Conway+Banks Hockey Bag Review

Last updated: March 9, 2024

Just like there is no perfect camera bag, there is no perfect hockey bag either. But the two standout options from Conway+Banks are pretty darn close. This review, while sponsored by Conway+Banks, is my take after months of use. Conway+Banks didn't get any input in my review video, and didn't get to see it before I uploaded it to YouTube. These bags were provided to me for free as part of their sponsorship of my Sparx Hockey mini-series. Please be critical of my take, but it's important to note that I purchased a Pacific Rink bag prior to using these with my own money. And while that bag is also solid, there are a few feature tradeoffs that made me seek out partnering with Conway+Banks.

A Breath of Fresh Air

The design of the Conway+Banks Hockey Bag features dual vented slots and offers superior airflow – a crucial element for maintaining fresh gear. This was one of the biggest features I was searching for in my switch. The Pacific Rink bag does have a vent, but it's smaller and obstructed. The C+B build is stiffer, and this rigidity enables the dual vent. For a period, I was playing four mornings a week, so I wanted all the passive airflow I could get to keep my gear smelling good. Well, less bad.

Better Sizing Options

The other big feature I was looking for? Less bulk. Adult small and medium-sized players will get the most benefit from having a choice in size, but Conway+Banks offers three – Senior L/XL (36"), Senior S/M (33"), and Junior (30"). As a 5'8" player, the S/M still fits everything I have and is more compact than the Pacific Rink Bag which felt a little sloppy. This is most important if you have a small trunk or want to conserve space at home, but this is something that I value.

Conway+Banks Louise Backpack

Before I discuss the organization and modularity of the bags, it's important to note that I have also been using the Louise Backpack. This is meant as a pond hockey bag, but pond hockey is very hit or miss in southeastern PA. Without a freeze this winter, I've been using mine for roller gear. Once or twice a month, I'll get out on my Marsblades and do some stickhandling. This bag is perfect for skates, gloves, accessories, and maybe a helmet or shins. The skate pouches have straps on the sides, so you get excellent airflow here again. This bag also has many pockets and compartments, including a front cooler pocket for beverages (I keep my biscuits in here) and a fleece-lined phone pocket.

Organization and "Modularity"

So while the Louise Backpack has its own organization, one of the modular benefits is when you are using both bags often and share the Conway+Banks Hockey Accessory Bag between them. In the accessory bag, I keep clear tape, cloth tape, stick wax, scissors, a puck or two, spare laces, bandages, medical tape, gauze, a multitool, and my Marsblade hex tool. I pack this for my ice games, and then when I want to make sure I have everything on the roller deck, I just toss the accessory bag into the Louise Backpack. Nothing gets left behind.

On the main carry bag, a three-part organizer is built right into the floor of the bag. There are both exterior and interior zippers to access the mesh pocket on the top flap, a water bottle holder sewn into the bottom corner, a small mesh pocket along the top edge of the bag for your phone/keys/accessories, a small mesh laundry bag, and a foldout foot mat for use on dirty locker room floors. That also hides a small pocket once opened. This is the most significant difference in the Conway+Banks and Pacific Rink designs. On the C+B, I would recommend picking up the accessory bag. You may get by without it, but most skaters will want one. The Pacific Rink bags have more built-in accessory pockets and separate skate pockets, and provide a better-sized laundry bag. But again, the C+B layout situates your helmet, gloves and skates right next to one of the vents.

Final Thoughts

A huge thanks to Conway+Banks for sponsoring my Sparx Sharpener 3 and BEAM review videos! I have one more video to make as part of the Conway+Banks sponsored Sparx mini-series. In summer 2024, I'll revisit the Sparx Sharpener 3 after many more months of use, and we'll check back in on the durability of both of these bags as well.

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Conway+Banks Hockey Bag Review – Airflow Meets Organization