Sure, you can snag any old gym bag and use it as a pickleball bag. There’s nothing wrong with that, and plenty of people do it! It’s a cost-effective way to keep your supplies organized, but is it the most effective?

It may seem silly, but a purpose-made pickleball bag can make it easier for you to jump right into the action! These remarkable carriers are more than tote bags. They may even be better than that all-in-one duffel bag. The best pickleball bags are made for comfort, durability, and speed. You’ll know where everything is, making it easier than ever to hop onto the court.

So, join me! Let’s take a look at the best pickleball bags on the market.

What to Consider When Buying a Pickleball Bag

The first thing you’ll want to do is find out what you want.

There are many different styles of pickleball bags, and each has its place. If, for example, you’re seeking a rugged and spacious bag, you’ll probably want a duffel-style product. However, if you’re a casual player with few needs, you may be better off buying a pickleball backpack.

There are four major styles of pickleball bags:

• Backpacks have two shoulder straps and rest on your back. They’re a good choice for players with a lot to carry, as they evenly distribute weight across your shoulders and reduce back strain.
• Cross-body bags are worn over one shoulder. The strap crosses the body (hence the name), and the bag usually rests on your opposite hip.
• Duffel bags can be worn like cross-body bags or slung over your shoulder. They’re popular, spacious, and come in many styles.
• Sling bags are worn over your shoulder. They’re usually shaped like a hammock or banana and have a single shoulder strap.

You’ll also want to consider each bag’s comfort and storage space.

Finding a Comfortable Pickleball Bag

Everyone has a different style and preference. A stylish bag might look cool, but those flashy designs don’t guarantee comfort. As nice as it is to have a pickleball bag that matches your personality, you must also balance your individual comfort level.

As a general rule of thumb, each pickleball bag has a purpose:

• Backpacks are great for players with lots of items. Many pickleball backpacks also offer space for heavier items, such as laptops or tablets.
• Cross-body bags are favored by players with few items. While some come with padding to make heavy loads easier to carry, many excel at holding little more than the essentials.
• Try a duffel bag if you have a lot to carry. Like pickleball backpacks, these options often have additional internal storage space for laptops, tablets, and personal items.
• Finally, players with a sling bag often fall between cross-body bags and backpacks. You may have more than the basics, but you probably don’t need to tote around a laptop!

Think About What You’re Bringing

Similarly, you want to think about what you’re bringing to the court. For most, a pickleball bag will hold little more than the basics. A minimalist pickleball loadout includes only three items: an extra pickleball, one pickleball paddle, and a water bottle. Many ladies will carry other items (e.g., keys, makeup, and a wallet) in their purses, but a good pickleball bag has spots for that!

Not sure what you’ll put in your bag? Here’s a list of the most common finds in your everyday pickleball bag:

• Extra clothes for after the game
• Extra paddles for other games
• A first aid kit is perfect for bumps and bruises
• Personal items (e.g., makeup, medicines, and your wallet)
• Shoes to wear home
• Snacks to share with others
• Towels to wick away sweat

Of course, many pickleball players toss all of it into tote bags. You might also see players using an old tennis bag. However, if you’re looking for the best pickleball experience, you’ll probably end up upgrading to a high-quality pickleball bag!

Most of the pickleball bags we’ll be reviewing feature multiple pockets. Some also have a hidden, zippered compartment for your valuables. Again, the best pickleball bags fulfill your individual needs. One person’s perfect bag may be your worst pick! Moreover, a casual once-a-week player probably won’t need all the pricey reinforced stitching found on many professional-grade options.

An All-Around Pleaser: The Franklin Sports Pickleball Backpack

Okay. Enough theory.

Let’s take a look at the best pickleball bags the world has to offer!

I’ll start with the best all-purpose pickleball bag.

The Franklin Sports pickleball backpack is on many “pickleball essentials” lists, and it’s earned its spot! It’s an affordable, lightweight bag with 3 compartments, including dedicated pouches for water bottles. The smaller front section is perfect for holding your extra pickleballs — they might even be the same brand!

As its name implies, the Franklin Sports pickleball backpack features two padded shoulder straps. You’ll also find a built-in fence hook and a ventilated shoe compartment. At just $34.99, this pickleball bag holds a respectable 4.7-star rating on Amazon.

Reviewing This Pickleball Backpack at a Glance

Looking for a shorter version of that? Here it is:

• Price: $34.99
• Current Amazon Rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Colors: 6
• Compartments: 3
• Safety Reflectors: No
• Style: Backpack
• Water-Resistant

What Pickleball Players Love

A thorough review of this bag’s audience reveals many satisfied customers!

It’s a generally durable bag, and its separate ventilated compartment works perfectly to reduce the odor of those sweaty pickleball shoes. Thanks to its wide range of colors and reversible strap, it’s also one of the more stylish pickleball bag picks.

What Could Be Better

Of course, nothing is perfect!

