Finding the correct basketball backpack can be a tedious task. Some may not be the right size while others may not have a ball compartment. Ideally, you want a basketball backpack that can store all your essential sports items such as your basketball, shoes and jersey.
To help you pick the right basketball backpack for your needs we’ve done some extensive research to find the top 10 products on the market. We’ve also provided a short guide on how to buy the best basketball backpack for your needs. Keep reading to find out more.
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Quick Summary
- Best Overall – Nike Hoops Elite
- Best Top Loader – Under Armour SC30 Undeniable Backpack
- Best Budget – Adidas Stiker II Team Backpack
- Most Spacious – Point 3 Basketball Road Trip Backpack
- Best Style – Wilson Evolution Backpack
- Most Comfortable to Carry – ERANT Basketball Backpack
- Best Practical Design – MIER Basketball Backpack
- Best for Laptops and Sports Gear – Hard Work Sports Basketball Backpack
- Best Hidden Compartments – Kolako Basketball Backpack
- Best for Shoe and Ball Storage – Athletico Basketball Backpack
What to Consider When Buying a Basketball Backpack
Before you buy your basketball backpack there are few features and specifications you should consider first. To help you pick a high quality backpack that’s practical we’ve provided a short buyer’s guide for you to follow.
This guide will help you choose a basketball backpack that will be of value to you when you need to store items securely.
Is the Basketball Backpack Waterproof?
Basketball backpacks aren’t simply to store balls. The bags are designed to store shoes, clothes and even electronic devices. Make sure the backpack you buy is 100% waterproof to protect the items inside your backpack from getting damaged.
Does it Have a Ball Compartment?
Most basketball backpacks have a compartment where you can store your ball. However, not all of these backpacks have this feature. If you don’t want to risk losing your ball then buy a backpack that has a compartment to store the ball.
Buying a backpack that has a ball compartment means you don’t have to carry your basketball around. Your hands will be free to do other things when traveling with your sports gear such as opening car doors or greeting your teammates.
Is The Basketball Backpack Easy To Carry?
Backpacks typically come with two straps so you can carry the bag on your shoulders. They will also have a handle on top so you can carry the backpack in your hand. Make sure that the backpack you want to buy is easy and comfortable to carry.
A basketball backpack that has a streamlined design will be easier to carry because there won’t be unnecessary straps or compartments protruding out of it.
Specifications to Consider
- Weight: One of the most important specifications to consider is the weight of the backpack. You want the bag to be light especially if you’re going to be carrying it for an extended period of time. Consider how much the bag will weigh once you’ve packed all your sports items into it. It won’t be heavy if you’re simply carrying a change of clothes with you. However, if you’re carrying a basketball, laptop and shoes it can start to become heavy. So make sure you pick a lightweight backpack so it doesn’t put strain on your body when you carry it.
- Durability: Consider what the basketball backpack is made from. Buy a backpack that’s made with materials that won’t rip or fade over time. These types of backpacks are usually made from nylon or polyester fabrics with backing for extra durability. Straps are also made from nylon with hard plastic clips.
- Storage Space: How much storage space do you need? Do you want to carry other items besides your shoes and basketball? Choose a backpack that has multiple compartments to store clothes, electronics and even books or laptops.
Best Basketball Backpacks
1. Nike Hoops Elite
Key Features:
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Size: 13 X 9.1 X 21.1 Inches
- Color: Black with white detailing
- Ball compartment: Yes
The Nike Hoops Elite backpack is one of the most stylish sports bags you can get. It’s made with 100% polyester fabric that’s durable and waterproof. You’ll appreciate that the bag has a large storage compartment where you can store your ball.
Behind the large ball compartment there’s a zipper with padding on the side where you can store your laptop. There are compartments on the sides of the bag. One is ventilated so it’s suitable for storing your basketball sneakers. It’s big enough to store size 15 shoes.
The backpack is comfortable to carry thanks to the soft straps that are also fully adjustable. So if the backpack hangs too low or high you can adjust the straps so the back sits properly when you’re carrying it on your back.
