Best Soccer Backpacks

Lugging all of your equipment to and from soccer matches can be tiresome work. From the boots to the ball and all the other essentials, it all adds up and makes a heavy load to carry. This is especially true if you have children, who will only be able to safely carry a limited amount of weight.

Resorting to massive travel backpacks or even plastic and reusable bags to carry all the equipment may seem like a good idea, but this isn’t without its problems. These are often cumbersome and heavy and, before you know it, you’re suffering from a variety of aches and pains that take you off the soccer field for weeks.

It doesn’t have to be this way, though! With a good-quality soccer backpack, you can safely transport all of your soccer gear to and from the game. Get the right soccer backpack, and you won’t have to worry about loading yourself up with additional bags either. 

However, with so many to choose from, finding that perfect soccer backpack can be problematic. So, to make things easier, we’ve done the hard work for you!

Below, you’ll find our list of the best soccer backpacks available. You’ll also find a super useful buyer’s guide that’s packed with information on what to look out for when it comes to purchasing a soccer backpack, and a frequently asked questions section that has the answers to anything else you might want to know.

Athletico National Soccer Bag

Let’s kick things off by taking a look at the Athletico National Soccer Bag. This backpack features a large, vented ball compartment that makes the ideal place for transporting your soccer ball to and from the field. It also gives you somewhere to safely store the ball when it’s not in use. 

Located on the bottom of the bag, you’ll also find a purpose-designed soccer cleat compartment. This is also vented, so there’s no need to worry about sweaty cleats stinking your bag up.

It also stops mud and grass from getting into the main compartment, keeping everything as neat and as clean as possible. 

Open the main compartment of this soccer backpack and you’ll find seven internal pockets. These give you the ability to organize your bag more efficiently.

It also features a padded laptop sleeve, making it ideal for office and school use as well as soccer.

Comfort has been kept in mind with this soccer backpack too, and the ultra-padded back and adjustable shoulder straps make it safe and comfortable to wear.

Meanwhile, the rugged polyester and nylon construction ensures excellent durability while remaining water-resistant and easy to clean.

Pros:

• Vented ball and soccer cleats compartments – ideal for storing and transporting your ball and boots without getting the main compartment dirty.
• 7 internal pockets – offers you the ability to organize your soccer backpack more efficiently.
• Padded laptop sleeve – perfect if you’d like to use the backpack for more than just soccer gear.
• Ultra-padded back and adjustable shoulder straps – safe and comfortable to wear. 
• Durable – made from rugged polyester and nylon which is both waterproof and easy to clean.

Cons:

• Ball compartment size – although advertised as being able to hold two soccer balls, most people found there was only room for one. 

Adidas Stadium II Soccer Backpack

Adidas is famous for creating some of the world’s best sportswear and accessories, and their Stadium II Soccer Backpack is no exception.

The first of its many impressive features is a zippered ball pocket, located at the bottom of the bag. This is large enough to hold a size-5 soccer ball and, most importantly, gives you somewhere to store and transport your soccer ball without getting the rest of your gear dirty.

The main compartment is spacious enough to hold your cleats, extra studs, and anything else you might need. It also features a lined media pocket, giving it extra versatility and making it ideal for using at work or college. 

This is a super-durable soccer backpack too and is constructed from 3D ripstop fabric that can withstand the wear and tear of daily life. It also has a water-resistant base, so there’s no need to worry about your gear getting wet if it’s raining on your way to the game.

Another fantastic feature the Adidas Stadium II has to offer is dual water bottle pockets which, as you may have guessed, gives you a safe and secure place to store your water.

It also gives you easy access to it without having to remove your bag. Complete with a lifetime warranty, this is a soccer backpack that offers excellent performance and is built to last.

Pros:

• Lifetime warranty – The bag can be returned at any time if damaged or if there are any issues with the bag
• Soccer ball compartment – helps keep the inside of the bag clean and helps retain its shape
• Water-resistant – Can be worn in any condition and is durable to all weathers
• Lots of space – Can hold equipment and can also be used for school purposes

Cons:

• No internal compartments – while the inside of this soccer backpack is spacious, there aren’t any separate compartments that can be used to organize more efficiently.