This compact bag may not be the best if you have large feet, as the shoe compartment is somewhat small. Users have also pointed out that the phone pouch is small; larger mobile devices may not fit. It also lacks a hidden zippered pocket for valuable items.

Yes, it will hold all your gear, but it may be a tight squeeze!

Multiple reviews also noted that the Franklin Sports pickleball backpack has somewhat weak zippers, which may fail after a few years of regular use.

A Budget-Friendly Pickleball Bag: The PickleballCentral Duffel Bag

At just $29.99, the PickleballCentral pickleball duffel bag is the best budget-friendly option. Available in black, blue, and green, this simple option might remind you of your high school gym bag. Don’t be fooled, though! It can easily stand up to the pricier Franklin Sports pickleball bag.

In addition to its handle, this duffel bag has a comfortable, adjustable shoulder strap. It includes a dedicated spot for water bottles, a mesh section, a shoe compartment, and a spacious main compartment.

Overall, it’s the perfect pickleball bag for on-the-go players with lots of items and lower organizational needs.

The Duffel Bag at a Glance

Here’s the quick-and-dirty version:

• Price: $29.99
• Current Amazon Rating: 4/5 stars
• Colors: 3
• Compartments: 4
• Safety Reflectors: No
• Style: Sling bag or duffel bag
• Water-Resistant

What Pickleball Players Love

In addition to its amazing price, this basic duffel bag has become many players’ go-to method for storing their pickleball gear. Its spacious main compartment fits plenty of items, and its shoe compartment is just as roomy. To the reader who can never find a bag that fits those big shoes: This is the bag for you!

And forget about “up to four paddles.” You could jam-pack this thing with dozens of paddles!

What Could Be Better

However, this bag is far from stylish. As I said, it’s a lot like your old gym bag. Anyone looking for a hip, stylish bag will probably want to invest a bit more for a nicer-looking one. Moreover, despite its adjustable shoulder straps, many reviewers have noted that the bag is fairly uncomfortable to wear, particularly when it’s full.

If you’re a stickler for organization, avoid this pickleball duffel bag. It has no internal pockets. Reviewers have also bemoaned the lack of dedicated water bottle holder sections.

The Most Functional Pickleball Bag: The Athletico Backpack

How about a functional, dedicated pickleball bag? If you crave organization, desire true comfort, and still want plenty of room for your extra items, you’ll be interested in the Athletico pickleball backpack. Available in 4 colors, this sporty, modern option is pricey, but that $45 tag comes with 10 compartments.

Aside from the main compartment, you get 2 spots for your water bottles, a pouch for your clothes, a laptop slot, plenty of room for your pickleball paddles, a shoe compartment, and three extra sections. All of this is neatly packed into a comfortable, compact bag with adjustable padded straps. Athletico even throws in an extra drawstring pouch as if the multiple pockets weren’t enough!

The Athletico Pickleball Backpack at a Glance

Once again, here’s the fast version of all that:

• Price: $45
• Current Amazon Rating: 4.4/5 stars
• Colors: 4
• Compartments: 10
• Safety Reflectors: Yes
• Style: Backpack
• Waterproof

What Pickleball Players Love

Much like its cousin, the Athletico sling bag, the Athletico pickleball backpack fits multiple paddles and all your pickleball essentials. The isolated shoe compartment provides plenty of ventilation, so you won’t end up with sweat-scented pickleball balls. Moreover, it has more than one zippered compartment, so you can ditch the purse and keep your valuables in one place.

Its adjustable straps offer high-quality comfort, made even better by the padded backing.

What Could Be Better

Despite its many benefits and zippered pockets, the Athletico backpack is surprisingly short. Its capacity maxes out at two pickleball paddles. There are also concerns about the water bottle holder, which is too small to fit many 32-ounce athletic bottles.

Moreover, customers have complained about the zipper quality. Multiple reviews note that the zippered pockets failed after a few years of regular use. One reviewer also pointed out that the bag — while remarkably sturdy — has a non-supported base, resulting in aesthetic sagging.

Glitz, Glamor, and Style: The Queen of the Court Duffel Bag

At $98.97, the Queen of the Court pickleball duffel bag is the most expensive entry on our list. However, its gorgeous design is well worth the price. These bags are made in the USA and perfectly fulfill their role as a practical pickleball bag.

You get all the essentials — the adjustable shoulder strap, multiple compartments, and room for a water bottle. And you get the most visually stunning bag on the pickleball court! There are 6 color options, including “flamingo green and pink,” so there’s a Queen of the Court pickleball bag for everyone. The main compartment holds plenty of pickleball equipment, and attached paddle pockets neatly hold up to 2 paddles.

The Stylish Bag at a Glance

Want to know more about this glamorous duffel bag? Check out these fast facts:

• Price: $98.97
• Current Amazon Rating: 4.9/5 stars
• Colors: 6
• Compartments: 6
• Safety Reflectors: No
• Style: Duffel bag or cross-body bag
• Waterproof

What Pickleball Players Love

Compared to the less expensive duffel bag, the Queen of the Court pickleball bag is the de facto ruler of all things stylish. It comes with adjustable shoulder straps and can be worn as a cross-body bag. You’ll also find 4 water bottle holders and handy zippered pockets.

