When thinking about the essential gear for pickleball, most minds gravitate towards paddles, shoes, and those bouncy pickleballs. But pause for a moment: how exactly do you transport these game-changers from home to court? Enter pickleball bags – the unsung heroes of every match. They’re not just carriers; they’re style statements, protective shields, and convenience enhancers rolled into one. From beginners to pros, pickleball bags are a must-have accessory, ensuring your game is not just played, but elevated to new heights. In this article, we will break down our top pickleball bag picks of 2024.
Best Overall: Franklin Sports Sling Pickleball Bag
Price: $24.99
Features:
- Polyester
- Pressure reducing back supports
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Fence hook
- Cell phone pocket with durable, dual- padded layer inside
- Inverted weather resistant zipper pulls
- Spacious main compartment
- Side mesh water bottle pocket
For the best overall pickleball bag, it is no surprise that the Franklin Sling Bag came out on top. This bag was designed for the pros and is the official bag of the US Open, and it is easy to see why. The large compartments easily fit 6 paddles and 6 pickleballs with room to spare, but it stays comfortable with the adjustable shoulder strap and lightweight back support. With designated pockets for your phone, water bottle, and equipment, everything will be protected and organized, allowing you to focus on dominating on the court. When it comes to superior comfort, convenience, size, and performance, stick with the pros and get the Franklin Sling Bag.
What we like:
- Not too expensive
- Well-made and sturdy
- Fits all the essentials and then some
- Great fence hook
- Lightweight
- Easy to sling over shoulder
What we don’t like:
- Phone pocket may be too small for larger phones
Best Affordable: Mangrove Pickleball Bag
Price: $22.99
Features:
- 100% polyester
- Felt-lined valuables pocket
- Elastic mesh side water bottle pocket
- Fence hook
- Large main compartment, secondary compartment, and back pocket
- Comfortable padded back
- Reversible, air-mesh strap
If you’re in search of a high-quality bag that won’t empty your wallet, the Mangrove Pickleball Bag is a game-changer you won’t want to miss. With premium 600D polyester, this bag is scratch resistant, smooth to the touch, and water resistant. The Mangrove Pickleball Bag is a well-made, versatile sling bag with 4 spacious pockets that perfectly carry all the essentials. The reversible, air-mesh strap can be worn on the left or right side, and combined with the padded back, this bag provides ultimate comfort. This bag is perfect for both the beginning player and seasoned pro who are looking to save a few bucks.
What we like:
- Great quality for the price
- Love the fence hook
- Multiple compartments are perfectly placed and sized
- Durable and long lasting
- Lightweight
What we don’t like:
- Quality of the zippers is debated
Best for Style: Ame & Lulu Hamptons Pickleball Bag
Price: $148.00
Features:
- Canvas material
- Removable, adjustable shoulder strap
- Zip closure
- Exterior and interior zip pockets
- Two interior water bottles
- Nylon liner
If style is the name of your game, you can’t beat the sleek silhouette of the Hamptons Pickleball Bag by Ame & Lulu. The classic canvas material and exterior paddle shaped pocket create easy access to your gear in a chic look. The removable and adjustable shoulder strap is comfortable and pretty with its two-color webbing. The Ame & Lulu Hampton Pickleball Bag allows you to carry all of your essential pickleball gear and look the best while you do it.
What we like:
- Canvas gives a lightweight feel
- Top notch style
- Fits all the essentials; from shoes, paddles, pickleballs, and water bottles to necessities like keys and a phone
- Adjustable strap provides comfort
What we don’t like:
- A little higher on the price range
Best Sling: Athletico Sling Bag
Price: $39.99
Features:
- Reversible, padded shoulder strap
- Lumbar support with air- mesh padded back
- 5 pockets and an external water bottle holder
- Hidden, anti- theft pocket
- Fence hook
- Durable, lightweight pro- grade polyester sports fabric
- Quick release shoulder strap buckle
No matter what side you sling your bag, the Athletico Pickleball Sling Bag has got you covered. With the padded and reversible shoulder strap, you can easily flip between the left and right side and can be worn on one shoulder or as a crossbody. The padded main compartment can fit up to 6 pickleball paddles and the secondary compartment is designed to hold all your pickleballs. The addition of the felt-lined tech pocket, large front pocket, and hidden security pocket organizes and protects all your personal items. The Athletico Sling Bag checks every box in an easy to grab-and-go bag you can sling over your shoulder on the way to the court.
What we like:
- Great quality
- Perfect adjustable and reversible strap for a sling bag
- Very comfortable
- Helpful fence hook
- Smooth zippers
- Bottle holder is convenient
- Lightweight
What we don’t like:
- Some people do not prefer the sling style and wish it had two straps in a backpack style for better balance
Best Backpack: Onix Pickleball Backpack
Price: $59.99
Features:
- Designed to sit upright for easy packing and unpacking
- Breathable mesh panels on front and back
- 5 zippered storage areas to keep equipment safe and secure
- 2 durable Onix straps
Backpacks are designed to provide extra space in a balanced form, and the Onix Pickleball Backpack does just that. This bag is specifically designed for pickleball players and perfectly carries paddles, balls, apparel, and bottles. The durable design sits upright on its own, allowing for easy packing and unpacking and the double straps provide a balanced feel. If you’re looking for a larger high-quality bag, the Onix Pickleball Backpack can’t be beat.
What we like:
- Lots of room for paddles, balls, and bottles
- HUGE main compartment
- Shoulder straps are very padded and comfortable
- Very durable
- Great price for a high-quality backpack
What we don’t like:
- No fence hook
- No designated water bottle holder
Best Duffle: JOOLA Tour Elite Pickleball Bag
Price: $109.95
Features:
- Thermal insulated designated pocket for 4 paddles
- Ventilated bottom sack for shoes
- Sleeve for balls
- 8 exterior zippered pockets and 4 interior pockets with a car key tether
- Fence hook
- Soft lined pocket for valuables
- Backpack straps can convert duffel to a backpack
Duffle bags are designed to hold everything you need for a full day at the courts. The JOOLA Tour Elite Pickleball Bag is the elite if you’re looking for a bag with the most room and is heavy on features and utilities. This duffle was created by pickleball players, which is evident with the dozen highly specialized storage areas that specifically cater to every piece of pickleball equipment you can think of. This bag can also convert from a duffle to a backpack with backpack straps that tuck away into a back panel sleeve. There is no other duffel that checks all of the boxes quite like the JOOLA Tour Elite Pickleball Bag.
What we like:
- Unmatched storage capacity and organization
- Special ventilated shoes compartment
- Insulated compartment is a game-changer
- Surprisingly lightweight and easy to carry
- Materials and design are built to last
- Colors are beautiful and vibrant; style is top notch
What we don’t like:
- Definitely for more serious players; size may be too much for beginners
Conclusion
Pickleball bags have a variety of factors to consider, like design, style, and comfort. Whether you are looking for a sleek and efficient sling or a heavy-duty duffle, the importance of a reliable and trendy pickleball bag cannot be overstated. So, no matter if you’re headed to the court for a friendly game or gearing up for a tournament, invest in a pickleball bag that complements your style and enhances your playing experience. With the right bag by your side, you’ll be ready to take on the pickleball court with confidence and flair.