Last updated on December 28th, 2023 at 06:50 pm
If you’re like me, you have multiple pickleball paddles, a million pickleballs, a water bottle, and a round-robin gold medal. What do you do with all your pickleball stuff? Are you carrying everything in your hands as you walk onto the court? Or can you put it in your sweatshirt pocket? A time comes in every pickleballer’s journey when they finally need a dedicated pickleball bag.
Lucky for us, pickleball bags are becoming standard in every company’s line of pickleball gear. What is the difference between pickleball bags? And why can’t you use your old gym bag? Read on as we’ll share our top picks for the best pickleball bags…
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Best Pickleball Bags: Our Top Picks
What to Look for in a Pickleball Bag
Size and Capacity
When buying a pickleball bag, it’s essential to consider its size and capacity. Ask yourself what you plan to store in the bag. If you’re a casual player who only needs to bring one paddle and a few balls, a compact bag such as the Athletico Sling Bag will suffice. However, if you need multiple paddles, balls, and extra accessories like clothing, shoes, or towels, opt for a bag with larger storage space, such as the Vulcan VPRO Pickleball Backpack.
Cost
Pickleball bags come in a wide range of prices, allowing you to find one that suits your budget. Cheaper options usually have fewer pockets and compartments, whereas more expensive bags may have additional features such as adjustable straps and waterproof materials.
Style & Design
Regarding pickleball bags, there are five primary types to choose from: duffels, backpacks, sling bags, totes, and single-paddle bags. Each style has its unique features and maximum capacity. If you need a lot of storage space, duffel bags and totes are great options. Backpacks and sling bags are lightweight and easier to carry. Occasional players who don’t need to bring additional gear to the courts may find single-paddle bags the best choice.
Materials
Most pickleball bags are made with polyester, nylon, or a blend. Both offer durability and flexibility, though nylon tends to be slightly stronger. Some bags, like Legacy Elite Sports Backpack, also provide waterproofing, especially in a rainy or hot climate.
According to Coyne, the only material you should avoid is cotton. Pickleball courts tend to have a rugged, rough surface, and bags made from cotton will wear quickly and won’t protect the bag’s contents.
Compartments
Regarding compartments, look for pickleball bags with internal and external pockets. Interior pockets are perfect for keeping items like your phone or wallet safe, while exterior pockets can store water bottles, balls, and other quick-access items. If it’s important, look for a bag with an isolated shoe compartment to bring your sweaty socks and sneakers on the go without stinking up your bag.
1. Best Overall Pickleball Bag
For the devoted pickleball enthusiast, consider the Mangrove Pickleball Bag—an excellent choice for safely storing all your gear, accommodating two paddles and more. Its backpack-style design ensures effortless portability, while adjustable straps guarantee comfort regardless of distance. The versatility shines through as it allows various ways to wear.
This bag stands as a resilient companion, crafted from high-quality materials like solid, water-resistant nylon fabric, reinforced stitching, and durable zippers for longevity. The interior lining, soft and scratch-resistant, safeguards your equipment from any rough handling.
Notably, its standout feature lies in its generous capacity, accommodating paddles, balls, and accessories with ease. Additionally, a separate compartment caters to shoes or sweaty garments, keeping them separate from other items.
In summary, the Mangrove Pickleball Bag is a dependable and practical choice for any pickleball player—a reliable investment you'll appreciate!
Features:
Dimensions: 19″ x 8″ x 15″
Pockets: Side, Valuables, Secondary, Main Compartment
Fence Hook: Yes
Strap: Reversible
Pros: Excellent all around bag for your gear
Cons: Nothing bad to say about this bag!
2. Top Pro Pickleball Paddle Bag
Crafted in collaboration with Franklin's pickleball professionals, this paddle bag embodies their insights, ensuring it meets all the needs of pickleball players for convenient gear storage and transport.
Featuring four zippered compartments, it accommodates pickleball paddles, balls, and various equipment while providing ample space in the main section for clothes and match essentials, with a separate compartment dedicated to shoes.
Additionally, a fleece-lined valuables pocket safeguards personal items like phones, wallets, and keys during play.
Versatile in design, this bag offers flexibility with removable backpack straps, effortlessly transforming from a backpack to a duffle, catering to both men's and women's preferences for style and functionality.
3. Best Budget Pickleball Bag
Seeking an affordable solution for carrying your pickleball gear? Look no further than the LLYWCM Pickleball Bag. This sling-style bag, with its pocket organization and budget-friendly price, suits any budget-conscious pickleball player.
