What about a backpack?

B

bryanalban

New User
I'm thinking of getting a new bag, and I have never considered a backpack before, but the other day I saw a player at the courts with the Head Team Tour Backpack, and it looked pretty cool.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageBGHEAD-TT09BBP.html

What do you guys think of the backpack design? Will discover something a month down the road and regret it?

I need to carry:

Shoes ( I like the included shoe compartment)
Change of clothes
Two racquets
Water
Balls
Odds and ends (grips, etc)

What are your thoughts on the backpack design?
 
I use a backpack and they're great as long as you aren't carrying more than two racquets since few are designed to carry more than two. Minus the shoes, I carry about the same amount of stuff you do. To be honest though, I don't think I have room to fit a pair of shoes in mine.

I also have a three-racquet bag and the backpack holds more and keeps things better organized. I tried a six-racquet bag and it was way too much.
 
I have the Djokovic backpack, which looks quite a bit like that one. I love it because it frees up my hands. I carry 2 rackets with the sleeve, a gallon of gatorade, sunblock, anti-slip gel, a small towel, keys, wallet, snacks, 2 cans of balls - all with no problems.
 
TW website lists Andy Murray as a pro using this item...Andy hops off the school bus and rushes to centre court, ready to do battle with Fed, his trusty two rackets and notebook in tow.
 
The wilson tour backpacks can fit alot of crap in them. I use it when I commute via train to campus. I can hold 2 apds, shoes, clothes, lunch, 3 cans of balls, notebook and books.
 
I use a backpack. I believe in the "less is more" philosophy. I don't bring alot of crap to the court so it works pretty well.

Note: I don't actually wear it like a backpack, though.
 
I'm currently using the Nike one when I want to go light and carry just ONE racquet. I'm sure it can fit two.

206779474.jpg


So far i'm LOVING it. The separate shoe compartment is smart, as with the padded racquet compartment, the little mesh pockets, mini-compartments inside for strings/grips, balls, your wallet/mobile, etc. Straps are sturdy. Love the subtle white lining. Overall i'll rate this one a 9/10.
 
I would just roll with a 6 pack with shoulder straps. That way you still have plenty room in case you have a friend that wants to put stuff in your bag or if you want to carry more racquets in the future
 
NotAtTheNet said:
if by 3x20 you mean 3 feet by 20 inches. thats fine... the bag isn't made of stone, it can be stuffed...
Click to expand...

hah no try 3 inches by 20 inches

edit: the idea is...when its stuffed to the brim(like op wants it) will the material rip apart or can it bend?
 
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I usually ride a bike to the courts, and a backpack is the only way to go. I put a rubberband around my grips to keep them stable. I just had to get used to carrying less water and not so many old practice balls. The bigger bags with shoulder straps didn't work out because while riding, they push the back of my helmet when I look up.
 
TheSubdude said:
Backpacks are for school. Get a bag with b/p straps.
Click to expand...

Even a 6-pack bag is too big. If the manufacturers made a larger variety of 3-pack bags with optional BP straps, perhaps.

I ride a motorcycle and it's not practical carrying a 6-pack bag via BP straps.

I just purchased one of these Babolat Aero bags with TW's price match guarantee and it works great! It comfortably hold 2 racquets (without full covers) or 1 with a full cover and a ton of other stuff (plenty of liquids, cans of balls, grips, OG's, food, shoes, etc.)

HIGHLY recommended!

BABBP-big.jpg
 
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Bud said:
Even a 6-pack bag is too big. If the manufacturers made a larger variety of 3-pack bags with optional BP straps, perhaps.

I ride a motorcycle and it's not practical carrying a 6-pack bag via BP straps.

I just purchased one of these Babolat Aero bags with TW's price match guarantee and it works great! It comfortably hold 2 racquets (without full covers) or 1 with a full cover and a ton of other stuff (plenty of liquids, cans of balls, grips, OG's, food, shoes, etc.)

HIGHLY recommended!

BABBP-big.jpg
Click to expand...

bud, is that pocket on the right for shoes? or liquids?
 
tennisnoob2 said:
bud, is that pocket on the right for shoes? or liquids?
Click to expand...

It's meant for a can of balls and there is an identical one on the other side. They can also be used for a fairly large liquid container.

The racquet compartment also has double zippers that stay closed... so you can adjust on which side the racquet handles lie... and the racquets won't fall out.

When on a motorcycle, you don't want the handle(s) sticking straight up as shown in the picture... as they interfere with the helmet.
 
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Backpack are ok if you only carry to rackets, pair of shoes, towel, necesaire, extra clothes and a can ... I've been using Wilson ProStaff one and was ok with that, during the winter when I need heavy clothes and socks and more issues it was short of space.
 
Bud said:
Even a 6-pack bag is too big. If the manufacturers made a larger variety of 3-pack bags with optional BP straps, perhaps.

I ride a motorcycle and it's not practical carrying a 6-pack bag via BP straps.

I just purchased one of these Babolat Aero bags with TW's price match guarantee and it works great! It comfortably hold 2 racquets (without full covers) or 1 with a full cover and a ton of other stuff (plenty of liquids, cans of balls, grips, OG's, food, shoes, etc.)

HIGHLY recommended!

BABBP-big.jpg
Click to expand...

Hey Bud! Nice bag! I've been looking for a backpack as well - I have the older TF 6 pack with great built in straps, but the load is too low - a real backpack would be better. Some quick q's:

- those side pockets: think they'd fit a 4 ball can? A 1.5 liter water bottle?

