Hockey bags generally come in four different styles with each style having a number of different features both internally and externally. These features include pockets or dividers for organization, specific compartments for skates and helmets, and the level of durability against wear and tear. Here at IW, we break down the styles of carry, wheeled, backpack, and tower hockey bags to help you narrow down which hockey bag is right for you.

Carry bags are the most traditional and are designed with two long straps to carry over the shoulder. The most basic and affordable carry bag will just have one main compartment that stores all of a player's equipment and will feature a lightweight exterior. Carry bags from here start to incorporate dedicated skate pockets, helmet pockets, and gear dividers. They will also be constructed with better durability like having materials such as tarpaulin and ripstop polyester.

Wheeled hockey bags are almost always built to the same specs as their carry bag counterpart, but with added wheels and a pull handle to make transporting gear to and from the rink much easier. These bags are great for the traveling player or anyone who needs assistance transporting their equipment to and from the rink. They usually come with a sturdier base to improve the hockey bag's durability.

Backpack hockey bags boast a compact design and are ideal for players with limited storage space in the house or vehicle, and a great option for players who take public transit to and from the rink. These hockey bags are the most comfortable to travel with because they are worn just like a backpack, giving players a hands-free travel experience. While these do a fantastic job at saving space, they do have limited internal volume and require a bit of thought when packing up your hockey gear, especially when it comes to Senior Ice Hockey equipment.

Tower hockey bags may be the most expensive but offer the most organization possible. They stand on end and have an internal shelving unit that organizes gear and makes everything easily accessible, almost like a miniature closet. Tower bags always come with wheels for easier transportation since they are heavier than standard carry and wheeled hockey bags. They also are built with quality exteriors for solid durability and internal framing systems to keep the hockey bag upright in the dressing room. Many even come with stick slots so you can strap your sticks to the hockey bag during transportation.

Goalie hockey bags are strategically designed with extra volume to store large and bulky goalie equipment. They come in the same styles as player bags, offered in carry, wheeled, and tower options.

There are a lot of extra options out there other than just hockey bags. Sticks, skates, helmets, pucks, and even jerseys have individual bags to keep them separated and protected.

Stick Bags keep your expensive hockey sticks safe from the elements of travel and storage. They are a great way to keep multiple sticks together and come with sizing options for individuals and teams.

Skate Bags are a great way to transport your skates to the local pond or recreational skate. They protect the runners and prevent them from damaging other items during travel or storage.

Helmet Bags are a great addition to hockey bags that don't have extra pockets. Visors can scratch easily and having a helmet bag can keep both the visor and helmet from getting scratched inside a hockey bag full of equipment.

Puck Bags are designed to transport hockey multiple hockey pucks and are great options for teams and coaches.

Jersey Bags are perfect for transporting your game-ready jersey and keeping them stain-free and protected while inside your hockey bag. Team jersey bags can easily fit an entire team's jerseys so they too stay fresh and clean for game time.

Now that you know which style of hockey bag is right for you, it's time to narrow down which hockey bag features works best for you. Materials used, the number of pockets, and the internal storage can be the difference between an expensive hockey bag and a cost-friendly one.

Basic hockey bags will have a lightweight polyester exterior and minimum graphic design. The higher denier of polyester means a greater increase in durability. Hockey bags that feature a full tarpaulin construction are the most durable since the material is highly abrasion resistant and even waterproof, but are also the heaviest bags. Many bags will have a tarpaulin base with a polyester upper construction for a balance of durability and weight. Hockey bags that use a ripstop or honeycomb polyester are extremely durable and are much lighter than tarpaulin ones.

Hockey bags come with either a straight or u-shaped opening. U-shaped openings make accessing the internal storage and equipment much more convenient, as it allows for a bigger window inside the bag. Ventilation comes in many forms, such as grommets, mesh side panels, and even dry-out panels. Hockey bags with dry-out panels means the u-shaped opening can unfold and reveal a mesh top window, keeping the bag fully closed but allowing air to circulate the moment you leave the rink. Having a hockey bag with great ventilation can help your gear dry quicker between games and help reduce the chances of bacteria and mold forming on your gear.

Basic hockey bags come with one main compartment to store everything a player needs for a game or practice. From there, hockey bags can feature additional pockets, sleeves, and compartments to help separate and organize hockey gear and hockey accessories. Having more organization can be a great help when it's time to gear up for a game, as you can double-check that every piece of equipment is in its place prior to leaving the house.