The 10 Best Pickleball Bags – Sling Bags & Backpacks (2023)

Updated: September 6, 2023

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There are many pickleball bags to choose from and we’ve reviewed the best pickleball bags. Players who prefer a backpack and a pickleball bag with shoe compartment (like me), prefer the ONIX Pickleball Backpack because it’s very roomy, has a shoe compartment (I hate putting my shoes in with my paddles, clothes etc…) and separate sections.

At A Glance: TOP 4 Pickleball Bags

	FEATURES
BEST Sling Bag – Franklin Sports Pickleball Sling Bag	# of paddles: up to 6 Fence hook: yes Colors: 5 Straps: adjustable H2O holder: yes Shoe storage: No Features: sunglass pocket, ball pouch Check Amazon
BEST Pickleball Bag with Shoe Compartment – ONIX Pickleball Backpack	# of paddles: up to 12 Colors: 1 Straps: adjustable H2O holder: No Shoe storage: Yes Features: 5 separate compartments, mesh panels Check Price on Amazon
BEST Duffel Bag – Canway Sports Duffle Bag	# of paddles: 2-3 Pockets: 8 Colors: 5 Straps: adjustable Wet storage: Yes Shoe storage: Yes H2O holder: No Features: 8 pockets Check Price on Amazon
Best Pickleball Bag Womens – Pik’le’Ball Women’s Pickleball Bag	# of paddles: 3+ Colors: 3 Straps: Adjustable H2O holder: Yes Shoe storage: No Features: interior pockets, lightweight Check Price on Amazon

Franklin Sports Pickleball Sling Bag

What We Like:

• Large but not bulky
• Built-in fence hook that tucks in the top of the bag to keep in out of the way
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Felt lined front pocket that could work well for storing sunglasses
• Ball pouch holds up to 6 pickleball balls
• Holds up to 6 pickleball paddles

What We Don’t Like:

• Water bottle holder could be a bit deeper / larger
• Exterior cell phone pocket is smaller than preferred

Summary: This sling bag, made by Franklin, is durable and functional with the key features that most players are looking for when buying a bag for their pickleball gear.

The large pocket has plenty of room for paddles and balls, along with several other small compartments that will work well for storing extra clothing, gloves, sunglasses, etc..

And with room for up to 6 paddles, you’ll have all the space you need to store and carry around your favorites.

One of the handiest features of this bag is the enclosed shoulder strap and hook that make it easy to hang on a fence during play. 

The hook tucks into the top of the bag which means it won’t get caught on things when it’s not being used.

Players like that there’s the padding on the back and the shoulder strap is adjustable so the bag can be worn on both sides. With a pocket for your water bottle and another pouch for your cell phone, it’ll be easy to keep everything organized.

This bag is a good bag because of its great design, features, and durability.

It’s available in 5 colors with a good selection of non-neon or gimmicky pickleball bag designs making it one of the best bags on the market.

RUNNER-UP Pickleball Sling Bag

Athletico Sling Bag

What We Like:

• Plenty of storage with 5 pockets in total including an anti-theft pocket, a padded spacious main compartment, felt-lined technical pocket, and two additional compartments
• Fence hook that tucks in the top of the bag to keep in out of the way when it’s not being used
• Reversible strap, adjustable strap, padded shoulder strap to wear on either left or right side
• The water bottle holder does an excellent job at holding the bottle so it doesn’t fall out
• Felt lined separate compartment that would work well for storing sunglasses

What We Don’t Like:

• More padding on the shoulder strap would make it more comfortable
• Based on consumer reviews, some players find it a bit small although the majority find it large enough

Summary: The Athletico sling bag, is durable and functional with the key features that many players are looking for when buying a bag for their pickleball gear. 

Players report that it’s comfortable to wear and they appreciate the air mesh padding that’s on the back.

The anti-theft pocket is a great feature if you want to make it difficult for someone to steal your valuables from your bag while you’re playing a game or two. And, it’s a great feature that will be appreciated when you’re walking through a crowded street. 

There are plenty of pockets to keep your gear organized. And the spacious main compartment is padded which means it will protect your paddles or tablet computer if you decide this bag should play double-duty.

In addition to the padded main compartment, there are 4 other pockets including one that is felt-lined. There’s plenty of storage and ways for you to get organized.

