Basketball has been one of the most popular sports played by both children and adults. Finding the best basketball backpacks to use is essential, it might not be the first thing on the list but it surely counts. Every backpack is good enough to carry your normal gear, however, there are special basketball backpacks that provide enough room for shoes and can even carry the ball in some cases.
Basketball backpacks keep things organized and prevent your stuff from being scattered everywhere. Having to find something can take a great deal of time. Your towels, clothes, and other items are in these bags. Finding the perfect backpack can be overwhelming. Lucky for you, we have narrowed it to the best ones here.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 8 hrs of research
Nike Hoops Elite Max Air Team 2.0 Basketball Backpack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Plenty of storage for your ball, clothes, shoes and other items
- Quad Zip System for easy access to your gear
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Water-resistant bottom
Diadora Squadra Basketball Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- Very durable fabric made from nylon
- Vented shoe tunnel on the side
- Padded shoulder straps
Best Basketball Backpacks – Overview
A basketball backpack is basically a necessity for both casual and professional players. The sport requires a few bulky items that you can’t really play without (shoes and balls to name a few). This is why we created this guide on the best basketball backpacks for you along with a guide on what you should be looking for when you’re looking to shop for one.
Basketball Backpacks Reviews
1. Nike Hoops Elite Max Air Team 2.0 Basketball Backpack – Premium Pick
The Nike Hoops Elite Max Air Team 2.0 Basketball Backpack is our favorite basketball backpack. The huge cargo space of the main compartment of the Hoops Elite Max comfortably fits a pair of court shoes – in their own mesh pocket with an elastic band to secure them – a regulation basketball and other sporting paraphernalia.
If you’ve ever had to empty a backpack just to get reach to something, you know how annoying it can be, this is why the quad zip system allows you to get to your gear from any angle. There is also a separate compartment for your dirty clothes which is another useful feature of this backpack. The material is very durable and the straps are very wide which makes the wearing of the Nike Elite very comfortable. Our guide to the best backpacks for athletes offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Water-resistant bottom creates a durable exterior
- Nike Quad Zip System offers easy access to your gear from all angles
- Adjustable Max Air shoulder straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Nike
- Dimensions: 21″ H x 14.1″ W x 2.9″ D
- Weight: 1.32 lbs
- Plenty of storage for your ball, clothes, shoes and other items
- Quad Zip System for easy access to your gear
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Water-resistant bottom
- Fabric is thin so best for lightweight items
2. Under Armour Undeniable 3 Backpack
The Under Armour Undeniable 3 Backpack delivers an element-battling, highly water-resistant finish. The front compartment is able to hold a basketball shoes and keeps them cordoned off from the rest of the bag. The top part is deep enough to fit a basketball and could even fit additional items such as knee pads, etc. if necessary. There’s a pocket on each side large enough to fit a full-size water bottle.
It has a soft-lined laptop sleeve that can hold up to 15″ laptop. Additional features include a zippered front panel pocket with built-in organization sleeve, plus an additional quick stash zippered pocket on the top lid compartment.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic foam padded back panel
- Deep mesh side water bottle pockets on sides
- Row of webbing loops on front for attachment points
Specifications:
- Brand: Under Armour
- Capacity: 31L
- Dimensions: 19.5″ H x 12″ W x 9.5″ D
- Weight: 0.99 lbs
- Built with storage space to fit an NBA-sized basketball
- Foam reinforced panels add protection
- Water-repellent front valuables pocket to keep your stuff safe
- Can fit up to a 15″ laptop
- Not much interior organization
3. Nike Hoops Elite Pro Basketball Backpack
Get ready for basketball season with the Nike Hoops Elite Pro Basketball Backpack. It has several compartments that give plenty of storage and a ventilated shoe compartment to keep your gear separate. The Nike Pro Adapt padded shoulder straps provide a comfortable carry and the top haul loop adds versatility.
