Ladies, we’ve all known the struggle. You have so much to carry, but that frumpy college gym bag isn’t cutting it! Sure, it works. It fits what it needs to fit, but it doesn’t look good. It doesn’t match your carefully curated pickleball outfit.

(And I’m sure even men have this problem!)

So, what’s a girl to do?

Clearly, it’s time to upgrade.

Unfortunately, pickleball’s rapid growth has flooded the market with pickleball bags. You’ll find half-baked ten-dollar pickleball bags all over your local Walmart and sports store, and you’ll find many more online! But do you really want to trust your pickleball gear to the likes of a ten-buck no-name duffel bag?

(Cue the chorus of “No!”)

Well, don’t worry! Pickle Goddesses is back, and we’ve curated another list of the world’s best pickleball bags. Keep scrolling to learn more and find your perfect match!

What to Consider When Looking for a Pickleball Bag

First, let’s cover the basics.

Regardless of your style, you must consider four things throughout your search for the perfect pickleball bag:

• Bag Type: Are you looking for a backpack? No? Well, then, how about a sling bag or a messenger bag? The type of bag influences more than its aesthetic. Different bags have different uses!
• Capacity: How big will your bag be? Are you a minimalist? Competitive pickleball players often have larger bags to accommodate their vast array of supplies. Conversely, casual players tend to prefer a small, compact bag.
• Durability: Everyone wants something made of durable materials, but we don’t all have the same needs! Indoor players rarely leave their beloved bags in the rain, so fashion-forward fabrics (such as cotton) are more acceptable. However, the average outdoor pickleball player needs a watertight way to store their pickleball gear!
• Organization: Is your pickleball bag taking over for your purse? You’ll need secure, zippered pockets for your valuables. You’ll also want to consider seeking out a separate compartment for your shoes and other potentially stinky wearables.

So, before we start our list, let’s quickly review these four must-know points. We’ll work from top to bottom, beginning with…

What Style Do You Want?

It’s more than a fashion statement. Different bags have different uses!

You wouldn’t wear a hard hat to a formal event. So, why wear the wrong type of pickleball bag?

The most common types of pickleball bags are:

• Backpacks: These classic bags are perfect for everyday use. More importantly, the backpack straps evenly distribute the bag’s weight across your shoulders, making it easy to carry heavy loads. Most sporting backpacks include many compartments and outer flaps. However, these features may be overwhelming for casual players.
• Crossbody Bags: A crossbody bag holds a moderate amount of gear and has a comfortable fit. You’ll be hard-pressed to find one that carries as much as a backpack, but they’re perfect for competitive players. Think of them as smaller, sleeker backpacks. Additional compartments, flaps, and hidden inserts are common features of modern crossbody pickleball bags.
• Duffel Bags: Often associated with the military, a duffel bag is a vertical bag. It’s often confused with the humble gym bag (also known as a “holdall”) and fulfills many of the same functions. However, the simple construction of a duffel bag makes it a slightly cheaper pick.
• Holdalls and Gym Bags: These horizontal bags look like duffel bags but have more features and straps. They may include compartments, but that’s not necessarily guaranteed. Their main draw is their size, which often rivals even the largest backpacks!
• Messenger Bags: Traditional models feature waist straps for extra security, but most modern sporting messenger bags feature a single strap for your shoulder. Others may have backpack straps. Either way, these easy-to-use bags focus on rapid access to your supplies. Like backpacks, most messenger bags will have many compartments and inserts.
• Purses: Finally, the smallest style of bag is the handheld purse. These are often fashion accessories with minor functionality. They’ll carry your paddles comfortably, but you’ll probably have a hard time fitting in much more than a few extra balls!

Do You Need a Spacious Bag?

Next, let’s consider your needs.

If you’re carrying little more than your paddles and a few balls, you can easily use a simple tote bag. However, anything more requires plenty of space!

Backpacks, gym bags, and messenger bags are the largest options. Their construction also makes it easy to lug around plenty of weight.

Conversely, crossbody bags and purses are smaller, featuring fewer additions and compartments. They may be limited to some paddle slots and a single main compartment. They’re great for casual play, but you probably won’t see many at a competitive event.

Consider, too, if your bag is replacing your purse. If it is, seek out options with secure, zippered pockets for your valuables. Similarly, anyone frequently traveling from work to the pickleball court will want something with a dedicated tech slot.

Carrying more than the basics?

Aside from organizing your things, multiple compartments are essential if you’re carrying clothes or shoes. Otherwise, your wallet may end up smelling like your feet. Ew! Many high-end bags also feature outer water bottle slots to keep your phone dry.

What About Durability?

Next, are you looking for something durable?

Natural fibers are eco-friendly and cute, but cotton and silk are notoriously fragile. Even thick wool can degrade on an outdoor pickleball court!

Summarily, you must choose the right bag for your needs.

Outdoor players often gravitate to synthetic materials. Nylon and polyester are the most popular picks. (More on that in a moment.) Conversely, indoor players rarely expose their bags to the elements, making natural fibers — such as canvas, cotton, or wool — more appropriate.

Nylon or Polyester?

Finally, let’s look at the top two picks for outdoor (and indoor!) pickleball bags.

Both nylon and polyester are oil-based synthetic fibers, so they’re not the most eco-friendly options. Nonetheless, they’re functionally superior to natural options. Both are durable and water-resistant, although neither is naturally waterproof.

Nylon is slightly more eco-friendly. It’s lightweight, durable, and somewhat stretchy. It may be used alone, but it’s often combined with other fibers.