Another great feature is the cord lock water bottle holder because it holds a water bottle in place without the worry of it falling out.

Budget Pickleball Sling Bag

OutdoorMaster Sling Bag

What We Like:

• Hidden, anti-theft pocket to prevent pickpocketing and keep credit cards and cash out of sight. 
• Reversible strap, adjustable strap, padded shoulder strap to wear on either left or right side
• Holder for sunglasses on the shoulder strap
• Comfortable to wear

What We Don’t Like:

• The small pocket on the shoulder strap could be a bit bigger
• Main compartment could be a bit larger to hold a laptop (but works fine for pickleball paddles and balls)

Summary: The OutdoorMaster sling bag, is durable and functional with the key features that many players are looking for when buying a bag for their pickleball gear. 

Players report that it’s comfortable to wear and they appreciate the breathable ribbon that helps reduce sweat and makes the bag comfortable to wear even in the heat.  

The hidden anti-theft pocket in the side is a great feature that will be appreciated when you’re walking through a crowded street. And make it harder for someone to steal your credit cards and cash while you’re on the pickleball court playing.

There are plenty of pockets to keep your gear organized. In addition to the main compartment, there’s a smaller pocket that will accommodate a tablet (in case this bag is playing double-duty), along with the anti-theft pocket and the small pocket on the shoulder strap for smaller, important items such as cash and credit cards. 

Another great feature is the cord lock water bottle holder because it holds a water bottle in place without the worry of it falling out.

BEST PICKLEBALL Backpacks

Best Pickleball Bag with Shoe Compartment

ONIX Pickleball Backpack

What We Like:

• Extra space to 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
• 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

Summary: ONIX is well known for its high-quality pickleball paddles and pickleball balls. And with this ONIX bag, players appreciate the functionality, large size, and durability of this backpack that has been specifically designed with pickleball players in mind.

This ONIX backpack is large enough to hold 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 didn’t need room for anything else. 

I know my pickleball coach used this to carry around the Gearbox paddles that he loaned during classes. And it’s true, he fit at least 12 paddles. And the bag stood up which meant he didn’t need to worry about the paddles or balls falling out.

With how big this backpack is, I’m sure most players could easily fit an insulated water bottle in the bag, along with their gear.

Players who like to carry a lot with them, like this ONIX pickleball bag. It’s the best option if you’re someone who wants to have a few paddles, a bunch of balls, and the kitchen sink with them.

RUNNER UP Best Pickleball Backpacks

Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Backpack

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

What We Don’t Like:

• Some issues with quality but Amazin Aces does a good job at rectifying the problems

Summary: Amazin Aces, another well-known manufacturer of pickleball paddles has done a great job designing this pickleball backpack.

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 outside, you can easily organize your personal items such as keys, cell phones, and sunglasses.

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 in my most recent review

This pickleball bag with shoe compartment which is another great feature that allows you to store 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 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.

PRICIER Pickleball Backpack

Fila Backpack

• Style: backpack
• # of paddles: multiple
• Colors: 2
• Shouldere Straps: adjustable
• 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 can easily hold paddles, clothes and other accessories
• A separate shoe compartment is handy
• Outside zippered pockets are great for keys and cellphone

What We Don’t Like:

• Some quality issues with the zipper
• Shoe compartment can only be accessed from the bottom of the bag
• Price point

Summary: Well known for their tennis equipment and apparel, this Fila backpack has been designed with the tennis player in mind but it works well for pickleball players 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.

BEST Pickleball Duffle Bag

Canway Sports Duffle Bag

What We Like:

• Large size
• 8 pockets
• Storage for wet, damp, smelly items
• Soft pocket for valuables such as a cell phone
• Waterproof & tear-resistant polyester fabric
• Customer service
• Reasonable price point makes it a good option

What We Don’t Like:

• No water bottle holder
• No feet on the bottom to elevate it off the ground
• The wet bag is smaller than some would like

Summary: Some duffle bags are marketed as pickleball duffle bags, like our runner-up, but really, for a bag to have the title pickleball duffle bag, it needs to be specifically designed for pickleball.

I didn’t find any duffle bags that were really designed with the pickleball player in mind.

So, I searched for duffle bags that would serve the pickleball player well. And I came across this duffle bag by Canway which impressed me, big time.

