Heading out to the sandlot for a pickup game with friends is one thing. However, toting all the equipment he needs to play competitive baseball needs a better strategy. Thankfully, baseball players can load everything from cleats, bats and ball gloves in one convenient baseball bag.
There are baseball bags for younger players, which they can easily throw over their shoulder. As the level of competition increases, the things needed in an equipment bag do as well. We’ve targeted the top-10 baseball bags, picking from the best for each category.
The Best Equipment Bags and Backpack Choices for Baseball/Softball
There are different types of baseball/softball bags to meet a variety of player needs. The list compiled here includes the top-10 across all the categories. There some bags with wheels, plus bags that use a backpack design. Let’s dig into our top-10 choices.
1: Franklin Sports MLB Batpack Bag
Best Category: Youth baseball and softball
- This is an excellent starter bag for young players.
- Flashy color combinations make it possible to match most team uniform colors.
- The bat sleeves tilt slightly inward, so the bats stay secure when the pack on the player’s back.
- The shoulder straps are not well padded.
- There could be better reinforcement stitching sewn into the top handle and the shoulder strap connections.
The first bag is a backpack model. The Franklin Sports MLB Batpack Bag has two j-style hooks so players can easily hang the bag on a fence or dugout hangers. It’s a lightweight bag that won’t add unnecessary weight.
Franklin added ventilation across the top mesh liner to help improve airflow inside the bag. This helps keep cleats and gloves fresh. The center compartment is wide and deep. There is plenty of room for a helmet, plus accessories.
Players can grab the bag with a convenient center handle, or throw it over their back. This bag hooks easily on any fence or inside the dugout. There are two bat sleeves on either side.
2: Matein Baseball/ Softball Backpack Bat Bag
Best Category: Youth to adult ages – most versatile equipment storage
- There is a separate shoe compartment on the underside of the bag, so dirty shoes don’t need to be stored with other equipment.
- The outside of the bag also has an elastic strap system to secure the players glove.
- There are two individual small compartments in front of the bat sleeves, which are perfect spots to carry batting gloves.
- The bag adds a great deal of equipment storage spots, but this can weigh down smaller players.
- This bag only comes in one color, basic black.
Matein added a couple of unique features to this backpack-style bat bag that increased the carry space. There is a compartment on the underside of the bag where the player can put their shoes.
In addition, instead of stuffing an expensive ball glove inside the main compartment, there is an elastic strap-system to carry this vital piece of baseball gear. The elastic straps can also be adjusted to secure a batting helmet or catcher’s mask.
While the back panel has extra padding, it also uses strategic ventilation to keep the player’s back cool. The shoulder straps have extra padding for carrying comfort. Matein reinforced the zippers to create a durable bag.
3: Athletico Baseball Bat Bag
Best Category: Youth to adult baseball and softball – best color choices
- Athletico offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee for this bag, so if it doesn’t meet your needs, you can exchange it no questions asked.
- The bag is slightly wider in the middle. This means the elastic strap system across the front is wide enough for both a batting helmet and a ball glove.
- This bag comes in nine distinct color choices. The entire bag color is different, not just accent strips or logo panels.
- The front storage compartment on the underside of the bag is difficult to access if something is being carried using the elastic straps.
- There isn’t quite as open air ventilation in the shoe compartment as some backpack designs.
Number three on our list of the ten best baseball bags is another backpack-style. Athletico added a strip down the backside of the bag for improved lumbar support. This makes it more comfortable to carry when loaded down.
The Athletico Baseball Bat Bag also offers a nice variety of colors. The whole bag is a unique color, not simply accents and logo panel areas. This makes it nice for players who want to match their team uniform color.
This bag also has an elastic-system in the front for helmets and gloves. The area is wider than most, which means there is room for more than one piece of equipment. There is a separate compartment for shoes on the underside, plus a protected pocket for valuables.
4: DashSport Baseball Bag Youth Backpack
Best Category: Youth to adult – best in total carry volume
- The DashSport Backpack Baseball Bag has one of the largest volume equipment areas of all backpack baseball bags.
- Using a layer of waterproof fabric across the face, this bag helps keep equipment dry.
- The bag added extra strong zippers and a rip-resistant fabric for durability.
- There is not hook or front elastic strap, so helmets and gloves must go inside the bag.
- The bag holds more than standard backpack models, so this can present a problem for younger players.
DashSport added two additional sleeves on either side. Players can carry as many as four bats with this backpack baseball bag. The sleeves also work well for water bottles. This adds a nice level of diversity for different game and practice situations.
There are double fence hooks to get the bag up off the ground or dugout floor. The exterior of this bag is a fabric polyester that resists dirt and water. Under the main compartment is a separate place to keep dirty ball cleats.
Each shoulder strap adjusts individually. The inner compartment is larger than most backpack baseball bags. This allows for more equipment to be carried securely. The top sleeve has a large pocket big enough for mobile phones or sunglasses.
5: Franklin Sports Youth Baseball Bat Bag
Best Category: All youth levels – best traditional design.
