12 Best Pickleball Bags, Backpacks, Duffels & Slings (2023)
A guide to finding the right bag to take with you to the local Pickelball Tournament.
Updated |
The Thursday before tournament weekend is definitely not the time you want to be shopping for a new pickleball bag, as Amazon just isn't going to deliver it to you on time. Though, it would be pretty slick to have them ship it straight to your hotel. But that's beside the point.
What matters is you're going to want to have your paddle bag packed and ready to go so that you can beat the traffic and get to your matches. What's more, you're going to need a bag that can fit all of the Pickleball equipment you're going to want to bring, from your paddles, to your practice balls, to your shades.
Note: Check out Paddle Cases if you're looking for a smaller carrier.
That's where we come in. We'll walk you through some solid bag options and help you discover a good fit for you. We won't even take offense if you're the type of person who uses their gym duffel bag for tourneys. To each their own we say.
Brands & Models of Pickleball Bags
- JOOLA Tour Elite Pro Pickleball Bag
- Selkirk TOUR Performance Backpack
- Franklin Sports Pro Series Pickleball Paddle Bag
- HEAD Racquetball & Pickleball Club Backpack
- Papepipo Portable Pickleball Racket Bag
- Pik’le’Ball Women’s Premium Pickleball Bag
- ZOEA Backpack Pickleball Bag
- ONIX Pro Team Paddle Bag
- Babolat Maxi Backpack
- Wilson Super Tour Paddlepak
- Vulcan VTOUR Pickleball Backpack
- the dink Ultra Core Cinch Bag II
- Pickleball Bag FAQs
JOOLA Tour Elite Pro Pickleball Bag
The JOOLA Tour Elite Bag was created by players for players. It's an excellent and versatile convertible bag that you can switch between backpack and duffle with a moments notice. With thermal protection and ventilation in the right places, this is the bag for everything, including your shoes. Especially worn Pickleball shoes.
It can fit multiple paddles, clothes, accessories, shoes, balls, hats and a handful's (literally?) worth of personal items. Plus, it's made by one of the top brands in the sport.
You could do much, more worse than JOOLA.
Size, Specs & Dimensions
- 16”x24”x11”
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
No, the JOOLA Tour Elite Bag does not fit within the 22x14x9in limit that is generally accepted by the TSA for carry-on items.
Which is unfortunate to us. Could you slide the extra two inches by security? Maybe. But rules are rules.
Selkirk TOUR Performance Backpack
A high quality bag if there was one, the Selkirk TOUR Performance Backpack is their upgraded version of the brands original tour bag. We're even so impressed by it's versatility that we feel like it could double as your weekday office commuter.
The hard EVA top offers some nice protection from fragile and delicate items like your smartphone. The front pocket is handy when you've hung up the bag on the fence. And, the padded top handle allows for the TOUR Performance Backpack to convert into one of the Best Pickleball Duffle Bags amongst the lot.
All-in-all, Selkirk comes up aces.
Size, Specs & Dimensions
- 14" x 11" x 20.5" (Width x Depth x Height)
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
Franklin Sports Pro Series Pickleball Paddle Bag
The Pro Series bag from Franklin Sports Pickleball is everything you need for a long day at the courts. The extra large main compartment is roomy enough to fit a change of clothing, while the accessory pocket will keep your car keys and phone free of any potential spills from your favorite, old, leaky water bottle that you should probably upgrade.
The convenient shoe compartment and convertible straps (backpack to duffel and back again), make this a winner in our book. We like to pair their Pro Bag with their Signature Paddle so that we aren't perpetrating. Cause we're good like that.
Franklin's Pro Series Bag was also the model that superstar, Ben Johns was using for a bit while he was sponsored by the company.
Buy on Amazon› Buy on FranklinSports.com
Size, Specs & Dimensions
The Pro Series Bag is available in three colors: Black/White, Black/Blue, Black/Pink (Christine McGrath model).
- Length: 24.4in
- Width: 11.4in
- Height: 11.4in
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
No, the Franklin Sports Pro Series Bags does not fit within the 22x14x9in limit that is generally accepted by the TSA for carry-on items.
If you're the type who wants to try getting the Pro Series Pickleball Bag onto a plane, you could probably get away with it given how close the dimensions are to the limits. We don't suggest breaking the rules, we're just pointing out the facts.
HEAD Racquetball & Pickleball Club Backpack
We don't usually use the word snazzy, but HEAD bucks the black and white trend with their Racquetball/Pickleball backpack, washing it in Navy Blue with red nylon strapping and yellow accents, including the HEAD logo. Beyond the colors that pop, the bag has two water bottle holders and enough room to hold more than one towel.
