What to Look for in a Soccer Bag
Many athletes overlook their bags—but having a quality soccer bag keeps your gear organized, protected, and ready to go. The right bag saves time during pre-game prep and ensures you have everything you need for practice or game day. Whether you're shopping for a young player or gearing up for yourself, every athlete can benefit from investing in a durable, well-designed soccer bag. Our Soccer Experts highlight the top features to look for when choosing your soccer bag this season.
Top Features to Look For in a Soccer Bag
1. Separate Compartments
You’ll be carrying your cleats, shin guards, soccer ball, and more to and from practice, so choose a bag with multiple compartments to stay organized. Many soccer bags feature a dedicated space for cleats or dirty clothes to keep the rest of your gear clean and protected. With everything in its place, you’ll spend less time digging through your bag and more time focused on the game.
2. Durable Materials & Construction
Throughout the seasons, your soccer bag has to withstand tough use, so it’s important to look for bags made from tough, abrasion-resistant materials like nylon ripstop. Brands like Nike, adidas, and others are known for using high-quality fabrics and reinforced stitching to stand up to everyday wear and tear.
3. Size & Capacity
Your soccer bag needs to be large enough to carry you cleats, shin guards, socks, water bottle, and other soccer essentials. Younger players may only need room for the basics, while older athletes or those traveling for games may prefer a larger bag with space for uniforms, layers, and extra gear.
4. Ventilation
After a tough practice or game, your cleats and clothes can get sweaty—and without ventilation, your bag can start to smell. Many soccer bags include mesh panels or ventilated compartments to help air out your gear and reduce odor buildup.
5. Comfortable Straps
Whether you’re walking to the car, heading to school, or traveling with your team, comfortable straps make a big difference. Look for padded shoulder straps, adjustable designs, or backpack-style bags that help distribute weight evenly for easy carrying.
Types of Soccer Bags
Soccer bags come in a variety of styles to fit different needs, whether you prefer carrying your gear on your back or tossing it over your shoulder. There are two main styles—backpack, and duffels.
-
Backpack Soccer Bags: These are one of the most popular styles for players of all ages. Backpack soccer bags are compact, easy to carry, and often feature a dedicated ball compartment along with space for cleats and other gear. Perfect for younger players, students, or anyone who prefers hands-free convenience.
-
Duffel Soccer Bags: Duffel-style soccer bags offer more storage space, making them ideal for older athletes or those who travel frequently for games and tournaments. Many duffel bags also include separate compartments for shoes and dirty clothes to keep everything organized.
A quality soccer bag does more than just carry your gear—it keeps you organized, protects your equipment, and makes getting to and from the field easier. If you have additional questions about prepping for soccer season, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Soccer Expert.
