The Complete Guide to Badminton and Tennis Bags

While your bag does not directly impact your on-court performance, it is still a crucial part of your badminton or tennis experience. Think about it—your bag protects all your gear, clothes, and accessories. It’s what you carry around with you and what others will see.

Depending on your unique situation, you’ll want to select a bag that fits your specific needs—whether that means getting a light and compact backpack or a large, heavy-duty professional bag.

If you choose your bag wisely, it will likely serve you well for many years. I personally used my first bag for over a decade. That’s a long time, so selecting a bag you like and that meets your needs could save you money in the long run.

In this post, we’ll be discussing various badminton and tennis bags. Although these bags are often labeled specifically for one sport, they can be used interchangeably, so don’t get confused by titles on product pages that indicate they are only for tennis or badminton.

Bag Features

Badminton and tennis bags offer an array of features. Some bags are feature-rich, while others are more basic and simple. Below, we’ll list out some common features and their benefits.

Available as a Backpack: This feature allows you to carry the bag like a backpack—with two shoulder straps that support the bag on your back. It’s a convenient option if you frequently have to walk around with your bag.
Thermo Guard: This premium feature provides an insulated lining inside a compartment of your bag, protecting your racquets from extreme temperature changes. This is particularly useful for professionals who need to keep their racquet strings from becoming brittle due to temperature fluctuations.
Easy Port Shape: This refers to a specific bag shape that reduces the burden and weight on your shoulders, making it easier to carry heavier loads.
Adjustable Buckle: This feature allows the buckles to rotate left and right depending on where your shoulder straps are positioned. It reduces strain on the buckles and makes the bag easier to carry.
Reflector: A safety feature that makes the bag easily visible in low light conditions, which is useful when walking at night in areas with traffic.
Chest Belt: A strap that connects your shoulder straps together, preventing them from slipping to the sides. This is particularly helpful when carrying heavy loads.
Water Bottle Pocket: A dedicated pocket for your water bottle, similar to what you’d find on regular backpacks. It can hold a small to medium-sized water bottle.
Shoe Pocket: A dedicated pocket for your shoes, usually with ventilation holes to keep air flowing through. This keeps your smelly and sweaty shoes separate from your other gear.

Other Bag Considerations

Dimensions: Before purchasing a bag, consider your unique situation to identify how you’ll use it. The ideal bag dimensions depend on how often you use it, how much walking you’ll do with it, and how much gear you plan to carry. Pay attention to the dimensions provided, as the size differences can affect how well the bag suits your needs.
Color: This is all about preference and style. Bags come in a variety of colors and designs, so take a look at all the options to choose the one that suits your taste.

Bag Product Lines

Badminton and tennis bags typically come in three different lines:

Pro Series: Designed for professionals, these bags are heavy-duty and feature the highest-end technology. They are of the highest quality but also come at the highest price point. Consider this series if you are a professional, planning to become one, or a serious amateur who plays frequently.
Active Series: Ideal for most amateurs who play fairly regularly but don’t need the most advanced technology. The price range is moderate, making this series a good value for most players.
Team Series: Best for those who play infrequently or only during specific seasons, like in school sports. These are the most basic and affordable bags, suitable for beginners or those not ready to invest in a more serious bag.