Which basketball bags are best?
You don’t need a lot of equipment to play basketball, but even casual players find themselves needing to transport their basketball and a change of clothes every so often. That’s why a quality basketball bag can come in handy.
Whether you’re a student-athlete who has practice every day or a weekend warrior battling it out in an over-the-hill league, you can benefit from a basketball bag. Our top pick is the Athletico National Bag because it’s both lightweight and has enough storage, so you can pack everything you need before you step out onto the court.
What to know before you buy a basketball bag
Types of basketball bags
- Duffel bags: These are more traditional gym bags with two handles. They are often bigger, so they allow for more storage, but they don’t have individual compartments. These types of bags are ideal for carrying larger items or multiple basketballs.
- Drawstring bag: These are lightweight and often made from mesh. They are ideal for carrying a basketball and only a few other items. They tend to be more convenient than protective since they have very little padding.
- Backpack: These can vary in design, but the two shoulder straps let you carry more weight. This design is conducive to more pockets and individual storage options.
Material
- Polyester: Strong and durable, this fabric is common in bigger bags with more compartments designed to carry more weight.
- Mesh: Some drawstring bags are made entirely of mesh, and others have mesh linings to help ventilate the bag. Mesh is lightweight and a great way to air out shoes and clothes after playing, so bacteria doesn’t build up in the bag. However, mesh can leave your belongings partially exposed while offering little protection.
- Nylon: Most drawstrings are made from nylon, which makes these bags versatile and easy to open and close.
What to look for in a basketball bag
Storage
Duffel bags and backpacks typically have storage features in the form of pockets and compartments. Not only are these bags designed to carry basketballs, but some feature separate compartments specifically designed to hold laptops, water bottles and shoes.
Padded straps
If you have a mesh drawstring bag, you don’t have to worry too much about weight, but duffel bags or backpacks with more storage capacity can get heavy if you have to lug them around all day. That’s why you want to look for a bag with padded straps to make it easier and more comfortable to carry. For larger bags, look for additional padding to not only make them more comfortable but also protect your belongings better.
Zippers
Storage pockets are only as good and secure as the quality of the zippers. The zippers on lower-quality bags may get stuck or break with extensive use.
How much you can expect to spend on a basketball bag
The drawstring bag is a budget-friendly option ranging from $15 to $38. Duffel bags will vary depending on material and brand, but they can cost $20-$60. A quality backpack would cost about $40. A combination bag can cost up to $85.
Basketball bag FAQ
What size basketball bag do I need?
A. The standard basketball bag is designed to hold one ball, clothes and other personal items. Some brands hold more items, which might be ideal for student-athletes who need to carry books, laptops and athletic shoes.
How do I keep my basketball bag clean?
A. Check the manufacturer’s specifications because how you clean the bag depends on the material. Machine-washable bags are a good option. You can also spray your bag with a disinfecting spray regularly if you are carrying your sneakers and used clothes.
What’s the best basketball bag to buy?
Top basketball bag
What you need to know: This ultimate sports bag is lightweight, rugged and designed for maximum storage capacity.
What you’ll love: This bag was designed by athletes to have everything you’ll need. The adjustable padded straps create a comfortable and ergonomic fit. The ventilated back will keep players cool, while the front accessories pocket, two ball pockets, vented cleat or shoe compartment and laptop sleeve give you plenty of storage options.
What you should consider: There are a lot of compartments, which make this bag large, so smaller kids may have a hard time handling this bag.
Top basketball bag for the money
What you need to know: This game-day basketball bag can hold six official-size basketballs.
What you’ll love: Made from high-grade durable polyester, this bag’s heavy-duty construction means you can plan to use it long-term. It has a rectangular shape for easy carrying. Adjustable padded straps make it a breeze to transport your basketballs and other equipment wherever you need to go.
What you should consider: Some customers have noted issues with the bag’s zippers.
Worth checking out
Hard Work Sports Basketball Backpack
What you need to know: This is an ideal basketball bag for student-athletes, with multiple organizational compartments.
What you’ll love: This stylish basketball bag offers a mesh ball holder and a large compartment for shoes, clothes and school books. Its high-quality stitching and adjustable shoulder straps make it both comfortable and durable.
What you should consider: Customers note that the side pockets are too small for some reusable water bottles.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.