With an adjustable sternum strap, the backpack will stay put and the stowable hook allows you to hang the backpack on a fence during pick-up games. Additional features include a zippered foil-lined pocket for beverages and 2 side slip pockets for quick access storage
Key Features:
- Large zippered main compartment
- Ventilated shoe compartment holds up to size 15
- Nike Pro Adapt adjustable and padded shoulder straps
- Durable, water-resistant bottom
Specifications:
- Brand: Nike
- Dimensions: 23″ H x 16″ W x 3″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- The main compartment is roomy enough to hold the ball and shoes together
- Top haul loop for versatile carrying
- Adjustable sternum strap stabilizes the pack
- If you have shoes and the ball inside the bag it is difficult to place a water bottle on the same side pocket
4. Diadora Squadra Basketball Backpack – Best Value
The Diadora Squadra Basketball Backpack is one of the most popular picks for most active people. It is a sports backpack with a special zippered compartment for a ball, placed at the back where we usually have a pocket. It is made out of durable nylon with PVC backing. The backpack has a simple and ergonomic design
The dedicated ball pocket is integrated into the backpack. It actually takes away from the storage space which leaves less for other items such as clothing or shoes. It is still a decent backpack as long as it is used for what it was designed.
Key Features:
- Zippered huge pouch ball storage fits basketball
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps
- Water bottle pockets on the side
Specifications:
- Brand: Diadora
- Dimensions: 16.8″ H x 11.6″ W x 2.6″ D
- Weight: 1.60 lbs
- Very durable fabric made from nylon
- Vented shoe tunnel on the side
- Padded shoulder straps
- Not very spacious
5. KOLAKO Basketball Laptop Backpack
The KOLAKO Basketball Laptop Backpack is a multifunction backpack, the bottom zipper of the backpack has a basketball net, a laptop compartment, and many pockets. It also has a built-in charging cable, offering you a convenient way to charge your device.
This mesh backpack is made of durable and eco-friendly oxford fabric, good air permeability and heat dissipation with two widened curve padded shoulder straps offer lightweight carrying and of force reinforcement, which helps relieve the pressure of your shoulders. Be sure to also check out our list of gym and work backpacks for more great items like this.
Key Features:
- Mesh basketball net
- Built-in charging cable
- Laptop compartment
- Padded shoulder straps
Specifications:
- Brand: KOLAKO
- Dimensions: 18.9″ H x 11.8″ W x 5.9″ D
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
- Removable basketball net
- Lightweight and durable
- Water-resistant fabric
- Multi separated compartments
- Not optimal for carrying a lot of items
6. MIER Basketball Backpack
The MIER Basketball Backpack features a durable exterior shell, built with tough with abrasion resistance for demanding athletes. It has a spacious ventilated pocket on the bottom that can hold a basketball. It can fit up to a 17″ laptop and a tablet on its main compartment.
It has inner side pockets for valuables storage like your phone, wallet, keys, etc. It also has quick access to one side mesh pockets which is great for water bottles and other miscellaneous gear, the other side is an insulated zipper pocket for cold/hot food. Padded shoulder strap and comfortable haul handles for easy carry.
Key Features:
- Ball compartment
- Multiple compartments for organization
- Water-resistant fabric
- Easy-grip top carry handle
Specifications:
- Brand: MIER
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 19.7″ H x 12.6″ W x 9.8″ D
- Weight: 2.64 lbs
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Mesh padded back panel
- Vented ball/wet/dry/shoe compartment allows you to store your items separately.
- No separate shoe pouch
7. Adidas Stadium II Backpack
Built for athletes, the Adidas Stadium II Backpack is big enough to fit everything for practice or an away game and loaded with function to get you through your day. The design allows you to zip away your regulation size basketball into the main pocket or wear on the outside of the bag in an expandable mesh pocket.
The bottom of the bag is made with water-resistant material to keep your stuff safe from the field or gym floor. there is a front zippered pocket to keep your dirty cleats or sneakers separated, and a tricot-lined soft pocket for valuables. Make sure you also check our selection of the best soccer backpacks.
Key Features:
- Zippered bottom ball pocket
- Water-resistant base
- Dual water bottle pockets and a zippered tricot-lined media pocket
- Padded shoulder straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Adidas
- Dimensions: 20″ H x 12″ W x 9.5″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Padded shoulder straps and back panel to keep you comfortable
- Dual water bottle pockets
- Water-resistant base and extra durable 3d ripstop fabric
- Only the base is water-resistant
8. BAGLAND Basketball Backpack
The BAGLAND Basketball Backpack offers a great basketball backpack with a good and practical design. It has a lot of pockets and a large removable mesh pocket that can be used to carry a ball. Multi-panel airflow design provides extra padding for comfort and maximum back support.
