TRAVEL GAMES, BETTER BEARINGS SURVIVAL PACKING LIST

As the roller derby season begins and your team games get planned for the year it would seem a good time for Better Bearings to share our “away game/ boot camp packing list'.  We know, that theres nothing worse than a) trying to find a 7/11 open at 1.00am in a strange town and b) having to buy the wrong brand of bandaids, because its the only stuff they've got ... what about your blistered toes!

We've all gotten over-excited about the international star that is coaching us or beating that team you have been losing to for the last 3 years, but don't loose your mind just yet. 

Take the time to get organised first, pack the right bag, and don't regret it.

Firstly, Better Bearings usually pack 2 bags when we travel.

One for the derby stuff - which can be zipped away, to smell on its own.

And another bag, for non-derby stuff, so you can pretend you're human ... well, at least smell human.

Derby Bag - one that does up and can be locked.  Check it in, because chances are you could take your skates in your walk on luggage last time, but this time you got the 'absolutely not' security guard at the airport ... now you're really stuffed right.  Believe us, check your skates on, in a locked bag. 

Skates (both of them and a spare set if you have them ... ever see a star jammer crack their skates and not be able to play or have their own peeps to borrow from.)

• Knee pads (2 of them)
• Elbow pads (2 of them)
• Wrist guards (yep 2)
• Mouth guard - chuck it in a sandwich bag, in your carry on luggage, so it doesn't melt while waiting to be put onto hot planes).
• Spare cheap mouth guard - see above + one of your teamies will have forgotten theirs, for shiz.
• Hard set of wheels
• Soft set of wheels
• Skate tool
• Normal bearings, spare set of bearings (these are perfect Rock Solids)
• Spare axle nuts (like these Tough Nuts)
• Socks x 2 just in case one pair sux
• Your full uniform (jersey, stockings, skins or what ever your wearing on the bottom, lay it out then pack it so you can see it all before it goes in the bag).  Then pack an extra jersey top if you have one - you might want to change into it after a sweaty game, one of your teamies could have forgotten theirs, or yours could be damaged and you.
• Team or league hoody - but remember, when you wear it, you represent your league, so if you're planning on having more than a few drinks after the game ... think about a non-branded sweater
• Arm Bands (2 of them)
• Electric tape, in case one of your rivets pops out at an inopportune time.
• Towels, drink bottles, plastic containers - for the bench - ie to put lollies / fruit in for your teamies.
• Plastic bags for the bench - in case you need to put ice into something.

 Normal Bag

Is it hot where you're travelling to? how long are you going for?  will you be doing civilian things - will they need to be dressed up things?

these things could determine what you pack ...

Your Bag (depending on where and how many days your going)

• Undies (take more than you think, trust us)
• Bras, (both sport and not so sport)
• More socks (your derby ones stink!)
• Shorts
• Jeans/casual pants
• Dress pants
• Dress shirts
• Casual shirts (yep that means 5 or more derby tees)
• Dressy dresses
• Casual dresses
• Sweaters (or league hoodie)
• Coat/hat/gloves/ear muffs/scarves
• Workout wear (keep your exercise routine on track - despite what the rest of your teamies are doing)
• Jewelry: earrings, necklaces, pins
• Scarves & team merch
• Shoes: dress, tennis, casual, sandals, snow shoes
• Swim suit (if you forget just throw your skins back on)
• Water shoes
• Sun glasses
• Prescription glasses/contacts
• Sleepwear

 Toiletries:

• Make-up Tweezers, clippers, cuticle scissors
• Allergy, asthma, headache meds.
• Sun screen
• Band-aids, bandage tape
• Feminine hygiene products
• Vitamins, electrolyte replacement (put into sandwich bags to have straight after the game). 
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Contact lens's / solution / eyedrops - spare glasses.
• Hair spray
• Cotton balls, Q-tips
• Nail polish & remover
• Blow dryer
• Combs & brushes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Birth control
• Ear plugs ... even the quietest of your teamies, can be noisy sleepers.

 Other stuff

•  Picture ID
• Cash (who knows what this town is like!)
• Camera (or use your phone)
• Airline tickets
• VIP Frequent Flyer Pass/ID 
• Rental car info
• Hotel info
• Snacks/Energy bars
• Bottled water
• Your wallet
• Phone
• Phone charger

Numbers of the people you're travelling/ meeting with

This list is a starting point, some things may not suit, other things you may need in bigger quantities.  Have we forgotten something, post here - wed love to hear your additions. 

Cheers

Better Bearings.