Best Pickleball Backpacks
There are many backpacks to choose from and in this article, we review some of the best pickleball backpacks on the market.
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The ONIX Pickleball Backpack is one of the best pickleball bags for a player who prefers a large backpack. It’s very roomy – in fact, this is what it’s known for. It also has a shoe pocket and separate compartments along with a large main section. It gets top reviews.
The Athletico Pickleball Backpack one of the best pickleball bags for players who want a spacious, quality, lightweight backpack, and a shoe pocket. I hate having a backpack or bag that’s heavy before I add my paddles, balls, shoes etc… I like this one because it doesn’t break my back.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
ONIX Pickleball BackpackTop Pick
| Amazon |
Athletico Pickleball BackpackBest Lightweight
| Amazon |
Franklin Pickleball BackpackGood Value
| Amazon |
Best Pickleball Backpacks
ONIX Pickleball Backpack
- # of paddles: up to 12
- Colors: 1
- Shoulder Straps: reversible, adjustable shoulder straps
- Water bottle holder: No
- Shoe compartment: Yes
- Features: 5 separate sections, mesh panels for cooling
What We Like:
- Different large compartments comfortably hold multiple pickleball paddles, balls, extra clothing, sunglasses, food etc..
- 5 separate compartments make it easy to organize your gear
- Breathable mesh panels on the front and back to help keep you cool during warm weather
- 1 large shoe compartment can accommodate large-size court shoes
- Can easily hold 4 paddles along with other items, and up to 12 depending on what else you’re carrying
What We Don’t Like:
- No compartment for a water bottle
- Some consumers would like an insulated compartment that’s large enough for a water bottle and snacks, food etc..
- The insulated pocket is very small and not large enough to be functional
- Doesn’t have a fence hook but you could use a carabiner
Summary: ONIX is well known for its high-quality pickleball paddles and pickleball balls.
Players appreciate that this backpack is durable, has great functionality, and is large, knowing it’s been designed with pickleball players in mind.
It really is one of the best pickleball backpacks available on the market.
This ONIX bag is large enough to hold all your pickleball gear including multiple paddles and some consumers report that they carry up to 5 in the bag and swear you could carry up to 12 if you don’t need room for anything else.
I know my pickleball coach used this to carry around the demo paddles that he loaned out (he’s a sales rep for Gearbox pickleball paddles).
And it’s true, he carried at least 12 paddles.
And the bag stood up which meant he didn’t need to worry about the paddles or balls falling out.
Athletico Pickleball Backpack
- # of paddles: 4
- Colors: 4
- Shoulder Straps: adjustable shoulder straps
- Water bottle holder: Yes, 2
- Shoe compartment: Yes, ventilated shoe pocket
What We Like:
- Holds 2 pickleball paddles in a padded exterior pocket and 2 paddles in a padded interior pocket
- Lightweight design
- 2 water bottle pockets
- Includes a hidden fence hook
- Ventilated shoe pocket at the bottom of the bag
- Very roomy main compartment with extra space that can easily hold paddles, a change of clothes, and other accessories
- Clip-on mesh drawstring bags for holding pickleball balls can be handy
- 4 different colors which is great considering most other brands of pickleball bags, pickleball backpacks, or tennis bags have 1 standard color
- Color options: Black/black, black/blue, black/pink, black/red
What We Don’t Like:
- Some minor quality issues with the zipper
- Some players don’t think the shoe pocket is big enough
Summary:
Although not as popular as the ONIX and Amazin’ Aces pickleball backpacks, I feel this Athletico backpack offers a ton of value and is the perfect bag at a reasonable price.
It has comfortable shoulder straps, room for 4 pickleball paddles, and 1 pair of shoes with several accessory pockets for small items, and personal belongings, in addition to the main compartment.
Most players feel that the bag has plenty of room in the different compartments and there’ll be no problem carrying at least 2 paddles, a pair of shoes up to a Men’s size 11, along with all the other pickleball gear that you cart with you.
One feature that got my attention is that the backpack is lightweight which means you’re not hauling a really heavy bag around and an even heavier bag once you load it up.
It’s lightweight and this is the main difference between this Athletico backpack, the ONIX and Amazin Aces backpacks.
