Our Favorite Pickleball Bags, and What to Pack in Them
Aug 22, 2023
Pickleball might not be a new sport—it dates back to the 1960s—but it’s been gaining popularity in recent years thanks to its sociable style and easy-to-learn rules. To the uninitiated, it looks like a cross between tennis and ping pong, with its solid paddles and shrunken-down court. With rules like underhand serving making it easy for even complete beginners to quickly get a volley going, pickleball is accessible enough that anyone, from kids to seniors, can pick it up. Yet it’s just as good a workout as badminton or tennis.
If you know the rules of tennis, you’re halfway there. But pickleball also has some unique aspects, according to USA Pickleball. For instance, you can’t hit into the “kitchen,” the 7-foot area directly in front of the net; points can only be scored when it’s your turn to serve; and both teammates serve in doubles before play passes to the other team. But similar to tennis, players are responsible for calling faults when the ball goes out of bounds, and the ball can only bounce once before it’s hit to stay in play.
With its rising popularity, there are plenty of dedicated pickleball courts to be found, but you can even use a doubles badminton court or create your own court—a boon if you don’t have a facility nearby, or you simply want to get aworkout in on a budget. You just need a hard surface, so anything from a gym to a driveway will do, as well as something to draw the lines, like sidewalk chalk or painter's tape. In terms of equipment, a net, paddles, and an approved ball will do the trick. But even though the gear is smaller than what you’d use for tennis, you’ll still need a stylish bag to tote it around.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, you can elevate your courtside style with our picks of the best pickleball backpacks. Plus, we share recs for what you should be packing in your bag.
What Makes a Pickleball Bag Great
Investing in a cool pickleball bag that’s built to last is totally worth it. Here’s what to look for.
Paddle sleeve
All the best pickleball bags have a dedicated compartment or sleeve to safely stow your paddles. Bonus points if it’s padded for extra protection and can be accessed separately from the main compartment! That way you don’t have to dig through all your gear to find your paddles, getting you on the court faster.
Ball storage
Paddle storage is good, but extra compartments are great, particularly if you want to store balls. Some bags have a separate stow pouch, while others have smaller zip lock pockets. Look for exterior stash pockets or roomy front compartments to keep your gear easily accessible.
Comfortable and supportive straps
Padded straps are crucial for comfort and posture. Our packs offer straight cut and ergonomic S-curve straps to help you carry the load, plus a padded back panel to add cushioning for the long haul. You should consider a backpack with both hand and shoulder straps for carrying versatility.
Insulated pocket
Out for the whole day? An insulated pocket can help keep your drinks and snacks cool during long games on sunny days. Alternatively, you might want extra room in your pack’s main compartment to fit an insulated lunchbox.
Water bottle holder
You’ll want to carry plenty of water with you to stay hydrated, so ensuring your pickleball backpack has a dedicated spot for bottles will be key. A side pocket keeps your main compartment from getting soggy. And if it’s made from a stretchy material, it can securely fit bottles of all sizes.
Ventilated compartment
A ventilated compartment is ideal if you want to change out of your kicks after a game, but don’t want the smell to sour your snacks. Look for fabrics that won’t hold onto stink or have an antimicrobial or antibacterial treatment. And mesh can help with extra ventilation, too.
Shape and style
The latest pickleball backpacks aren’t your grandma’s gym bag. You need enough space to store your essentials, but it should also be an on-point pack that stands out from the crowd. Our fun, cheeky, and classic packs are roomy enough to stash all your gear.
Best Pickleball Backpack for a Paddle Sleeve
Here’s a hack when you’re looking for a good pickleball bag: A laptop or tablet sleeve can double as a paddle sleeve to keep your gear separated and easy to access. With two main compartments and a large sleeve for optimal space and organization, the classic Cool Student offers plenty of capacity and style. Stash everything you need for the day in one of the main pockets separate from your workout gear, and reserve that extra padded sleeve for easy paddle storage.
This pack is great if you’re toting your gear all day: It also has a fully padded back panel and ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps for long-wear comfort. Like all the bags on our list, it also features a side bottle pocket that can stretch to fit even the largest bottles for hydration on the go. Remember, pickleball is a workout!
The main body of the bag is made of 100% recycled polyester and has a synthetic leather trim. It comes in 17 patterns and shades, ranging from basic black to psychedelic pastel floral, so you’ll be able to find one to match your style.
What makes this pickleball bag great:
● 2 main compartments, a front pocket and 2 exterior stash pockets
● Large-capacity water bottle pocket
● Fully padded back panel
● Ergonomic straps
● 17 pattern and color options
Best Pickleball Backpack for XL Capacity
Got a lot of gear? The Main Campus FX promises to carry it all. Big on volume, compartments, and zippered organization, this backpack offers big bag features and serious brawniness thanks to its durable Cordura® construction.
Similar to the Cool Student, this pack features two main compartments to keep all your gear organized, plus a zippered padded sleeve for paddles. Keep extra pickleballs or your shades in the top stash pocket and stay hydrated thanks to an expandable mesh water bottle pocket that can accommodate water bottles of all sizes.
