The 12 Best Tennis Bags, Backpacks, Totes (2024)

22 Jan.,2024

 

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Tennis bags come in several different styles.

  • The best traditional tennis bag is the ADV Pro V2.
  • The best tennis backpack is the Geau Sport Axiom Backpack.
  • The best tennis tote bag is the Vessel Baseline Tennis Tote.

However, you may want a different bag based on your goals, the number of racquets you carry, style preferences, budget, and more.

Below, I’ve compiled everything you should consider when choosing a tennis bag and reviewed 12 great bags. Whether you’re an advanced tennis player with six racquets or a complete beginner, you’ll be able to find a bag that can carry your tennis gear below.

Each bag on our list was tested and reviewed based on several factors, including racquet capacity, organization, portability, durability, design, comfort, and overall functionality.

List of the Best Tennis Bags

The table below has our picks for the top 12 tennis bags by category. We reviewed traditional bags, tennis backpacks, and tote bags below.

Click the links below to order from Tennis Warehouse or Amazon.

Reviews of the 12 Best Tennis Bags

Below are our picks for the top twelve tennis bags on the market. We’ve tested and reviewed bags from all the major brands to help you find the perfect tennis bag.

In each review, you’ll see the following criteria for each bag.

  • Racquet Capacity | How many racquets the bag can hold?
  • Price | Scale from 1-3 dollar signs.
  • Style | Traditional, Backpack, Tote, or Duffel Bag.

#1 – ADV Pro V2 Tennis Bag

A brand that doesn’t make tennis racquets, ADV Tennis has created a fantastic, innovative bag for adult club-level players.

My favorite features of this bag are the insulated, built-in-cooler, and the hidden storage pocket underneath the bag to keep wet clothes separated. This bag also comes with two hooks that you can use to hang the bag on the fence, keeping it off the hot tennis court surface.

The center compartment provides space to store tennis balls, sunglasses for tennis, food, or other equipment. The outside pockets are great for organizing your small items like grips, keys, phone, and other accessories. The ventilated shoe storage is helpful for players who don’t like to wear shoes for tennis off the court.

The new version has been updated to hold up to 6 racquets and extended frames with added length for a better fit. It features detachable shoulder straps and plenty of storage and pockets for organization. The bag has it all including great capacity, durability, racquet protection, and more. The only downside is it’s not the most affordable tennis bag, but worth the price in my opinion.

Watch my video review below.

Price | $$
Racquet Capacity | 6+
Style | Traditional

Pros

  • Stores up to 6 racquets
  • Built-in cooler for water & sports drinks
  • Separate, hidden pocket for clothes
  • Ventilated shoe storage
  • Plenty of pockets for organization
  • Hooks to hang the bag from the fence

Cons

  • Often sold out. The best alternatives are the Geau or Vessel bags above.
Buy On ADV Tennis

Other Sellers:

  • Amazon.com

#2 – Babolat Pure Drive 6-Pack Tennis Bag

A great traditional bag for players with a lower budget is the Babolat Pure Drive 6-pack tennis bag.

This Pure Drive bag is one of several bags from Babolat that all have similar functionality with different colors, accompanying the most popular Babolat tennis racquets. These include the Babolat Pure Drive, Pure Strike, and Pure Aero.

This bag is a good size for most players with the capacity to carry six racquets, a ventilated shoe compartment, and outside pockets for extra storage. The two main compartments can store 3 racquets each. Since most players don’t carry more than 3 racquets, however, you can use the second compartment for tennis balls, towels, clothes, or other large items.

The outside accessory pockets can fit smaller items like strings, tennis overgrips, your phone, keys, etc.

The adjustable shoulder straps are designed to hang comfortably on your shoulders, so you can wear it like a backpack. The two grab handles make it even more mobile.