A heavy backpack, even when empty, is a pet peeve of mine and many female players have this complaint.
I’m always looking for a dedicated pickleball bag or backpack that won’t break my back.
I would say that this is a great backpack for women and men because it’s lightweight.
Franklin Pickleball Backpack
- # of paddles: 1+
- Colors: 1
- Shoulder Straps: padded, adjustable straps
- Water bottle holder: Yes, 1
- Shoe compartment: No
What We Like:
- 1 paddle pocket outside of the bag
- Can hold multiple inside the main compartment
- Heavy, durable fabric
- Includes a hidden fence hook that can be pulled out for hanging on a fence
- Hidden pocket that is fleece lined and perfect for valuables such as keys, cell phone, sunglasses, and keys
- Very roomy main compartment with plenty of space that can easily hold paddles, a change of clothes, and other accessories
What We Don’t Like:
- Some complaints about paddles falling out of the exterior holder
- Not enough internal pockets or dedicated space for storing and organizing all the pickleball essentials
Summary:
The Franklin backpack is a durable bag.
In fact, some players comment that it’s too durable.
Not sure how or why that’s a problem but some players just find it a little too bulky due to the heavy fabric.
But if you’re looking for the kind of bag that is really going to withstand wear and tear, I think this is a great bag and the most durable backpack on our list.
This backpack has a lot of space and is a good price.
Many pickleball enthusiasts love it and feel that it works well – in fact, I’ve seen it around the pickleball courts plenty of times.
Given that it’s only available in one color, I wonder if people ever confuse their own bag with other bags.
Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Backpack
- # of paddles: multiple
- Colors: 1
- Shoulder Straps: adjustable shoulder straps
- Water bottle holder: No
- Shoe compartment: Yes
What We Like:
- Large size can easily hold multiple pickleball paddles and other pickleball accessories
- Exterior pocket specifically for balls
- Padded backing and shoulder straps make this pack very comfortable
- Customer service
- Interior pocket for personal items such as keys
What We Don’t Like:
- Some issues with quality but Amazin Aces does a good job of rectifying the problems
- No fence hook for hanging on the fence at the back of the pickleball court
Summary: Amazin Aces, another well-known manufacturer of pickleball paddles has done a great job designing this pickleball backpack.
This paddle bag is a great choice because it’s large enough to easily accommodate several paddles, balls, and other gear that you might need.
The outside mesh pocket for pickleball balls is a nice feature that means you’re not digging around the bottom of your bag for a ball.
With a couple of extra pockets on the inside, you can easily organize your personal items such as keys, cell phones, and sunglasses.
Although there isn’t a specific phone pocket, the multiple interior and exterior pockets give plenty of options.
One of the pockets is insulated although it’s small and really won’t hold very much.
But, if you want to keep your beverages cold or hot, check out this insulated water bottle.
Learn more about Amazin Aces pickleball paddles.
The shoe compartment is another great feature that allows you to store pickleball shoes in a compartment that keeps them separate from everything else.
It does eat up a bit of space from the large compartment but if keeping smelly, dirty pickleball shoes tucked away is a priority, then this bag does the job.
Overall, players who want a large-ish backpack with some ability to organize their stash and easily grab a pickleball when needed, appreciate this Amazin Aces pickleball backpack.
Fila Backpack
- # of paddles: multiple
- Colors: 2
- Shoulder Straps: adjustable straps
- Water bottle holder: Yes
- Shoe compartment: Yes
What We Like:
- Has a large insulated pocket, large enough for a water bottle, and an energy drink
- Very roomy main compartment with extra space that can easily hold paddles, a change of clothes, and other accessories
- A separate shoe pocket that is handy
- Outside zippered pockets are great for keys and cellphone
What We Don’t Like:
- Some quality issues with the zipper
- Shoe pocket can only be accessed from the bottom of the bag
- Price point
Summary: Well known for its tennis equipment and apparel, this Fila backpack has been designed with the tennis player in mind but it’s a good bag for pickleball equipment as well.
It’s large enough to hold several paddles, balls, accessories etc… And the outside pockets are the best option for storing smaller items that you want easy access to, like sunglasses, chapstick, kleenex etc… making it much simpler to find what you want instead of digging to the bottom of the bag.
