Best Pickleball Bags For Style, Function, and Storage
As Pickleball continues to surge in popularity, players of all levels are seeking ways to transport and store their gear effectively. Just like in tennis or badminton, the right bag can make all the difference in terms of convenience and organization. In this article, we’ll look at our favorite pickleball bags, highlighting their features, types, and tips for choosing the right one.
Types of Pickleball Bags
1. Sling Bags: Compact and stylish, sling bags are designed to go across the body. They typically have a compartment for one or two paddles and an additional pocket for balls or personal items. They’re great for players on the go.
2. Backpacks: These bags are similar to regular backpacks but are specifically designed for pickleball. They have compartments for multiple paddles, balls, water bottles, shoes, and other essentials. They’re suitable for players who want to keep everything organized in one place, especially those traveling to different courts or venues.
3. Duffle Bags: Larger than backpacks, duffle bags can hold several paddles, shoes, apparel, and other gear. They’re ideal for serious players or those who like to have everything ready for different playing conditions.
4. Tote Bags: A blend of style and function, tote bags are a fashionable choice for players. They can carry a few paddles, balls, and personal items and are often chosen by players who want a bag that’s suitable for both the court and everyday use.
5. Team Pickleball Bag: A team pickleball bag is a larger bag designed to hold equipment for multiple players. This is especially useful for teams traveling to tournaments or coaches who need to carry equipment for group sessions. It’s equipped with multiple compartments to accommodate several paddles, balls, and even team uniforms or apparel. This bag ensures that a team or coach can easily transport all the necessary gear in one convenient package.
What To Look For In A Pickleball Bag
- Material and Durability: Choose a bag made from quality materials like nylon or polyester. Waterproof or water-resistant materials are a bonus for outdoor play.
- Compartments: Look for multiple compartments to segregate your gear. Dedicated pockets for shoes, water bottles, or mobile devices can be especially handy.
- Padding: If you’re investing in a premium paddle, ensure your bag has adequate padding to protect it.
- Size: Depending on your needs, choose a bag that’s just right. Not too big to be cumbersome, but large enough to fit all your gear.
- Strap Comfort: Especially important for backpacks and sling bags. Padded straps can make carrying the bag more comfortable.
Best Pickleball Bags
1. Mangrove Pickleball Bag (Best Value Sling)
PROS
- Designed 10%-20% larger than typical pickleball bags in the market
- A deep side pocket & a security pocket on the back.
- Water-resistant and scratch-resistant fabric
- Padded back and adjustable air-mesh shoulder strap
- Great Value at under $20
CONS
- Reviewers have reported zipper breakage within a few months of use
2. A11N Pickleball Sling (Best Hybrid Backpack/Sling)
PROS
- Lightweight & Comfortable: Weighing only 1lb
- Shoulder strap of this bag has a unique zipper-separable design. It can function as both a sling bag and a backpack.
- Very good value and affordable
CONS
- Smaller compartments/pockets
- Durability could be a concern for users
3. Joola Tour Elite (Best For Serious Players)
PROS
- Used by the #1 Pickleball Player in the world (Ben Johns)
- High-quality bag designed for 4 or more paddles
- Offers great storage and compartments for everything including shoes.
- Converts from backpack to duffle bag
CONS
- More Expensive
- It’s a larger bag
4. Franklin Sports Pickleball Bag (Most Popular)
PROS
- Official Pickleball bag of the U. S. Open Pickleball Championships
- Good Value for an affordable bag
- Dual padded cell phone and key storage, plus other useful pockets
- Can fit up to 6 paddles
CONS
- Some reviewers have commented that the bag was too small
- Quality is good, but not great. Zippers have broken and there’s been some wear and tear.
5. Monarch Pickleball Sling Bag (Best Sling)
PROS
- High-quality material and pockets
- Sleek and stylish design.
- Lightweight and easy to carry with an adjustable sling.
- Large open pocket, side pockets hold up to 3 paddles each
CONS
- Higher priced than other sling bags
6. Babolat Perf Pickleball Bag (Best Backpack)
PROS
- Renowned for quality in racquet sports bags.
- Ergonomic designs and high-quality material. 100% recycled materials.
- Versatile – can be used for other sports like tennis
- Large storage space for everything you need on a Pickleball court (hold up to 6 paddles)
- Dimensions: 24″ x 15″ x 11″
CONS
- Expensive, but similar price range for high-end bags.
- Large backpack, but nothing new for tennis players.
7. Vulcan V Pro Pickleball Bag (Best For Pros)
PROS
- Modern designs with vibrant color options.
- Large but not too big bag – Room for everything you need in pickleball including shoes
- Lots of pockets and high-quality material
- Dimensions: 20″ x 14″ x 6″
CONS
- Again expensive, but similar price range for high-end bags
- Some reviews mention product wear and tear
8. Franklin Elite Hybrid (Best Hybrid Backpack/Duffle)
PROS
- Premium-quality design and durable materials
- Combines features of duffle bags and backpacks.
- Generous and lots of storage space for everything including shoes.
CONS
- Might be too large for players who prefer compact bags.
- Main compartment zipper doesn’t open fully in duffel-mode.
9. Onix Pro Team (Best Large Duffle)
PROS
- Offers ample space and specialized compartments
- Durable and designed specifically for pickleball
- Padded shoulder straps and four zippered pockets including shoe/wet storage
- 22″ x 13″ x 13″
- Wheels for easier tranport
CONS
- On the pricier side
- Bulkier design might not be preferred by all
10. Ame & Lulu Drop Shot
PROS
- Stylish and chic designs.
- Compact and lightweight.
CONS
- Limited storage space compared to other models.
- Might lack specialized compartments for pickleball paddles.
- Expensive for the amount that it can hold
11) Anthropologie Pretty Simple Pickleball Bag (Most Stylish)
PROS
- Fashion-forward and stylish design.
- Suitable for casual games and outings.
- Looks great for use off the court as well as on the court
- High-quality nylon material, doesn’t even look like a pickleball bag =)
CONS
- Not specifically tailored for professional or tournament play.
- Very expensive due to the brand’s premium positioning.