Pros
- Durable waterproof fabric
- Comes with plenty of storage space
- Stylish
- Can store a water bottle or shoes in the side compartments
Cons
- May be too big to fit inside a locker
- Smaller zippers may not be durable
2. Under Armour SC30 Undeniable Backpack
Key Features:
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Size: 1 x 12 x 19.5 inches
- Color: White and black
- Ball compartment: Yes
The Under Armour SC30 is Stephen Curry’s collection and before he puts his logo on any product he makes sure that it lives up to his standards. This backpack is a top loader so you can put items inside the bag easily. You can fit a size 5 NBA basketball inside the designated compartment so you don’t have to carry it by hand when you’re traveling.
On the bag, there are two adjustable HeatGear shoulder straps so you can alter them to the length you want. The sides of the bag have mesh pockets to store your water bottle or small accessories. If you’re bag gets dirty, simply put it into the washing machine to clean it.
Pros
- Foam reinforced panels
- Can store a 15 inch Macbook
- Durable bottom
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
- Material is too thin
3. Adidas Stiker II Team Backpack
Key Features:
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Size: 17H X 13W x 11D Inches
- Color: Maroon – Comes in six other colors
- Ball compartment: No
Adidas is a brand known for making high quality sports gear. Their backpacks are no different. The Adidas Striker II Team backpack is made with durable polyester fabric that won’t rip or fade over time. This backpack comes in seven different colors such as blue, black, green, red and more.
There are three main compartments that have durable zippers to keep the contents of your backpack safe. Additionally, there’s a compartment to hold your laptop or tablet. The soft back straps are fully adjustable for the perfect fit.
In your Adidas Striker II Team bag you can store basketball uniforms, shoes, electronics and a towel. Unfortunately there isn’t a big enough compartment to store your basketball.
Pros
- Durable fabric that won’t tear
- Adjustable straps
- Tricot lined pocket to store valuables
- Has a 16 inch compartment for laptop
Cons
- Doesn’t have a basketball compartment
- Stitching isn’t durable
4. Point 3 Basketball Road Trip Backpack
Key Features:
- Material: 100% hydrophobic polyester
- Size: 25 x 16 x 20.75 Inches
- Color: Black – Comes in three other colors
- Ball compartment: Yes
The advantage of the Point 3 Road Trip 2.0 basketball backpack is that you can personalize it. You can add your name and jersey number to the front of the bag. There’s a front enclosure with a drawstring so you can store your basketball. This backpack is a top loader so you can have easy access to your clothes and essentials.
On the sides of the bag there are pocket storage compartments that can fit size 14 sneakers. There’s a top pocket with a zipper where you can store accessories or keys. Lastly, the compartments are ventilated to air out sweaty sports clothes so that it doesn’t cause musty smells in your bag.
Pros
- Padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Durable fabric that won’t tear
- Mesh compartments for ventilation
- Top pocket to store small items
Cons
- Plastic draw string clip may not be durable
- Ball storage compartment could be designed better
5. Wilson Evolution Backpack
Key Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 8 x 7 x 6 inches
- Color: Red
- Ball compartment: Yes
The Wilson brand is known for making the best basketballs on the market. But did you know the company also makes basketball backpacks? The Wilson Evolution backpack has a large main compartment to store your basketball, shoes and other large items.
You’ll love the temperature controlled side pockets because they will keep your water cool and your snacks fresh. There’s a hidden sleeve on one of the shoulder straps where you can store your SmartPhone and it gives you easy access to your device.
The padded shoulder straps provide comfort and the sternum strap ensures the bag stays stable while you’re carrying it. Keep your valuables and accessories and items such as keys and credit cards safe in the hidden compartment inside the main pocket.
Pros
- Has compartment to store laptops or tablets
- Large main compartment for ball or sportswear
- Holds shoes in a separate mesh pocket
- Has ventilated pockets for maximum air flow
Cons
- Is more expensive than other backpacks
- May not be 100% waterproof
6. ERANT Basketball Backpack
Key Features:
- Material: High density polyester
- Size: 24 x 13.94 x 2.48 inches
- Color: Black
- Ball compartment: Yes
The ERANT basketball backpack is versatile because it can be used to store all types of sports gear such as volleyballs or soccer gear. You can fit a size 7 ball inside the main compartment. There’s also a compartment that fits up to size 12 shoes and a water resistant accessories pocket.
