Friday Pickleball Backpack Review

If you play pickleball regularly, you've probably seen all types of bags on the courts - the bag that comes with the affordable Amazon paddles and also other well-known pickleball brands like Joola, Selkirk, and Paddletek. But my favorite in the market after testing it for a month is the one from Friday. By far Friday has created very beautiful unique designs for their accessories, equipment, paddles, etc.

I first spotted this backpack at a tournament, and honestly, I couldn't take my eyes off it. The stark white with blue and red accents just popped against all the black and navy bags everyone else had. It looked expensive, it looked different, and I immediately wanted one.

Fast forward to today, and I've been using it for about a month now with roughly 20-30 hours of court time.

If you decide to get the Friday Pickleball backpack, you can get $5 off purchases of $80 and up with the code "11PICKLES" at checkout. We were not compensated for this review, but Friday did send over a trial backpack to give an honest and detailed breakdown.

Two Colors That Actually Look Good in a Pickleball Backpack

The Friday pickleball backpack comes in two options - the white one with blue and red accents that I've been rocking, and a darker navy/black option for people who want something a bit more subtle. Honestly both look great, but the white one is what caught my eye. It's bold. It gets noticed. And if you're someone who likes their gear to stand out, this is it.

The darker option is more practical if you're worried about keeping things clean, but personally I think the white is worth it. Yeah, it shows some dirt after a few weeks, but a quick wipe-down and it looks fresh again. Plus, the compliments you get are worth dealing with a little maintenance.

Here's the thing - every single time I show up to the courts with this backpack, someone asks me about it. Not an exaggeration. It's happened at every session for the past month. The design is just that different.

The PU leather material gives it this premium feel that you don't see on most pickleball backpacks. Most bags are just standard polyester or nylon. This one feels like an actual nice backpack, not just a sports backpack. The form factor is unique too - it's got this structured shape with multiple compartments that make it look high-end.

And honestly, if you're looking for a great pickleball backpack for women specifically, this is probably at the top of my list. The white with those pops of blue and red is such a fresh look. So many of my female friends at the courts have commented on how pretty it is compared to all the typical athletic backpacks out there.

The Shoe Compartment in the Pickleball Backpack That Changes Everything

Can we talk about the shoe compartment in the Friday pickleball backpack for a second? Because this is honestly one of those features that you don't realize you need until you have it, and then you can't imagine going back.

This pickleball backpack with shoe compartment has a separate bottom section that's vented. Your shoes stay completely separate from your paddles, your clean clothes, all your other gear. No more smelly pickleball backpacks. No more court dust all over everything. It's just smart design.

The compartment is roomy enough for most shoes, and the ventilation means your shoes can actually breathe instead of creating this gross sauna situation in your backpack.

How the Compartments Actually Work

The Friday pickleball backpack has six zippered pockets total, and they all make sense. Here's how I use mine

• Main paddle section: Holds 2-4 paddles depending on covers. It's padded so your paddles are protected. I usually keep 3 in there with covers and it's perfect.
• Second main section: This is where everything else goes. Water bottles, snacks, towels, extra balls. I can fit a full change of clothes in here if I need to. It's surprisingly spacious.
• Shoe compartment: Bottom section keeps shoes completely separate and vented.
• Smaller exterior pockets: Keys, phone, wallet, sunscreen. Quick access stuff.

The zippers are solid. They glide smoothly and feel quality.

Comfort Where it Actually Matters

One of the best things about this backpack that I wasn't expecting - the weight distribution is fantastic. Even when I load it up completely (multiple paddles, shoes, water, change of clothes, all of it), it doesn't feel as heavy as it should.

he padded shoulder straps are comfortable, but what really makes the difference is how the backpack sits on your back. The weight stays centered, almost like the bag has two chambers that distribute everything evenly. It doesn't pull on your shoulders the way most backpacks do when they're fully loaded.

The breathable mesh on the back panel is a nice touch too. Your back doesn't get all sweaty when you're walking from the parking lot in the heat.