- This isn’t an overly large wheeled model, but the full-length bag allows players to conceal up to three bats in the underside compartment.
- Five vivid colors allow players to add a little personalization to their baseball bag.
- Even though it uses the traditional long bat bag design, this bag has a separate, ventilated shoe compartment at one end.
- While there is a single carrying strap, this is not a backpack model.
- The long, traditional bat bag design can be harder for younger players to handle.
The next baseball bag on the list is more of the traditional baseball bat bag design. It is an elongated bag that has a separate bat compartment. Since many bags have added individual shoe compartments, Franklin wanted to make sure to add that feature.
The shoe compartment is isolated at the bottom end of the bag and is ventilated. There is a long strap to carry the bag over the player’s shoulder, plus two sturdy handles. At the top end of the bag are two fence clips.
The bat compartment is totally concealed and extra wide. Players can fit up to three bats in this fully-enclosed compartment. Inside the main compartment is a small individual zipped-pocket to store valuables safely.
6: Boombah Rolling Superpack 2.0 Baseball/Softball Gear Bag
Best Category: Intermediate to professional level baseball players
- There are 37 different color combinations of the Boombah Rolling Superpack 2.0, so there will be no problem matching team uniform colors perfectly.
- Boombah added reinforced J-hooks to hang this bag on a fence or dugout hook.
- There is a separate shoe compartment to keep cleats away from the other gear.
- It is a full-size baseball equipment bag; so much of the space may be overkill for recreational league levels.
- This model costs somewhat more than other options.
The first baseball bag to explore is one that covers all the bases. This is a rolling gear bag that is perfect for the traveling baseball player. There is space for four bats and just about any piece of protective equipment a baseball player could need.
The Boombah Rolling Superpack 2.0 is big and roomy. There is an individual compartment for small items like batting gloves and protective gear. This bag also keeps the cleats in a separate compartment.
The handle telescopes, so the player can either wheel the bag, or use the heavy-duty strap to carry it. The telescoping handle also works great for younger players. Boombah put 40 percent larger wheels on this bag so it won’t drag on the ground.
7: DeMarini Momentum Wheeled Bag 2.0 Series
Best Category: Advanced youth players to professional levels that’s great for travel
- This bag doesn’t provide a bunch of unnecessary frills. The compartments are big and accessible.
- There is a support bracket inside the bag, so it will not collapse in the middle.
- This is another self-contained, fully-sealed bag that is a great option for road travel.
- While the bag offers different accent colors, all bags in this design are basic black.
- This is a large rectangle-shaped bag without a lot of character.
The next baseball bag is another that offers the convenience of wheels. It is a full-size equipment bag, large enough for all types of baseball/softball gear, including space for a helmet.
The DeMarini Momentum has individual compartments inside the large main compartment to stand the bag on end for easy access. The bat sleeve is under the main compartment and fully conceals the bats.
The wheels attach with a heavy-duty L-bracket for easy glide and excellent stability. A pair of heavy-duty J-hooks means the bag hangs on a fence or in the dugout for easy access.
8: Louisville Slugger Genuine MLB Stick Pack
Best Category: Youth leagues and travel ball players because it’s highly versatile
- Single top hook for a quick hanging feature.
- The bag has space for two baseball/softball bats.
- Young players love the ability to select an individual team log such as the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- The bag only has sleeve slots for two bats.
- This is a smaller bag, so there isn’t a lot of extra space for specialized gear.
Next on the list is a team specific model. However, you can find the Louisville Slugger backpack models for other teams. It is the all-in-one complete baseball/softball equipment bag.
This is a heavy-duty bag made with 600d polyester. The material provides the contents with a fair degree of water protection. The Louisville Slugger adds a protective compartment at the top for personal belonging.
There is a third wheel added at the bottom of the Black Cobra XL III for improved stability when loaded down. Each wheel is 4-inches, so the bag wheels with ease. This bag has room for any piece of equipment a baseball or softball player could need.
9: EASTON E110YBP Baseball/Softball Equipment Backpack Bag
Best Category: Advanced youth players best for size and compartment efficiency
- The Easton E110YBP Youth Bat and Equipment Bag is compact with fence hooks, so there’s rarely a problem finding space for this bag.
- There is a protected top compartment for personal items.
- There are two adjustable shoulder straps, plus a heavy-duty single handle on top.
- The backpack is a streamlined design, so it doesn’t offer the amount of space for the size of equipment older players may need.
- Each front zipper angles for easier access when hanging, but they can be slightly difficult to pull when the bag is lying flat on the ground.
The Easton Walk-Off IV is a backpack style baseball gear bag. While it doesn’t offer the convenience of wheels, it’s well-balanced enough for most travel situations. This bag is a little smaller than others, which makes it great for younger players.
However, this bag makes efficient use of the space available. The backpack design also makes the bag highly versatile. Players still have sufficient compartments for standard baseball/softball gear.