With all that storage capacity, it’s a good thing the Main Campus FX includes ergonomic straps to give your shoulders a break. The pack’s side compression straps can help you get large loads under control, and the air mesh backing ensures you won’t break a sweat—at least not before you get to the court.
What makes this pickleball bag great:
● 2 main compartments, a separate padded sleeve, front pocket, and small stash pocket
● Large-capacity water bottle pocket
● Ultra-durable Cordura® construction
● A breathable mesh back panel
● Ergonomic straps
● 4 color options
Best Pickleball Backpack for Staying Fresh
Pickleball is undeniably a good workout, but what do you do after you get your sweat on? Change into the fresh set clothes you stashed in the Superbreak® Plus AM, that’s what. The fresh fabric in this special edition pack is treated with Protx2W, a smell-busting agent formulated to combat harmful odor-causing bacteria.
Pair that with the pack's iconic styling and you’ve got a champion pickleball backpack. The psychedelic “space dust” design makes a statement in purples and blues, and the pack’s cushioned back panel and shoulder straps promise to make even heavy loads manageable.
The Superbreak also includes a roomy main compartment for your gear, complete with a padded sleeve perfect for paddles. Don’t forget the subtle side bottle pocket and front pocket with built-in organizer, which will come in handy if you’re headed to the court from work or class.
What makes this pickleball bag great:
● 1 roomy main compartment and front pocket with organizer
● Water bottle pocket
● Recycled polyester material treated with an antimicrobial Protx2W coating
● Fully padded back panel
● Padded straps
Best Recycled Pickleball Backpack
Another great pick to keep your gear fresh, the breathable Eco Mesh Pack is made of 100% recycled polyester mesh. In six subtle colors and not-so-subtle patterns, this pack also features a mesh sleeve to stash your paddles apart from the rest of your gear.
It’s full of all the must-have features you’d expect from a pickleball backpack, including a mesh front pocket for extra pickleballs, comfort-enhancing straps, and a roomy main compartment for gear. Even better, the Eco Mesh Pack has not one, but two stretchy side bottle pockets that can expand to fit large water bottles.
Adjustable padded straps and a fully padded back panel promise you’ll stay comfortable carrying this pack all day. As the most affordable bag of the pickleball bunch, it’s also our bargain pick.
What makes this pickleball bag great:
● 1 roomy main compartment, a mesh sleeve, and front pocket
● 2 large-capacity water bottle pockets
● Recycled polyester mesh construction
● Fully padded back panel
● Padded straps
● 6 color options
Best Versatile Pickleball Backpack Bundle
Up your game with the Big Student Slice of Fun Bundle. This set includes a roomy pack and matching pouch in the quirky “slice of fun” pattern.
The backpack includes all the expected features, including extra-large capacity in two roomy main compartments, a dedicated paddle sleeve, a pair of zippered utility pockets, a front pocket with organizational panel, and a stretchy mesh side bottle pocket. Ergonomic straps and a fully padded back panel complete the package.
You also have the bonus of a petite coordinated pouch with three divided pockets to keep all your loose items organized. Can’t get enough accessories in this perky pattern? It also comes in an insulated lunch pack.
What makes this pickleball bag great:
● 2 roomy main compartments, a separate padded sleeve, 2 exterior stash pockets, and a front pocket with organizer
● Large-capacity water bottle pockets
● Fully padded back panel
● Ergonomic straps
● Included pouch
7 Must-Haves to Pack in Your Pickleball Backpack
So, you’ve got yourself a dope pickleball backpack—now you need to kit it out.
● Quality pickleball paddles: Different paddles offer varied weight, balance, and grip which can all completely change your game. Choose the right one for you and then pack a spare.
● Extra pickleballs: Because you want to get right back at it after dink shots, falafels, and dillballs.
● Hydration and snacks: Refuel regularly to maintain focus and endurance.
● Microfiber towel: This can be a game-changer. Use it for wicking away sweat or drying your hands for better grip mid-play.
● First aid kit: Just a small one, just in case.
● Clean clothes: This can be handy in case of a downpour, or if you get particularly sweaty on the court. It’s also a good idea to carry a couple of extra pairs of socks for the same reason!
● High-protein snacks: Get a quick energy release from whole-food snacks like bananas, nuts, or a peanut butter smoothie to help you power through a tough game.
Maintaining and Cleaning Your Pickleball Backpack
Just like a well-oiled machine, a clean and well-maintained pickleball backpack will help you stay on your A-game. Don’t wait for your pack to look (and smell) like it’s been in a mud-wrestling match before you clean it.
Empty it out after each game, wipe it out and clean dirty marks with a damp cloth, air dry it if needed, and then restock it for your next outing. All you need to apply is cool water; avoid bleach or harsh detergents to maintain the fabric. And be sure not to get any suede or leather trim wet! For particularly stubborn spots, try a dedicated backpack stain remover that’s formulated to work with the heavy-duty fabrics used in durable bags.
Rocking up to a pickleball court well-prepared can improve your gameplay, and you might just find you enjoy pickleball much more when you have the right kit close at hand.
With additional reporting by: Nicole Price Fasig
