How does everyone feel about long/tall backpacks?

[DeeeFoo]

Unlike a conventional tennis backpack where the racquet grips are usually exposed, a long backpack is one that completely encloses the racquet, and looks taller in appearance.

Some examples of long backpacks:

Dunlop Commuter Backpack

Dunlop Club Backpack

(I've noticed that the Yonex ones are harder to find in North America, and seem to be geared towards the badminton market in Asia. But they fit tennis gear just fine.)

I quite like tennis backpacks for their comfort, ease of use, and smaller footprint. I don't like that they usually have much less storage space, and the fact that the racquet handles are exposed. I've recently discovered long backpacks, which are basically taller versions of a conventional tennis backpack. They're tall enough to completely enclose the racquet, while also offering more storage space. But at the same time, they offer the comfort and simplicity of a backpack. The racquets lay flat against your back when worn, which is arguably more comfortable than having the sides of the racquet against your back in a traditional racquet bag. I feel like this would be a nice in-between of a traditional backpack and racquet bag. I only carry a maximum of 3 racquets, so I'm really considering getting one of these.

For those of you who use (or have used) these long style backpacks, what are your thoughts on them? Pros and cons of them compared to conventional backpacks and conventional racquet bags?

 

[Slicehand]

Respectable... but ugly as an ass

 

[stapletonj]

Get the biggest bag you think you need, then stop before buying it and go one size bigger.

Trust Uncle John............ and thank me later....

 

[socallefty]

I see backpacks used only by those who live close enough to bike to the courts. Everyone else in SoCal seems to use a regular tennis bag.

 

[boosto23]

I live in Taipei, so there were a few factors for me that favored a long backpack:

1. I used their public transportation to get to the courts
2. Lots of outdoor walking to get to the courts
3. Large, dense city so a 9-pack or larger takes up a lot of space
4. Rains a lot, so I’m good knowing that if there’s a slight drizzle, my racquets are safe for a time.

If I could do a do-over, I would get a regular racquet backpack with some handle covers because:

1. The size is awkward for walking. The extra length extends down to my thighs, so the bag always bumps my legs when walking
2. The storage compartments are similar to a regular backpack, maybe less one external pocket.
3. A regular backpack also has utility as a regular backpack when necessary
4. On public transport, a regular backpack can be taken off and placed on my knees when sitting. Long backpacks need to be placed on the floor between my legs.

 

[Rosstour]

My kid has the long Rafa backpack and it's awesome. I love them

 

[tennis3]

I have a nice Yonex made for the Japanese market. It's made of ballistic suitcase like material. I don't see anything like this around these days. But I never use it.

I like my Nike Court Tech 1. With the internal frame, I can carry 20 lbs of water and not have it be a problem. Best bag ever made. I have 3 that I bought at Burlington Coat Factory for $50 each. I'm still on my first one 10 years(?) later. Not sure if I'll ever get around to using the other 2.

 

[puppybutts]

I went with a typical racquet bag with backpack straps. No comfort issues...it gets clunky when I played in the city once and had to walk several blocks to the court. But usually in the burbs, I'm just a parking lot or curb step away.

 

[puppybutts]

Get the biggest bag you think you need, then stop before buying it and go one size bigger.

Trust Uncle John............ and thank me later....

I agree with this if you are a tournament player or someone who travels.

but I think a bag is like a house. if you have more space, you will always find a way to fill it up with this and that, and then live with it for years forgetting what's even there.

 

[loosegroove]

They don't hold as much gear or as many rackets as a typical 9 or 12 pack, but I really like my Gosen Townuse long backpack. Perfect for my needs. That being said, I had to order it from Japan. This was 4 years ago before any long backpacks were available in the States, duffelpacks weren't really a thing, and ADV and Geau hadn't released their bags (though these are more than I'm willing to spend on a bag).

 

[DeeeFoo]

They don't hold as much gear or as many rackets as a typical 9 or 12 pack, but I really like my Gosen Townuse long backpack. Perfect for my needs. That being said, I had to order it from Japan. This was 4 years ago before any long backpacks were available in the States, duffelpacks weren't really a thing, and ADV and Geau hadn't released their bags (though these are more than I'm willing to spend on a bag).

That looks awesome! It's such a bummer that Japan gets all the cool stuff. How did you order it from Japan? Were the shipping costs high?

When you say dufflepack, do you mean the duffel style tennis bags that are more rectangular?

