You’ve signed up for your big pickleball tournament. You’ve trained. You’ve practiced your dinks, drops, and drives. Your paddle’s dialed in. But before you step onto the court, there’s one crucial question you need to ask:
Are you truly game day ready?
Pickleball tournaments are demanding — physically, mentally, and logistically. Whether it’s a local round-robin or a multi-day regional showdown, showing up prepared can make the difference between a confident win and a chaotic scramble.
This is your ultimate guide to what to pack for your pickleball tournament — from essentials to easy-to-forget extras (like your trusty shades), we’ve got everything you need to crush it on and off the court.
🎒 The Ultimate Pickleball Tournament Packing List
Let’s break down your tournament essentials by category so nothing gets left behind.
🏓 Gear Essentials: Don’t Leave Home Without These
✅ 1. Your Paddle(s)
· Bring your primary paddle — and a backup just in case.
· If you're using a new paddle, make sure you’ve practiced with it ahead of time. Tournament day isn’t the time to test something unfamiliar.
✅ 2. Pickleballs
· Tournament organizers usually provide game balls, but bringing your own for warm-ups is a smart move.
· Pack a few of each type if you switch between indoor and outdoor play.
✅ 3. Eyewear – Sunglasses AND Protective Glasses
· Sunglasses: Tournaments can stretch for hours under blinding sun. High-quality shades will reduce glare, enhance vision, and protect your eyes from UV rays.
· Protective Eyewear: For indoor games or doubles matches, especially in fast-paced environments.
Hint: Choose sunglasses with amber, brown, or polarized lenses to boost contrast and cut glare — and make sure they stay put during movement.
👕 Clothing and Comfort: Dress for Victory
✅ 4. Court-Approved Apparel
· Moisture-wicking shirts and shorts or skirts.
· Pack extra outfits — if you sweat through one, you’ll want something fresh for the next match.
· Layer up for early mornings or breezy courts — a lightweight jacket or pullover is key.
✅ 5. Pickleball Shoes (and Socks!)
· Supportive, court-specific shoes are a must — not running shoes!
· Pack extra socks — your feet will thank you during back-to-back matches.
✅ 6. Hat or Visor
· A must-have for sunny tournaments — helps shield your eyes and keep your focus.
✅ 7. Wristbands or Towel
· A dry grip = a confident shot. Keep a towel handy to dry your face, hands, or paddle grip between points.
💧 Hydration & Nutrition: Fuel Like a Champion
✅ 8. Water Bottle (or Two)
· Bring a refillable insulated bottle to keep your water cool all day.
· If you sweat heavily, consider electrolyte tablets or sports drinks to stay balanced.
✅ 9. Tournament Snacks
· Keep energy levels steady with:
o Protein bars
o Trail mix
o Bananas or fruit
o Peanut butter sandwiches
o Jerky
· Pack light but dense fuel — aim for quick energy without a food coma.
🧰 Health & Recovery Tools
✅ 10. First-Aid Kit
· Band-aids, blister pads, ibuprofen or Tylenol, athletic tape.
· You never know when a minor scrape or sore muscle will need attention.
✅ 11. Sunscreen + Lip Balm with SPF
· Sunburn is not a souvenir you want from your tournament.
· Apply before you play and reapply during long breaks.
✅ 12. Muscle Relief Tools
· Throw in a foam roller, massage ball, or stretching band to help recover between matches.
· Cooling towels or ice packs for sore joints or overheated players.
📱 Tech & Tournament Tools
✅ 13. Phone & Charger
· You’ll need it to:
o Check schedules
o Communicate with partners
o Take those victory selfies
✅ 14. Scorecard / Rulebook / Event Info
· Many tournaments use apps now — make sure yours is downloaded and updated.
· But a printed schedule and rule cheat sheet can save the day if tech fails.
🕶️ Don’t Forget the Shades!
We said it once, we’ll say it again — don’t forget your sunglasses. It’s not just about looking cool (though you will). The right pair of sunglasses gives you a serious competitive advantage.
Why Shades Matter on Game Day:
· Reduces glare so you don’t lose the ball in the sun
· Enhances contrast and depth perception
· Prevents eye fatigue during long days outdoors
· Protects against UV rays and airborne particles
Choose a sport-specific pair with wraparound frames, anti-slip grips, and impact-resistant lenses. Bonus points if they come with interchangeable lenses for different lighting conditions.
🪑 Comfort Between Matches
✅ 15. Folding Chair or Bleacher Cushion
· Tournaments can mean long waits between games. A portable chair with a cupholder makes all the difference.
✅ 16. Shade (Tent or Umbrella)
· If your event is outdoors, sun protection is crucial — both for your body and your gear.
✅ 17. Entertainment
· A book, podcast, or music playlist to keep you relaxed between rounds.
🧠 Mental Prep & Attitude
✅ 18. Notebook or Journal
· Track your performance, strategies, or goals for the day.
✅ 19. Positive Mindset
· You packed your gear — now pack your confidence.
· Visualize your matches, stay flexible, and keep things in perspective.
✅ Final Pre-Tournament Checklist
Before you leave, do a quick double-check:
· ✅ Paddle(s)
· ✅ Sunglasses & eyewear
· ✅ Apparel & shoes
· ✅ Food & hydration
· ✅ Health & recovery tools
· ✅ Phone & tournament info
· ✅ Chair & shade
· ✅ A good attitude
Print it out, check it off, and walk into your tournament ready to win.
🏁 In Conclusion: Pack Like a Pro, Play Like a Champion
Success in a pickleball tournament doesn’t start with the first serve — it starts with preparation. When you’re packed, comfortable, and confident, you’re free to focus on your strategy, your shots, and your success.
So pack smart. Pack early. And most of all — don’t forget the shades.
Your eyes, your vision, and your game will thank you.
Ready to see the difference for yourself?
If you're searching for sunglasses that check all the boxes, explore the Solaro Shades Pickleball Collection. Designed with athletes in mind, our glasses offer interchangeable lenses, premium frames, full UV protection, and a limited lifetime warranty to keep you covered on and off the court.
You can also check out our previous blog on Winning With Vision: How the Right Sunglasses Give You the Edge in Pickleball