Adidas Striker Team II

If you like the sound of the Stadium II, but you’re looking for a soccer backpack that can hold even more of your gear, the Adidas Striker Team II would be an excellent choice. It features three zippered main compartments that range in capacity, giving you the perfect place to store a plethora of different items. 

Constructed from 100% polyester and featuring a polyester lining, this soccer backpack is durable enough to withstand whatever you can throw at it. And, to prove this, it even comes with a lifetime warranty. 

While considered by many as an upgrade to the Stadium II, the Striker Team II still features some of its predecessor’s best quality. This included a padded media sleeve and two water bottle holders placed on either side of the backpack.

When it comes to comfort, the Striker Team II offers you padded shoulder straps with a 14-inch drop. This doesn’t only mean that they won’t dig into your shoulders but allows you to wear it at a comfortable length. It’s also available in a variety of colors, allowing you to inject some personality into your soccer gear. 

Pros:

• Lots of space – features three separate main compartments that range in size.
• Comfy to wear – the padded shoulder straps and adjustable length makes wearing this backpack easier.
• Durable – Constructed from polyester and features a polyester lining.
• Lifetime warranty – acts as a testament to the quality and durability of the backpack.

Cons:

• No ball pouch – Unlike the other backpacks, this bag does not have a separate ball pouch to hold the ball. So, the ball must either go in the main bag with the other equipment or be carried separately.

Adidas Alliance II Sackpack

If you’d prefer something lighter in weight, the Alliance II Sacpack is another excellent choice from Adidas. Don’t let the fact it’s lighter in weight fool you, though.

This sackpack is made from super-tough 600D polyester and features a polyester lining that is capable of holding heavy soccer gear. 

The drawstring design takes away the need to fuss with zippers and compartments, too. Simply throw your soccer equipment in the bag, pull the strings to close the bag, and you’re all set.

There is also a separate zippered compartment on the front of the bag which is ideal for storing items you need easy access to, such as your smartphone or keys. 

Available in a variety of colors, this sackpack has a 10.5-inch shoulder drop. It’s also easy to wash by hand and features a total of three exterior pockets. 

Pros:

• Lightweight – the perfect choice for anybody who would prefer a less cumbersome backpack.
• Drawstring design – easy to open and close without having to fuss with zippers.
• Durable – made from super-tough 600D polyester and features a polyester lining.
• Zippered front compartment – gives you easy access to your smartphone, wallet, keys, etc.

Cons:

• Not waterproof – As this bag is made of a thin material, it is not suitable for hardy weather conditions.

Soccerware Backpack with Ball Holder Compartment

The Soccerware Backpack with Ball Holder Compartment has been exclusively designed for use by children. This makes it ideal for any budding soccer star!

As its name suggests, it features a separate ball compartment located on the front, which is useful in two ways.

First of all, it allows you to keep the ball separate and stops the inside of the backpack from getting dirty. Secondly, it gives you quick access to the ball without having to remove the rest of your gear. 

There is also a separate compartment on either side of the backpack which is designed to hold your soccer cleats. Again, this gives you the ability to keep the inside of your bag clean.

These compartments are ventilated too, so there’s no need to worry about your dirty soccer cleats leaving their odor on your backpack!

Another fantastic feature this soccer backpack has to offer is its enhanced comfort design. This consists of extra-soft, cushioned shoulder straps and a cushioned back panel that stops anything from digging in while you wear it.

The back panel is also ergonomically designed to help prevent back sprain and conform to the spine. 

As far as durability is concerned, the 600D, dual-layer, heat-stitched polyester construction is more than capable of withstanding whatever gets thrown at it.

This is especially useful for a child’s backpack where it may be used as a football itself from time to time! Comes complete with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Pros:

• Designed exclusively for children – ideal for gym class, extra-curricular activities, and weekend soccer practice.
• External ball and cleat compartments – allows you to keep the inside of the backpack clean and odor-free.
• Enhanced comfort design – features padded shoulder straps and a padded, ergonomic back panel that prevents sprains and discomfort. 
• Extremely durable – made from 600D, dual-layer, heat-stitched polyester.