Price | $$
Racquet Capacity | 6
Style | Traditional

Pros

  • Ventilated pocket for shoes
  • Isothermal protection for string maintenance & racquet protection
  • Adjustable shoulder straps to wear it like a backpack
  • Outside pockets for extra storage & organization
  • Reasonable price
  • Also available as a 12-pack for more advanced players
  • Pure Aero version available as well

Cons

  • If you have a different brand of racquets, this won’t match
Buy On Tennis Warehouse

Other Sellers:

  • Amazon.com

#3 – Vessel Baseline Tennis Racquet Bag

Vessel is a luxury bag brand that originally made golf bags but is starting to use its expertise in tennis. Their racquet bag is perfect for club players who have two to four racquets and want a high-quality bag.

The bag has two large compartments that fit a total of six tennis racquets. The smaller of the two is insulated to keep your racquet frames and tennis strings protected in warm or cold weather. The bag has four exterior side pockets, two on each side, to keep smaller items. These outside pockets have well-designed pouches for organization. There is also a ventilated shoe compartment that has plenty of room no matter your shoe size.

The adjustable shoulder straps, made of nylon and synthetic leather, have unmatched comfort. You can easily remove these too if you prefer to carry the bag by one of the two carrying handles.

This bag is the best luxury tennis bag you’ll find. Its high-quality materials and modern design make it one of the top new bag brands on the market.

Read our full Vessel Tennis Bag Reviews.

Price | $$$
Racquet Capacity | 6
Style | Traditional

Pros

  • Very high-quality materials
  • Two large compartments to fit up to 6 racquets
  • Four outside pockets for organization
  • Very large, ventilated, shoe compartment
  • Modern design & plenty of storage space

Cons

  • Not for players who carry 6+ racquets
  • Not a well-known tennis brand
Buy On Vesselbags.com

Stop paying full price for tennis gear! Get deals on shoes, racquets & more up to 70% off.

#4 – Geau Sport Axiom 9-Pack Tennis Bag

Geau Sport is a newer company in the tennis bag industry and they’ve quickly become a favorite for competitive adult and recreational players.

Their Axiom 9-Pack Tennis Bag has a unique design that stands up on its own on the tennis court. This makes it easy to quickly access your water, phone, or anything else on changeovers.

It is designed with two outside pockets that each carry up to two racquets. The main interior compartment has velcro dividers that can act as shelves to store clothes, tennis balls, towels, and more. Removing the dividers allows you to store more racquets. There is also a shoe compartment on the top that can be used to store anything you need quick access to on the court.

Two padded and adjustable shoulder straps make it easy to carry. It also comes with a grab handle on the top of the bag.

Read our full Geau Tennis Bag Review.

Price | $$
Racquet Capacity | 6+
Style | Traditional (but the only bag on the market that stands upright)

Pros

  • Brilliantly designed bag that stands upright on the court
  • High quality, weather-resistant materials
  • Easily holds 4 racquets in the outside pockets
  • Removable dividers inside act as shelves
  • Plenty of storage capacity
  • Large, breathable shoe storage compartment on top

Cons

  • Not great for more than 4 racquets
  • Runs out of stock fast (see other sellers)
Buy On GeauSport.com

Other Sellers:

  • Tennis Warehouse

#5 – Geau Sport Axiom Tennis Backpack

Geau Sport makes our list for the second time with a thoughtfully designed backpack for tennis players.

If you carry two racquets and prefer a backpack-style tennis bag, this is the best option for you. This backpack easily holds two racquets close to your back that are secured with a zipper. There is good padding to protect them as well. The inside of the bag has plenty of room to keep towels, tennis balls, grips, and other gear. There is even a divider to help with organization. The top pocket is very easy to access for personal items.

On the side, you’ll find an external pocket that is leakproof for shoes or wet clothes. This backpack has adjustable straps and a sternum strap for extra support. There is also an extra hook next to the grab handle for hanging it on the fence.

