Pack the night before
Competition mornings start early and hotel rooms are chaos. Lay the uniform out in a garment bag, put shoes and bow in the competition bag — never checked luggage on flights — and stage hair and makeup supplies where they will be used. A quick photo of the packed bag makes the “did we bring…?” panic easier to settle at the venue.
One bag rule
Keep every performance essential — uniform, shoes, bow, bodyliner — in a single bag that stays with the athlete, not spread across the family’s luggage. Venues are big, teams move between warm-up rooms and holding areas, and the one bag that matters should always be traceable.
The full checklist
Uniform & performance
- Full uniform (every piece — check against a photo)
- Cheer shoes
- Team bow
- Bodyliner or team top layer
- Briefs/bloomers
- Tights (if your team wears them)
- Warmups
Hair & makeup
- Hairspray and gel
- Bobby pins and hair ties
- Brush and comb
- Team makeup kit
- Lashes and adhesive (if your team uses them)
- Compact mirror
- Makeup remover wipes
Health & body
- Adhesive bandages and blister care
- Athletic tape and pre-wrap
- Any personal medications
- Sunscreen (outdoor venues)
- Hand sanitizer
- Deodorant
Snacks & hydration
- Refillable water bottle
- Protein-forward snacks (jerky, nuts, protein bars)
- Easy carbs for pre-performance energy (fruit, crackers)
- Electrolyte packets for long days
Backups & extras
- Extra bow
- Extra tights/briefs
- Safety pins
- Small sewing kit
- Phone charger and battery pack
- Cash for vendors and concessions
- Clear bag for venues with bag policies
Comfort & downtime
- Blanket or stadium seat for long arena days
- Layers — venues run cold
- Entertainment for the wait between performances
- Slides or comfortable shoes to change into
More questions, answered
What do cheer families forget most often?
The small performance items: the bow, bodyliner, tights, and lash adhesive. That is why a backup bow and safety pins earn a permanent spot in the competition bag.
Should athletes travel to the venue in uniform?
Follow your gym’s policy — many teams arrive in warmups and change or finish at the venue, keeping the uniform clean. Either way, keep the full uniform in a garment bag until it is needed.
Can you bring outside food into competition venues?
It varies by venue — many arenas and convention centers restrict outside food and enforce clear-bag policies. Check the event’s spectator info page before you pack a cooler.
What snacks work best on competition day?
Familiar, easy-to-digest food: fruit and crackers for pre-performance energy, protein afterward, and steady water all day. Competition day is not the day to try something new.
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