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Are you looking for the best pickleball backpack to buy in 2023? Well, you've come to the right place!
For anyone who's into pickleball, a backpack is an essential item. You need something comfortable and practical to carry all your gear.
But what makes the best pickleball backpack? That answer depends on several factors: size, weight capacity, durability, and price—the list goes on!
Fortunately, we've done the research for you and put together a list of the 10 best pickleball backpacks for 2023.
The best pickleball backpacks in 2023: top 5 picks
Don't have time to read the whole article? That's okay! Here's a look at our top five picks, all of which provide handy storage on and off the court:
- Franklin Sports Pickleball Bag: best pickleball backpack overall and official equipment for the US Open
- ONIX Pro Team Backpack: best pickleball backpack for storage and great for tournaments out of town
- LISH Game Point Backpack: best multi-use pickleball backpack (and so stylish!)
- Franklin Pro Series Pickleball Bag: best pickleball backpack for durability, able to withstand anything
- ZOEA Pickleball Bag: best budget-friendly pickleball bag—under $20!
How we picked the best pickleball backpacks
To serve up a smashing list of the 10 best pickleball backpacks for 2023, we sifted through hundreds of online reviews from sites like Pickleball Central and Amazon to find out which backpacks people loved.
We rated each backpack against five key criteria to give you a well-rounded assessment of their overall performance, researching tirelessly to bring you an unbiased and comprehensive selection:
- Storage: a great pickleball backpack should have plenty of room to carry your gear, from paddles and balls to water bottles. We assessed each backpack, noting the number and types of compartments, such as dedicated pockets for your paddle and other equipment.
- Durability: nobody wants a pickleball backpack that'll fall apart after just a few trips to the court. We put durability front and center, hunting down the bags crafted from high-quality materials that'll stand the test of time.
- Design: style isn't everything, but who doesn't want a backpack that looks as great as it functions? In our search for the best pickleball backpacks, we prioritized options that boast eye-catching designs along with a practical and comfortable fit.
- Features: the best pickleball backpacks come with a little extra pizzazz when it comes to handy features to make life easier. We looked for bags with unique additions, like cooler pockets and padded straps, that will enhance your pickleball experience.
- Price: last but not least, the all-important price. Not everyone has an unlimited budget, so we balanced quality and affordability in our top picks.
1. Franklin Sports Pickleball Bag
Best overall pickleball backpack ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Franklin Sports Pickleball Bag was named the official US Open Pickleball Championship Sling Bag for a reason—it has all the features that pickleball players want and need.
Spacious enough to fit six paddles, several X-40 performance pickleballs, and other essentials.
The Franklin Sports Pickleball Bag is lightweight and comfortable to carry, with adjustable shoulder straps, and a breathable mesh back panel.
There's also a handy pocket for storing small items. And if you're looking for a stylish bag, it also comes in five cool color combinations.
If you're looking for an all-rounder that has all the bells and whistles, the Franklin Sports Pickleball Bag is for you.
Price: $34.99
Pros:
- Very spacious despite the compact size
- Best value product for its price
- Very durable; built to last
Cons:
- Not padded for extra protection
- Not waterproof
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 19.02" x 12.99" x 0.98"
- Weight: 15.2 oz
- Manufacturer: Franklin Sports, Inc.
- ASIN: B06XTWH148
2. ONIX Pro Team Backpack
Best pickleball backpack for gear storage ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The ONIX Pro Team Backpack includes five zippered storage compartments, making it an excellent choice for pickleball players who need serious carrying capacity.
It has a padded compartment for your pickleball paddles and a separate spot for shoes or sweaty clothes.
The Pro Team Backpack is the ideal choice if you're traveling for competition, as the multiple storage pockets will come in handy for storing everything you need for a long day on the court.
Price: $89.99
Pros:
- Lots of storage compartments
- Ergonomic straps for maximum carrying comfort
- Very durable construction
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other pickleball backpacks
- Limited color options
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 19" x 14" x 9"
- Weight: 2.16 lbs
- Manufacturer: ONIX
- ASIN: B0778VJXRX
3. LISH Game Point Backpack
Best pickleball backpack for multi-purpose use ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The LISH Game Point Backpack is an excellent choice if you're looking for a diverse backpack that you can use for pickleball, tennis, squash, and other sports.
This spacious backpack is primarily designed as a racket holder for tennis. However, it's also roomy enough to carry pickleball paddles, balls, and other pickleball essentials.
With a stylish design made from textured fabrics, you'll make a statement every time you hit the court. And the best part? It's under $20!