Price | $$
Racquet Capacity | 2
Style | Backpack

Pros

  • 2 colors available
  • Easily holds two racquets with a padded compartment
  • Fantastic dividers & pockets for organization
  • Great storage capacity for a tennis backpack
  • Comfortable shoulder straps
  • Hook to hang it on the fence

Cons

  • Shoe storage takes space from the main compartment
  • Runs out of stock fast (see other sellers)
Buy On Geausport.com

Other Sellers:

  • Tennis Warehouse

#6 – Vessel Baseline Tennis Tote Bag

In addition to their traditional tennis bag above, Vessel makes a very high-quality and stylish tennis tote bag.

This bag has plenty of room for all your tennis gear including a padded, waterproof pocket to protect up to 2 racquets or a laptop. Inside the main compartment are five total pockets (including a few with zippers) to store your phone, sunglasses, grips, and other belongings. There’s also a clip to secure your keys and make them easy to find.

On the outside, you’ll find two pockets for water bottles or a can of balls. Like everything from Vessel, this bag is made of durable, weather-resistant, premium materials. This bag looks great with some of the best tennis skirts too.

Price | $$$
Racquet Capacity | 1-2
Style | Tote

Pros

  • Very high-quality materials
  • Easily fits two racquets or a laptop
  • Pockets for water bottles
  • 5 internal pockets for organization
  • Key clip
  • Stylish on or off the court
  • 4 styles available

Cons

  • No over-the-shoulder strap
  • Not great for competitive players carrying 3+ racquets
Buy On vesselbags.com

#7 – Geau Sport Axiom Tennis Duffel Bag

Geau Sport makes the list for a 3rd time and for good reason. They’re making very high-quality bags with features that tennis players need.

The Axiom tennis duffel bag excels in its customizable organization and premium, durable materials. Externally, there is a small pocket for your phone, wallet, keys, and other small items. There is also a larger pocket where you can keep your extra grips, strings, sunscreen, etc. A third zipper on the end of the bag provides access to shoe storage.

In the main compartment, there are four dividers that you can add or remove as needed. This allows you to keep your racquets protected and tennis balls, clothes, and other gear organized.

The shoulder straps are also removable and adjustable. This is a unique feature I haven’t seen in other duffel-style tennis bags. You can choose to carry this duffel as a backpack, with one shoulder strap, or remove the straps and use the grab handle.

Overall, this new tennis duffel bag from Geau Sport outperforms others on the market in every category.

Price | $$$
Racquet Capacity | up to 9, or 4 with room for gear and clothes
Style | Duffel

Pros

  • Premium, durable weather-proof materials
  • Totally customizable organization inside the main compartment
  • Ventilated shoe pocket on the end
  • Two external pockets for easy access to phone & smaller items
  • Very comfortable, removable & adjustable shoulder straps

Cons

  • High-end product comes with a premium price, but well worth it for serious tennis players who travel
Buy On Geausport.com

Other Sellers:

  • Tennis Warehouse

#8 – ADV Jetpack Tennis Backpack

The ADV Jetpack Backpack is a high-quality and versatile backpack designed specifically for tennis players. With its sleek and stylish design, this backpack is made from high-quality materials that are both durable and lightweight, making it easy and comfortable to carry.

It features a spacious main compartment with internal pockets for organization. The backpack can fit up to three tennis racquets, shoes, and more. There is a built-in, insulated cooler on the side to store an ice pack with Gatorade, water, or snacks.

The Jetpack Backpack has comfortable, adjustable shoulder straps, plus two grab handles to make it easy to carry. There is also optional grip protection for your racquets which is rare for a backpack. The capacity is slightly smaller than other tennis backpacks but the innovative features are second to none.

Watch Our Video Review.

Price | $$$
Racquet Capacity | up to 3
Style | Backpack

Pros

  • Comfortable and adjustable straps
  • Ventilation system to keep gear dry and odor-free
  • Built-in cooler
  • Shoe storage
  • Grip protection
  • Spacious main compartment and multiple pockets for organizing smaller items
  • Durable and lightweight construction

Cons

  • Limited color options
  • Shoe storage takes up lots of space from the main compartment
Buy On ADV Tennis

Other Sellers:

  • Amazon.com

#9 – Adidas Tour Tennis 12 Racquet Bag

Combining functionality with affordability, the Adidas Tour Tennis 12 Racquet Bag is next on our list.

