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The 7 Best Tennis Bags of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Sure, you can show up to the tennis courts with just your tennis racket and a few tennis balls in tow (a good way to intimidate your opponents). But if you’re serious about your gear, and prefer to keep your things organized, having a tennis bag is a must. The best tennis bags are spacious, comfortable to carry, keep your gear safe, and let you tote everything you’ll need for a match, practice session, or lesson.

I’ve been on the hunt for the best tennis bags for a while now, having realized that a simple canvas tote bag isn’t quite enough for all of my gear. I need better protection for my rackets, more pockets for sweaty t-shirts and socks, and a few extra compartments for my keys, phone, wallet, and other everyday essentials. After testing a variety of bags, here are the best options to keep your gear safe and organized for every trip.

Tumi Sport Tennis Racket Bag
Credit: Tumi

The Tumi Tennis Racket Bag delivers the well-loved brand’s signature blend of sophisticated design and smart functionality for tennis players. It holds up to two rackets in a dedicated split main compartment, keeping them protected from your other gear. Tumi thoughtfully addressed organization, utilizing specific pockets for all of your items, including an internal mesh pocket designed for up to three tennis balls, a media pocket, and multiple zip pockets for valuables and gear. We were impressed that the bag was easy to access even when hung up, a promise a lot of tennis bags make, but can’t always follow through on. We think the bag is extremely well made and would hold up to rigorous use—we even wore it in the rain and had no issues with durability and the bag protected our gear easily.

Its carrying options are exceptionally versatile: choose from comfortable top handles with a leather wrap, an innovative magnetic shoulder strap system that cleverly converts into backpack straps, or slide it over luggage handles using Tumi’s Add-a-bag sleeve for travel. We tested the bag on multiple trips to Long Island City, via car and subway, and thought the bag made it easy to comfortably move around in both cases. Tumi also added some clever details to make it more practical for frequent use, such as an air vent to keep things from getting too stinky, a hideaway hook for easy fence attachment, a magnetic luggage tag, and an integrated key leash. And, like other Tumi bags, it includes access to the Tumi Tracer program, allowing you to track the bag with your phone.

The Details: 12.5 x 29 x 2.5 inches | 2 racket capacity

Babolat Backpack Pure Aero
Credit: Babolat

A versatile choice for players needing smart storage, the Babolat Pure Aero backpack is a great choice for players on a budget. We found that the bag’s foldable racket compartment was about maxed out holding two rackets, though three should fit. When not needed, this section folds away neatly in the front of the pack.

The bag uses a durable, water-resistant outer shell to keep your gear dry and utilizes Babolat’s eco-conscious, dye-free lining that also protects against temperature changes. In addition to our two rackets, we also were able to pack the bag with a couple of sleeves of balls and a pair of tennis shoes, but we did notice that the bag could quickly feel overstuffed, so we think it’s best for players who like to travel light. Finally, we love that we could pack a laptop in the bag along with all the tennis gear we need for a practice game or match.

The Details: 13 x 8 x 30 inches | 3 racket capacity

Caraa Sport Tennis Duffel Quilted
Credit: Caraa

The Caraa Tennis Duffel is one of the most stylish bags we’ve seen, one we found to be perfect for casual sessions or as a versatile weekender bag. Its distinctive quilted exterior is made from water-repellent recycled materials and is paired with a water-resistant, antimicrobial lining for added protection. The dedicated, insulated racket compartment on the exterior was able to comfortably hold two rackets, keeping them secure and protected from the elements.

Inside, we found the duffel to be incredibly organized, featuring perfectly sized water bottle and ball pockets, a zippered pocket, and open compartments to keep essentials easily accessible. Carrying is a breeze thanks to the comfortable, long over-the-shoulder handles with vegan leather accents, preventing shoulder strain. Despite its generous capacity for shoes, balls, and personal items, its design ensures it’s never cumbersome, making it an ideal, durable companion for court-goers and travelers alike.

The Details: 14.5 x 24 x 8.5 inches | 2 racket capacity

Wilson Shift Super Tour 9 Pack
Credit: Wilson

An ideal tennis bag for players who need to carry a ton of gear or like to tote the entire family’s worth of rackets, the Wilson Shift Super Tour 9 is a great option. We were easily able to pack the bag with three rackets (though it can fit nine), multiple cans of balls, shoes, a change of clothes, and all of our tennis essentials.

Its two main internal racket compartments feature an iridescent Thermoguard lining, offering excellent protection against extreme temperatures to keep your rackets and strings protected. While two external zippered compartments provide additional storage, we thought that more internal organization for dirty clothes or shoes would be a nice addition. We found the backpack straps to be comfortable and balanced while carrying, making even a fully packed bag feel remarkably light and easy to maneuver, even in spite of its large size. Built with lightweight, durable materials, the bag showed no signs of wear even after rigorous testing at a local club. Ultimately, we think it’s a strong, structured bag that will withstand years of regular play and travel.

The Details: 29 x 13 x 13 inches | 9 racket capacity

Vessel Baseline 2.0 DXR Racquet Bag
Credit: Vessel

One of the most well-respected brands in the golf and tennis worlds, Vessel is a great choice for the racket sport athlete. We like that the Baseline 2.0 DXR racket Bag emphasizes premium protection, particularly against temperature extremes (a must for summer tennis).