What Could Be Better

Naturally, the biggest problem with the Queen of the Court duffel bags is the high price. You’re paying for a high-quality pickleball-specific duffel bag, but that’s still a massive investment! Nonetheless, there are few complaints about these stylish holders for your pickleball gear.

The main concern is its size, which may be a bit too big for some casual players.

A Professional Bag: The JOOLA Vision II Pickleball Backpack

What if you’re a dedicated player?

Professional-level pickleballers tend to have more equipment. Your pickleball bag may be stuffed with up to six paddles, two pairs of shoes, countless snacks, and who-knows-what-else! If this sounds like you, it may be time for a professional pickleball bag. It may be time for… the JOOLA Vision II pickleball backpack.

Available in 3 colors, this sporty bag has a fairly high price tag — $59.99. However, that price pays for a super-durable pickleball bag with reinforced stitching and a modern, appealing look. It almost looks like a cross between a backpack and a sling bag.

The JOOLA at a Glance

Looking for something with comfortable, adjustable strap action and an affordable price tag? Here’s a rapid run-down of this delightful pickleball bag:

• Price: $59.99
• Current Amazon Rating: 4.3/5
• Colors: 3
• Compartments: 5
• Safety Reflectors: No
• Style: Backpack
• Water-Resistant

What Pickleball Players Love

This may be the most durable pickleball bag on the list. That hefty price tag pays for the best pickleball bag for rough-and-tumble players. Jam as much as you want into your JOOLA Vision II; it can handle it! The 3 color options — black, blue, and a seafoam green dubbed “petrol” — fit any personality, and the padded shoulder straps are remarkably comfortable.

What Could Be Better

Notably, there are no complaints about this pickleball bag’s durability! Customers agree that it’s one of the best pickleball bags in that category.

However, it’s somewhat small. There are also complaints about the isolated shoe compartment, which is also on the smaller side. So, if you’ve got particularly large feet, you may want to consider a pickleball duffel bag instead.

Honorable Pickleball Bag Mentions

Now, I don’t have time to review every pickleball bag on the planet! Honestly, I don’t think you have time to listen to that, either. I’ve offered a wide variety of options in this post, but there are many more pickleball bags that didn’t get featured.

So, before we end this post, let’s look at some popular picks that I didn’t have time to cover.

The ONIX Pickleball Backpack

• Price: $59.99
• Colors: N/A
• Compartments: 5
• Rating: 4.7/5
• Style: Backpack
• Extras: None

At $59.99, the ONIX pickleball backpack is clearly trying to corner the JOOLA Vision II’s market. It features multiple pockets, space to hold multiple pickleball paddles, and a slightly sportier look — somewhat reminiscent of modern video gaming chairs. It’s comfy, but it’s on the smaller side.

A particularly detailed review of the ONIX pickleball backpack, posted on December 3, 2022, called its main compartment “cavernous” and pointed out that it lacks interior dividers. Its designers also made the perplexing choice to place the water bottle holder inside the bag, so expect condensation to accumulate on anything you put in there!

Unlike our featured pickleball bags, the ONIX pickleball backpack does not have a built-in fence hook, a baffling choice for such a pricey pick.

The Sucipi Pickleball Bag

• Price: $22.99
• Colors: 17
• Compartments: 6
• Rating: 4.7/5
• Style: Sling bag
• Extras: None

With its reversible strap and low price tag, the Sucipi pickleball bag is a frequent facet of pickleball equipment lists. It’s a nice bag for casual players, but its reviews vary. Despite its high overall rating, multiple players have noted that the Sucipi pickleball bag is small, with one reviewer complaining that it barely fit her size 6.5 shoes. Some players have also pointed out that it’s made from a relatively thin material, which has been known to rip with regular use.

It’s certainly a great budget-friendly pick, but you’ll probably want to look at other sling bags if you want a longer-term pickleball bag. Again, I highly recommend the Franklin Sports pickleball bag if you want a high-quality sling-style pick.

Learn and Play More

Okay! Take a deep breath! You’ve made it to the end of the post.

Ready to tackle the pickleball courts?

A nice bag may not make you the best pickleball player, but it will make it easier to play the game! The best pickleball bags will also reflect your unique personality.

(And, as a quick aside, pickleball bags cannot double as tennis bags. However, you can use a tennis bag as a pickleball bag. Pickleball equipment is notably smaller than its closest sporting cousin’s, so you can’t use the same pouch to carry pickleball paddles and tennis rackets. Fortunately for tennis-players-turned-pickleball-players, a tennis racket pouch can carry multiple paddles.)

As you continue your pickleball journey, don’t forget about us! Pickle Goddesses is packed with more tips and tricks, so drop by our blog to learn more about America’s fastest-growing sport.