This backpack is made with high density polyester fabric that won’t tear or fade over time. There are two padded straps that won’t chafe your skin and there’s a top handle if you don’t want to carry the bag on your back. Lastly, there are mesh pockets on the side were you can store your water bottle or snacks.
Pros
- Comfortable to carry
- Comes with large ball compartment
- There’s a pocket to store shoes
- Mesh pockets to store water bottle
Cons
- Shoe compartment isn’t ventilated
- Zippers aren’t durable
7. MIER Basketball Backpack
Key Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 6 x 9.8 x19.7 Inches
- Color: Black
- Ball compartment: Yes
The MIER basketball backpack is one of the most popular bags on the market due to its sturdy structure and practical design. In the front, there is a large compartment with a zipper that fits any type of round sports ball such as a soccer ball, basketball or volleyball.
There’s an inner compartment that allows you to store laptops and tablets and it has foam backing to protect your items from damage. It’s a water resistant backpack so you can store your clothes and other sensitive items such as money or watches.
Furthermore, there is a side pocket to store shoes that are at least a size 14. Store your water bottle inside the other side pocket. It’s a versatile backpack that can be used for hiking, sports and gym.
Pros
- Made with strong material that won’t break
- Durable zippers
- Large ball compartment
- Rigid design
Cons
- Stitching isn’t strong enough
- Expensive
8. Hard Work Sports Basketball Backpack
Key Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 20 x 13 x 7.5 inches
- Color: Black
- Ball compartment: Yes
The Hard Work sports basketball backpack is narrower than other types of sports bags so space may be limited. However, there is a mesh pocket in the front of the bag that will hold your basketball securely.
There is a compartment to store laptops and tablets. The shoulder straps are adjustable and they’re padded so they won’t chafe your skin. This bag is versatile because it can be used to carry school books and sports uniforms.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable fabric
- Large ball compartment
- Can be used as a school bag
Cons
- Top handle isn’t durable
- Zippers break easily
9. Kolako Basketball Backpack
Key Features:
- Material: Oxford fabric
- Size: 6 × 19.7 × 7.1 Inches
- Color: Denim blue
- Ball compartment: Yes
The Kolako basketball backpack has a streamlined design and has plenty of hidden compartments. In the front of the backpack there is a compartment to store your basketball. Mesh lining and clips secure your ball so it doesn’t fall out of the pocket.
There are two top loading compartments where you can store your books, laptop or tablet. A small zipper on the front provides a pocket where you can store small accessories or money. With the mesh side pockets you can store water bottles or snacks securely.
You’ll appreciate that the straps are padded for comfort and they’re adjustable for the perfect fit. The shell of this backpack is water resistant so your stored items won’t get wet if you walk in the rain.
Pros
- Anti theft design for SmartPhones and music players
- Comfortable to carry
- Durable fabric that’s water resistant
- Can be used to carry books or sportswear
Cons
- Ball compartment isn’t big enough
- Zippers may not be strong
10. Athletico Basketball Backpack
Key Features:
- Material: Nylon and Polyester
- Size: 5 x 14 x 12 inches
- Color: Black
- Ball compartment: Yes
The Athletico basketball backpack is specifically designed for sports enthusiasts or professionals. There is a large compartment to fit your basketball and there is a ventilated pocket to store shoes. It’s made with durable nylon and polyester fabric that won’t tear or rip over time and it’s water resistant.
On the side of the bag there is a pocket to store your water bottle or snacks. There’s also a front accessories pouch where you can keep credit cards, money or keys. There are up to three large compartments inside the bag where you can store laptops, books and sports clothes.
This basketball backpack is comfortable to carry and it’s lightweight so it won’t weigh you down.
Pros
- Adjustable straps
- Water resistant fabric
- Accessory pouch
- Storage pocket for shoes
Cons
- Inside material isn’t as durable as the shell
- Mesh side pockets tend to rip
Final Thoughts
Did you find a basketball backpack for your sporting events or tournaments? If you’re still not sure which one to pick we suggest the Nike Hoops Elite backpack. It’s made with durable material and it has ample space to store your basketball and sports clothes.
The advantage of a basketball backpack is that you can store all your essential sports items securely which is ideal if you travel a lot. Pick one of the products we reviewed above so you don’t have to carry everything in your hands.