Soccer players often carry many different items including cleats, shin guards, soccer balls, and water bottles. With so much gear, it’s important to have a bag to store all of the equipment, and many players like the freedom that comes with a hands-free soccer backpack.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best soccer backpack for you? Read our guide to help you select the best soccer backpack and then check out reviews of the best soccer backpacks on the market.
Jump straight to our reviews of the best soccer backpacks:
- Our Pick for the Best Soccer Backpack: Adidas Stadium II Soccer Backpack
- Best Soccer Backpack If You’re on a Budget: DashSport Soccer Backpack
- Best Soccer Backpack for Kids: Athletico Youth Soccer Backpack
- Best Soccer Backpack for Multitasking: Athletico National Soccer Bag
- Best Drawstring Soccer Backpack: Soccerware Soccer Backpack
- Best Soccer Backpack for Solving the Stinky Soccer Gear Problem: Xelfly Soccer Backpack
- Best Soccer Backpack That Doubles as a School Backpack: ERANT Soccer Backpack
What to Look for in the Best Soccer Backpack
Searching for the best soccer backpack can be challenging. Don’t worry, I’ve got you!
Of the many features that make up a quality soccer bag, I narrowed it down to four key features to consider when choosing the best soccer backpack for you.
Size
One of the most important things when it comes to choosing the best soccer backpack is finding the right size.
You will want to find a soccer backpack that is not too big, but still provides you with enough room to store everything you will need.
In my experience, having a backpack that was too big made it challenging to store in locker rooms. However, if the soccer backpack is too small then I was not able to fit all my game day essentials.
What game day essentials are needed? Read our comprehensive guide to packing your kids’ soccer bag.
Compartments
Soccer backpacks have many different parts – and what you decide is most important is truly a personal decision.
There are some specific components of a soccer bag to consider since you or your child will be carrying so many different items – perhaps soccer balls, water bottles, change of clothes, etc. What you carry and how you like to organize your things makes a difference here.
Personally, I always like to have soccer backpacks with many pockets. This allowed me a lot of space to store everything I would need in order to be prepared.
One very important component is a ball pocket. The best soccer backpacks often come with a ball pocket or ball compartment. Quite simply, a ball pocket is a space within the bag that is dedicated to storing a soccer ball.
Another important part of a soccer backpack is a water bottle sleeve. A water bottle sleeve allows players to carry water, which is an essential part of any soccer player’s game.
Some backpacks offer a cleat compartment. This is a part of the soccer backpack which is dedicated to holding a player’s cleats. It often separates them from the main compartment and is aerated to avoid odor, and allows
Finally, having a main compartment to store jerseys, snacks and other gameday and practice needs is crucial. The best soccer backpacks have these components built in to provide the player with optimal storage options.
Padded Straps
Comfort is another important proponent of choosing the best soccer backpack for you or your kiddo.
Many soccer backpacks come with padded straps to provide the player with comfort – which is especially nice after a long game or training session.
I always tried to look for soccer backpacks with adequate padding in order to help preserve my shoulders and back, even if I didn’t have to carry my bag for long. The best soccer backpacks that I have had always had comfortable padding in the shoulders.
Affordability
At times, soccer can be an expensive sport, but it doesn’t have to be. Choosing the best soccer backpack that’s affordable can take some time and research, but it is possible!
There are many soccer backpacks on the market which are affordable and will hold up well for years – I know from experience! I always tried to find an affordable soccer backpack.
Finding a soccer backpack that isn’t too expensive, but still has the features you need and want is a must – and it is possible.
Reviews of the Best Soccer Backpacks on the Market
Our Pick for the Best Soccer Backpack: Adidas Stadium II Soccer Backpack
A classic soccer brand, Adidas offers a classic option for carrying your gear around.
This soccer backpack comes in many color options. The padding is very comfortable and allows even younger players to carry this bag without an issue.
Vented side pockets prevent odors from leaking into the bag. The water resistant base allows for durability even in harsh conditions.
There are lots of internal pockets and an abundance of internal space. That makes this soccer backpack great for multiple uses.
Finally, one thing that many people enjoy about the Adidas Stadium II soccer backpack is its lifetime warranty. This guarantees that the soccer backpack can be replaced in case it rips, breaks, or gets damaged. This is a unique feature that is hard to find with other brands.
The Adidas Stadium II soccer backpack is a great bag for anyone interested in soccer. Although it may be a better size for adults, younger players will enjoy the features on this bag as well.
Pros
- Multiple color options – black, gray, green, sky blue, red, orange, royal blue, and pink
- Lifetime warranty included
- Separate ball compartment
- Vented side pockets
- Shoulder/back padding
- Water resistant base
- Many internal pockets
- Great size for adults
- Lots of internal space
Cons
- More costly
- May be too large for children
Check out the Adidas Stadium II Soccer Backpack on Amazon
Best Soccer Backpack If You’re on a Budget: DashSport Soccer Backpack
The DashSport soccer backpack is relatively small and ideal for younger players or someone looking for a bag that’s not too bulky.
A separate ball compartment is especially helpful for players to easily store their ball without it touching everything else in the bag. This same compartment is also vented to avoid odors or dirt from leaking into the rest of the backpack.
The backpack has internal pockets for extra storage. This is great for storing extra jerseys, snacks, and other game day needs.
This soccer backpack is great for those who are just beginning soccer, or looking for an affordable soccer backpack.
Pros
- Affordable
- Back/shoulder strap padding
- Ball compartment
- Side water bottle compartment
- Internal pockets for storage
- Not too big
Cons
- Only one color option at the time of this posting
- Better for younger players
- Can tear/rip easily
- No separate shoe compartment
Check out the DashSport Soccer Backpack on Amazon.