Featuring five purpose-specific pockets, it accommodates up to six paddles, numerous balls, and small personal items like keys and phones—everything you need for transporting your gear.
The mesh side pocket conveniently holds your water bottle, while a hidden back pocket secures valuables out of sight during play.
Adjust the reversible strap for left or right-handed carry, although some users mention occasional slippage from the shoulder. Nevertheless, the bag offers exceptional value for its cost. Additionally, the top loop allows secure hanging as you move around the court.
Features:
Dimensions: 14" W x 6" D x 20" H
Pockets: 5 pockets, including large one for paddle
Features: Adjustable shoulder strap and zipper closure.
Fence Hook: Not included
Pros: Affordable
Cons: No shoe-specific compartment and users note that the strap may slip off the shoulder
4. Top Adjustable Pickleball Bag
This versatile backpack features reversible shoulder straps, allowing for use as either a pickleball backpack or a crossbody pack. Easily flip the padded shoulder straps for convenience. With ample storage space for up to six paddles, equipped with five pockets and an external water bottle holder, it provides practical organization. Waterproof, extra-thick, tear-resistant, and durable, this bag includes zippered pockets ensuring secure storage. Inside, an additional, separate compartment, without a zipper, can accommodate a laptop, simplifying the transition from work to pickleball.
The Sucipi pickleball bag is reinforced with bar-tacks at crucial stress points, enhancing its durability. Users appreciate its diverse color and style options, ample pockets, and the handy hook for hanging it on metal fencing.
Features:
Dimensions: 14" W x 10" D x 19" H
Pockets: 5 pockets; the main pocket holds up to 6 paddles
Fence Hook: Yes
Features: Waterproof, durable, and adjustable shoulder straps
Pros: Comes in 13 colors, can be worn as a backpack or crossbody pack, and spacious
Cons: No room for shoes; 2nd pocket is small
5. Best Pickleball Backpack
If you prefer the convenience of a two-strap backpack style, Vulcan's VPRO Pickleball Backpack is an excellent choice. This hands-free option offers comfort while transporting your gear. Crafted from anti-rip, waterproof nylon fabric, it safeguards your equipment against the elements. With size-specific pockets providing ample storage, it's an ideal companion for competitions or lengthy days on the pickleball court.
Inside, the backpack accommodates up to two paddles with extra space for balls or smaller items. The four side pockets, including an insulated one for snacks, offer designated areas for additional accessories. The ventilated front pocket not only separates sweaty shoes but also facilitates quick airing out.
If you seek a dependable, comfortable means to carry your gear between courts—particularly prioritizing airing out your pickleball shoes—Vulcan's VPRO Pickleball Backpack is a worthwhile investment.
Features:
Dimensions: 21.5in H x 13.5in W x 3.6in D
Features: Insulated pocket to keep drinks cool and ventilated shoe compartment
Pros: Ample space, water-resistant fabric, great for tournaments
Cons: Pricier than other options, shoe pocket takes away from paddle space
6. Best Compact Sling Bag
Looking for a practical and portable gear bag? The Athletico Sling Bag fits the bill perfectly! Engineered with your comfort in mind, it boasts an adjustable, reversible, and padded strap, ensuring a customized fit to your preference.
Featuring ample organization options, the main compartment comfortably stores up to six paddles, while four additional pockets accommodate smaller essentials like balls and cooling towels. A felt-lined pocket ensures your phone stays safe and scratch-free. Added peace of mind comes with a one-year warranty, safeguarding your investment.
The only drawback? It lacks a compartment for shoes. However, constructed from pro-grade sports polyester material, this bag guarantees durability, resilience against rips and tears. Give it a try and experience its quality firsthand!
Features:
Dimensions: 20in H x 14in W x 6in D
Pockets: 2 XL compartments, one water bottle pocket, three exterior pockets.
Fence Hook: Yes
Pros: Adjustable shoulder strap, felt-lined phone pocket, 1-year warranty
Cons: No compartments specifically shoes
7. Best Ladies Pickleball Bag
Attention, ladies! This bag is tailored specifically for you. Featuring stylish and feminine color schemes, its size perfectly accommodates all your pickleball essentials.
Capable of holding multiple paddles, balls, and your water bottle, this bag offers ample room. Furthermore, it includes numerous pockets to keep smaller items like your phone and keys neatly organized.
