The ultimate swimming bag checklist for competitive swimmers

Swimming, especially competitive swimming, requires a lot of equipment, gear, and other items for personal care. Here is a swimming bag checklist for what to pack in your swim bag.

As a swimmer, I usually carry three bags to swimming class, each with a different purpose. One is a waterproof swimming kit bag that has separate compartments. In each of these compartments, I keep separate things such as dry clothes, wet clothes, personal care products and other swimming essentials.

I also carry a swim mesh bag to hold swimming gear such as flippers, hand paddles, and my snorkel.

My mother carries a bag specifically for food and water, which has snacks for before, during, and after swimming, as well as energy drinks and glucose powder. 

Swimming Kit Bag

These are the essential swimming gear you always need to carry in your swimming gear bag no matter what level you are swimming. You cannot swim without your swimsuit and wearing your head cap and swim goggles. Other than these you should carry the following in your swim bag.

Swim towels

Carry at least three swim towels. One should be a normal towel for drying off. Try to find an absorbent towel that isn’t too big so that it can easily fit into your bag. Carry a dressing towel as this will help you change if in case your swimming pool does not have many clean change rooms. If you have long hair, carry a head wrap or towel to dry your hair and keep it out of the way. 

Dry clothes

Try to carry an extra set of clothes. If you do dryland before your swim, it is likely that your clothes will not be clean. A clean set of undergarments and warm outwear is recommended.

Make sure you keep it in a waterproof bag away from your wet and used swimming gear. You should also keep some extra socks to keep your feet warm, especially during winter. 

Spare swimming gear

If you swim regularly, your swimming gear is likely to wear out quickly. Goggles can snap and break, and head caps can tear. Swimsuits can become thin and see-through. If this happens, you should make sure to keep extra just in case. 

Shoes

Keep a pair of sneakers and swim flip-flops. Sneakers are usually worn before the class especially if you have a short dryland workout beforehand. Flip flops are essential after swimming when your feet are wet. 

Ear Plugs

Some swimmers prefer to wear earplugs, and swim socks. You would need to pack them too in your swim bag. Teens and adults may also want to carry an MP3 player if you are training alone for long hours.

Swimming equipment bag

These are equipment that is needed for swim training. Advanced and competitive swimmers need to use these regularly. These are slightly bulky in nature and it is better to carry them in mesh bags, also known as net bags. You can leave your net bag in the car since transporting it every day is not recommended, as you might forget it.

Swimming Fins

Swimming Fins are essential. They help in aerobic sets and improve kicks. Most swimming sets will require you to use fins at least once during a workout. Carry short fins and long fins, as they both have different uses. Make sure they fit you well.

Swim paddles

Swim hand paddles are used for pull sets and have similar applications to fins. This should always be kept in your net bag. Know where to buy hand paddles and how to use them.

Snorkel

The snorkel is used for stroke perfection and drill sets. Carry a swimmers’ snorkel for long-distance recovery workouts. 

Parachute 

The parachute is used for resistance training and helps build muscle. Most competitive swimmers will have one, but this is not needed for advanced swimmers.  

Stretch cords

These are equipment usually for dryland workouts, and you should carry them with you in your net bag regardless. 

Pull Buoy and Kickboard

Most pools will keep these stocked, but in case yours doesn’t make sure you have pull buoy and kickboard in your swimming mesh bag. If you train privately, bring these along.

Food

Food is an important aspect of any sport and swimming is no different. Every swimmer whether beginner, intermediate or advanced, needs to carry food and drinks with them.

The essential things that swimmers need to carry are

Water bottle

Carry two water bottles, one for energy drink or glucose powder, and another for plain water. Make sure that you carry at least 300ml in each bottle, in a sports bottle. Bottles that have to be unscrewed are not efficient during a workout

Flask 

If you’re swimming during the winter or during morning practice, carry a flask of hot water. This will make you feel much warmer. You can also carry drinks such as protein milkshakes after swimming for your muscle recovery. 

Energy bars

Energy bars before your swim are great to get a boost before your workout. Carrying protein bars are also good for after swimming as you get enough calories and they help with muscle recovery. 

Other snacks

Food is your best friend as a swimmer. Make sure you have sufficient food to sustain you before, during, and after your workout. Ensure you eat enough carbs and fat before a workout for energy storage. If you are swimming for a long session, more than an hour, eat some bananas in between the session. After swimming, you should have a substantial meal and food that tastes good to you. Make sure your food is energy-rich, and high in good calories. 

Skincare

Sun Screen

If you swim in an outdoor pool, make sure to wear sunscreen. Chlorine and sunburn will give you itchy, dry, skin. If possible, find a water-resistant sunscreen to create a barrier between the water and the sun to protect your skin as much as possible. 

Moisturizer 

Chlorine is very damaging to your skin. Make sure you carry cream (oil-based) for after your swim so that your skin doesn’t scab, flake, or get rashes. 

Shampoo, Soap, Shower gel 

Carry some shower essentials for after your swim. Make sure you get the chlorine out of your hair and off your body as quickly as possible. If you are going for practice in the morning, this is especially important, since you also have to get ready for the day ahead at the pool itself.

Jewelry box

If you wear jewelry or a watch, keep a small box or bag where you can keep it before you go for your swim. Jewelry often gets lost in the pool (necklaces, bracelets, earrings). It can also get in the way and move around while you swim. If you don’t wear a waterproof watch, make sure you keep it safe. 

These essentials are necessary for any advanced or competitive swimmer who swims multiple times a week. Carry a durable and waterproof bag for these items, and find products that best suit your needs. Your gear and equipment are most important for a solid workout to train all parts of your body as well. Make sure your pack according to your needs, because swimming requires a lot of self-care, and you should have all the supplies needed for it.

For young girls, carry extra tampons if your session happens to last longer. This is also one of the swimming bag essentials for a competitive swimmer.

There are a lot of swimming bags available that fit the daily needs of a swimmer. Keep the swimming bag always packed so that you can save time before a session and also not forget to carry any important items. This is especially important if swimming is part of your regular exercise routine.