And the pickleball backpack sits upright on its own. Such a simple thing but so practical. You can set it down courtside, unzip whatever you need, and it stays standing. No tipping over, no having to prop it against something. Love the handle too!

The One Thing Missing in this Pickleball Backpack

Alright, real talk - there's one feature I wish this pickleball backpackhad, and that's a fence hook. Most bags in this price range have a clip or hook that lets you hang the bag on the fence, and it's super convenient. I film a lot of my games, and having the bag at eye level would make it easier to grab stuff between points.

Right now I just set it on the ground, which is fine but gets the pickleball backpack dirty especially post-rainy days. The backpack sits upright so it's not a huge deal. But a fence hook would make this perfect.

Is This The Best Pickleball Backpack? Here's My Take

Look, "best" is always subjective. But if we're talking about the best pickleball backpack for most players when you factor in design, functionality, quality, and price? Yeah, this might be it. It's under $80 before the discount code. That's significantly cheaper than the premium bags from FORWRD ($200-300) and competitive with or cheaper than most Joola and Paddletek options. And it looks better than pretty much all of them.

You should definitely get this if:

• You want a bag that actually looks good and gets compliments
• That separate shoe compartment appeals to you (it should)
• You're a recreational to intermediate player carrying 2-4 paddles
• You like having options (white or dark color)
• You don't want to spend $150+ on a bag

Maybe look elsewhere if:

• You absolutely need a fence hook
• You play multi-day tournaments and need something massive
• You're super rough on gear and want something more rugged

Quick Specs Breakdown

• Dimensions: 12.5" x 7" x 20.8" - perfect middle-ground size
• Weight: 2.9 lbs - lighter than most, easier to carry
• Material: PU leather - that premium feel
• Six zippered pockets: Smart organization
• Two padded paddle compartments: Protected paddles
• Separate vented shoe compartment: Game changer
• Padded shoulder straps: Comfortable when loaded
• Breathable mesh back: No sweaty back
• Colors: White with blue/red accents OR darker navy/black option

How It Compares to Other Brands

vs. Joola Pickleball Backpack (Tour Elite, $110-140): The Joola is bigger with more compartments and thermal-lined paddle pockets. It's built for tournament players. The Friday is more streamlined, better looking, and cheaper. For most recreational players, the Friday is the move.

vs. Paddletek Tour Backpack ($125): The Paddletek is massive - great if you're packing for a weekend, overkill for most players. The Friday is more manageable for everyday use and looks way better.

vs. Selkirk Core Team Backpack ($80-100): Selkirk makes solid bags with that fence hook I mentioned. But the Friday looks better and has that superior shoe compartment design. It's really close, but I'd give the edge to Friday on aesthetics.

vs. CRBN Pro Team Backpack ($109.99): The CRBN is a solid option with thermal-lined paddle pockets, fence hooks (nice!), and holds 3 paddles comfortably. It's got that sleek black and gray look with a water-resistant tarpaulin lower. But here's the thing - it's $30 more than the Friday, and honestly, it doesn't look as good. The CRBN is more traditional-looking, while the Friday really stands out. Both have shoe compartments, but the Friday's design is just more eye-catching. If you want fence hooks and don't mind spending extra, CRBN is solid. But for the value and aesthetics, Friday wins.

My Honest Final Thoughts

I've been using this bag for a month now and I genuinely love it. It's become my go-to. The design stands out, the compartments make sense, the weight distribution is comfortable, and that shoe compartment is a game changer.

Is it perfect? No - I'd still love to see a fence hook. But is it the best value bag on the market right now? Absolutely.

Every time I show up to play, someone asks about it. That's the best endorsement I can give. People notice it, people like it, and when I tell them the price, they're surprised it's not $150+.

If you're in the market for a new bag and want something that looks premium, functions well, and doesn't break the bank, this is it. The Friday Pickleball Backpack delivers.

Again, if you decide to get the Friday Pickleball backpack, you can get $5 off purchases of $80 and up with the code "11PICKLES" at checkout. You can get the backpack here.