With well over 2000 reviews and a high rating on Amazon along with numerous other raving reviews around the web, I had to take a closer look.

Let’s start with the obvious question, is it big enough to fit one or two pickleball paddles and a few balls? And the answer is yes.

This rockstar of a duffle bag is 20″ long by 10 wide and 10″ tall. The average pickleball paddle is around 15 – 16″ long so there’s plenty of length with this bag.

When looking through reviews, I didn’t come across any pickleball players but I did see some reviews from racquetball players who are happy with this bag because it easily fits their racquets, balls, and other pickleball accessories.

Large enough for pickleball paddles and extra stuff? Check.

Are there enough pockets and extra space to help you keep things organized? And the answer is yes.

With 8 pockets in total, there’s the main compartment, including a bag for wet items, 2 interior mesh pockets, a soft pocket for tech items, a shoe compartment, and 2 exterior, zippered pockets for easy access along with a key ring.

Some players prefer a water bottle pocket which this bag doesn’t have, but personally, I find that they typically fall out so, in my opinion, an insulated, leakproof water bottle is a better option. You can just toss it in your bag or stick it in another pocket.

So, if you’re inclined to be organized, this bag should help you get there.

Can you keep your life as an addicted pickleball player organized so you have more time on the pickleball courts and less time fumbling around for your gear and the essentials? Check.

I’m impressed with this bag and will be placing my order right away.

BUDGET FRIENDLY Pickleball Duffel Bag

Game On Pickleball Duffle Bag

What We Like:

• Large enough to accommodate 4 paddles, balls and other items
• 2 outside pockets

What We Don’t Like:

• Thin material
• Outside pockets don’t have a zipper

Summary: This duffle bag by Game On is advertised as a pickleball duffle bag but from my perspective, that’s really just marketing.

I chose to include it here because it does get good reviews and quite frankly, I think that players who just need a decent bag to haul their paddles, balls and a few other small items around, will appreciate the bag and the price point.

Some people just want a bag that will work and not immediately fall apart. And this bag will serve this purpose.

And it certainly does the job of holding multiple paddles and balls, along with all your other pickleball accessories such as clothes, shoes etc… but if you’re looking for a bag that you can keep organized, this likely isn’t the bag for you. 

With only one main compartment and a couple of small pockets on the outside, this may not be adequate if you are the kind of player who wants to keep your gear and accessories organized.

But if you’re just looking for a large bag at a really good price point, this bag will work. And you can’t beat the price.

Pickleball Bags for Ladies – Pickleball Tote Bags

BEST Pickleball Bag Womens – Pik’le’Ball Women’s Pickleball Tote Bag

What We Like:

• Paddle pockets on the outside making it easy to grab your paddle
• Water bottle pocket
• Interior pockets that make it easy to organize items
• Lightweight
• Rubber feet to keep the bottom of the bag off the ground

What We Don’t Like:

• Would be nice if it was available in less feminine colors and patterns

Summary: Players love this pik’le’ball tote bag and it’s nice that it’s not the traditional backpack or sports duffle bag, that you know, looks like a backpack.

Or like a duffle bag that looks like you’re carrying enough gear to be playing on the local football team.

This pickleball tote bag was designed with functionality and fashion in mind and that makes it a winner. It’s the perfect pickleball bag for women.

Players love the size and like the outside paddle pocket that will accommodate up to 3 paddles, leaving the interior section for all of your other items like pickleball balls, clothes, pickleball shoes, cell phone etc…

A lot of thought went into the design.

The exterior paddle pocket is made with protective gear to help protect your paddles from getting scratched or damaged.

There’s also a phone pocket, a pocket for your pickleball balls, and another compartment for your personal belongings inside the bag to keep them safe!

And the rubber feet on the bottom will keep the bag off the ground and protect it from dirt and moisture. Another bonus that shows the thought process that went into the design.

If you’re looking for something to cart all your gear around but you don’t necessarily want a regular duffle bag or backpack, this is the one for you.

What Do You Carry In Your Pickleball Bag?

Before choosing a pickleball bag, it’s a good idea to think about what you want to carry in it.

This is the only way to narrow down the best type of pickleball bag for you.

How many pickleball paddles do you typically carry?

Are there days where you’ll carry more paddles so you’ll need room for 2 or 3, or more?

Maybe you want 2 bags – 1 for everyday use and another bag for days when you want to carry more equipment?