This bag offers a large amount of storage space and features two insulated pockets for racquets that protect your tennis strings from extreme weather conditions. The front pocket on top offers an easily accessible storage space for shoes or dirty equipment.

This bag is a great alternative for players who are looking for a brand different from their racquets or equipment. However, Adidas does make some of the best tennis dresses, tennis shorts, and shoes.

Since it offers most features that a high-end bag would offer, this bag is a great choice for intermediate-level players looking for a lower-cost bag. 

Price | $
Racquet Capacity | 12
Style | Traditional

Pros

  • Two insulated compartments to keep a total of 6 racquets protected
  • FreshPak vented compartment in the front
  • UltraRide padded shoulder straps
  • Best budget bag

Cons

  • Many intermediate players complain that it is unnecessarily large, or bigger than shown in pictures
  • Over time, the design may slightly cave in in the middle
Buy On Amazon

Other Sellers:

  • Adidas.com

#10 – Wilson Federer DNA Tennis Backpack

Sharp and smooth, the clean exterior and matte colors of the Federer DNA Backpack reflect the aesthetic of one of the greatest tennis players ever.

This tennis backpack’s classy style and supreme quality surpass other top-line backpacks. The racquet compartment offers room for up to 2 racquets, while two main chambers give enough room for other tennis gear like clothes, balls, or strings. The felt-lined pocket offers a safe place to store phones, wallets, or keys. Another larger thermal-lined pocket keeps your sports drinks or food cold.

This backpack is perfect for all levels of tennis players and can easily function as a great school or work bag too. It has a padded back and padded straps for extra comfort.

Price | $$
Racquet Capacity | 2
Style | Backpack

Pros

  • Felt-lined zipper pocket for phone or wallet
  • Thermoguard pocket for drinks or snacks
  • Screened image of Roger Federer’s signature
  • Two large compartments for tennis gear or balls
  • Comfortable & padded shoulder straps
  • Two color options

Cons

  • Slightly more expensive than other backpack options
  • No shoe compartment
Buy On Amazon

Other Sellers:

  • Wilson.com

#11 – Head Gravity Sport Bag

With the duffel design, the Head Gravity Sport Bag offers maximum capacity for tennis players who travel.

This bag has enough space to carry up to six racquets plus clothes and gear for a weekend tournament. It has an external shoe compartment with a small vent. There is also an external side zipper pocket for smaller items like strings, grips, and personal items. Inside the bag, there is a padded divider to help keep your racquets protected.

There is a grab handle on the end that makes it easy to pick up. However, my favorite part of this bag is the comfortable adjustable shoulder straps. When I use this bag, I typically carry two racquets plus clothes and shoes for on and off the court.

Price | $$
Racquet Capacity | up to 6
Style | Duffel

Pros

  • Great for travel
  • Plenty of space for gear and racquets
  • External tennis shoe compartment
  • Adjustable shoulder straps are very comfortable
  • Padded divider protects 2-3 racquets
  • Lightweight and easy to carry

Cons

  • The internal divider can’t hold more than 2-3 racquets so carrying 6 racquets will mean some are exposed
Buy On Tennis Warehouse

#12 – Geau Sport Stance Tote Bag

One of the best tennis tote bags on the market, Geau’s Stance Tote Bag offers great specs while not compromising style.

It comes with room for 2 racquets, and a main storage compartment for large items. It also has several smaller pockets for valuables and an exterior pocket for a water bottle. Additionally, the rear hanging hook and metal feet make sure your bag stays clean and off the ground. All of this is complemented by its sturdy construction and shape to make sure the bag doesn’t slouch or fall over.

This bag is designed for ladies seeking a bag with style, but it’s a great bag for any player. 

