Cover or backpack for pickleball: which one you need depending on what you carry
Share
Both carry the paddle. But they solve different things, and buying the wrong one is the quickest way to end up with an accessory in a drawer.
This is the comparison without frills. We sell both, and we still tell you when you don't need either.
The difference in one sentence
A cover protects the paddle. A backpack carries your match.
The cover: for those who travel light
A cover is paddle-shaped and holds only the paddle, with the handle out to take it out instantly. Ours, the CARRY, is neoprene, with a front zip pocket and an adjustable strap to wear it crossbody.
- Carries: the paddle, keys and small things.
- Advantage: minimal weight and your hands free.
- Limit: it doesn't carry a bottle, towel or clothes, and the zippers aren't watertight (not for heavy rain).
The backpack: for those who carry more
The RALLY is a backpack with a side sleeve for two paddles, a mesh pocket for the bottle, a main compartment and two front zip pockets. It's worn with both straps or slung over one shoulder.
- Carries: one or two paddles, bottle, towel, balls, phone and keys.
- Advantage: the whole match in a single package, with your hands free.
- Limit: it doesn't take spare shoes or a lot of clothes. For that you need a paddle bag.
Comparison
| Cover (CARRY) | Backpack (RALLY) | |
|---|---|---|
| Paddles | One | Up to two |
| Bottle and towel | No | Yes |
| Front pocket | Yes, with zip | Two, with zip |
| Carried | Crossbody or in the hand | Backpack or crossbody |
| Approximate weight | About 200 g (7 oz) | 410 g (14.5 oz) |
| Waterproof | Not sold as such | Not sold as such |
How to decide
- Do you only carry the paddle and small things? Cover.
- Do you carry a bottle, towel and balls? Backpack.
- Do you carry two paddles? The RALLY takes up to two in its side sleeve.
- Do you already have a backpack? A cover works to protect the paddle inside and to carry it loose on the way.
- Do you carry shoes and clothes? Neither: a paddle bag.
When you don't need either
If you go now and then, the court is next door and you don't mind carrying the paddle in your hand, don't buy anything. The only thing that's always worthwhile is not leaving it in the car in the sun or loose with your keys. We explain it in how to carry your paddle to the court.
Frequently asked questions
Does the cover fit inside the backpack?
We haven't checked and it depends on the size of each backpack. They are two products designed to be used separately.
Which protects the paddle better?
The cover wraps the whole paddle in neoprene. The backpack keeps it in its own compartment. Neither is a rigid case: they protect from rubbing, not from a hard blow.
Can you use both at once?
Yes, if you want. But for most people, one of the two is enough.
