Best Pickleball Bags and Backpacks UK: 6 Tested

By Gary, founder of RacketRise. Researching and testing racket sport equipment so you don't have to.

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Last Updated: March 2026

Quick Summary

• Best overall: Selkirk Core Series Backpack — excellent paddle protection, smart compartments, water-resistant fabric (~£55)
• Best budget: Franklin Pro Backpack — surprisingly capable for the price, holds everything a club player needs (~£45)
• Best premium: Selkirk Team Backpack — when you need room for everything and want it to last years (~£80)
• Find courts near you — use the RacketRise Court Finder to find padel and pickleball courts across the UK

Your gym bag can carry your pickleball gear. But after a few sessions of rummaging past sweaty clothes to find your overgrip, you start to see the appeal of a dedicated bag.

Quick Answer: The Selkirk Core Series Backpack (£55) is the best pickleball bag for most UK players. It has a dedicated paddle compartment, ventilated shoe pocket, water-resistant fabric for British weather, and enough space for everything without being oversized. If you want to spend less, the Franklin Pro Backpack (£45) is solid value. If you carry multiple paddles or play several sessions a week, the Selkirk Team Backpack (~£80) is worth the upgrade.

Table of Contents

• What to Look For in a Pickleball Bag
• Quick Comparison: 6 Best Pickleball Bags UK
• 1. Selkirk Core Series Backpack — Best Overall
• 2. Franklin Pro Backpack — Best Budget
• 3. JOOLA Tour Elite Bag — Best for Organisation
• 4. HEAD Tour Backpack — Best for Multi-Sport Players
• 5. ONIX Pro Team Duffel — Best Duffel Style
• 6. Selkirk Team Backpack — Best Premium
• Backpack vs Duffel vs Tote
• UK Weather Considerations
• Sources & Further Reading
• Related Articles
• Frequently Asked Questions

What to Look For in a Pickleball Bag

Dedicated paddle compartment. This is the single most important feature. A padded, purpose-built paddle compartment prevents your paddle face from getting scratched or dented against keys, water bottles, and shoes. Some bags hold one paddle, others hold two or three. Think about how many you carry.

Ventilated shoe compartment. Nobody wants to put sweaty court shoes next to their clean clothes and phone. A separate, ventilated shoe pocket keeps odours contained and your other gear fresh. In the UK, where you might be playing in damp conditions, this matters even more.

Ball pocket or external clip. Pickleballs are small but awkward to store loose in a main compartment — they roll around and get in the way. A dedicated ball pocket or external mesh pocket solves this neatly.

Water resistance. This is the UK. It will rain on your way to the court, during your game, and on your way home. A bag with water-resistant fabric or a rain cover protects your electronics, spare clothes, and paddle from getting soaked. Not every bag offers this, and it should be higher on your priority list than it is on most American reviews.

Comfortable straps. If you walk, cycle, or take public transport to the courts, comfortable, padded shoulder straps make a genuine difference. A bag loaded with a paddle, shoes, clothes, and accessories weighs 3-5kg. Thin straps dig into your shoulders quickly.

Quick Comparison: 6 Best Pickleball Bags UK

1. Selkirk Core Series Backpack — Best Overall

Price: ~£55 | Best for: regular club players, commuters | Check price →

Selkirk understands pickleball players, and it shows in the Core Series design. This bag is built around how you actually use it — paddle goes in its own compartment, shoes go in theirs, everything else has a logical home.

What's good: The dedicated paddle compartment fits two paddles comfortably with soft lining that protects the faces. The ventilated shoe compartment is spacious enough for UK size 11 shoes. The main compartment holds a change of clothes, towel, and personal items without feeling cramped. Water-resistant fabric handles British drizzle well. The padded straps and back panel make it comfortable even on longer walks to the courts.

What's not so good: It does not have a dedicated laptop compartment, so it cannot double as a work bag easily. The water bottle side pockets are slightly tight for larger bottles. The colourway options are limited in UK stock. At £55, it is mid-range rather than budget.