Price | $
Racquet Capacity | 1-2
Style | Tote

Pros

  • Room for 2 racquets and a main storage compartment for large items
  • Several smaller accessory compartments for personal items
  • 2 different color options
  • Inexpensive compared to other tennis tote bags

Cons

  • Less options and space compared to similar bags
Buy On Geausport.com

Other Sellers:

  • Tennis Warehouse
  • Amazon.com

Stop paying full price for tennis gear! Get deals on shoes, racquets & more up to 70% off.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose the Best Tennis Bag for You

There is no perfect tennis bag for everyone.

The best bag for you will depend on the number of racquets you carry, other tennis gear you need to store in the bag, and your personal style preference.

Here are a few questions you’ll need to answer.

  • What style of bag do you want?
  • How many tennis racquets will you carry?
  • Do you need to carry shoes in your bag?
  • Will you travel with your tennis bag?

Competitive players who travel will need a bigger bag that can carry four or more racquets, shoes, towels, and other gear. Country club tennis players may only need to bring two racquets to the court along with a few small items and can choose a backpack or tennis tote bag.

Most professional tennis players use bags from brands that match their racquets. Fabio Fognini (left) uses the Babolat Pure Drive 12 racquet bag.

Below, we’ll help you understand all your options.

What Style of Tennis Bag Do You Want?

There are four primary types of tennis bags, traditional style, backpacks, tote bags, and duffles. I’ll explain each below.

Traditional Tennis Bags

Traditional tennis bags are often in the shape of a tennis racquet and carry anywhere from two to 12+ racquets. They usually have two shoulder straps so you can wear the bag like a backpack. The smaller bags may only have one shoulder strap.

  • Best Overall Traditional Tennis Bag: ADV Pro V2 (discount code: TRIBE)
  • Best Low-Cost Traditional Tennis Bag: Babolat Pure Drive 6-pack

Tennis Backpacks

Tennis backpacks usually carry two racquets and have room for small items like towels, clothes, grips, and other gear. Some may come with a shoe compartment but that reduces the capacity for other gear when used.

  • Best Overall Tennis Backpack: Geau Sport Axiom Tennis Backpack

Tennis Tote Bags

Tennis tote bags have become increasingly popular over the years. They are shaped like a normal tote bag or large purse, but have a built-in pocket for racquets that keeps them separate from other items. They usually store a maximum of two racquets with the handles angled back behind you while you carry it.

These bags often have a surprising amount of storage capacity and pockets for organizing your smaller tennis items inside.

  • Best Tennis Tote Bag: Vessel Tennis Tote

Shop more Tote Bags at Tennis Warehouse.

Tennis Duffel Bags

Tennis duffel bags are great for the traveling tennis player. They offer racquet storage and protection alongside room for clothes, shoes, and other gear. Most come with two backpack-style straps and grab handles on the outside for easy carrying.

I typically carry two racquets, shoes for tennis, and normal travel attire all in my Geau Sport duffle bag. You can carry this bag on the plane as well.

  • Best Tennis Duffel Bag: Geau Sport Duffle Bag
I use my Geau Sport Duffel bag when traveling to tennis tournaments. The dividers allow me to keep all my clothes, racquets, and shoes organized.

How Many Racquets Do You Need to Carry?

The number of tennis racquets you have will determine which bag you choose as well.

Recreational Players Who Play Locally Can Choose a Smaller Bag

If you’re a recreational or beginner player with only one or two racquets, a tennis backpack, tennis tote bag, or small traditional bag is best. In this case, you probably play tennis locally and don’t need shoe storage or room for much extra gear.

Comptetitive Players Who Travel for Tennis Should Choose a Large Bag or Duffle

On the other hand, if you’re a serious player who has four or more racquets and travels for tournaments often, you’ll need a larger bag. You’ll want to consider several factors like comfortability, storage capacity, organization, and more.

