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How To Choose the Right Pickleball Bag for You

May 12, 2023

Learning how to choose the right pickleball bag for you helps you put all your essentials in one secure place without having to fumble things around.


A pickleball player always has their shoes, paddle, balls, and water bottle on hand. An alternative to lugging everything you need to the court in your arms, a pickleball bag can make your life easier and accessing your equipment a breeze. But with the various options, knowing how to choose the right pickleball bag for you comes down to numerous factors you must iron out. 

What Should I Pack?

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of what you should look for in a pickleball bag, let’s explain what every pickleball bag should have. A pickler must first consider their equipment, which entails bringing paddles and balls. We pluralize each thing because having extras with you is advantageous if a paddle breaks or you have a misshaped ball. You don’t want to pack everything up within 15 minutes of starting because you’re empty handed. 

Small towels are also helpful to have in your bag. You shouldn’t let your sweat drip onto your paddle, potentially affecting your grip while taking shots.  
Accidents and injuries can happen regardless of the sport you play, and pickleball is no exception. It’s wise to have first aid items on hand if you get a cut or experience gut-wrenching pain from a sprain. Bandages, pain relievers, and alcohol wipes can help you make the best of a crummy situation. 
Lastly, apparel items are nice if you break a hardcore sweat and don’t want to play in drenched clothes. A pair of socks, a clean shirt, and extra shorts/pants help, as does a jacket, visor, and sunglasses. 

What’s Your Type?
The first decision to make is the type of bag you want for hauling your pickleball gear. Pickleball bags come in various sizes, styles, and hues. It’s up to you to decide whether you need a large, cumbersome bag to fit all your goodies or want a cumbersome bag that’s kinder on your back. 
Many prefer traditional backpacks because they allow you to keep both hands free when carrying heavy equipment. At the same time, others choose tote bags or knapsacks since they are more convenient to grab and go. Messenger bags are another popular option because they let you grab things quickly without having to dig through paddles, balls, shoes, and whatever else you bring.
As with most things you must consider for choosing the right pickleball bag, it boils down to a matter of preference. There’s no right or wrong type of bag as long as it works for you. 

Bigger Isn’t Always Better 
The size of your bag may differ based on who you play with and how often you play. If you frequent the court with your living partner, opting for a large bag with enough room for both of your things is the way to go. On the other hand, if you show up to the scene by yourself to play a game with anyone down for a challenge, a small bag will suffice. 
At the very least, a pickleball bag should have room for two paddles and some wiggle room to store other necessities. It doesn’t make much sense to purchase a massive bag to carry a couple of paddles for yourself. 

Easy To Carry
Even if you have a specific type and size of bag in mind, it isn’t very sensible if it’s not comfortable to carry. The primary purpose of the pickleball bag of your choice is to make your life easier and not strain yourself. You’ll want to check and see if the bag includes straps that evenly distribute the weight of the load, or else your shoulders and arms will not be happy with your decision. 
Before all else, comfort should be the top priority as you debate which bag you want to get, making adjustability vital. Is the bag’s structure modifiable in any way? Do the straps have any wiggle room to help them fit? You may change up your carry options using a bag’s detachable strap. Some bags, however, have compression bands preventing contents from moving around in transit.

Extra Compartments 
A bag with several pockets or sections will come in handy for keeping your stuff tidy. Separating your equipment from your apparel is a big selling point for many individuals. Some bags also feature practical side mesh pockets for storing food and beverages. 
Ventilated compartments for shoes and filthy clothing are a welcome addition after a day of outdoor fun. Although more storage space isn’t strictly necessary, it may be useful for keeping items organized and easy to find. 

Quality & Durable
Invest in a high-quality pickleball bag that will withstand many matches. Bags made of nylon or polyester are good options because of their resilience. Avoid cheaper materials like plastic or vinyl since they break easily and wear out quickly from constant use.
Examine for reinforced handles or straps and double-stitched seams. These details will ensure your bag doesn’t fall apart at the seams. Quality and durability go together seamlessly. A well-made bag will save you money in the long term and provide you with years of worry-free use.

Its Look
It’s naive to think material things like the style of the bag don’t affect our buying decisions. It’s safe to assume style ranks above all else in many folks’ hierarchy of needs—and that’s okay! You may choose a pickleball bag in any design, from the most utilitarian to the chicest. You should keep a bag that reflects your style while meeting your needs for comfort and transportability.

The Cost
A quality pickleball bag doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank. Spending more up front on something of higher quality and durability is always a good idea, particularly when the value of a pickleball bag is usually proportionate to its cost.
It’s easy to fixate on the price when comparing all these features and benefits. Still, it’s crucial it doesn’t dictate your decision. If the bag checks all your boxes, feels great, and is of premium quality, its price shouldn’t trump its advantages. 
Hopefully, this guide on choosing the right pickleball bag for you will help you make the best decision for making your life easier. Fromuth Pickleball has several bags that fit multiple people’s criteria, so please browse our selection today to find the one that stands out to you! 


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