Your pickleball bag is your lifeline. It carries everything you need to crush it on the court. After all, you can’t show up to a game with just a paddle in hand (if that’s you- more power to you homie).
From your paddle, pickleball balls, and more, we have your go to packing list for your dinking needs. This checklist is perfect for open play, ladders, dinks and drinks, tournaments, and more. We’ve got your back.
the ultimate pickleball bag packing list
your pickleball paddle.
If you’re going to pack anything in your pickleball bag the first thing you’ll need to grab is a paddle. That’s half of the battle right there. A few of our favorites that we use ourselves here at pkl are:
Picking your favorite paddle can be a divisive topic, we all have our preferences! Make sure you’re choosing a paddle that fits your game needs. Think about the weight, material it’s made out of, what the paddle is made to do, and lastly, think about the look of the paddle.
pickleball balls
Arguably the second most important part of a pickleball game– the pickleball ball itself. There are a variety of colors to choose from outside of the classic highlighter yellow: neon pink, neon green, red… the list goes on and on.
Don’t forget that when you pack your pickleball balls, you want to grab a pack that fits the court you're playing on. Indoor and outdoor pickleball balls are made differently. If you use an indoor ball on an outdoor court, it’ll feel and play differently. You also might get a few grumbles from fellow players. Vice versa for an outdoor ball in an indoor court.
An indoor ball has slightly larger holes, which means it has less holes than an indoor ball in general. Other distinguishing factors between an indoor and an outdoor ball are that outdoor balls are generally heavier, harder, and more bouncy than an indoor ball.
This pack is a fan favorite outdoor pickleball ball pack here at pkl.
pickleball shoes
Okay, you have what you need to to play pickleball– now it’s time to suit up. Let’s start with your footwear. You’re going to want a shoe that’s built for the courts. The grip the sole of the shoe has is extremely important to help with those quick movements when you’re in an intense dink battle.
According to Men’s Health, “A shoe with lateral stability is going to have a wider base, a stiff lower structure, and a special pocket for your heel to help prevent any ankle injuries. Other factors to consider in a proper pickleball shoe are comfort, weight, and breathability.”
Similar to your pickleball paddle, you want to pick a shoe that’s right for you. There isn’t a universal fit, but try different options until you find the right one.
Don’t forget to replace your shoes when the grip wears out to prevent any injuries on the court.
A couple of our favorite pickleball shoes are:
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NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro
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Asics Gel Challengers
pickleball outfit
Pickleball will make you sweat– there’s no doubt about that. Pick clothes that are light, breathable, and will let you move freely. You don’t want to be restricted by a top or pants when you’re jumping for a lob or reaching for your perfect dink shot.
We think that no outfit is complete without at least one pkl accessory…
Speaking of sweat, toss in a small sweat towel. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.
shade protection
You want optimal vision when you’re playing on an outdoor court. Make sure you pack the right shade protection. Our pkl hats provide stylish and optimal coverage when running around an outdoor court.
If you are more of a sunglasses wearer, we recommend Blenders. These baddies prevent sun glare, and you look great on the court.
sunscreen
If you’re playing outdoor pickleball, you’ll be out in the sun for a bit. Protect your skin with a nice layer of sunscreen before you play. Bye bye sunburns!
water
Stay hydrated! In order to play your best, you have to stay hydrated when you play. Make sure you bring plenty of water. Most of the time, a water bottle isn’t enough– plus it’s not as environmentally friendly. Opt for a Hydroflask or a Yeti to keep your water cold for longer periods of time. Plus it holds much more water than a little plastic bottle.
To add some yummy goodness to your water add a pack of liquid IV. You’re hydrating and getting extra electrolytes in. A win - win.
Snacks
If you’re like us, you can play pickleball for hours. Yes we said h.o.u.r.s.
Pack a few healthy snacks to tie you over between games. We like to pack granola bars, fruit, carrots, and whatever we can grab from our pantries before we race out the door. Trust us, having snacks that can live in your bag in case of a hangry emergency will be a life saver.
chapstick
Toss your favorite brand of chapstick in your bag to keep your lips hydrated throughout the day. Bonus points if it has SPF in it!
time to play!
Your bag is now packed for what we hope is a full day of pickleball. If you’re searching for the perfect bag to hold all of your gear for your next game, take a look at our pkl tote bags. They’re made to fit everything you need to bring the heat on the court. Happy pickling!