- is there a separate entry for shoes (there's one on the Head Tour Team BP)

- When the racquet sleeve is in use, can water enter the pack? Can the sleeve cover two racquet handles?

- is there a detachable key ring inside?

- I'm looking for something to carry: 2-3 midsize frames, 1.5 liter bottle and 1 500 ml bottle, 4 ball can, shoes, towel, hat, wallet, etc, and sometimes a sweatjacket. Think all this will fit?

btw - I see guys on motos and 400cc scooters here all the time with huge 9-12 packs on; looks awkward to me but what do I know? I may pick up a vespa this fall - thus the BP. ;)
 
Steve F. said:
Hey Bud! Nice bag! I've been looking for a backpack as well - I have the older TF 6 pack with great built in straps, but the load is too low - a real backpack would be better. Some quick q's:
Click to expand...

- those side pockets: think they'd fit a 4 ball can? A 1.5 liter water bottle? They will fit a 4-ball can if you don't mind leaving the zippers unzipped slightly at the top. The Babolat zippers 'lock' so if you leave them open slightly, they won't creep down. They comfortably fit a 32 oz. Gatorade bottle. You could probably go slightly larger on the drink container.

- is there a separate entry for shoes (there's one on the Head Tour Team BP)? No separate entry or compartment for shoes

- When the racquet sleeve is in use, can water enter the pack? Can the sleeve cover two racquet handles? Which racquet sleeve? The built in sleeve that covers just the handle? Can water enter the pack... not following you, there...

- is there a detachable key ring inside? No detachable key ring inside. However, there's a pocket large enough to fit an Ipod where keys will fit nicely.
- I'm looking for something to carry: 2-3 midsize frames, 1.5 liter bottle and 1 500 ml bottle, 4 ball can, shoes, towel, hat, wallet, etc, and sometimes a sweatjacket. Think all this will fit? Yes, I believe so... as long as the racquets are not in covers. The part that is separate from the racquets is quite large and will carry a bunch of stuff.

btw - I see guys on motos and 400cc scooters here all the time with huge 9-12 packs on; looks awkward to me but what do I know? I may pick up a vespa this fall - thus the BP. ;) - I used to use a 6-racquet bag... then a 3... then moved to a BP with only 2 racquets and the essentials. I like traveling a bit more lightly, these days :)
 
Thanks for the complete response Bud -- very useful!

- When the racquet sleeve is in use, can water enter the pack? Can the sleeve cover two racquet handles? Which racquet sleeve? The built in sleeve that covers just the handle? Can water enter the pack... not following you, there...
Click to expand...

Yes, the built-in sleeve that covers the handle - it extends outside the pack to cover the protuding racquet handle. From the image, and brief product video, it's unclear whether the sleeve will prevent the pack from zipping completely shut while it's "deployed" covering the racquet handle in rainy weather. Also unclear if it is big enough to protect 2 or even 3 racquet handles.

Thanks again!
 
Steve F. said:
Thanks for the complete response Bud -- very useful!



Yes, the built-in sleeve that covers the handle - it extends outside the pack to cover the protuding racquet handle. From the image, and brief product video, it's unclear whether the sleeve will prevent the pack from zipping completely shut while it's "deployed" covering the racquet handle in rainy weather. Also unclear if it is big enough to protect 2 or even 3 racquet handles.

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

You can zip the pouch right up to the handle, with the handle cover engaged. It's only big enough for 1 handle, however :)
 
Can someone give me some more info on that Nike bag? I want to be able to fit
-2 95 in rackets
-1 tennis can
-2 water bottles(poland spring)
-about 3~4 two inch binders
- Small sweat rag
- Couple of grips
 
Why does it have to be a backpack from a racquet manufacturer?

I take 1 racquet to the court in a backpack, with 2 cans of balls (4) a 1L Nalgene bottle, and have more than enough space for a hoodie and a pair of shoes (if I wanted to). Not to mention putting my keys, public transport card, wallet, phone etc. in another pouch.

I understand if you like the look of a particular bag made by a racquet manufacturer, but I don't see why options have to be limited. There are a lot of backpacks out there.
 
I been thinking about this too - would a non tennis backpack be just as good? What does a tennis backpack get ya?

I live in NYC - so very often I will be making a short commute to courts via bike or rollerblades or train and I want a bag that's less bulky. I can see why people who drive to the courts don't mind a huge bag...

I sadly never break strings - so I don't really need more then one racquet.

Pete
 
^^^^^
Exactly. I bought a generic backpack a long time ago for what, maybe $11. or so. I used it for riding my bike to the beach.

I don't go there anymore so now use it for 3 racquets, 2 bottles of Gatorade, extra socks/shirt, 2 cans of balls, cell phone, wallet, overgrips, and still have room left over.
I think there are 5 zippered compartments, so things stay put.

There's a handle at the top, but I usually just sling one strap over my shoulder when I'm done riding.
 
Wild Ace said:
I'm currently using the Nike one when I want to go light and carry just ONE racquet. I'm sure it can fit two.

206779474.jpg


So far i'm LOVING it. The separate shoe compartment is smart, as with the padded racquet compartment, the little mesh pockets, mini-compartments inside for strings/grips, balls, your wallet/mobile, etc. Straps are sturdy. Love the subtle white lining. Overall i'll rate this one a 9/10.
Click to expand...

I've got one too! It's a great bag. However, I have outgrown it. Anybody interested? Selling over in the TW boards.
 
I ride my bike to the courts so a backpack is a must. As I have PK racquets I have a PK backpack. While it is effective, it is not the most comfortable for the 5 mile ride. It does hold a lot though. (Two racquets, balls, towel, etc.)
 
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