to LU and have one of our world class stringers string up carbon copies for you so you are always ready to go!
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At the same time, we understand it’s lacrosse-anything can happen! Your stick can break at a moments notice. Lucky for you- LU has over 50 locations nationwide. We see players from tournaments coming in constantly! In the event that your stick were to break, hit up our store locator and get over to one of our locations between games so you are ready to pick up where you left off!
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Cleats + Off Field Shoes- There is no worse feeling then getting to field and realizing you forgot tour cleats! Pack your bag the night before, check to make sure you have your cleats (or turfs) ready to go in your bag. Our favorite off field shoes have to be the new Kane Revives! Head to your local LU to see our color assortment!
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Helmet, gloves, pads, and mouthguard – Like we said, packing and double checking the night before goes farther than you can imagine! We recommend always having 1-2 backup mouthpieces with you. They get lost and dirty very easily, it never hurts to have extra! Check our full assortment here!
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Extra mesh, tape, and sidewall string – Cold weather, dirty fields- mesh and sidewall are bound to break! Tape gets worn out and you can lose that extra feel that can give you your advantages! Make sure your always stocked, we got it all at your local LU! Plenty to choose from, whatever you desire-we got!
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Uniform, practice gear, and warm-ups – If you’ve ever told your coach you forgot your uniform….we feel for you. Pack the night before! Triple check the morning of!
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Plenty of socks — seriously, more than you think you’ll need. Wet fields, muddy fields- there’s nothing worse than soaked feet! Come get your gameday collection with us!
Hotel Hacks
Tournament weekends can feel like a marathon, not a sprint. A few small hacks can make your stay easier:
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Book early — hotels near major complexes fill up months in advance.
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Bring a portable drying rack or clips to air out wet gear overnight.
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Pack a small cooler for drinks and snacks — hotel food adds up fast.
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Keep recovery tools like foam rollers or massage guns handy for post-game soreness.
Bonus: Look for hotels with free breakfasts, fewer lines, less stress, and more sleep.
Sideline Essentials
Be the parent everyone thanks on Sunday:
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Folding chair or tent for comfort and shade. Check out some of our options here!
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Cooler with water, sports drinks, and ice packs. Hydration and refueling is key. These are long days, you need to be hydrated and energetic throughout!
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Sunscreen, bug spray, and extra towels.
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Mini first-aid kit (Band-Aids, tape, Advil, and blister pads)
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Portable charger - filming highlight reels drains batteries fast. Can’t have your phone dead when you need directions to get back home!
🚗 Stay Game-Ready
Whether you’re driving three hours or flying cross-country, planning makes all the difference: Travel lacrosse isn’t just about the games, it’s about the experience. With a little prep and the right gear from Lacrosse Unlimited, you’ll be ready for anything the weekend throws your way. From the parking lot to the championship field, stay organized, stay hydrated, and most importantly, enjoy the ride!
