Preparing for lacrosse season shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a beginner buying gear for the first time or an experienced player upgrading equipment, having a complete and accurate checklist of essential lacrosse equipment ensures you stay safe, compliant with league rules, and fully ready for practices and games. This 2026 gear checklist covers field lacrosse, box lacrosse, goalies, youth players, and recommended extras you shouldn’t overlook. A comprehensive lacrosse gear checklist includes a stick, cleats, and a mouthguard for all players, plus gender-specific protective gear.
Introduction — Why a Gear Checklist Saves Money & Prevents Headaches
Lacrosse requires specific protective equipment, and league rules often differ by age group and format (field vs box). A gear checklist helps players:
- Avoid missing crucial items before the season
- Save money by buying the right gear the first time
- Stay compliant with NOCSAE, CLA, and league-specific safety rules
- Know exactly what to replace or upgrade each year
- Ensure you have all the equipment required to play lacrosse safely and legally
If you have questions or need support with your lacrosse gear, feel free to contact us.
Beginners and returning players both benefit from reviewing this checklist before stepping on the field.
Essential Gear for Field Lacrosse Players (Full List)
Helmet
Protects against impacts and is required in all leagues. Helmets are a required piece of equipment worn by field players and goalies in lacrosse. When choosing lacrosse helmets, always ensure they meet current safety certification standards.
What to look for:
- NOCSAE-certified
- Strong ventilation
- Comfortable, adjustable fit
- Adjustable chin straps for a secure fit
Examples you carry: Cascade XRS Youth, STX Stallion helmets if stocked.
Shoulder Pads (NOCSAE ND200 Compliant)
ND200 pads are now mandatory in most field leagues for heart protection. Modern shoulder pads are required to follow new safety standards that help protect players from commotio cordis — a rare but dangerous impact-related heart injury.
What to look for:
- ND200 certification
- Lightweight, flexible padding
- Adjustable straps
- Full coverage for the shoulders to ensure safety and mobility
Some players, especially defenders and goalies, may prefer pads with more coverage for added protection during high-impact play.
Gloves
Provide protection for players' hands and improve stick control. Gloves shield players' hands from checks and impacts.
Look for:
- Strong thumb protection
- Palm material that gives a great feel
- Breathable backhand padding
Recommended from your store:
- Maverik M6
- Warrior Evo gloves
Arm Pads
Protect arms from checks and slashes with arm pads (also known as elbow pads). Elbow pads are essential for midfielders and attack players to protect against frequent checks and collisions.
What to look for:
- Snug fit
- Solid forearm coverage and pads that fully cover the elbows
- Lightweight mobility
Lacrosse Stick (Head + Shaft)
The lacrosse stick is the most important piece of gear for any player, as it directly influences control, passing, and shooting abilities. Players need a complete stick suited to their position, and proper sizing of lacrosse sticks is crucial for maximizing control and performance on the field. Choosing the right lacrosse sticks for attack, midfield, defense, or goalie positions involves considering stick length, materials, and design. Lacrosse sticks are made out of composite, metal alloy, wood, nylon, plastic, and other synthetic materials. For example, longer sticks are typically used by defenders and goalies to increase reach and improve defensive capabilities, while attackers and midfielders use shorter sticks for better maneuverability.
Developing skill with the stick is essential for both beginners and experienced players, as mastering stick handling, passing, and shooting can greatly enhance overall gameplay. Heads: Attack, midfield, defense, goalie—each head is designed for specific needs, and the stick's head and shooting strings play a key role in controlling passes and the ability to shoot accurately. Shafts: Carbon, alloy, scandium—these materials offer different weights and strengths to suit various skill levels and preferences.
Examples you carry:
- StringKing Mark 2A, 2V, 2D
- Warrior Burn XP
- Maverik shafts
Cleats
Some players may consider wearing football cleats, but lacrosse-specific cleats are recommended for optimal performance and safety. Field cleats or turf shoes should be worn depending on the playing surface. The right footwear is essential in lacrosse, where players are constantly cutting, stopping suddenly, and changing direction at high speed.
Look for:
- Lightweight feel
- Strong ankle support
- Multi-directional traction
- The importance of wearing the right type of cleats for grass fields, turf shoes for artificial turf, and avoid using football cleats unless necessary, as lacrosse cleats are designed specifically for the sport
In stock: Under Armour Command Cleats
Mouthguard
Mouthguards are required for all field players. They protect teeth and help prevent dental injuries during play. Mouthguards must fit snugly, be worn at all times, and be a visible color to comply with league rules. They also reduce concussion risks, as required by NFHS rules.
Ball Bundle
Players should always carry extra balls for warmups and backyard practice.
Essential Gear for Box Lacrosse Players
Box lacrosse involves more contact, making protective gear even more important.