Here’s a list of equipment and gear that you want to think about when buying a bag:

• Number of paddles and balls
• Pickleball shoes
• Water bottles
• Cell phone
• Sunglasses
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Keys
• Wallet/purse
• Personal hygiene products
• Gloves
• First aid, ankle, knee brace

Top 6 Factors To Consider When Buying A Pickleball Bag

When looking for the perfect pickleball bag, think about these 6 factors:

1. Size – Use the list above to determine what you want to carry in your bag, on a daily basis. Once you’ve figured this out, check the specs of the bags in this article to see which bag will be large enough to easily throw all your equipment and gear into it.
2. Type – Once you know what size of bag you’re looking for, because you’ve figured out what you want to put in it, you’ll be able to narrow down which type of bag will work best. Sling bags are comfortable to carry and some models such as the Franklin Sports Sling bag is roomy, comfortable and at a great price point. Or maybe you prefer a pickleball tote bag?
3. Material – Look at the type of material the bag is made of and that will tell you more about durability and how long the bag will last after being tossed around on a daily basis.
4. Quantity – Maybe you want 2 bags. One bag for all your equipment so you’re never missing anything
5. Compartments – Are you okay with one large main compartment? Or do you prefer multiple compartments?
6. Straps – Do you want adjustable straps? Padded straps? Backpack-style straps?

• Sling bags are great for carrying your pickleball equipment and although there are some bags, such as the Franklin Sports Sling Bag, that are roomy, sling bags typically don’t have a shoe compartment. However, all the sling bags included in this review do have a water bottle holder so if that’s important, then a sling bag is worth considering.

• Pickleball backpacks are great if you’re looking for a bag that will be comfortable and roomy so you can easily fit all your pickleball equipment. Players like the ONIX Pickleball Backpack because it has a separate shoe compartment. However, many of the backpacks, including the ONIX, do not have a water bottle holder so if this is something that is important, then the ONIX backpack may not be the right bag for you. Have a look at the Fila Pickleball Backpack instead, because it has both a shoe compartment and a water bottle holder.

• Most players who are looking for a pickleball sling bag really like the Franklin Sports Pickleball Bag because it’s comfortable to carry, has enough room for multiple pickleball paddles, balls etc… along with a pocket for a cell phone and a water bottle holder. But most importantly, the majority of people who bought this bag talk about the top quality of it.

But, if you’re like me and you prefer a more traditional backpack that will fit all of your pickleball equipment, have a look at the ONIX Pickleball 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.

Summary – Best Pickleball Paddle Bags

Hopefully, this article has helped narrow down which bag will work best for your needs. Here’s a quick summary of the highlights:

• Sling bags are great for carrying your gear and although there are some bags, such as the Franklin Sports Sling Bag, that are roomy, sling bags typically don’t have a shoe compartment. Aall the sling bags included in this review do have a water bottle holder so if that’s important, then a sling bag is worth considering.

• Pickleball backpacks are great if you’re looking for a bag that will be comfortable and roomy so you can easily fit all your gear. Players like the ONIX Pickleball Backpack because it has a separate shoe compartment. But, many of the backpacks, including the ONIX, do not have a water bottle holder so if this is something that is important, then the ONIX backpack may not be the right bag for you. Have a look at the Fila Pickleball Backpack instead, because it has both a shoe compartment and a water bottle holder. It’s a great bag.

• Most players who are looking for a pickleball sling bag really like the Franklin Sports Pickleball Bag because it’s comfortable to carry, has enough room for multiple pickleball paddles, balls etc… along with a pocket for a cell phone and a water bottle holder. But most importantly, the majority of people who bought this bag talk about the top quality of it.

But, if you’re like me and you prefer a more traditional backpack that will fit all of your pickleball equipment, have a look at the ONIX Pickleball Backpack.

Players love that it’s large and will easily hold multiple pickleball paddles, balls, pickleball shoes, extra clothes, keys, sunglasses etc…

Many players like the Franklin Sports Pickleball Sling Bag, but if you’re someone who likes a roomy bag that is comfortable to wear, and high quality, then the ONIX Pickleball Backpack is the perfect bag.

The only downfall really mentioned by players is that it does not have a water bottle holder so this may not be the best choice for you if you prefer a bag that does have a water bottle holder.

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