Verdict: The best pickleball backpack for most UK players. It does everything a club player needs without being oversized or overpriced. My daily recommendation.

2. Franklin Pro Backpack — Best Budget

Price: ~£45 | Best for: casual players, beginners, budget-conscious buyers | Check price →

Franklin keeps things simple and affordable. The Pro Backpack is not going to win design awards, but it holds all your gear securely and costs less than most alternatives.

What's good: The price, obviously. But beyond that, it has a dedicated paddle sleeve that holds one paddle well (two at a squeeze), a separate shoe compartment with mesh ventilation, and enough room in the main section for clothes and essentials. The zips are decent quality, and the stitching is solid. Available on Amazon UK with consistent stock.

What's not so good: The water resistance is minimal — fine for light rain but not a downpour. The padding on the shoulder straps is thinner than Selkirk's offering. The paddle sleeve offers less protection than a fully padded compartment. The overall look and feel is functional rather than premium.

Verdict: Brilliant value for casual players who need a step up from a gym bag without spending much. If you play once or twice a week, this is all you need.

3. JOOLA Tour Elite Bag — Best for Organisation

Price: ~£70 | Best for: organised players, those who carry lots of accessories | Check price →

JOOLA has clearly thought carefully about the Tour Elite's compartment layout. If you carry overgrips, lead tape, spare balls, a phone, keys, snacks, and a water bottle alongside your paddles and shoes, this bag keeps everything accessible.

What's good: The compartment design is best-in-class. There are dedicated pockets for seemingly everything — paddles, shoes, balls, phone, keys, small accessories, water bottles. The main compartment has internal dividers that prevent your gear from becoming a jumbled mess. The fabric is thick and water-resistant. Build quality is exceptional, as you would expect from JOOLA.

What's not so good: At £70, it is among the pricier backpack options. The bag is larger than it first appears, which means it can feel bulky when not fully loaded. The paddle compartment padding, while good, is not quite as plush as the Selkirk Team. JOOLA's colourway choices may not appeal to everyone.

Verdict: The best-organised pickleball bag on the market. If you hate rummaging through your bag to find things, the JOOLA Tour Elite will make your life significantly easier.

4. HEAD Tour Backpack — Best for Multi-Sport Players

Price: ~£50 | Best for: players who also play tennis, padel, or other racket sports | Check price →

HEAD's Tour Backpack is not exclusively a pickleball bag — it is designed to work across racket sports. If you play pickleball and tennis, or pickleball and padel, this versatility is a genuine advantage.

What's good: The paddle/racket compartment accommodates pickleball paddles, tennis rackets, and padel rackets equally well. HEAD's build quality is reliably good — the zips, fabric, and stitching all feel robust. The shoe compartment is well ventilated and spacious. Available in UK sports shops, so you can see it in person before buying. The £50 price point represents good value from a premium brand.

What's not so good: Because it is designed for multiple sports, it does not have pickleball-specific features like ball pockets or paddle-shaped compartments. The water resistance is adequate but not outstanding. The design is conservative and a bit corporate-looking.

Verdict: The smart pick if you play more than one racket sport. One bag for everything, built to a standard that will last.

5. ONIX Pro Team Duffel — Best Duffel Style

Price: ~£60 | Best for: players who prefer duffels, those who drive to courts | Check price →

Not everyone wants a backpack. The ONIX Pro Team Duffel offers the same functionality in a format that sits flat in your car boot, opens wide for easy access, and carries differently.

What's good: The duffel format means you can see everything at a glance when you unzip it — no more digging through layers. The paddle compartment runs along one side with good padding. The shoe compartment is at one end, well separated from everything else. The bag is water-resistant and handles rain well. The shoulder strap is removable if you prefer handles only.