It features a dedicated racket compartment lined with thermal insulation, specifically designed to shield your frames and strings from the damaging effects of extreme weather conditions. Aside from the insulating liner, we found the bag to have plenty of redeeming qualities. It has a spacious main compartment where we could stuff an extra racket, a few sleeves of balls, an extra shirt, and a towel. There’s a dedicated shoe compartment and a valuables pocket with a magnetic closure for easy access to your phone, keys, or wallet as well.

The Details: 13 x 12 x 29 inches | 6 racket capacity

Leatherology Tennis Sling
Credit: Leatherology

Blending style and practicality with its heavy-duty organic cotton canvas and premium Italian leather trim, the Leatherology Tennis Sling is a great option for players who just need to carry a racket or two, plus some tennis balls. Space in the bag may be limited, but we think it’s a stylish accessory that’s perfect for a quick weekend match or taking the train to a new court for a hitting session with a friend.

Its clever design features an expandable gusset to comfortably hold one or two rackets. Inside, you’ll find a zippered pocket and a full-panel mesh pocket, ideal for organizing essentials like keys, a phone, or your wallet. The adjustable strap is comfortable and holds the rackets close to the body, which is nice for navigating busy areas or public transportation on the way to the court.

The Details: 11.5 x 1.5 x 17.5 inches | 2 racket capacity

ADV Tennis Bag Pro V3
Credit: Amazon

The ADV Tennis Bag is clearly designed with the tournament player in mind. Its standout features include a generous six racket capacity with a dedicated thermal-lined compartment that can protect two rackets from extreme temperatures and weather.  During testing, we packed the bag with four rackets, shoes, extra clothes, towel, a water bottle, snacks, resistance bands, and tennis balls—an impressive haul. The bag’s organization is its superpower, offering separate spaces for shoes, clothes (even dirty ones), toiletries, and valuables, plus a clever built-in cooler to keep your water cold.

We thought the bag was durable and comfortable to carry, but we did note that its bulk made it difficult to carry in busy areas or through tight doorways. If space is limited, we probably wouldn’t recommend this bag. However, if you are driving to the courts or aren’t worried about having room to move on your way to the racket club, we think this is a great pick.

The Details: 30 x 14 x 12 inches | 6 racket capacity

Our Testing Process

We tested a variety of tennis bags, taking them to our local recreational courts and indoor tennis clubs across the country from San Francisco to New York City. We made sure to test a wide variety of bags, from slings to huge tournament-ready bags that can carry rackets, clothes, gear, and even laptops.

We made notes of our first impressions, digging around in each bag to get a feel for how much space we had for our gear, whether we could fit essentials like phone, keys, and water bottles, and did a once-over for quality. From there, we loaded the bags up and headed out to play. We put the bags through their paces, traveling to casual games with friends, tennis clinics and lessons, and competitive play. We also packed the bags in larger suitcases to determine how compatible they are for flying.

On each outing, we looked at how our rackets fit and if they were protected, how the bag was to carry on public transportation, and whose needs it might be best suited for. We yanked on zippers, threw the bags around (just a little bit), and examined their overall durability.

Travel + Leisure


Tips for Buying a Tennis Bag

Prioritize protection and durability

Look for bags made from sturdy, water-resistant materials with quality zippers and reinforced stitching to withstand regular use and protect your gear from the elements. Features like padded compartments and thermal lining are crucial for keeping your rackets protected against impacts and extreme temperatures, which is essential to preserve frame integrity and string tension. Investing in durability ensures your bag lasts longer and keeps your equipment safe.

Think about organization

Consider bags with dedicated compartments for rackets, shoes (ideally a ventilated pocket), apparel, water bottles, balls, and smaller accessories like keys, phone, and grips. Well-designed pockets help you find items quickly, keep clean clothes separate from sweaty gear or shoes, and prevent items from getting damaged. Good organizations makes packing and accessing your essentials much more convenient before and after play, especially if you are going to be taking your tennis bag on a long trip.

Know your racket size

While most tennis bags accommodate standard adult racket lengths (typically around 27 inches), ensure the designated racket compartment provides a secure fit without excessive movement. This helps protect the frames and strings during transport. More importantly, choose a bag capacity based on the number of rackets you regularly carry with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I choose a tennis bag?

    Consider how many rackets you need to carry and the amount of extra gear you like to keep with you. Think balls, extra clothes, towels, water, and the like. Choose a racket capacity and carry style that suits your needs—if you never need to carry more than two rackets, you probably don’t need one made to carry nine. Also, features like thermal-lined compartments for racket protection and dedicated pockets for organization are a must.

  • How do you fly with a tennis bag?

    Most tennis bags are suitable as a carry-on bag, but check your airline’s specific policies regarding size and weight limits on sports equipment, as the largest tennis bags may need to be checked. Pack your rackets securely, often buffered by clothes or a towel, and consider using a durable bag or hard case for better protection during transit.

  • How do you pack a tennis bag?

    Organize your bag by placing rackets in their designated compartment first, utilizing the thermal lining (if available). Next, use the remaining pockets for shoes, balls, water bottles, towels, extra apparel, grips, and personal items to keep things tidy and accessible. Make sure heavier items are balanced for comfortable carrying and security if you do end up checking your tennis bag.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Will Porter has spent the past few years breaking back into tennis by taking lessons and playing matches with friends. He’s a devout gear obsessive, so picking out the right bag has been a long journey, making sure he can not only keep his rackets safe and protected, but also keep all the gear he needs on him each time he hits the courts. He worked with the T+L team to test a variety of tennis bags to find the best options for all travelers.

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