What truly distinguishes this bag is its meticulous attention to detail. Crafted from high-quality materials, it boasts a padded strap for comfortable carrying. Additionally, its easy-to-use zippers can make a significant difference, especially when you're rushing to hit the court.
The Queen of the Court Pickleball Bag stands out as an exceptional choice for any pickleball player. Stylish, functional, and exuding a touch of girl power, it's an accessory we can all appreciate. Grab your paddle and dominate the court with this bag by your side!
Features:
Dimensions: 14in L x 14in W x 6in H
Fence Hook: Yes
Pockets: Two interior, two exterior, and a small pocket for keys
Pros: Stylish women’s specific design, available in many unique colors, you will look like pickleball royalty.
Cons: Pickleball paddle pockets are awkwardly positioned outside the bag; if you fit in two paddles, the front is prone to ripping.
8. Best Pickleball Duffle Bag
Explore this capacious and cozy duffel bag if you embark on long journeys for pickleball. It offers dual convenient carrying options: an adjustable shoulder strap or easily gripped handles. Enhanced with reinforced stitching, this bag ensures durability against wear and tear.
Exceptionally spacious, it accommodates up to four paddles, 12 balls, apparel, shoes, and more. Pickleball Central, an American company situated just a few miles away from where pickleball originated in Washington, designs all their products catering to fervent pickleball aficionados.
Features:
Dimensions: 18in L x 10.5in H x 9 in W
Features: Room for 4 paddles, 12 balls, and other pickleball gear
Pros: Reinforced stitching makes it super durable, two ways to carry the bag
Cons: Design is very sporty, so won’t appeal to all
9. Most Stylish Pickleball Backpack
Crafted from lightweight yet sturdy nylon, this backpack is tailor-made for carrying your entire pickleball kit. Its additional padding ensures enhanced structure and comfort, facilitating the hassle-free transportation of all your essentials.
A fusion of style and practicality, this pickleball backpack boasts adjustable straps and interior storage, offering the perfect blend of functionality and fashion. Fashioned with top-notch materials, it exudes a chic appearance that makes a statement both on and off the court.
What sets Ame & Lulu's products apart is their commitment to stylish functionality. You need not compromise on style for utility, as their designs are crafted to excel both on and off the court. Wherever you take them, rest assured you'll exude confidence with these accessories in tow.
Features:
Dimensions: 18in x 15in x 2in
Pockets: Two outside pockets for water bottles or balls and one small zipper pocket on the front
Pros: Lightweight, sturdy, and stylish
Cons: A little pricey compared with similar pickleball backpacks
FAQs for Pickleball Bags
What are the different types of pickleball bags?
There are three main types of pickleball bags: backpack bags, tote bags, and duffle bags. Backpack bags are more comfortable to carry, but they can be more difficult to access your gear. Duffle bags are less comfortable to carry, but they are easier to access your equipment. Tote bags can be very stylish and have handy compartments.
What features should I look for in a pickleball bag?
The features you should look for in a pickleball bag will depend on your needs and preferences. However, some standard features to look for include:
- Adequate storage space for your pickleball gear
- A comfortable carrying system
- Durable construction
- Water-resistant or waterproof materials
- Extra pockets for storing small items
- Wheels (optional)
How much should I spend on a pickleball bag?
The price of a pickleball bag can vary greatly depending on the features and quality. If you’re on a budget, you can find some great options under $25. Backpack bags typically range in price from $50 to $150, while duffle bags usually range from $100 to $200.
What is the best pickleball bag for me?
The best pickleball bag for you depends on your needs and preferences. Consider the factors mentioned above, such as the type of bag, the features you need, and your budget. Once you have considered these factors, you can start shopping for the perfect pickleball bag.
How do I clean my pickleball bag?
Most pickleball bags can be cleaned with a damp cloth. If your bag is made of a water-resistant or waterproof material, you can also clean it with a hose. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents, as these can damage the bag.
Can I use my regular gym bag or tennis bag for pickleball?
Utilizing a standard gym or tennis bag for pickleball is possible. However, it is unlikely that these bags will have designated compartments and slots that are specifically tailored for pickleball equipment, such as paddles and balls. We suggest investing in a dedicated pickleball bag to ensure your gear remains organized and safeguarded.
What should I pack in my pickleball bag?
It is recommended to pack some essential items like a pickleball paddle, a few balls, and a water bottle. If your bag has enough space, you can also consider carrying additional items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, a hat, a towel, or extra shoes.
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