How to Choose the Right Size Sports Bag

If you play sports, then you know how much equipment you need to carry to practice and games. Even if you play a relatively equipment-free sport such as basketball, you still need space for your sneakers, uniform, extra pair of socks and toiletries. If you play a sport that requires a lot of protective gear such as football or hockey, then you need ample room for all of the padding on top of the uniform or practice gear you wear. You need to take all of these things into consideration when selecting a sports bag.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Gather the equipment you take with you on a regular basis. This will include the uniform or practice gear you wear, shoes, pads, masks and any other equipment you need to play your sport.

    • 2

      Measure your largest items. For example, if you are searching for a baseball bag, you will want to measure your baseball bat as it is likely the largest piece of equipment you need to take with you each day. The bag you purchase must at least have the capacity to fit the bat, unless you use a separate bat bag. If you happen to be the team's catcher, you will need to stack your shin guards, chest pad, mask and helmet along side your bat and measure those as well.

    • 3

      Search for bags that are made specifically for your sport. Sporting goods manufacturers realize that you have to carry a lot of equipment for certain sports. Therefore they produce bags that will accommodate that equipment. Sports manufacturers produce bags for golf, hockey, football, baseball and lacrosse, among others.

    • 4

      Compare the measurements you took, with the bag you are considering to purchase. If the bag is made for a specific sport, it will detail what it is meant to carry on the tags or packaging. However, if you are choosing an ordinary large duffel bag to carry your gear, make sure it is larger than the measurements you took so that everything will fit. Sports bags usually are measured in height, width and length.

    • 5

      Consider the compartments the sports bag has to offer. Aside from being able to fit all of your equipment, you might want to keep certain items separate from other items. For example, if you purchase a baseball bag, you will want a separate compartment for your metal cleats so they don't damage your uniform, glove or bat. You might also want two compartments so that you can separate clean clothes from the uniform that will be dirty after a game.