The Gear Files
What you actually need, by sport.
Honest starter kits. Real cost ranges. What to skip. Written by parents who have already bought the wrong thing.
How this works
Pick your sport or activity below. Each guide has a starter list, the gear that actually matters, and what to skip. Sizing companion pages where the sport needs them. Affiliate links where used; disclosure here.
Team sports
- BaseballGlove, bat, helmet, cleats. Tee-ball through middle school.
- BasketballShoes, ball, athletic gear. Indoor sport, low overhead.
- Football — FlagMouthguard, cleats, gloves. No pads, no helmet.
- Football — 7v7Skill-position 7v7. Mouthguard, cleats, gloves, optional skull cap. No tackling, no linemen.
- Football — TackleHelmet, full pads, cleats. The most equipment-heavy youth sport.
- HockeySkates, helmet, stick, full pads. Plan for serious investment.
- Lacrosse — BoysContact version. Helmet, gloves, full pads, stick.
- Lacrosse — GirlsNon-contact version. Stick, goggles, mouthpiece.
- SoccerCleats, shin guards, ball, water bottle.
- SoftballMostly the same as baseball, with a few specific tweaks.
- VolleyballShoes, knee pads, ball. Indoor and beach variants.
- RugbyMouthguard, cleats, shoulder pads, scrum cap. Growing fast in youth.
Individual sports
- PickleballPaddle, balls, court shoes. Youth pickleball is growing fast.
- CrewMost gear is club-provided. What you actually buy: a few specific things.
- Cross countryTrainers, racing flats, layered cold-weather kit.
- GolfA starter set, gloves, balls. Used clubs are fine.
- GymnasticsLeotards, grips, tape. Most apparatus stays at the gym.
- Martial artsGi, belt, mouthguard. Discipline differs by style.
- WrestlingSinglet, headgear, wrestling shoes. Folkstyle through high school.
- SwimmingSuit, cap, goggles. The cheapest sport on the list.
- TennisRacket, shoes, balls. Stringing matters more than you think.
- Track and fieldSpikes by event. Sprints, distance, hurdles, jumps, throws.
Performing arts
- BalletSlippers, leotard, tights. Pointe later, on the teacher's timeline.
- BandInstrument, reeds, accessories. Rent before you buy.
- CheerleadingShoes, bow, practice clothes. Competition uniforms via the team.
- ChoirAlmost no equipment. The list is short and cheap.
- DanceShoes, leotards, tights, recital costumes. Style-specific.
- Stunt and tumblingMat shoes, bracing, athletic tape. The tumbling-track essentials.
- TheaterSchool plays, community theater. Mostly time, less equipment.
Essentials
- First aid kitBandages, tape, cold packs, and what you use on the sideline every week.
- Season essentialsRecovery, hydration, travel logistics. The kit that runs the season.
- Sideline kitChair, cooler, blanket. The gear that makes watching comfortable.
- Recovery gearFoam rollers, massagers, bands, ice. What helps by age and what to skip until high school.
Coach gear
For the parent who's also on the bench. Clipboard, timer, video, training gear, and event supplies.
- Parent-coach gearClipboard, timer, pennies, bag, whiteboard. The stuff you actually need on the bench.
- Video and trackingPhone tripod, action cam, ball pump. Film practice, inflate everything.
- At-home training gearFoam rollers, resistance bands, speed ladders, rebounder. The YouTube rabbit hole, organized.
- Boosters and eventsFolding table, payment box, PA speaker. For the parent running the table.
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