Large traditional tennis bags or tennis duffles are a great investment for the competitive player. They provide plenty of space, are comfortable on your shoulders for carrying through airports, and are built to last.

If you like to travel light, read our Cancha tennis bag review. The bag was created by a former pro player specifically for travel.

My ADV Jetpack tennis bag is the primary bag that I use for local league matches and tournaments. It offers innovative features like a built-in cooler and easily carries 4+ racquets, shoes, & other gear.

Features of Tennis Bags

Tennis bags come in many shapes and sizes, but they all share similar features that you should know before purchasing a bag.

Racquet Storage

Racquet storage is probably the most important feature of a good tennis bag. Some bags only carry two racquets, while the largest tennis bags can carry up to 15 racquets.

The Interior

The interior of tennis bags can come in different design options. Some bags simply have a huge compartment with no organization. Others come with dividers and pockets, making it easy to separate your racquets from clothes and other tennis gear.

The Exterior

The exterior of the bag can be made of different materials, and it’s important to choose something durable. Some exteriors are weather-resistant, like the Geau Sport bags, while others are made of polyester and other fabrics.

Shoe Storage

Shoe storage isn’t important for everyone, but is crucial for competitive tennis players. The shoe compartment is usually at the bottom, or on the end of the bag, and often has some ventilation system.

Accessory & Gear Pockets

Accessory & gear pockets are important to store smaller items like tennis balls, water bottles, or personal valuables. You want something with secure zippers and enough space for your needs. Some bags have these pockets on the outside of the bag, while others have them on the inside wall for extra protection.

Racquet Protection

Most tennis bags have large pockets that keep your tennis racquets separate from the rest of your gear. Many bags offer extra padding to these pockets to protect the frames of your racquets.

Some bags also offer temperature protection to help maintain string tension in hot and cool climates. Most players don’t need to worry about this, however. All the bags on our list provide good protection for your racquets.

What Should You Keep in Your Tennis Bag?

Storage space is an important aspect of tennis bags, regardless of player level. To determine how much storage space you need, you should ask yourself what you want your tennis bag to hold.

Here are a few items people often keep in their tennis bags:

If you’re someone who needs to carry a spare change of clothes for work or practice, then you would probably be interested in a traditional or duffel-style bag, which has enough space for both dirty clothes and shoes for tennis.

If you only need to hold smaller tennis items, then a backpack bag could be the style for you. The backpacks we reviewed above have great storage space, and can even double as a work bag. The sleeve for racquets can provide a safe place for a laptop, even on the tennis court.

If you’re an advanced player with 3 or more racquets or are looking for a larger bag to travel with, then the traditional style is the best choice for you. Depending on how many racquets you carry, you might need a 6, 9, 12, or even 15 racquet bag.

Note: A “15-racquet bag” is rarely used to carry 15 racquets. Most tennis players keep 4-8 racquets and use the extra space for clothes or other items. 

The Best Tennis Bag Brands

For many players, another deciding component is whether their bag’s branding matches that of their racquets. For example, someone playing with a Babolat Pure Drive might want a Babolat tennis bag.

If you are a player who appreciates matching brands, then an interesting alternative might be choosing a bag type not associated with tennis racquets at all, like ADV, Geau Sport, Nike, or Adidas.

You can shop for any of the best tennis bag brands below.

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Tennis Bag

With so many choices on the market, it can be challenging to determine which tennis bag is best for you. Many factors make a good tennis bag, and depending on your gear and skill level, some of those might be more important than others.

Things like capacity, protection, durability, and comfort might be more important for serious and high-level players who travel. However, functionality and style may be more important for intermediate or beginner players who play locally.

For us, the best overall tennis bag is the ADV Pro V2 tennis bag. However, players on a budget should choose the Babolat Pure Drive 6-Pack Tennis Bag. The Geau Sport Axiom Backpack is the best option for recreational players who want a smaller bag that’s easy to carry. The Vessel Baseline Tennis Tote is a great bag for ladies who prefer tote-style bags.

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