 

[loosegroove]

That looks awesome! It's such a bummer that Japan gets all the cool stuff. How did you order it from Japan? Were the shipping costs high?

When you say dufflepack, do you mean the duffel style tennis bags that are more rectangular?

Well you used to be able to shop from Rakuten Japan on Rakuten Global, but they shut down the latter to focus more locally in Japan. But I managed to score a Black Friday deal where shipping was free and the bag was on sale. Now buying one would be cost prohibitive.

Yeah, by duffelpack I mean those rectangular/cylindrical bags that open up to a big compartment with dividers, but have backpack straps.

 

[tele]

They don't hold as much gear or as many rackets as a typical 9 or 12 pack, but I really like my Gosen Townuse long backpack. Perfect for my needs. That being said, I had to order it from Japan. This was 4 years ago before any long backpacks were available in the States, duffelpacks weren't really a thing, and ADV and Geau hadn't released their bags (though these are more than I'm willing to spend on a bag).

I have the same bag in gray, and it has held up well through a few years of regular use. I wish the racquet compartment had room for three sticks, but otherwise satisfied.

 

[stapletonj]

I agree with this if you are a tournament player or someone who travels.

but I think a bag is like a house. if you have more space, you will always find a way to fill it up with this and that, and then live with it for years forgetting what's even there.

I do both. In "rural" areas, many courts do not have water, have broken equipment (center strap, loose net cord with no handle, torn netting, etc.)

A bag with a tape measure, spare center strap, some zip ties, a pair of Channellock pliers, even some tape, is a minimum.
A broom in the car.
First aid kit in the bag (tape, gauze, liquid bandage, ban aids, wrap, wipes, scissors)
energy bars
overgrips
balls
2 or 3 rackets
multiple socks, shirts, towels, headbands, wristbands (hot weather)
clay court shoes if you are playing on clay
water bottles
2 cans new balls, 3 cans practice balls
small bluetooth speaker if you are practicing
phone, keys, reading glasses

You can fill up a 12 pack bag pretty darn quick!

 

[loosegroove]

I have the same bag in gray, and it has held up well through a few years of regular use. I wish the racquet compartment had room for three sticks, but otherwise satisfied.

Yeah, if they only made the racket compartment a smidge deeper. However I am able to fit 3 rackets since I use narrow beam rackets, but only bring 2.

 

[DeeeFoo]

Well you used to be able to shop from Rakuten Japan on Rakuten Global, but they shut down the latter to focus more locally in Japan. But I managed to score a Black Friday deal where shipping was free and the bag was on sale. Now buying one would be cost prohibitive.

Yeah, by duffelpack I mean those rectangular/cylindrical bags that open up to a big compartment with dividers, but have backpack straps.

That's unfortunate. Are there any other recommended methods for buying tennis gear from Asian countries that aren't so expensive that you'd be better off buying domestic stuff?

 

[bluetrain4]

I like them. Though since every bag has backpack straps these days, I just use a regular bag - a pretty big one. My big thing is that I want the straps on the opposite side of the bag from the zippers to the compartments. Bags can have them on either side. Yes, you never have to have the straps on the ground if they're on the same side of the zippers, but I find it annoying as they're in the way when rummaging through or packing my bag.

 

[tennisandtennis]

Respectable... but ugly as an ass

Asses can be very not ugly but ok

 

[Slicehand]

Asses can be very not ugly but ok

i was talking about the hole

 

[tennisandtennis]

i was talking about the hole

point stands

 

[Fuzzface]

I have the Dunlop Commuter and I like it alot, I got it mainly for motorcycle and bicycle commutes to the courts. The fact that the handles aren't exposed is great for looking over your shoulder and if it rains or drizzles I don't have to be concerned. It is a little longer on the torso but feel that it is worth it once you get used to it.

 

[hadoken]

I bought the Dunlop commuter and returned it. It's not very big and to me more a specialty bag if you truly need to keep your racquets covered while travelling. The only covered bag I think that's decent is the Babolat Pure Strike backpack which strikes a good balance of functionality and looks. I actually think normal tennis bags with backpack straps is probably the way to go

 

[om panda]

If you can buy from japan, you can check yonex or mizuno long backpack.

I live in Jakarta, Indonesia and commute with crowded public bus. That long backpack made my commute to office with racket much more bearable.

They are slim enough to fit into crowded bus and hide the racket handle from the other passenger face.