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Of the list of backpacks/bags below, there are two that I recommend: The TMPR Tour 2 and the Six Zero Pro Tour Bag. Each backpack is roomy and each has features the other does not. They are both, however, excellent backpacks for your pickleball needs.
INTRODUCTION
Seriously? I am reviewing pickleball bags? Yes, and I have a good reason.
I know I am going to get comments like, “I love my (XYZ) backpack because (something-something)” and that’s fine. But bag/backpack technology is evolving with the sport, and new bags are becoming available. Here are some I have tested.
But first, some history.
A long, long time ago (in a galaxy far away), when I played tennis, I had two wooden rackets, each with a press. Anyone remember the Pancho Gonzales racket?
Anyway, I didn’t have a tennis bag back then. I don’t think anyone I knew had one. They simply were not made to hold rackets with presses on them. I carried my paddle and a gym bag with balls, extra socks and so on to the courts.
Then the T-2000 and T-3000 rackets came out, and you never saw a wooden racket again. I still, however, did not have a tennis bag. I’m not sure there were a lot available.
All that changed when graphite and composite paddles came out. Because I hit with a lot of topspin and used thinner strings, I broke my strings frequently. That necessitated having multiple rackets for USTA league play and tournaments. Multiple rackets required a tennis bag so you could bring all of them with you, as well as to have cans of balls, extra string handy, socks, water bottles, etc.
My first bag looked something like this.
This bag is typical of what most of us used. It held four rackets and a lot of other stuff.
I stopped playing tennis in 2014 and picked up pickleball. As in the early days of tennis, there were no pickleball bags around, not ones, at least, that I liked. Instead, I stuffed 4 paddles, balls and so on into my old Wilson gym bag. That didn’t quite work, though, because I carry multiple paddles for people to test, a lot of balls, markers for lessons, etc. Mine looks a bit different from the one shown below – the side pocket is larger and it has multiple handle straps.
Anyway, a few weeks ago my wife and I flew to California to go to an Engage pickleball camp. I put my paddles and my laptop (and mouse and power cord) into a backpack, as well as my headphones, cell phone, snacks, and some other stuff. I discovered, to my dismay, that the airlines have added a lot of equipment under the seats, like electronics required to show videos, power boxes, and so on. There was no way I could squeeze my backpack under the seat. I had to get up, take my back pack down from the over head storage, get what I needed, and stand up to put it all back before we landed. Pretty annoying, not only for me, but for the person next to me.
On the way home, I had to put my paddles into my checked luggage, something I don’t like to do. I’m worried about temperature variations as well as air pressure variations.
It was time, I decided to get a pickleball bag. I researched a few bags, and decided on the TMPR Tour 2 bag. I had a few requirements for a bag, namely laptop storage and overall storage. Overall storage is related to cubic feet. So, before I tell you why I chose the TMPR bag, let me go through a few others. (By the way, you won’t find this bag on any “Best Pickleball Bags” links because it is not sold on Amazon – I think you know what I mean).
ZOEA PICKLEBALL SLING BAG (voted #7 best bag by one website)
No laptop storage, .5 cubic feet.
Not for me.
ENGAGE PICKLEBALL BAG
Place to store your paddles OR laptop – not both, apparently.
1.12 cubic feet.
JOOLA
Room for laptop, but 1.11 cubic feet.
FRANKLIN PRO SERIES
Laptop yes. 1.77 cubic feet. $200! Franklin has other bags that are also 1.77 cubic feet and run about $139.
TMPR TOUR 2
Laptop – yes. 1.77 cubic feet (same as Franklin).
So, does a laptop really fit in it? Is it really hidden? Yes. See below.
So, this is my laptop in the inner sleeve (away from prying eyes!).
There is also a compartment for your mouse and power cord.
This is a very well thought-out pickleball bag, ideal for anyone who travels either on business, or who really wants their laptop to be safe and well-contained.
I also discovered that while I was writing this and had the bag open on the floor, our Jack Russel mix decided it was a great place for her to take a nap. She fit inside perfectly.
So, here’s my bottom line on pickleball bags – if you intend to travel, and if you intend to take a laptop with you, and if you want that laptop to be secured, and if you want maximum storage space, then you should really consider the TMPR bag.
The bag costs $99, but if you use the discount code LUCKY10 and follow the link below, you get $10 off the backpack.
Here is the link: https://tmprsports.com?aff=170
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Travel Pickleball Paddle Bag.
Six Zero Pro Tour Bag
I recently acquired the Six Zero Pro Tour Bag and I must say, it’s another testament to the quality I’ve come to expect from Six Zero products, having already owned 4 of their paddles. Here’s what I found particularly impressive about this bag:
Ample Paddle Storage: The twin padded, thermal-lined side pockets are a standout feature, comfortably accommodating 2 to 3 paddles each. Even with thick covers on some of my paddles, there were no issues fitting them snugly into the pockets.
Ventilated Shoe Compartment: The inclusion of a ventilated compartment for shoes is a game-changer. Not only does it keep my footwear fresh and ready for action, but it also effectively prevents any odor from permeating through to the rest of the bag’s contents. This makes it perfect for storing balls, water bottles, and towels in the thermal-lined inner compartment without any worry of odor contamination. Plus, an additional outside pocket ensures that any other potentially odorous items are kept separate.
Dedicated Cellphone Pocket: The separate pocket for cellphone storage is a thoughtful addition. It provides a secure and easily accessible spot for my phone, giving me peace of mind knowing it’s safely tucked away during play sessions.
Detachable Key Ring: While it might seem like a small detail, the detachable key ring is surprisingly convenient. It offers a practical solution for keeping track of keys, ensuring they’re always within reach when needed.
For those seeking a specialized “pickleball only” bag without the need for a laptop pocket, the Six Zero bag is definitely worth considering. Six Zero does ot give a cubic feet specification, but my own match comes up to about 4 cubic feet, which is very good.
If you’re intrigued by the features of the Six Zero Pro Tour Bag, you can explore it further https://www.sixzeropickleball.com/?sca_ref=3948184.kD0c3vqSoW and don’t forget to utilize the exclusive 10% discount with coupon code HANSEN10.
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Features:
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