If you have decided to take soccer training seriously, getting hold of a good soccer backpack with a ball holder is a must.
Soccer gear needs a lot of space and considering that your cleats or shin guards will get muddy, standard backpacks aren’t the best choice.
So, what are the best soccer backpacks?
After checking out the popular options in the market, we have come up with 7 of the best soccer backpacks you can choose from.
How to Choose the Best Soccer Backpack
Once you know what to look for, choosing the right soccer backpack isn’t so difficult. Here are the important points to keep in mind.
Size
In my experience, size is the most important factor to consider when choosing a soccer backpack. Always consider the volume of the soccer equipment you want to carry in the bag. (Especially those bulky goalkeeper gloves.)
While beginners might get away with a sackpack, advanced-level soccer players will need a larger pack. Since the soccer ball takes up a lot of space, an extra compartment for it is a must. Or else, you might have to carry a separate ball bag.
Material and Durability
Most soccer bags are made from a combination of nylon and polyester which is lightweight and durable. Ripstop material is the best choice when it comes to resisting ripping and tearing while carrying lots of training equipment.
The durability of the pack will also depend on the material. A material with a Denier number of 400 or more is thicker and more durable. Also, consider the quality of the stitching and the zippers.
Waterproofing
In general, nylon and polyester materials are naturally water-resistant or water-repellent.
But keep in mind that most soccer bags aren’t 100% waterproof. Backpacks made from water-resistant fabric will not keep your gear dry in all conditions. That said, they get the job done in most cases.
Pricing
Paying top dollars doesn’t ensure that you will get the best soccer backpack. The good news is, you can find backpacks of good quality at a reasonable price on Amazon. While kids' soccer bags need not be pricey, you may have to spend more on a high-quality youth soccer backpack.
Added Features
The best soccer bags come with a separate compartment for shoes. A small pocket for storing phones and other small items is a great plus. Also, I always check for comfy straps that make carrying a loaded soccer ball backpack much easier.
Warranty
I’d suggest picking a backpack with a lifetime warranty. However, not all products come with such a warranty. Make sure that you don’t pick a product without a warranty that the brand will not replace or repair.
1. Adidas Stadium II Backpack
Pros
- Plenty of space
- Top-notch durability
- Versatile enough for basketball and rugby players
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Water bottle pockets could be larger
- It’s not fully waterproof
If you need a soccer bag with excellent storage space and long-lasting performance, the Stadium II is a safe bet.
By combining ripstop material with superior stitching, Adidas has created an almost indestructible backpack. In essence, this backpack can lift heavy weights without breaking a sweat.
There are two main compartments along with a small storage pocket and two water bottle pockets.
The zippered ball compartment can hold a size 5 soccer ball. I have even used the compartment to carry my bike helmet at times. The base is water-resistant and there is space in the front for your team branding.
The overall dimensions are 20 x 12 x 9 inches, making it big enough for stuffing all your soccer gear. And the best part is that the Stadium II is versatile enough to accompany you to the gym, or even the classroom.
2. Athletico Youth Soccer Backpack
Pros
- Excellent fit and finish
- High-quality metal hardware
- Air vents in the pockets
- Available in four different colors
Cons
- Not spacious enough for adult goalie gear
- A few users mentioned seams coming apart
The Athletico youth soccer bag is smaller than the Adidas Stadium II but it doesn’t lack functionality. And being designed for soccer, volleyball, and basketball and it’s supremely versatile.
Made from 600D polyester and nylon, the bag feels sturdy and is water-resistant. It has a vented ball pocket for size 5 soccer balls and a bottom shoe compartment to carry your muddy soccer cleats.
In fact, the compartment is large enough to hold two pairs of shoes for kids.
The interior compartment has a 7-pocket organizer and there are additional external pockets for accessories. But personally, I prefer the design of the ball pocket in the Stadium II as it leaves enough room in the main pocket.
While it’s spacious enough for young players, adults, especially goalies, might find the interiors a bit cramped. In terms of carrying comfort, the padding on the adjustable shoulder straps and the back design keep the comfort factor high.
3. DashSport Soccer Backpack
Pros
- Made from water-resistant denier nylon
- Lining on the interiors
- Internal dividers for organizing
- Padded back for better comfort
Cons
- Not the best quality zippers
- Lacks a dedicated compartment for soccer shoes
In theory, this soccer backpack is best for players between 5 to 12 years of age. But the dimensions of the bag are 18 x 12 x 10 inches and kids under 7 might find it on the bigger side.
Since it’s made from 420D Nylon with PVC backing, you can be assured of its durability.
There’s plenty of room in the main compartment for carrying jerseys, towels, sweatshirts, and more. One unique design feature is the double water bottle pockets on the left side for easy access.