HEAD's Club backpack is also comfortable to use if you're planning on riding a bike to your local tourney. Plus, you can use the attached carbiner to hook the bag up to the same fence that you lock your bike up to. Win-win.
If you're asking why we chose the Club Backpack over HEAD's Tour Backpack, it's because we think you get 90% of the product for 50% of the price.
Buy on Amazon› Buy on Head.com
Size, Specs & Dimensions
- Length: 18.9in
- Width: 12in
- Height: 7in
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
Yes, the HEAD Racquetball & Pickleball Club Backpack does conform to the 22x14x9in limit that is generally accepted by the TSA for carry-on items.
Papepipo Portable Pickleball Racket Bag
Papepipo delivers on a no-nonsense racket bag that's straight out of the 1980s. For real, if you played Tennis in the 80s, this was the style of bag that you took to the hardcourt, only smaller. This style of bag isn't meant for airline travel to tournaments across the United States. What it's really good for is tossing in your car's trunk on your way to practice with your good buddy.
What makes it a good selection is that it can comfortably fit several paddles and an array of pickleball balls. The IP56 waterproofing and dustproofing helps in both dry and windy climates as well as in humid and damp weather.
And what can we say about the blue and white candy swirl that it doesn't already say about itself? Go to the courts in style. Pick up a Papepipo.
Size, Specs & Dimensions
- Length: 24in
- Width: 3.9in
- Height: 9.8in
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
No, the Papepipo Portable Pickleball Racket Bag does not conform to the 22x14x9in limit that is generally accepted by the TSA for carry-on items. It's barely off though. We don't advocate for using it as a carry-on, but you might be able to. Once again, that's on you.
Pik’le’Ball Women’s Premium Pickleball Tote Bag
The brand Pik’le’Ball might have a crafty spelling, but it's signature tote is a stylish bag for paddle-carrying. This is in part due to the construction and efforts to reduce visual bulk while focusing on maximizing the internal storage space. As far as sustainability goes, the company claims that the bag is partially made up of recycled ocean plastic, which gets a thumbs up from us. And before we forget, it's lightweight.
Speaking of stylish, we really like how they've adapted their paddle storage on the exterior to incorporate the bag's design aesthetic while rotating the visual of the grip roughly 45 degrees so that it doesn't look like you're pulling Excalibur from a stone when you go to remove it.
On second thought ... maybe that's the look you want?!
Size, Specs & Dimensions
- Length: 16.5in
- Width: 6.5in
- Height: 11in
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
Yes, the Pik’le’Ball Women’s Premium Pickleball Bag does conform to the 22x14x9in limit that is generally accepted by the TSA for carry-on items. You can now look good as you jetset to the next tourney.
ZOEA Backpack Pickleball Bag
The ZOEA is a sling for those that prefer that form factor. What this Pickleball Sling Bag lacks in brand equity that the top manufacturers like Selkirk and JOOLA share, it more than makes up for with a reasonable price-to-feature ratio. It can hold 4 paddles, your BPA-free water bottle, and your valuables. It also comes with a fence hook and a headphone hole.
Size, Specs & Dimensions
- 13.39 x 10.04 x 2.36 inches
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
Yes, the ZOEA Backpack Pickleball Bag does conform to the 22x14x9in limit that is generally accepted by the TSA for carry-on items.
ONIX Pro Team Paddle Bag
We love zippered pockets, and this bag has plenty of them. Wet storage? Got that too. Padded shoulder straps? Check.
Listen, it's a good, durable, all-around bag that you won't go wrong with.
Buy on Amazon› Buy on OnixPickleball.com
Size, Specs & Dimensions
- Length: 22in
- Width: 13in
- Height: 13in
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
No, the ONIX Pro Team Paddle Bag does not conform to the 22x14x9in limit that is generally accepted by the TSA for carry-on items. The wedge shape makes it dicey when it comes to stuffing under the seat in front of you. We wouldn't take this on a plane as a carry-on.
Babolat Maxi Backpack
The Babolat Maxi is a tennis bag. It's true. That said, if you're looking for more accommodation, this is a great place to turn.
Because as a tennis bag, it's size appropriate. As a Pickleball Bag, it's huge. With compartments and pockets to spare, the Babolat Maxi will fit your shoes, your paddles, your personal items, and all of the hopes and dreams that you carry to each and every match. And we know those take up a lot of space.