Rib Pads
Required for box players to protect ribs and kidneys.
Look for:
- Adjustable straps
- High-density padding
Box Gloves
More padded than field gloves.
Features:
- Thick backhand protection
- Reinforced fingers
- Extended cuffs
Shorter Shaft
Most box players use a 28–30 inch shaft for quicker stick handling.
Examples you carry:
- Warrior Fatboy Box Shaft
- Warrior Evo Box Shaft
Box-Specific Head
Tighter face shape and reinforced sidewalls. Using the right head can improve your performance during the game.
In stock:
- StringKing Mark 2T
- Warp Next Box Head
Turf Shoes
Provide better grip indoors and on concrete/turf surfaces.
Goalie Gear Checklist (Cat 2 & Cat 3)
Goalie equipment varies significantly depending on age and level. Proper goalie gear is essential for preventing injury, as ill-fitting or inadequate equipment can lead to serious harm during play. A chest protector is a required piece of equipment for goalies, providing crucial upper body protection. Goalies require a helmet with a separate face mask, a throat protector, and a padded chest protector for added safety. Shin guards are also important for safeguarding the lower legs from impact.
Cat 2 = youth / recreational
Cat 3 = competitive + adult
Helmet + Throat Guard
Goalies must have:
- Certified helmet
- Properly attached throat guard
Chest/Upper Protection
Cat 2 → smaller, lighter
Cat 3 → reinforced, thicker for high-speed shots
- Boddam
- McKenney
A chest protector is required for all goalies to ensure safety and upper body protection during gameplay.
Goalie Gloves
Extra protection in thumb and index finger.
Look for:
- Thick padding
- Locked thumb design
Leg Pads (Cat 2 or Cat 3)
Sizing: 16”, 18”, 20”, 22”
What to look for:
- Full shin-to-knee coverage
- Knee cradle comfort
- Option to use shin guards for additional lower leg protection
Goalie Pants
Offer hip, thigh, and groin protection.
Cat 2 = simplified versions
Cat 3 = pro-level padding
Goalie Stick
Larger head, stiff sidewalls, and a strong handle.
Jock & Protective Cup
Mandatory for all goalies.
Optional but Highly Recommended Items
Mesh & Stringing Kits
Keeps your pocket performing at its best.
Recommended:
Extra Shooter Laces & Sidewall Strings
Always worth having in your bag.
Grip Tape
Improves stick feel and control.
Equipment Bag
Makes transporting gear easier.
Water Bottle
Hydration is essential — especially for long tournaments.
Training Gear
Rebounders, cones, resistance bands, shooting targets.
Beginner vs Experienced Player Checklist
Beginners Need:
- Helmet
- Shoulder pads (ND200)
- Gloves
- Arm pads
- Stick
- Mouthguard
- Cleats
Beginners should prioritize comfort, safety, and durability.
Experienced Players Upgrade:
- Mesh quality
- Shafts (scandium/carbon)
- Premium heads
- High-end gloves
- Position-specific gear
- Extra stringing supplies
Experienced players improve performance with more advanced equipment choices.
Youth Lacrosse Gear Checklist
Youth gear must be:
- Lighter
- Properly sized, with an emphasis on proper sizing to ensure safety, comfort, and optimal performance for young players
- More flexible
- Safe and easy to use
Youth Recommendations
- 10” gloves
- Youth shoulder pads
- StringKing Complete Junior stick
- Lightweight rib pads for box
- Properly sized helmet
These recommendations are especially important for young players to ensure safety and proper fit as they begin their lacrosse journey.
Safety Considerations
Parents should check that their child’s gear is properly fitted to help prevent injury in youth players:
- Helmet fit
- ND200 shoulder pads
- Proper glove flex
- Correct stick length for age
Boys' gear requires a helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, and a jock with a protective cup.
Printable 2026 Lacrosse Gear Checklist
A downloadable checklist can be added to your blog as a PDF for parents, coaches, and players. Just tell me, and I’ll generate the printable PDF. Starter kits are a smart buy for beginners as they bundle essential gear in one package, saving time and money.
Final Tips Before the Season Starts
- Break in your gloves and pads early
- String your pocket before the first practice
- Carry backup mesh, screws, and tape
- Double-check local league requirements (especially ND200)
- Get a backup stick if you play competitive lacrosse
Being prepared helps players start strong, stay safe, and get the most from the season.
If you’re unsure about any item on your checklist, our Contact page is a quick way to get help, or you can explore our full Lacrosse Shoulder Pads collection.
Get everything you need for the 2026 season — shop lacrosse gear trusted across Canada →
All Gear Collections • Starter Kits • Cleats • Protective Gear • Box Gear • Goalie Gear • Mesh & Stringing Kits