What's not so good: Duffels are less comfortable than backpacks for carrying any distance — the weight hangs on one shoulder. The bag is wider than a backpack, making it less convenient on public transport or in lockers. UK availability for ONIX products can be patchy. The duffel format means your gear tends to settle to the bottom if the bag is not full.

Verdict: If you drive to the courts and prefer the duffel format, this is the best pickleball duffel available in the UK. For walkers and cyclists, stick with a backpack.

6. Selkirk Team Backpack — Best Premium

Price: ~£80 | Best for: serious players, tournament competitors, multiple paddle carriers | Check price →

The Team Backpack is Selkirk's premium offering, and it shows. More space, better materials, and thoughtful details that matter if you play frequently and carry a lot of gear.

What's good: The paddle compartment holds 3-4 paddles with individual dividers and thick padding — your paddles are genuinely safe in here. The thermal-lined section keeps drinks cool and snacks fresh. The shoe compartment is oversized with excellent ventilation. The water-resistant fabric is the best on this list, with sealed seams that handle heavy rain. The back panel has airflow channels that reduce sweat. Every zip, buckle, and strap feels built to last.

What's not so good: At £80, it is the most expensive bag on this list by a significant margin. It is also the largest — if you only carry one paddle and basic gear, it will feel half-empty and oversized. The premium price point is hard to justify for casual players. UK stock can sell out, particularly in popular colourways.

Verdict: The best pickleball bag money can buy in the UK. But only worth the premium if you play regularly, carry multiple paddles, or need maximum weather protection. For everyone else, the Core Series at £55 is the smarter buy.

Backpack vs Duffel vs Tote

Backpacks are the most popular choice for UK pickleball players, and for good reason. They distribute weight across both shoulders, leave your hands free for carrying other things, and work well on public transport. Every bag on this list except the ONIX is a backpack.

Duffels suit players who drive to the courts. They sit flat in a car boot, open wide for easy access, and carry more gear than most backpacks. The downside is that they are awkward to carry any distance.

Tote bags exist in the pickleball world but are mostly an American product. They offer minimal protection and organisation. I would not recommend one for UK players, where weather resistance matters.

My recommendation: Unless you have a specific reason to choose a duffel, go with a backpack. They are more versatile, more comfortable, and better suited to the typical UK journey to the courts.

UK Weather Considerations

The British weather deserves its own section because it fundamentally changes what you need from a pickleball bag.

Rain protection is not optional. In the US, water resistance is a nice-to-have. In the UK, it is essential. Your bag will get rained on. Choose one with water-resistant fabric, or buy a separate rain cover.

Ventilation prevents mould. Damp gear in a closed bag breeds mould and mildew remarkably quickly in UK humidity. Look for ventilated compartments, mesh panels, and bags that allow airflow. After every session, open your bag and let everything air out before zipping it closed.

Dark colours hide weather stains. British mud, rain spots, and general outdoor grime are less visible on darker bags. If you play outdoors regularly, a black or dark grey bag will look better for longer than a white or light-coloured one.

Consider a rain cover. If your chosen bag does not have built-in water resistance, a universal backpack rain cover (£5-£10 from any outdoor shop) is cheap insurance. It packs down to the size of a fist and deploys in seconds when the sky opens up — which, in the UK, it will.

Can You Use a Tennis or Padel Bag?

Short answer: yes, and it might make a lot of sense.

Tennis backpacks work well for pickleball. The racket compartment is larger than you need, but that means your paddle fits comfortably with room to spare. Tennis bags from brands like HEAD, Wilson, and Babolat are widely available in UK sports shops, often at competitive prices.

Padel bags are functionally identical to pickleball bags. Padel rackets and pickleball paddles are similar enough in size that the compartments work for both. If you play both sports (an increasingly common combination in the UK), one bag does double duty. See our best padel bags guide for options.

The only downside is that tennis and padel bags may not have pickleball-specific features like ball pockets sized for pickleballs. But honestly, a mesh side pocket on any bag works for carrying a couple of spare balls.

