What’s In the Bag?

If you’re reading this story, that means you’ve probably read a few of our other pickleball-helpful pieces, too.

That means you know what kind of paddle to buy. That means you know how to look fashionable on the court and comfortable off it when you’re done with that last game. That means you certainly know all the rules and regulations on how to play the game. Maybe you’re considering building a court. We got you set up there, too.

But here’s one more thing you might not know, and you’ll need to “carry” this piece of information around until you do.

What kind of bag do you have?

You’re not showing up to the courts with a plastic grocery bag to hold all your gear, are you? Likely not. And most of us can’t cram a paddle into a purse conveniently.

Let’s go shopping for a bag and let’s fill it up with everything you need from 0–0-2 to that last game paddle tap.

Backpack, sling, or tour?

First off, different bags serve different purposes. If you’re just heading down the street, don’t have to travel far, and know the place you’re playing at has certain amenities, then maybe a sling bag is for you.

Sling bags are lightweight, and can hold a paddle or two, your keys, your wallet, and maybe a few other things, so they’re great if you don’t have a lot of requirements for your game. If you know the courts where you’re playing have water available, you might not need to have a bag that allows room for a water bottle. If you don’t need to change clothes on the day, maybe you’re just playing a game or two, a sling bag is great. Not only are they a bit cheaper, but they look fashionable and hip, too.

Almost every big name in pickleball has a sling bag available, like Franklin, Selkirk, Vulcan, and more.

Another variation of the sling bag that’s not quite as popular as the backpack is a “purse” style bag for women. Fashionable and fun, it’s something that works on or off the court and doesn’t just work for pickleball-only activities. Pickleballcentral.com is a great resource if you’re looking for something like this.

Pros: Lightweight, easy to carry, cheaper than a backpack or tour bag.

Cons: Doesn’t hold a lot of gear and some may not have room for a water bottle or extra pickleballs.

Backpacks are great. There are lots of pockets and options, they’re a bit larger than a sling bag, and they work great for maneuverability.

And another great thing about a backpack is, you probably have one at your place right now. While sling bags and bigger duffle bags and tour bags are specifically designed for racquet and paddle sports,  backpacks can be used for any combination of things, from holding your computer or heading to the gym. So, don’t feel the need to buy a new backpack. Take your computer out and slide a paddle in. You’re good to go.

Pickleball backpacks, offered by a number of companies, have room for multiple paddles, spots for an extra pair of shoes, towels, and usually lots of pockets for your keys and other valuables.

But the best thing about backpacks is their functionality. Whether you’re going from the car to the courts or taking a trip, backpacks work great if you don’t need too much stuff, but you do need more room than what a sling bag can offer. Check out pickleballcentral.com for backpacks by Paddletek, Joola, Gearbox, and more. 

Pros: Easy to carry, doesn’t take up too much space, more room than a sling bag. Cheaper than a tour bag and plenty of space for an afternoon’s worth of stuff for your game.

Cons: It’s form over fashion, so if you’re wanting to dress to impress, backpacks may not be your best bet. Not as much room to hold things for a long day on the court or a multiple-day pickleball adventure.

Tour bags are fantastic for those players who require multiple paddles, changes of clothes, shoes, and accessories. 

Generally speaking, the weekend recreational player who shows up at the courts, doesn’t need an extra paddle wrap, a second paddle, or an extra pair of shoes, so a big tour bag isn’t necessary. However, if you’re traveling to a tournament, staying over a night or two, or know you’ll be spending long hours at the court, tour bags can hold lots of things – including shoes, emergency medical supplies, water bottles, food, and whatever else fuels your tournament performance (we don’t judge!). All tour bags have multiple pockets and compartments for everything a pickleball player needs. 

Some tour bags can even be a substitute for luggage, able to hold several days’ worth of clothes with room to spare.

Pros: Storage, storage, storage. Lots of space with pockets, places to put water bottles, shoes, clothes, paddles and every accessory you can think of that has to do with pickleball.

Cons: Too big, bulky, and unnecessary for the weekend player or the person who just rolls up to the courts ready to play a few games. 

OK, so now that you’ve chosen the right kind of bag – and hey, maybe you need one of each – let’s decide what you need to bring to the court, what you might need to bring, and what might not be necessary at all.

Things you should bring in your bag

Other than your paddle, here are a few things you can’t go without.

Ball. Sure, there are probably dozens and dozens available when you show up, but there’s just no downside to carrying a few extras. It’s helpful and thoughtful to be prepared with an extra ball. Write your name on it with a Sharpie if you’re worried about it sneaking away. The PPA Tour’s official ball is the Dura Fast 40 by ONIX.

Water bottle. You wouldn’t leave home without your purse or wallet, so don’t play pickleball without being prepared. Most courts have fountains or water available, but not all of them do. Don’t get caught being thirsty. It’s unsafe and just silly to do to your body. Buy yourself a good refillable bottle and carry it with you at all times. You’ll be happy that you did and you’ll be mad at yourself if you don’t. The PPA Tour’s official water bottle is made by Takeya.

First-aid. You don’t need that much stuff, but a few band-aids and maybe some pain reliever for a headache make a lot of sense.

Optional, but still a good idea

Extra paddle. Obviously, it’s not necessary, but any serious player will always have a backup paddle that he or she is still comfortable with. This is a great alternative to borrowing and using a paddle you’ve never picked up before. It’s also a good idea in case your paddle breaks – which can certainly happen.

Towel (or two!). Even if you carry a sling bag and don’t have room for a lot of things, a small towel is a good idea. Wipe off that sweat or keep those hands dry. Pickleball may not look that taxing, but anyone who has played, even for a short amount of time, knows you can get heated up in a hurry, and it can be annoying if you can’t get that sweat off your face.

Extra socks. It’s amazing how a fresh pair of socks can revive sore and tired feet. Give it a try. 

Extra shoes, extra shirt, shorts, leggings. You just never know. Serious players come prepared, especially for those long days when it’s hot out. A quick wardrobe change will do more than keep you dry, it can change your perspective, too.

Accessories. These can be anything from a fresh wrap for your paddle to a healthy snack or hydration supplements, if you have room in your bag, keep that stuff in there.