You found a pickleball court near you, you have all the gear, but what are you going to carry it all in? Your gym bag? A duffel?

Did you know there are bags specifically made to carry pickleball paddles, balls, and everything else you’ll need to dominate the court?

If not - don’t worry. In this article, we’ll help you understand what qualities you should consider when buying pickleball bags.

How to Choose the Best Bags for Pickleball

If you want to get the most out of your pickleball game, you need to have a bag that can comfortably and securely hold all of your gear, and last longer than a few trips to the court.

Here are some factors you should keep in mind when shopping for the best pickleball bag:

Type

You can find pickleball bags in different shapes, sizes, and colors. You may want a bag that's small and easy to carry or one that has room for all your gear (and then some).

Some people prefer backpacks because they evenly distribute the weight and leave your hands free. Others like shoulder bags or totes because they're easy to grab on the go. And still others like messenger bags because they offer quick access to everything inside.

Think about how you like to carry your things and choose a bag that will work best for you.

Size

Are you carrying just your gear or a partner's too? Do you want to be able to pack a change of clothes and a few snacks?

You can find pickleball bags in different sizes, from small packs that hold just your paddle and balls to large ones that have room for all your gear. A good pickleball bag will hold at least 2 paddles and have additional pockets for accessories.

Think about how much stuff you need to carry and choose a bag that will fit everything comfortably.

Comfort

You don't want to kill yourself by hauling a huge bag around. If you're carrying a lot of gear, make sure the bag has straps that distribute weight evenly.

You should also look for bags with padded shoulder straps or handles to make carrying them more comfortable.

Adjustability

Is there some flexibility in the design of the bag? Can you adjust the straps to make them fit better?

Some bags have removable straps so you can carry them in different ways. Others have compression straps that help keep everything inside from shifting around.

Compartments

You'll want a bag with compartments or pockets to help keep everything organized. Some bags have special compartments for paddles or balls. Others have mesh pockets on the sides for water bottles or snacks. A nice feature to look for is a vented pocket for your shoes or dirty clothes, which can get smelly after a long day out playing. 

Extra compartments aren't essential, but they can be helpful if you want to keep things separate and easy to find.

Quality

If you're going to invest in a pickleball bag, get a well-made one that will last through many games. Look for bags made from durable materials like nylon or polyester.

Avoid bags made from cheap materials like plastic or vinyl - they're more likely to tear and won't stand up to the wear and tear of being lugged around.

You should also look for double-stitched seams and reinforced handles or straps. These features will help make sure your bag doesn't fall apart after a few uses

Durability

This goes hand-in-hand with quality. You want a bag that can withstand being thrown in the trunk or tossed around on the court. A well-made bag will be durable and last longer, saving you money in the long run while also never causing frustration or stress.

Style

Don't feel like you need to get your bag from the sporting goods store. You can find pickleball bags in all sorts of styles, from basic to trendy. If you want a bag that shows off your personality, go for it! Even if you are playing at a high level, you can still find a bag that's both stylish and functional.

Price

You don't need to spend a fortune to get a good pickleball bag. However, it's worth spending a little extra to get something that's well-made and will last longer. With pickleball bags, you often get what you pay for. 

The Vulcan pickleball bag line offers a wide selection from a simple paddle cover to a water-resistant duffel. These bags are made for players of all levels, from beginners to pickleball pros. 

The Vulcan VPRO Backpack was designed to meet many of the criteria above. It features two paddle compartments, four accessory pockets, and a vented pocket for your shoes. For most players, this bag is all they’ll need to carry. 

When you’re going through these qualities and features, sometimes it’s easy to get stuck on one thing: price. No one wants to pay more than they have to for pickleball bags. But if you aren’t willing to spend a little bit upfront, you’ll end up with something you have to replace before long. 

Remember, you’re looking for a balance of these things - quality, style, and comfort are just as important as price. 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a new bag to carry your pickleball gear, remember to start with your preferred type and get a size that will hold all your gear. 

Pay close attention to features like adjustability and compartments, and also make sure it scores high in comfort. 

Lastly, choose a brand known for quality and durability and find a price point that works for your budget. Your pickleball gear is one of the most important parts of your game, so make sure you get a quality bag to carry it all in. 

And don't forget, Vulcan customer service is here to help! If you have any questions about bags, contact sales@vulcansportinggoods.com.

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This post was written by Pickleheads. Pickleheads is a digital home for pickleball information, including a large directory of pickleball courts and detailed "how-to" guides.