As a baseball player, one of the first things that you should consider is the right bag for carrying your equipment. It doesn’t matter whether you are a pro or involved in the sport temporarily, a strong and sturdy baseball bag can help you polish your skills and improve your game.
Baseball requires equipment such as bats, gloves, shoes and several other small accessories. You need something to keep all of those safely in one place and efficiently move or shift them from one field to another.
Before we discuss some of the best baseball bags for your needs, let’s look at a few types of baseball bags that you can find.
What Type of Baseball Bag Suits Your Need?
There are different kinds of bags that you will come across when searching for the best one. Now, you have to pick one that matches your needs or requirements and can protect your baseball gear for a long time.
Standard Baseball Bat Bag
This is basically your typical equipment carrying bag. Prior to the launch of compact and customized baseball bags you see today, this bat bag used to be quite a popular choice for many players. Unlike baseball backpacks, it is usually carried on one shoulder or handheld and has two handles similar to a duffel design.
If you are thinking whether this is the best baseball bag or not, well, the answer depends on your preference. It certainly has a lot of room and can hold multiple bats together.
When it comes to baseball gear, you need to consider several compartments and maximum protection which this bag may fall short on.
Wheeled Baseball Gear Bag
Now, these bags are found in two categories; the first being for players and the second for coaches and team managers. As a player, you can get a wheeled baseball bag for moving your gear around easily and quickly.
Since the baseball bag has rollers or wheels, you will avoid the hassle of lugging it around on your back or shoulder. It also has several pockets and compartments which makes it easier to store cleats, gloves, mitts, helmets and bats.
The premium version of this bag comes for the coaching and managerial community and is big enough to store equipment for all the team players.
It is slightly more expensive than the wheeled baseball bag for players and can carry bags as well as the gear for catchers.
Bat Pack
These bags rank among some of the best baseball bags in the market. The bat pack has been designed like a backpack and is highly efficient for all accessories or equipment. It's compact and has multiple pockets for keeping every item separately.
The bat pack is a popular choice for youth baseball bags as it divides the weight evenly and does not exert a lot of pressure on the back or body.
This makes it an optimum choice for parents looking for baseball bags for kids.
Baseball Backpack
The bat pack or these backpacks are very similar to each other in design. You will find that baseball backpacks are very easy to carry anywhere and everywhere.
They usually have broad shoulder straps and mesh or sheer compartments on the side where bats can be easily stored.
Catcher's Baseball Bag
You might be surprised to find that the catcher has their own type of bag which comes specifically designed for the gear. The bag comes in various styles which include pull handles as well as wheels.
So you can find one that looks like a huge luggage or duffel bag with several compartments or one that can be rolled around on wheels. It is good for protecting all the essential equipment and usually has a spacious main compartment for helmets or gloves.
Keep in mind that this is a catcher's bag which means that for a baseball bat bag, you might have to consider some of the other options given above.
Difference Between Catcher's Bags and Other Types of Bags
The catcher's bag may appear different than the bags for other positions. Apart from storage space for equipment, it also requires additional compartments for storing the safety gear.
While this is one of the main differences, there are other factors which make it stand out slightly more among the rest. Usually, it will have an insulated material inside to keep the guards, helmets and mitts or gloves dry and protected from the harsh weather.
Other than that, a majority of catcher's bags come with wheels as they are quite large in size and can be difficult to lug around. They also have additional storage such as a shoe compartment for storing different shoes that the players might need.
How to Find the Right Baseball Bag
To make sure that you choose the 'perfect' baseball bag that provides the maximum value for money, you have to look for the one that has all the features for protecting and transporting the gear efficiently. Here are a few features you should focus upon.
Rollers or Wheels
Since most of the baseball bags that you would come across will be quite large in size, you should consider getting the bag with wheels on them. This way, you can easily take them anywhere and don't have to worry about carrying a load on your shoulder or back.
However, before making a purchase, do check the prices as the wheeled baseball bags are slightly more expensive than the bat packs or standard ones.
They also need to be durable and have a smooth yet strong set of wheels.
Compartment for Shoes and Cleats
One defining feature of a great baseball bag is its compartment for storing the cleats and shoes of players. When you are on the hunt for the best baseball bags, you should take into account the number of compartments it has for this purpose.
Even if there is a separate main compartment where players can store their cleats, you also have to consider another one keeping your plain shoes.
Since you would need them during the time that you are not on the field or playing, your backpack for baseball or wheeled bag should ideally have the place for them.
Storage Area for Bats
Baseball bats are an essential part of the gear or equipment for the game. So it is quite obvious that the right baseball bag should have a large and multiple storage compartments for them. As you are looking for the best one, just make sure that it can carry the required number easily.
There are various types of baseball bats available with the most common ones being made from wood. So to keep them well protected from damage and scratches, you also have to make sure that the storage area or compartments have ample space.
At times, a baseball bat can clash with the other inside the bag which would require it to go for repairs. The most important feature you can find in the best baseball bags are multiple compartments which can hold two to four bats tightly and keep them safe from harm.
Fence Hook
When it comes to the best baseball backpack, it would typically have this feature. The fence hook which is also known as a J-Hook comes with this type of bag and found on the top side. It's designed to hang the bag on fences during the game or at any other place which allows it.
This fence hook is quite an attractive feature in a backpack as players can easily keep their baseball equipment together and find the required accessories at the right time.
You will find that bags which comes with a fence hook are usually bat packs or backpacks and they might not be attached to handheld ones.
Helmet and Glove Straps
Now, this might seem like a feature which should be in every baseball bag but it is actually not. The straps for helmets and gloves are almost necessary for players as they can hold them in place and keep them on the top for players to find easily.