Cons:

• Inside is quite narrow – although spacious, the internal dimensions of the main compartment are quite narrow. However, with external ball and cleat pockets, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue for most people.

Buyer’s Guide

While it may seem as though purchasing a soccer backpack is a fairly straightforward task, there are certain things that need to be considered if you want the best soccer backpack possible.

Below, we’ve highlighted some key points to pay attention to when you start shopping. Taking a little extra time to do this will help you find the perfect soccer backpack for your needs and, ultimately, save you time and money. 

Size

The first thing you need to think about is the size of the backpack. Some are standard-sized, while others are designed with children in mind. Get this wrong and you could find yourself with a much smaller backpack than you imagined!

Compartments

Once you’re certain that the soccer backpack you’re thinking of buying is suitably sized for your needs, take a look at how many compartments it offers you. 

Some of the best soccer backpacks have separate compartments for a soccer ball and soccer cleats, and these are useful for keeping the inside of the main compartment clean. This is especially true if you’ve been playing on a really muddy field!

It’s also a good idea to choose a soccer backpack that features several internal pockets instead of one main open compartment. This will give you the ability to organize your pack more efficiently and get easier access to certain items.

For example, putting your spare cleat studs in a zipped pocket makes them much easier to find quickly when needed. 

Durability

Obviously, you want whatever you buy to last as long as possible. But, when it comes to a backpack, durability is one of the most important things to look for.

It needs to be made of something strong enough to handle the weight of your soccer gear and the general wear and tear of daily life. 

To see how strong a soccer backpack is, take a look at its denier rating. This will be listed as a number followed by the letter “D” (600D, for example), and the higher the number, the more durable the backpack will be.

It’s also worth looking for extra durability features such as double stitching and heat-stitched fabrics. 

Another reason why durability is so important is that your soccer backpack will be subjected to a variety of weather conditions. With this in mind, we’d recommend choosing a backpack that is water-resistant.

Some even feature water-resistant bottoms, which is ideal for placing your backpack on the wet ground without worrying about the contents soaking through!

Comfort 

While a soccer backpack needs to be as tough as possible, it also needs to be comfortable enough to wear to and from the soccer field without causing any injuries. The first place to look when it comes to comfort is the shoulder straps.

Padded shoulder straps are the best type to choose as they’ll stop the backpack from digging into your shoulders, even when it’s filled with heavy soccer equipment.

It’s also a good idea to make sure the shoulder straps are adjustable as well, as this will stop the main compartment from weighing too heavily on your lower back. 

The back is the next area to explore when looking at how comfortable a soccer backpack is. The best soccer backpacks feature padded backs that cushion your spine and back muscles from any of the contents digging into you while you walk.

Some are even ergonomically designed to conform to the shape of your spine, preventing any sprains from occurring and putting you out of action!

Cleaning

There’s no denying that soccer can be a messy game and, even if you’ve chosen a soccer backpack with an external ball and cleat compartment, you’ll need to give it a wash from time to time.

With this in mind, it’s best to choose a soccer backpack that can be placed in the washing machine for convenient cleaning. This will save you a lot of time and will make sure that any bacteria that have transferred into the bag is killed, making it the most hygienic option as well. 

Warranty

Finally, it’s a good idea to look at what sort of warranty is included with your chosen soccer backpack. Some offer 30-day money-back guarantees which give you a good amount of peace of mind over the quality and construction.

However, some of the more famous brands like Adidas offer lifetime warranties. These are highly appealing and do go some way in proving that the backpack you’ve bought is of excellent quality.

The one thing to bear in mind, however, is that these often come with a much higher price tag. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s The Point Of Having A Separate Compartment For The Ball And Cleats?

There are actually a couple of reasons why choosing a soccer backpack with separate compartments for the ball and cleats is useful.

First of all, they ensure that the inside of your backpack stays clean. If you’ve been kicking your soccer ball around a muddy field, chucking it into the main compartment along with your cleats will only get mud on the inside, which can be difficult to clean.

Secondly, it gives you easier access to both pieces of equipment. By keeping your soccer ball and cleats separate, you don’t have to worry about removing the rest of your soccer gear from the main compartment when you need to get to them.