Price: $19.99
Pros:
- Multi-use backpack for pickleball and other sports
- Roomy enough to store pickleball gear, balls, and accessories
- Comes with a shoe compartment
Cons:
- Paddle pockets do not have a tailored or specific fit
- Storage can become limited when carrying a lot of items
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 15.5" x 9.9" x 2.5"
- Weight: 1 lb
- Manufacturer: LISH
- ASIN: B07SD5Q6T3
4. Franklin Sports Premium Backpack
Best pickleball backpack for comfort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Franklin Sports Premium Backpack gives the brand a second entry on this list.
This pickleball backpack is designed for maximum comfort, with adjustable straps and an airflow back panel.
Other features include padded shoulder straps, lined zippered pockets to protect your pickleball essentials, and a mesh pouch for storing your water bottle.
It doesn't disappoint in the storage department either—with different compartments for organizing pickleball paddles, balls, clothing, and other extras.
The Franklin Sports Premium bag is an excellent pickleball backpack choice for pickleball players who are focused on comfort and practicality.
Price: $49.99
Pros:
- Padded, ergonomically-styled bag for maximum comfort
- Extra storage for convenient organization and easy access
- Features built-in fence hook
Cons:
- Zippers get loose quickly after constant use
- A limited number of color options
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 13" x 9" x 20"
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Manufacturer: Franklin Sports, Inc.
- ASIN: B07CZK5PRP
5. ZOEA Pickleball Bag
Best budget-friendly pickleball backpack ⭐️⭐️⭐️
For less than $20, the ZOEA Pickleball Bag is one of the most affordable bags on the market but doesn't skimp on any of the features you'll need.
A fence hook, headphone jack, water bottle pocket, and padded main compartment are all included.
The bag is also made with lightweight and durable 600D nylon material and polyester fabric for added durability and comfort.
Price: $19.98
Pros:
- Affordable price tag
- Includes secret anti-theft pocket
Cons:
- Smaller than some other bags on the market
- Doesn't stand up to daily use
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 18" x 12" x 6"
- Weight: 0.92 lbs
- Manufacturer: Zoea
- ASIN: B07XNWQ4FQ
6. Athletico Pickleball Backpack
Best pickleball backpack for women ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Athletico Pickleball Backpack is exclusively designed for women, making it a must-have for pickleball players who want a stylish and practical bag.
This backpack offers a unique design: a hybrid of a sling bag and a tote, with one long adjustable strap that can be worn either as a crossbody or over the shoulder.
Style is not the only thing the Athletico Pickleball Backpack can offer. It's also lightweight, durable, and decently spacious for its size.
More than 1,300 Amazon reviewers give it 4.6 stars, plus Athletico offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.
Price: $49.99
Pros:
- Versatile hybrid design
- Comes with a water bottle holder
- Hidden anti-theft pocket for valuables
Cons:
- Limited storage space
- Only two color options
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 20" x 14" x 6"
- Manufacturer: Athletico
- ASIN: B07S6BYCRT
7. Franklin Pro Series Pickleball Bag
Best pickleball backpack for durability ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For the Franklin Pro Series Pickleball Bag, toughness is the name of the game. It is part of the Ben Johns collection—named after one of the greatest professional pickleball players in the world.
This pickleball backpack is designed to withstand harsh conditions and extended use, with heavy-duty nylon construction and reinforced stitching.
While it's a bit more expensive than most, it will probably be the last pickleball bag you'll ever buy. It can be carried as a duffle but also has shoulder straps to act as a backpack and will carry everything you need for tournament play.
Price: $139.99
Pros:
- Made with sturdy material for maximum durability
- Comes with additional space for your shoes
- Padded compartments to keep items safe and secure
Cons:
- More expensive than most pickleball backpacks
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 24.4" x 11.4" x 11.4"
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Manufacturer: Franklin Sports, Inc.
8. Engage Travel Elite Backpack
Best pickleball backpack for travel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Engage Travel Elite Backpack is for pickleball players who are always on the go.
This backpack comes with several compartments with adequate space to store various pickleball accessories and essentials. It is also built with travel in mind, featuring an external USB connector, a trolly strap, and a TSA checkpoint-friendly design.
If you're jumping on a plane or packing for a road trip, the Engage Travel Elite Backpack will avoid any wasted time.
Price: $69.99
Pros:
- Multi-compartment backpack with a secure and organized design
- Padded laptop compartment
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Limited design choices
- No shoe compartment
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 19" x 15.5" x 11"
- Manufacturer: Engage
- Material: Heavy-duty nylon
9. OutdoorMaster Crossbody Sling Bag
Best hybrid pickleball backpack ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Backpacks are great, but what if you want to use a sling bag for your next match? Buying two separate bags is a viable option, but with the OutdoorMaster Crossbody Sling Bag, you can have the best of both worlds.