HEAD Pickleball Backpack
- # of paddles: 1+
- Colors: 1
- Shoulder Straps: padded, adjustable straps
- Water bottle holder: Yes, 1
- Shoe compartment: Yes, vented
What We Like:
- Holds 2 pickleball paddles in a padded compartment
- Has a large main compartment with zippered accessory pocket
- Removable glove cord
- Fence hook included
What We Don’t Like:
- Some minor concerns over quality
- Price
Summary:
This HEAD pickleball backpack is definitely worth mentioning.
It’s a good size and with a large interior compartment, you’ll be able to easily carry your paddles and other gear.
If you like HEAD pickleball paddles, check out the HEAD Radical Elite pickleball paddle.
I’ve been playing with it for a couple of months. I like it.
It has a decent sweet spot and is easy to handle.
But back to the backpack. Pickleball players are happy with it.
If you like the HEAD brand, then it’s a good option. Personally, I think it’s a bit pricey.
If you’re a tennis or racquetball player, your racquet will stick out the top.
Wilson RF DNA Tennis Backpack
Wilson makes several tennis bags. And they make a few bags and backpacks that can easily be used for pickleball.
Here are a few tennis backpacks that can easily be used for pickleball:
- # of paddles: 2
- Colors: 1
- Shoulder Straps: padded, adjustable straps
- Water bottle holder: No
- Shoe compartment: Yes
What We Like:
- Holds 2 pickleball paddles
- Locking zipper
- Large main compartment
- Fleece-lined accessory pocket
What We Don’t Like:
- No outside pocket for water bottle
- Price
Wilson Super Tour Blade Tennis Backpack
- # of paddles: 2
- Colors: 1
- Shoulder Straps: padded, adjustable straps
- Water bottle holder: No
- Shoe compartment: No
What We Like:
- Holds 2 pickleball paddles
- Locking zipper
- Thermoguard lining to protect food against heat
What We Don’t Like:
- No outside pocket for water bottle
- Price
Wilson Team Tennis Backpack
- # of paddles: 2
- Colors: 1
- Shoulder Straps: padded, adjustable straps
- Water bottle holder: Yes
- Shoe compartment: No
What We Like:
- Holds 2 pickleball paddles
- Lockable zipper
- Thermoguard lining to protect food against heat
- Hook for hanging
What We Don’t Like:
- Price
Wilson Tennis Backpacks for Ladies
- # of paddles: 2
- Colors: 1
- Shoulder Straps: padded, adjustable straps
- Water bottle holder: Yes
- Shoe compartment: Yes
What We Like:
- Holds 2 pickleball paddles
- Lockable zipper
- Removable shoe bag
What We Don’t Like:
- Price
This Wilson Tennis backpack is a great option for ladies who like a tennis or pickleball backpack that is more fashionable than sporty. It’s functional and a great alternative to the traditional tennis backpack or pickleball backpack.
Summary – Best Pickleball Paddle Backpack
If you’re looking for a new pickleball paddle that will help you take your game to the next level, check out my article on the Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin. Or, if you’re newer to the game, have a look at the Best Pickleball Paddles for beginners.
Hopefully, this article has helped narrow down which pickleball bag will work best for your needs.
If you’re not sure whether a pickleball backpack will work for you, consider a sling bag.
Take a look at this review of the best pickleball bags. It’s helpful and can help narrow down your options.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Pickleball backpacks are great if you’re looking for a bag that will be comfortable and roomy and fits all your gear. Players like the ONIX Pickleball Backpack because it has a separate shoe compartment. But it doesn’t have a water bottle holder Look at the Fila Pickleball Backpack instead.
- The Athletico Pickleball Backpack is lightweight and will fit a lot of pickleball equipment. There’s plenty of room with a large main section, multiple pockets, a shoe compartment, and 2 water bottle holders. It’s a great option for players who want the room but without the weight.
- Pickleball sling bags are another great option. Sling bags like the Franklin Sports Pickleball Bag are a great alternative because it’s comfortable to carry, has enough room for multiple pickleball paddles, balls etc… cell phone pocket, and a water bottle holder.
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