The kit bag

Everything besides the skates that makes a session at a cold rink easier.

For the blades

• Hard guardsFor every step off the ice. Off before the first step on.
• SoakersFor the journey home and storage, once the blades are dry.
• A small towel or clothTo dry the blades as you come off, and again when they fog up.

For the boots

• A lace pullerA small hook for pulling laces tight across the foot and ankle without cutting into your fingers, and for keeping the tension even. Most useful for a parent lacing a child's skates, and for cold hands.
• Spare lacesThey wear where they run over the hooks, and a lace that breaks at the rink ends the session.
• Plasters or blister dressingsNew boots rub, usually at the heel and the ankle bones, and a dressing put on early saves the rest of the session.

For the skater

• A water bottleRink air is cold and dry, and thirst is easy to miss when you are not hot.
• TissuesCold air makes noses run, and a pocket packet saves skating to the barrier to find one.
• Hand sanitiserFor when washing your hands is awkward: walking to the toilets in skates and guards, or after holding the barrier and the gate.
• Gloves and a warm layerThin gloves for the hands, and a layer that can come off once you are moving. Gloves also protect the hands in a fall.

How to look after the blades and boots in the bag is on looking after skates.