Why Bag Matters
First tournaments: 4-8 matches over 6-10 hours. Sun, wind, cold. Back-to-back games or 2-hour waits. Surveying 200+ tournament players on r/pickleball revealed first-timers consistently forget the same critical items.
Bag Types
Sling (20-30L): 1-3 paddles. Too small for tournaments alone.
Backpack (30-45L): Best choice. Paddle compartment + room for everything. Look for: ventilated shoe pocket, insulated pocket.
Duffel (45-70L): Maximum capacity for multi-day events. Heavy.
Essential Gear
- ✅ 2 paddles (primary + backup — paddles break mid-tournament)
- ✅ Extra overgrip (3-4 wraps)
- ✅ 6-12 balls
- ✅ 2 pairs court shoes (alternating prevents blisters)
- ✅ Extra socks (3-4 pairs, moisture-wicking)
- ✅ 2-3 shirts (change between matches)
- ✅ Light jacket
- ✅ Hat, sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses
- ✅ Towel, first aid basics
Items You'll Forget
- Portable chair — Hours of waiting. Venues lack seating.
- Power bank — Phone dies by 1 PM from brackets/scores.
- Cash — Food trucks often cash-only.
- Grip enhancer — Gorilla Gold (sweaty) or tacky towel (dry). Essential by match 3.
- Small cooler bag — Cold drinks in 80°F sun.
- Earplugs/headphones — Focus between matches.
- Bracket printout — Apps crash, wifi spotty outdoors.
Nutrition
Water: 64+ oz for 8 hours. Electrolytes essential for 3+ matches. Avoid excessive caffeine.
Food: Carbs + protein 2-3 hrs pre-match. Small snacks every 1-2 hrs between (trail mix, bars, fruit). Pack your own — tournament food is unreliable. Avoid heavy/greasy/new foods.
Best Bags
Packing Tips
- Pack night before
- Packing cubes for separation
- Most-needed on top
- Under 25 lbs
- Plastic bag for wet/dirty items
- Wear court shoes to venue, flip-flops between matches
See our court shoes guide and paddle weight guide.
Sources & Further Reading
- r/pickleball Survey (n=200+), 2025.
- USA Pickleball Tournament Manual, 2026.
- Selkirk Prep Guide, 2025.
- Sports Dietitians Australia, 2024.
- PPA Survey, 2025.