The ball pocket can hold a size 5 soccer ball. The side pockets are ventilated for socks or shin guards. But you will have to place the cleats in the main compartment. In my opinion, that limits the available space for taller players.
The quality doesn’t feel heavy-duty like the Adidas Stadium. But it’s not too flimsy either. Beyond that, it comes at a great price point, and the Dashport customer service team is super helpful.
4. Adidas Defender 4 Duffel Bag
Pros
- Solid build quality
- A spacious and versatile choice
- Available in multiple colors
- A water-resistant base
- A lifetime warranty
Cons
- Annoying sound from zippers
- Doesn’t hold shape when not fully packed
If you prefer the old-fashioned styling of a duffle bag for carrying sports equipment, the Defender 4 is one of the best soccer bags to pick. Made from durable polyester, this sports bag is perfect for team players heading out of town for a game.
It has a no-nonsense design and you don’t get separate compartments for organizing gear. There is a main compartment and two zippered side pockets. For stashing small stuff, there’s a small zippered outside pocket.
As expected, the lack of compartments makes it difficult to organize for young players. On the plus side, there’s lots of room for storing bulky gear that adults may need.
You can also pick between small, medium, and large sizes depending on the requirements. Coaches may prefer the large size for carrying extra gear. I have used it as a regular gym bag and for carrying normal travel luggage as well.
5. Under Armour All Sport Backpack
Pros
- Top-grade materials
- Comfortably padded shoulder straps
- Front pocket for valuables.
- Multiple color options
Cons
- It’s pricey
- Space restrictions in the inner chambers
For me, the quality of Under Armour products has always been impressive and this backpack is no exception. While many all-sports backpacks aren’t the best choice for carrying full-size soccer balls, Under Armour uses a front net pocket that’s large enough to carry a youth soccer ball.
However, with dimensions of 19.7 x 11.3 x 6.3 inches, it’s not the most spacious backpack for carrying bulky sports gear.
The main compartment is relatively spacious but the front pocket for shoes is not large enough for adults. It also pushes into the main compartment and reduces the overall space.
In terms of design, it’s one of the best soccer bags I have used and the craftsmanship is first-class. Another great feature is the Storm technology that uses the water-resistant property of the fabric to make the backpack ideal for those rainy days.
The elegant and comfortable design of the All Sports backpack is its main strength. But if you want a bag with ample storage space there are better options.
6. Nike Academy Team Soccer Backpack
Pros
- A spacious backpack
- Back pocket with felt interior
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Durability issues
The Nike Academy Team backpack has plenty of zippered pockets that you would need in a soccer or basketball bag. But we wouldn’t recommend it over the Adidas Stadium II or the Athletico Youth.
Admittedly, it’s a spacious backpack with three main pockets. The front mesh pocket can hold a soccer ball and the side pocket is great for sneakers or cleats. The back pocket is perfect for storing a phone and other knick-knacks.
However, if you want a bag that’s designed to keep items organized, this isn’t it. I feel this is best used as a dedicated sports bag and not as a versatile option.
Coming to the build quality, the backpack looks great and feels sturdy. Unfortunately, the long-term durability isn’t the best. Personally, I found the quality of the Velcro on the front pocket to be low-grade. Other users have found plenty of niggling issues.
7. Lux Soccer Backpack with Ball Holder
Pros
- Versatile option for school and work as well
- A lifetime warranty
- High comfort factor
- Offers great value
Cons
- No shoe pocket
- The material takes more time to dry
The problem with most soccer or basketball backpacks is once you put in a full-size ball the inner space reduces. The ample interior space in the Lux backpack helps limit this problem, though not completely.
The front compartment can hold a size 5 soccer ball and there is plenty of internal space for storing other items. There are two elasticated side pockets for quick access. But it lacks a dedicated compartment for shoes.
That said, it’s the only soccer backpack we reviewed that came with a laptop sleeve. The material is thick Oxford fabric that feels durable and the hardware is top-grade. The adjustable shoulder straps and the soft padding at the back enhance the comfort factor.
Without a doubt, the Lux multisport backpack is one choice that offers the right bang for your buck. If you want a backpack that offers excellent versatility, go for it.
Conclusion
Back to the question of the best soccer backpack.
For me, the Adidas Stadium II backpack is the top pick. The spacious design and the top-notch quality keep it much ahead of the competitors.
However, based on your design preferences and budget, you can always pick one of the other options.
Picking the right soccer backpack will help you carry the right gear, but becoming good at soccer requires focused practice. And for that, the
Open Goaaal Net + Rebounder is a premium-grade tool for developing your skills faster.
Quite simply, practicing full power shots has never been this easy.