The good quality baseball bags should ideally have these straps or hooks for helmets and gloves or other gear so you don't spend a lot of time looking for them during the game.
Additional Compartment for Personal Items
A bag cannot be highly useful if it doesn't come with a compartment for storing personal items. For baseball players and coaching staff, the right bag should have a main pocket or compartment that store their belongings such as phones, keys or wallets safely.
It is mostly near the main compartment on the top or center of the bag and may be identified with an additional layer inside it. This is specifically designed to protect these items from theft and damage when the game is being played.
External Flap for Name
Most players could have baseball bags that are similar in design or style and sometimes even color. So having a name for identification on it can certainly be helpful and efficient for saving time. The best baseball bags come with external flaps which can be torn away to include the name of the owner.
While, you may opt for one that doesn't have your identification on display, it can make it easier for you to pick your bag out of the lot quickly and keep an eye on your baseball equipment.
These are a few features that can help you look for and make the right choice in baseball bags. If you can find one that has all of these, then you can have peace of mind that your investment is worth it.
Durable Material
When looking for a premium quality bag, you should make sure that material is durable and strong. You don't want the bag to fall apart during a game or the equipment falling out at the wrong time.
Mostly, the right baseball bag will have a polyester construction for holding all the gear and keeping it safe from physical or environmental damage.
Top 8 Baseball Bags for Players
You might find yourself slightly confused about picking the best bag for your baseball equipment. Well, here are the ones that have made it to the top eight and are known for their high-quality and popularity.
1. Athletico Baseball Bat Bag
When it comes to the best bags for baseball, this one surely ranks the highest. It has everything that you might be looking for as a player. The bag comes with ample storage for keeping all the gear in one place and has multiple compartments for storing baseball equipment.
So you can keep the helmet, two bats, cleats, gloves for batting and mitt or catcher's glove safely and within your sight. Other than the main compartment, it also has various pockets for holding personal belongings.
One of the reasons why the Athletico Baseball Bag has become a popular choice recently is the level of comfort it provides.
The adjustable shoulder straps make it very easy to carry around the bag and there is additional protection for the wooden gear.
2. Boombah Rolling Superpack
This bag has been a top choice for many players and even team staff due to its sturdy appearance and accessibility. As evident by the name, the baseball bag comes with a thick set of wheels that can transport baseball equipment across any surface or field.
It is made from a durable nylon fabric and can last you up to ten years. Apart from the main compartment for the gear, this is one of those bags that has a separate shoe compartment.
You can store your dirty cleats or regular shoes without worrying about creating a mess in the bag.
Another very appealing feature of this baseball bag is the presence of the fence hook. Instead of just one at the top, it has two on the sides that you can use to hang it easily.
Like any good bat bag, it also has two bat sleeves that are made from a smooth material and will keep the baseball bat safe from scratches.
3. Rawlings Covert Player Duffel Bag
Now, you might be thinking how the handheld duffel bag could make it in the list of some of the best baseball bags. Well, if you look at this one purely from a design point of view, it is a winner. It comes in various colors of blue, black and red, and actually has two long shoulder straps to carry it around.
This bag has numerous features such as a duo of bat sleeves and a mesh compartment for personal items. Its breathable shoe pocket or compartment makes it ideal for storing footwear such as a vented shoe.
It also offers players the opportunity to get their name and team number customized for display. Even the zipper can be personalized according to preference. Given all this, the baseball bag comes in a very affordable price and can make for a great investment.
4. DeMarini Voodoo Rebirth Backpack
If you look at the back, you will realize why it is considered among the best bat bags. With strong and thick shoulder straps, this backpack is highly durable and offers smooth transportation of gear. It comes with two bat sleeves and an additional compartment for the vented shoe.
The bag has a lot of storage in the main compartment where you can easily store your essential equipment including batting gloves. It is also water resistant and has fleece lining in the pocket which can hold smartphones.
While it may be available in a slightly expensive price, it does provide a great value for money.
5. Louisville Slugger Prime Stick Pack
This stylish baseball bag can be ranked within the best bat bags that you will find. It has four sleeves for storing bats and comes with a large compartment where the equipment goes. So your batting gloves, helmet and other gear can be safely kept away in the big storage area.
It has a shoe compartment, thick shoulder straps and can be used by people of all ages easily. The Louisville Slugger is one bag that you don't have to think twice about buying.
6. Under Armour Undeniable Bat Pack
It is a multi-purpose bag that can be go anywhere with the player. Like the Louisville Slugger, this is also one of those bat bags that can store four bats along with personal items such as laptops and tablets.
While the price might be slightly on the higher side, it is one of the best bags that will last you for years.
7. DeMarini Momentum Wheeled Bag
There is a reason why this brand has made it twice on the list. You will find that some of the finest bags for your baseball gear are made by this company. The Momentum is actually a wheeled bag that can also be carried with shoulder straps.
It has a dedicated shoe compartment where you can store your footwear safely and is also water resistant.
With two fence hooks and four compartments for bats, this is the bag that can surely take you places.
8. Easton 900C Wheeled Catchers Bag
The bag has been designed to carry and transport catcher's gear. You will find that the main compartment is best for storing the essentials such as shin guards and helmets.
It has multiple compartments for cleats and storing an additional pair of shoes as well. With steady wheels, this bag can go on any surface easily and is certainly worth the high investment.
Conclusion
While any of these best baseball bags will prove to be a smart choice and can last you for years or until you choose to play the game actively.
If you just want to go with an easy pick, the Louisville Slugger is definitely the one that you may buy without giving much thought to it. This bag is reasonable and has all the necessary features that you would require for your equipment.