There are a lot of options for pickleball bags, but how do you know which one is right for you? It has a lot to do with your skill level, how much you play, and your personal preferences. Here are some tips on finding the perfect pickleball bag (for you).
Small pickleball backpack
If you are brand new to pickleball and just beginning to collect your pickleball gear, a small backpack will be perfect for you. Small backpacks are made for a day of pickleball, or just a short session, and are not going to give you what you need for a longer tournament or travel pickleball.
Small backpacks can usually fit 2–4 pickleball paddles, some balls, towels and other accessories, and will hopefully have a water bottle pocket on the outside.
Who is a small pickleball bag for?
- Beginner pickleball players.
- Intermediate pickleball players.
Medium pickleball backpack
Once you have advanced past beginner status in pickleball, you will want to start thinking about a slightly larger pickleball bag. Medium pickleball bags will be great for a day of pickleball, but also weekend-long tournaments or pickleball road trips.
Medium backpacks usually have more pockets and compartments so you can organize your pickleball gear better.
Who is a medium pickleball bag for?
- Beginner pickleball players.
- Intermediate pickleball players.
- Advanced pickleball players.
Large pickleball backpack
When you become obsessed with pickleball (which you will be), a large pickleball bag will become your best friend.
Larger bags are likely going to offer even more pockets and compartments, with separate spaces for your pickleball paddles, clothing, shoes, towels, water, and even your cell phone. They will probably also add additional padding and waterproof materials.
Who is a large pickleball bag for?
- Intermediate pickleball players.
- Advanced pickleball players.
- Pro pickleball players.
Tennis bag
Tennis bags are built for the game of tennis, and have been improved upon over centuries. Tennis bags can be a great place to start, but only if you already own one: If you’re spending the money on a new bag for pickleball, you should get one that is built specifically for pickleball.
Because tennis bags are built for tennis, they don’t take into account your paddle size, including the difference between length, width, and depth of different paddles. They also don’t necessarily offer the rigid structures to keep your pickleballs from being squashed. The main difference between pickleball and tennis bags is that a tennis bag will offer far more space than is probably needed for pickleball (not necessarily a bad thing, as long as that is your preference).
Again, the great benefit of a tennis bag for pickleball is if you already own it and are trying to save money. But there is nothing wrong with using a tennis bag if that works for you.
Who is a tennis bag for?
- Tennis players.
- Players transitioning from tennis to pickleball who already own a tennis bag.
Pickleball sling bag
A pickleball sling bag is the perfect option if you are just looking to bring one paddle and a few other items to your pickleball game. If you are planning on attending a longer event, like a tournament, a sling bag may not be right for you — a sling bag is designed for players who need some functionality without carrying a large bag.
Expect a sling bag to hold one pickleball paddle, one pickleball, your water bottle, and small accessories (like your phone and keys).
Who is a pickleball sling bag for?
- Intermediate pickleball players.
- Advanced pickleball players.
- Pro pickleball players.
- Family & friends who attend pickleball events.
Pickleball fanny pack
While it may seem like the last bag you’d want for pickleball, true pickleball fanny packs will allow you to bring all your essentials to the pickleball court: yes, even your pickleball paddle.
Pickleball fanny packs should allow you to store a pickleball ball, your keys, and cell phone. But the best ones will also have a elastic loop so you can attach your paddle (and be the coolest player walking into the court). They may also include a water bottle loop and divider compartments to keep your accessories separate within the fanny pack itself.
Who is a pickleball fanny pack for?
- Intermediate pickleball players.
- Advanced pickleball players.
- Pro pickleball players.
- Family & friends who attend pickleball events.
