Baseball and softball require a variety of gear that you don’t want to find yourself without on gameday. However, transporting all of these essentials between practice, games, and home can be difficult. Bags are a crucial piece of sports equipment, and you’ll have a variety to choose from. Use the following buying guide so that you purchase a bag that you’ll use for years to come.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Softball or Baseball Bag

Design

There are four main bag styles: handheld, shoulder strap, wheeled, and bat pack. Handheld bags are a long-time favorite and resemble a duffle bag. Shoulder strap bags are similar, but they have long shoulder straps and duffle bag-style handles. If you’re carrying more gear or have a long walk to the field, a wheeled bag may be best. These are a favorite among catchers, coaches, and umpires that have to carry more sports equipment than other players. Bat packs use a backpack-style design and include mesh sleeves on the sides to hold bats.

Space

You don’t want to run out of space, so think about everything you’ll be toting. Cleats, an extra uniform, bats, a primary and backup glove, a helmet, batting gloves, and catcher’s gear are just a few pieces of sports equipment you might need. Think about the number of exterior and interior pockets for storing smaller items. A wheeled or shoulder strap bag is ideal if you’re carrying a lot of gear. A bat pack or handheld bag will work well for a left-fielder, shortstop, or pitcher who won’t have as much equipment.

Think about future storage, as well. As you age, you’ll need room for larger cleats, uniforms, and gloves.

Materials & Features

Material plays an essential role in the lifespan of your bag. Whenever possible, choose a polyester bag. These are highly durable compared to canvas and cotton fiber bags. Choose a bat pack with thick shoulder straps that are cushioned or a wheeled bag that has solid-rubber wheels. Metal J-hooks are great for hanging your bag from a fence, and a metal or resin zipper won’t break after extensive use. Sturdy mesh bat holders that won’t lose their elasticity will ensure that your bats and other items are secure so that you don’t lose anything during transit.

Consider a waterproof bag to protect your gear and look for metal hardware that can be removed so you can wash the bag in a standard washing machine.

Are you in the market for sports equipment for the upcoming baseball and softball seasons? Siefert’s Sports Center is Cincinnati, OH’s, most trusted supplier and has served athletes since 1979. They carry a large selection of gear for football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. They can also print custom team uniforms and apparel, which you can learn about on their website. Call (513) 662-1520 today to speak with a sales associate and connect with them on Facebook to receive monthly updates and weekly deals.