Buy on Amazon› Buy on Babolat.com
Size, Specs & Dimensions
- Length: 15.3in
- Width: 23.22in
- Height: 11.4in
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
No, the Babolat Maxi Backpack does not conform to the 22x14x9in limit that is generally accepted by the TSA for carry-on items. It's off on every dimension by an inch or two. If you try and carry it onto a plane, don't say we told you to.
Wilson Super Tour Paddlepak
The Super Tour Paddlepak from Wilson Sporting Goods caters to the enthusiast. The latest iteration of their phenomenally popular Super Tour brand, features two main storage areas in this backpack. The large one comes with a removable divider for to keep your Pickleball gear tidy. The smaller one with it's Thermoguard lining will help to keep the inside of the pack cool.
The Paddlepak will fit up to three paddles. In addition, there are two fleece-lined accessory pockets on the outside for storing small items, a ventilated, zippered shoe compartment, and a hidden plastic fence hook for hanging the bag.
Features
- Backpack Straps
- Fleece-Lined Accessory Pocket
- Large Accessory Pocket
- Removable Interior Divder
- Shoe Compartment
- Thermoguard Racket Compartment
- Top Carry Handle
Size, Specs & Dimensions
- 22 x 11.2 x 3.2 inches
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
Yes, the Wilson Super Tour Paddlepak does conform to the 22x14x9in limit that is generally accepted by the TSA for carry-on items.
Vulcan VTOUR Pickleball Backpack
Vulcan has crafted a (typically) reasonably-priced, waterproof padded bag that can accomplish most of what you need in a courtside backpack. This bag features a couple of pockets and holders for small goods and water bottles, and, three color combos to choose from.
K-Swiss Pickleball Backpack
The K-Swiss Backback is a sleek, non-bulky backpack that is built on clean lines and practicality. There are no hidden features and nothing out of the ordinary, besides just being a simple, yet reliable container to tote your goods to the Pickleball court.
Size, Specs & Dimensions
- H21" x D9" x W15" inches
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
No, the K-Swiss Pickleball Backpack does not conform to the 22x14x9in limit that is generally accepted by the TSA for carry-on items. As always, it's your call, but the bag is only off by one inch in one dimension. It's possible you could sneak this through.
the dink Ultra Core Cinch Bag II
Cheap, simple and effective. the Dink Ultra Core Cinch Bag II is a drawstring bag that holds a single paddle on the way to the court and whatever personal items you leave in it when it's game on. No neoprene, no side pockets and no fuss. It's made from 210 Denier Polyester and only have one compartment.
Size, Specs & Dimensions
- 10"W x 4.13"H
Does the Bag's Size Qualify It as an Airplane Carry-On?
Yes, the the dink Ultra Core Cinch Bag II does conform to the 22x14x9in limit that is generally accepted by the TSA for carry-on items.
Pickleball Bag FAQs
What types of bags are on the market?
- Backpack
- Duffel
- Sling
It's really a trade off between storage and mobility. If you're driving your car to a match, then you'd do pretty well with a duffel pag. If you are riding a bike to the local courts, then a sling or even a backpack might be a better choice for you. Give some consideration to the types of things you like to bring along with you when you play pickleball and then plan accordingly.
Will a racquetball or tennis bag work?
Yes. Heck, your (or your kid's) grade school knapsack will do in a pinch. The additional size of a tennis bag will help you out a lot if you're someone who likes to keep an extra towel or a lot of sunblock on hand.
What should you pack in a pickleball bag?
Paddles, shoes, pickleballs, and a towel come to mind. Other items include sunglasses, sunblock, a visor, a long-sleeve shirt for cooler days, and more.
25 Things to Bring to a Pickleball Tournament
Pickleball Pro, Glen Peterson, discusses all of the important items he packs in his Pickleball Bag on tournament day. After playing in 50+ tourneys over the years, he's figured out what works and doesn't work. Your bound to get some good ideas from him in this video, so check it out.
Should my Pickleball bag be waterproof?
If you're playing in tournaments in the Pacific Northwest, then yes, absolutely. If you're playing in Arizona, then you'd do fine without. That said, it's a decent feature to have. If it's within your budget, then why not?
Could I use a Pickleball Bag for Padel or Platform Tennis?
Based on the size of some of the bags, it's possible that you could use a Pickleball Bag for Padel or Platform Tennis. However, many of the smaller bags would not accommodate a larger racquet.
Make sure to research your equipment, or, the equipment you're planning to buy if you're crossing over from sport to sport.