Best Soccer Backpack for Kids: Athletico Youth Soccer Backpack
Even little ones should get to enjoy soccer! The Athletico Youth Soccer Backpack is perfect for youth players who are just beginning their playing journey.
It is on the smaller side which makes it ideal for young children. There are several color options to choose from.
This soccer backpack has a vented ball compartment, as well as a vented cleat compartment, which are great features for protecting the soccer backpack from mud and odors.
There are also several internal pockets for extra storage as well as pockets dedicated to water bottle storage on the side. The shoulder straps are adjustable and padded to provide comfort. The fabric is also water resistant to help the items in your bag from getting too wet.
Overall, if your toddler or young one is starting soccer, this is a great soccer backpack to have.
Pros
- Several color options (black, blue, red)
- Vented ball compartment
- Separate and vented cleat compartment
- Padded straps
- Side pocket for water bottle
- Several internal pockets
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Water resistant fabric
- Comes in multiple sizes
Cons
- More costly
- Easily damaged
- Comes apart easily
- Smaller size is not great for teens and grown-ups
Check out the Athletico Youth Soccer Backpack on Amazon
Best Soccer Backpack for Multitasking: Athletico National Soccer Bag
The Athletico National Soccer bag is a larger version of the Athletico Youth Soccer Backpack, so if that one looked good but you were concerned with the smaller size – you’ll want to pay attention to this soccer backpack!
This soccer backpack comes in a larger size with more color options, making it a great option for older players or adults.
Extra back padding provides welcomed comfort. There are also separate cleat and ball compartments. These compartments are vented to protect the bag from odors and dirt.
Water-resistant fabric is great to help avoid any water damage to your gear on rainy days.
In addition to many internal pockets, this soccer backpack also comes with a laptop sleeve for extra storage – which is especially nice when you’re running to a game after work or before classes.
This bag is a great backpack for someone looking for a multidimensional bag that can be used as a soccer backpack and more.
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Shoulder and back padding
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Vented cleat compartment
- Vented ball compartment
- Side water bottle compartment
- Water resistant fabric
Cons
- More costly than some of the other options
- Not designed for heavy wear and tear
Check out the Athletico National Soccer Bag on Amazon.
Best Drawstring Soccer Backpack: Soccerware Soccer Backpack
The Soccerware soccer backpack is incredibly affordable and offers many nice features for its price.
It may be small but this bag has two side slots dedicated to storage. These pockets are great for ventilating stinky, post-game odors and protect the bag from taking on those odors.
Mesh internal pockets provide great places to store smaller items such as jewelry or snacks.
However, this backpack doesn’t offer great padding, as it’s secured with simple strings. This may not be a big deal if you’re only using the bag for a few items and for short periods of time, but it could be a deal-breaker if you’re looking to carry a lot of gear for long distances.
This soccer backpack also comes in a variety of colors. If you are looking for an affordable option on the smaller side, this is one that should definitely be in your top consideration for the best soccer backpack.
Pros
- Affordable
- Water bottle slots
- Cleat compartment
- Ventilated compartments
- Side/inside pockets
- Multiple colors – red, yellow, black
- Comes in multiple sizes
Cons
- No shoulder padding
- No separate ball compartment
- Straps are delicate
Check out the Soccerware Soccer Backpack on Amazon
Best Soccer Backpack for Solving the Stinky Soccer Gear Problem: Xelfly Soccer Backpack
Xelfly offers a two-in-one sports backpack with an ingenious solution that anyone who’s opened a soccer bag after a hot tournament weekend will greatly appreciate.
A unique feature of this soccer backpack is that it comes with an extra, smaller, laundry bag that fits inside the main bag. This addition is great for storing cleats or worn uniforms after a game. It helps prevent odors from spreading and keeps the bag clean. (I can only imagine how much my mom would have loved that option when I was a kid – just to drop the whole stinky mess straight into the laundry room!)
In addition to the bonus laundry bag, this soccer backpack comes with a separate and ventilated ball compartment.
Shoulder pads in the straps provide for comfortable wear.
For a two-in-one soccer backpack, the Xelfly soccer backpack is very affordable and a great option for older players looking for a soccer bag.
Pros
- Affordable
- Multiple color options – black, red, blue
- Separate, ventilated ball compartment
- Padded straps
- Water resistant
- Internal pockets
- Extra laundry/shoe bag included
Cons
- Very big
- Better for adults or older children
Check out the Xelfly Soccer Backpack on Amazon.
Best Soccer Backpack That Doubles as a School Backpack: ERANT Soccer Backpack
Having a soccer backpack that can also function as a school backpack is great, especially for younger school-aged players.
While this backpack is on the smaller side, it has many internal pockets. This is a great feature as it can double as a school backpack. It is discrete and looks like any other bag but can double as a kid’s soccer backpack as well.
The separate shoe and ball compartments are spacious. The ball compartment holds up to a size five soccer ball. This bag may be on the smaller side, but it is a great kids’ soccer backpack.
Pros
- Separate ball compartment
- Separate cleat compartment
- Two side water bottle compartments
- Internal pockets
- Padded straps
- Great for younger kids
Cons
- More costly
- One color option – hope you like blue!
- Material rips easily
- Not as spacious for adults
Check out the ERANT Soccer Backpack on Amazon
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Soccer Backpack
Picking the best soccer backpack can be challenging when there are so many good ones on the market. I recommend considering price, durability, and functionality when making the decision on the best soccer backpack for you.
After extensive review, I would recommend the Adidas Stadium II as the best soccer backpack.
Although you may pay a bit more for the bag than some of the others we reviewed, it will hold up longer – and that lifetime warranty can’t be beat. With multiple color options, lots of storage space, comfortable padding, and a separate ball compartment, this bag has many features that make it the best soccer backpack.