There are two bat sleeves on either side with all-new rubberized pullers for easier bat access. Easton added two sturdy fence hooks so players can easily hang the bag up off the ground.
10: Rawlings Remix Youth Tball and Baseball Backpack Bags
Best Category: Youth players, especially tee ball age group – best in affordable price
- This is one of most affordable baseball bag models, so it’s a great starter bag for youth players.
- Each bag is black, white and metallic silver, but every design pattern is slightly different.
- The bag isn’t overly large, so it’s a great option for young players like tee ball players.
- The Rawlings Remix uses 400D polyester, so it doesn’t have the same heavy-duty, durable feel of some models.
- There are two smaller sleeves on either side of the bag, which limits the size of the bat barrel.
The final baseball/softball bag on the list is perfectly suited for smaller, younger players. It isn’t as bulky as other bags, but will still carry all the gear a youth player needs. The bag comes in a flashy, unique black, white and metallic silver design.
Players can carry a pair of small bats, or one bat and a water bottle. This is a great option for a youth league player. There are two inside compartments to store valuables. There is an adjustable helmet holder on the outside of the bag.
One advantage of this bag is its flexibility. The Rawlings Remix is as big and bulky as some baseball/softball equipment bags. Using two adjustable straps, the bag can be made slightly smaller and double as a school or event backpack.
How to Choose the Right Baseball or Softball Equipment Bag or Backpack?
Picking the best baseball bags can be confusing. There are different shapes and sizes, plus bags with or without wheels. What players need to consider first, is how they’ll be using their bag.
Players, who know they are going to travel a lot, should lean towards a bag with wheels. When picking a bag for youth players, making sure they can handle the size of the bag is important. Players who aspire to play catcher should look for larger bags.
The larger bags on the list that have wheels are perfect for hauling tons of gear. Players should consider their age group and talent level when selecting a bag. Travel players should look to a bag that is self-contained to conceal and protect their gear.
While rain often stops a baseball game, having a bag that is no less than water-resistant is a benefit. A helpful point when choosing the right baseball/softball equipment bag is to understand the differences between the four basic types of bag design.
Different Types of Baseball/Softball Bags
Baseball bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The age of the player is important when choosing how big or how small a baseball bag is necessary. Older players require more equipment, plus that equipment tends to be larger.
The use of the bag is also important. Players who often travel by bus or plane would be wise to get a bag that is fully enclosed, plus has wheels. Recreational league players might benefit from a smaller bag that takes up less vehicle space.
Wheeled bags are great for players with extra gear, such as catchers. Frequently, bag designers will add unique features such as additional inside pockets or special bat retainers. Here’s a quick glance at the four primary types of baseball/softball bags.
Backpack – This design is relatively new to the baseball/softball world. Traditional school backpacks popped at youth leagues, so bag designers decided to incorporate the backpack concept into a baseball/softball gear bag.
Backpack baseball/softball bags usually have at least two sleeves for bats. Many have a separate compartment for cleats, plus j-hooks to hang the bag on a fence. This type of bag is smaller, convenient, and usually a nice option for young players.
Traditional Tote – These are the common style of baseball bat bag older players may be accustomed to seeing. The bag is long and narrows slightly towards the top. There is a handle setup in the middle to carry the bag.
Most have a long strap to carry the bag over the shoulder. Bats slide in a zipper compartment from top to bottom. Tote baseball/softball bags come in varying sizes. Smaller bags are usually best suited for younger players.
Wheeled Baseball/Softball Bags – This design is similar to the traditional tote bags, but is wider and often longer. The width allows for more bats to be slid into the bottom bat compartment. These larger bags are big enough for all types of gear.
The bags have individual compartments inside to separate gear. There is usually room for at least one batting helmet, multiple ball gloves and cleats. The bags are on wheels, so the weight of the gear is a problem.
Full Duffle Bags – These are even larger than the standard wheeled baseball/softball bags. They are full-size bags resembling a larger, square suit case. Duffle bags are taller and longer than the other types of baseball bags.
These bags are commonly used by catchers to carry all their gear. Duffle bags fully conceal all gear inside zippered compartments. They usually meet airline and bus travel guidelines, so they are excellent for the player who travels frequently.
Recap: The 10 Best Baseball Bags 2020
- Franklin Sports Youth Baseball Softball And Teeball Bag
- Matein Baseball Backpack Softball Bat Bag With Shoes Compartment
- Athletico Baseball Bat Bag
- DashSport Baseball Bag Youth Backpack
- Franklin Sports Youth Baseball Bat Bag
- Boombah Rolling Superpack Baseball Softball Gear Bag
- Demarini Momentum Wheeled Bag
- Louisville Slugger Genuine Mlb Stick Pack
- Easton Baseball Softball Equipment Backpack
- Rawlings Remix Youth Tball And Baseball Backpack Bags
This is a look at 10 various types of baseball/softball equipment bags. Each one has features that may be just what a particular player is looking for. Some are best for young players, while others are big enough and sturdy enough for adult levels.