How Much Should You Spend?

The pickleball bag market has a surprisingly wide price range. Here is what you get at each level.

Under £40. Basic backpacks with a paddle sleeve and minimal organisation. Adequate for casual players but expect thinner fabric, weaker zips, and limited weather protection. The Franklin Pro sits at the top of this range and represents the minimum I would recommend.

£40-£60. The sweet spot for most players. Bags in this range have dedicated paddle compartments, ventilated shoe pockets, water-resistant fabric, and comfortable straps. The Selkirk Core Series and HEAD Tour both sit here, and either will serve a regular club player for several seasons.

£60-£80. Premium backpacks with superior materials, more compartments, and better weather protection. The JOOLA Tour Elite and Selkirk Team live here. Worth the investment if you play 3+ times per week or need to carry multiple paddles and extensive gear.

Over £80. Diminishing returns for most players. You are paying for brand prestige, premium materials, and features that only matter for competitive players or coaches. Unless you are playing tournaments regularly, the £50-£70 range offers everything you need.

Packing Your Bag: A Checklist

When you are rushing to get to the courts after work, having a consistent packing routine means you never forget anything. Here is what experienced UK pickleball players keep in their bags.

Always packed (leave in the bag):

• Spare overgrip
• Small towel
• Spare pair of socks
• Plasters (blisters happen)
• Sunscreen (even in British "sunshine")
• Snack bar

Pack before each session:

• Paddle (obvious, but people do forget)
• Court shoes
• Water bottle (filled)
• Change of shirt
• Phone and valuables
• Spare balls (2-3 outdoor or indoor, depending on where you play)

Optional but useful:

• Lead tape and scissors
• Spare balls for practice
• Wristbands or sweatbands
• Light waterproof jacket (this is the UK)

Sources & Further Reading

• Pickleball England — Equipment Guide
• RacketRise — Best Padel Bags UK
• RacketRise — Best Pickleball Paddles UK

Related Articles

• Best Padel Bags UK: Buyer's Guide
• Best Pickleball Paddles UK
• Best Pickleball Sets UK
• What Is Pickleball? Complete UK Beginner's Guide
• Best Pickleball Shoes UK

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a dedicated pickleball bag?

Not strictly, no. A regular backpack or gym bag will carry your gear. But a dedicated bag protects your paddle, separates your shoes from clean clothes, and organises your accessories. If you play more than once a week, the convenience is worth the investment.

Can I use a padel bag for pickleball?

Yes. Padel bags and pickleball bags are functionally similar — both have racket/paddle compartments, shoe pockets, and accessory space. The main difference is that padel racket compartments are slightly larger, but they will hold pickleball paddles perfectly well. Check our best padel bags guide for options.

How much should I spend on a pickleball bag?

Between £40 and £80 for a good backpack. Below £40, quality drops noticeably — flimsy zips, thin fabric, and poor padding. Above £80, you are paying for brand prestige rather than meaningful improvements. The sweet spot is £50-£60 for a bag that will last several seasons.

Will my pickleball bag fit in a gym locker?

Most pickleball backpacks will fit in a standard gym locker. Duffel bags and larger backpacks may not — check the bag dimensions against your gym's locker size before buying if this matters to you.

What should I carry in my pickleball bag?

At minimum: your paddle, spare overgrip, court shoes, water bottle, and a small towel. Beyond that, consider spare balls, a change of shirt, a light snack, sunscreen (for outdoor play), and your phone. Most of the bags on this list will accommodate all of this comfortably.

How do I clean my pickleball bag?

Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. For the interior, shake out debris and wipe down with an antibacterial wipe. Never machine wash a pickleball bag — it damages the waterproofing and structural padding. Air dry thoroughly after cleaning.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Equipment recommendations are based on research and testing — individual preferences may vary. Always consult venue staff about court-specific requirements. Prices and availability are subject to change.