Designed as a hybrid bag with the versatility of both a backpack and a sling bag, this backpack is lightweight and compact yet spacious at the same time.
You'll be pleasantly surprised by the ample storage space in the compartments of the OutdoorMaster Crossbody Sling Bag—it's versatile enough to fit all your pickleball necessities.
Add the fact that the zippers are smooth and well-built, and you've got a perfect pickleball bag for any activity.
Price: $25.99
Pros:
- Hybrid design for versatile use
- Spacious and lightweight for easy carrying and storage
- Smooth zippers for secure closure
Cons:
- Not as durable as other bags on the market
- Straps lack any cushioning
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 17.9" x 11.7" x 4"
- Weight: 1 lb
- Manufacturer: OutdoorMaster
- ASIN: B07BZYRYFR
10. Amazin' Aces Premium Pickleball Backpack
Best pickleball backpack with side pockets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Amazin' Aces Premium backpack is an exception—it features not one, not two, but three side pockets! Two are zippered and padded for your phone or keys, while the other is a long mesh pocket to store pickleballs.
Able to fit four paddles inside, you'll have everything you need for a doubles match!
Price: $39.99
Pros:
- Versatile external mesh side pocket for ball storage
- Durable, lightweight, and breathable material
- Roomy main compartment with two zippered side pockets
Cons:
- No shoe or clothing compartment
- Cloth fence loop can wear over time
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 19.25" x 10" x 4.5"
- Weight: 1.92 lbs
- Manufacturer: Amazin' Aces
- ASIN: B07SPJ73WM
How to choose the best backpack for pickleball
There are several important e to take into account when looking for the best pickleball bags. We've narrowed the main features to consider:
Compartments
A good pickleball backpack should have multiple compartments to store your items. It should have a main compartment for the bulk of your gear and several smaller ones for extra balls, smaller pieces of equipment, and other accessories.
Weight
The weight of the bag is important, as you don't want it to be too heavy when loaded up with all your gear. Look for bags made from lightweight yet durable materials, such as ripstop nylon or polyester.
Durability
It's not just the material of the bag that matters; it's also the construction quality. Make sure that all of the seams are double-stitched for added strength and durability. Look for bags with reinforced bottom panels, and check the zipper quality to ensure they won't break easily.
Protection
Pickleball bags should provide some level of protection for your gear. Look for padded compartments and panels to protect your paddles and balls from damage, as well as waterproofing or water-resistant materials to keep everything dry in the rain.
Comfort
A good pickleball backpack should be comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded with your gear. Look for bags with adjustable shoulder straps and back panels with breathable materials, such as mesh or foam.
Reviews are a great way to get a feel for how comfortable the bag is.
Adjustability
Do you play other racket sports or just pickleball? An adjustable bag that can accommodate different sizes of paddles and other sports gear is helpful for players who have varied interests.
Price
Unless you are ready for the professional pickleball scene, a mid-range bag should suit your needs. You can find quality bags for less than $100, but if you want something extra special, expect to pay more. For the casual player, some very budget-friendly options can even come in under $20!
Does the brand name matter?
While any brand can provide a quality backpack, there are some better-known names in the pickleball bag industry. Franklin, Wilson, and Onix are just a few of the brands that make excellent pickleball backpacks.
These companies have years of experience in designing and manufacturing sports bags for racket sports like tennis, squash, and badminton—and their pickleball backpacks are no different! Going with a trusted brand is a safe bet when it comes to quality and durability.
Duffle bags vs sling bags vs backpacks
When it comes to pickleball bags, there are three main types:
- Duffle: these are great for carrying and storing all kinds of gear, including paddles, balls, and other accessories. They're usually large enough to fit everything you need in one bag. However, they can be bulky and difficult to carry around for long periods.
- Sling: these offer easy access to your items but with the added benefit of being easier to move around than a duffle bag. The downside is that they don't have as much room or compartments as a regular backpack.
- Backpack: the traditional backpack has plenty of space and compartments, is easy to carry around, and provides lots of protection for your gear.
What to pack in your pickleball backpack
Your pickleball backpack will be your main source of storage, so it's important to make sure you have all the essentials.
Start with the basics: two paddles and at least one can of balls. You can also pack an extra pair of clothes, a water bottle, hats or visors for sun protection, and some snacks to keep your energy levels up during long games.
If you're playing in cold weather or rain, consider packing a waterproof jacket or poncho as well.
Bottom line
It pays to do a little research before buying a pickleball backpack, but luckily we've done it for you! Any of the recommendations above would be a great option for your pickleball gear.
Just make sure to double-check the features, size, and weight capacity so you can find the perfect bag for your playing needs before you find a court near you!