One main bag, one dedicated laptop compartment, two exterior zipper pouches, one elastic pouch in the adjustable breathable strap, one big mesh pouch for basketball, clothes or sport shoes, etc, one small mesh pouch for umbrella or water bottle.
Key Features:
- Air mesh on the shoulder straps and lumbar pad provides comfort
- ABS plastic hook attached to the bag
- Laptop compartment
- A lot of interior and exterior organization
Specifications:
- Brand: BAGLAND
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 11.5″ W x 8.5″ D
- Weight: 2.35 lbs
- Easy-access to the ball
- Multi panel airflow design
- A lot of internal and external pockets
- A bit pricey
9. K-Cliffs Basketball Backpack
Look at the K-Cliffs Basketball Backpack and you’ll find that this backpack is made with sports in mind immediately. Not only does it provide a special pocket that is wide enough for a basketball, it also has velcro loops on either side that can hold a baseball bat on each side. It also comes with two mesh pockets on the side for water bottles,
The quality of this backpack might not be quite up to par with other brands like Nike or Under Armour, but the K-Cliffs is also a whole lot cheaper. If you are looking for a cheaper option, primarily used for sports, this backpack is a great choice.
Key Features:
- Zippered huge pouch ball storage fits basketball
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps
- Water bottle pockets on the side
Specifications:
- Brand: K-Cliffs
- Dimensions: 22″ H x 14″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Dedicated compartment for a ball
- Multiple pockets for small items like pens and phones
- Looks a bit cheap
10. Hard Work Sports Basketball Backpack
The Hard Work Sports Basketball Backpack has a clean and sleek basketball backpack design. The backpack can fit your shoes, clothes, water, towels comfortably. It has an adjustable and breathable shoulder strap for comfort.
The bag seems sturdy and well constructed. The side pockets for water bottles are a bit small to fit sports bottles. When a basketball is in the mesh pouch, there’s not a lot of space in the bag. So this backpack is best for carrying lightweight items.
Key Features:
- Secured front mesh ball holder
- Adjustable and breathable shoulder straps for comfort
- Large main compartment for your shoes and essentials
Specifications:
- Brand: Hard Work Sports
- Dimensions: 20″ H x 13″ W x 7.5″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- The quality of the materials seems to be very good
- Stylish look
- Comfortable straps
- Best for kids with smaller shoe sizes and youth-size basketballs
Buying Guide
Size
Make sure the quality is great if you intend to use the backpack for a while. Search for water-resistant material such as nylon, polyester or canvas with high density. Other signs of quality are good stitching and high-quality zippers; you don’t want to throw away your backpack because the zippers won’t close anymore or because the stitching has been undone.
Comfort
Comfort is important, especially if you use the backpack everyday. Ensure that the straps and back are padded and that the weight is distributed evenly. An additional strap between the two shoulder straps often referred to as a sternum strap, can also increase comfort.
Dedicated Pockets
Not all backpacks have a dedicated spot for the ball. The ones that do not have a dedicated space should be large enough to fit a standard basketball. Odds are nobody carries just a basketball. The backpack should be able to hold at least a pair of shoes and still have a bit of extra room for your towels and clothes.
Price
Not everybody is ready to spend hundreds of dollars on a backpack. On the cheaper side of things, there are some decent options, but it’s important to get a backpack that isn’t overpriced and doesn’t feel too cheap or it just breaks apart more easily than anticipated.
Frequently Ask Questions
How big of a basketball backpack do I need?
Many of the regular-sized basketball backpacks out there are suitable for the needs of a player. These basketball backpacks are built to carry one basketball and provide more room for your other things including basketball shoes and clothes. Yet should you need more, there are manufacturers selling basketball backpacks with differing capabilities.
How do I wash a basketball backpack?
Depending on the materials that are used. Check the manufacturer’s specifications. Others can be cleaned in a laundry machine and some may be cleaned by hand. Use a soft detergent to wash your bags, then dry them with air. You should even use a spray as a solution to clean your bag. Apply in the bag, and then wipe it clean.
What type of backpack do I need for a basketball backpack?
There is a limited amount of backpacks devoted to basketball. Manufacturers prefer making more all-purpose backpacks and some do have a dedicated ball pocket. Others might not fit inside a basketball but there are plenty of versions to pick from. Is a ball compartment important to you? Do you need pockets for sweaty clothes? Is a shoe pocket also needed? Knowing the answers to these questions would help you decide which pack to get.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best basketball backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a basketball backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.