Polyester is heavier, but it’s more durable and naturally resists moisture. It’s also stain-resistant, although we don’t recommend intentionally testing that feature! Like nylon, it can be used alone or as part of a blend.

Our Picks for the Best Pickleball Bags

Great!

With that out of the way, let’s get started on the list!

We’ve rounded up the most popular pickleball bags on the market and ranked them by their top qualities. Each entry is guaranteed to meet someone’s needs, and you’re sure to find your perfect fit.

Want a quick overview? Here’s our list of bags by their most prized quality:

• The Most Affordable: Sculpi Pickleball Bag
• The Most Functional: CRBN’s Pro Team Tour Bag
• The Most Space: Selkirk’s Core Line Team Backpack
• The Simple Pickleball Bag: Franklin Sports Backpack-Style Pickleball Bag

The Most Affordable Pickleball Bag

At just $29.99 before its frequent discounts, the Sculpi Pickleball Bag™ is the most affordable option on our list. Like many other bags, it comes in multiple colors and features a comfortable, adjustable shoulder straps. More importantly, it’s a purpose-made pickleball bag to fit your every need!

Sculpi’s bag features five compartments, including a water bottle sleeve. Its interior main pocket can hold up to six paddles or a small laptop, although it doesn’t have a dedicated laptop sleeve.

Note, too, that you’ll get what you pay for.

That’s not to say this is a bad pickleball bag. No, it’s a great bag! However, it features fewer functions than the more expensive pickleball bags on our list. It has less padding and lacks the other accessories found in our later picks. For example, you won’t find a ventilated shoe pocket. There’s no fancy air mesh padding, either!

But that’s not the point of Sculpi’s bag. This is the perfect, affordable option for anyone who’s just started playing pickleball. It’s a casual, affordable pickleball bag with ample storage space and a sleek design, but it probably won’t satisfy the most extreme pickleball players.

The Most Multifunctional of All Pickleball Bags

Looking for something with more compartments? How about we give you an option with six compartments!?

That’s right!

CRBN’s Pro Team Tour Bag™ is a sling bag with attitude and function. Its sleek design will match any outfit, while its functionality pleases even the most hardcore pickleball players. But don’t get too excited yet. This is one pricey pick! With great function comes an even greater price tag, and this pickleball bag is $139.99!

But we’re not saying to ignore it!

Actually, we want to highlight this remarkable bag! Of its six compartments, three are insulated. You’ll also find dedicated sections for sweaty clothes and pickleball shoes. Its main compartment is specifically designed to hold all your essentials, including three (or more) pickleball paddles. And let’s not overlook that built-in fence hook!

The padded shoulder strap is an ergonomic dream and can be comfortably worn on the left or right shoulder. As an added bonus, CRBN has even added a second zip-off sling bag for on-the-go pickleball games.

The Large Bag for All Your Essentials

What about the most spacious pickleball bag? Not surprisingly, the winner is a backpack-style bag with plenty of compartments. We’re talking about Selkirk’s Core Line Team Backpack™, a must-have for pickleball players.

Yes, that’s an $80 price tag, but you get so much with your money! In addition to its durable polyfiber construction, Selkirk’s masterpiece has plenty of space for everything. Its main compartment easily holds multiple paddles and — thanks to an insulated inner sleeve — your laptop! In fact, this backpack-style pickleball bag has eight compartments, including a dedicated cell phone pocket and two water bottle pockets.

Reviewers love its durable design, heaping praise upon its hard-top construction. More importantly, buyers adore its padded shoulder straps, which adjust to comfortably fit anyone! There’s even a complimentary fence clip. (Selkirk really thought of everything, huh!?)

And don’t worry about your outfit matching your bag. Selkirk’s Core Line Team Backpack™ comes in seven colors. Its gorgeous white variation matches anything, but you can get wild and crazy with its vibrant hues, which include lime green and pink!

The Simple Pickleball Bag

Finally, let’s look at a water-resistant bag with plenty of no-frills storage features. The Franklin Sports Deluxe Competition Pickleball Bag™ comes in one color, black and tennis green, but it’s a delightfully simple design with a splendid price tag. For just $49.99, you’ll get an easy-to-use pick from the official bag supplier of many pickleball tournaments.

The Deluxe Competition Pickleball Bag™ has only five compartments, but it fits several paddles and plenty of extras. You’ll find a fence hook and specifically designed valuables pocket, making it a good bag for anyone using it for their phone or wallet. Its durable PVC-based construction keeps your supplies dry, while its roomy interior pockets store your shoes and clothes.

This is a bag that says, “Hey! We see all those useful compartments, but doesn’t that get confusing? How much organization do you need? Let’s trim down. Let’s simplify things.”

But don’t let the lack of dedicated compartments confuse you. This pickleball backpack easily holds your pickleball paddles, shoes, and goodies. And — as you’d expect from a brand like Franklin Sports — its padded straps guarantee the utmost comfort. Its dedicated paddle compartment advertises a one-paddle capacity, though many reviewers note they’ve fit in multiple paddles.

Learn More About Pickleball

So, what’s your top pick?

We’re always looking to spread our love of pickleball, so don’t be shy! Share this article with your friends. Learn even more about pickleball! At Pickle Goddesses, we’re constantly updating our page to reflect the latest pickleball news. And, yes, that includes gear reviews.

Finding the best pickleball bags is just the beginning! We also have a paddle-picking masterpost and a handy shoe-buying guide.

So, stick around! That pickleball backpack won’t go away. Now is the perfect time to learn more about America’s fastest-growing sport!