How to Choose a Lacrosse Backpack for Your Kid: A Parent's Checklist

How to Choose a Lacrosse Backpack for Your Kid

If your child just started lacrosse, the gear pile grows fast: helmet, pads, gloves, cleats, a stick, and water bottles. A good lacrosse backpack keeps it organized. A bad one tears, smells, or leaves the stick dangling. Here is how to pick one that lasts the season.

1. Start with what has to fit

Write down what your child carries to practice: pads, gloves, helmet, cleats, a water bottle, and the stick. Players often bring more than they plan to. Check that all of it fits before you buy, not after.

2. Think about the stick

Attack and midfield sticks are usually around 40-42 inches. Defensive long poles run 52-72 inches. A short stick may sit inside or strapped to the bag. A long pole will likely stick out. Know which one your child uses, and check how the bag carries it.

3. Look at the stick holders

Loose straps let the stick swing and slip as a kid runs for the bus. Look for firm straps that hold the stick tight and are easy for a child to use alone.

4. Plan for cleats

Muddy, sweaty cleats are the number one reason bags start to smell. A separate cleat compartment keeps dirt away from clean gear. Compare how much room the compartment takes, because a big zippered one can make the bag bulky.

5. Check padding

Hard items like the helmet and stick head can press into a child's back. Padding on the back panel helps. Padding elsewhere protects gear and makes the bag more comfortable.

6. Don't skip the small pocket

A small pocket keeps a phone, watch, keys or a ball from getting lost at the bottom of the bag.

7. Check the build and the warranty

Look at zippers, stitching and straps, because those fail first. Read what the seller promises if something breaks.

Quick checklist

• [ ] Fits all the gear my child brings
• [ ] Works with their stick length
• [ ] Firm stick holders
• [ ] Separate spot for cleats
• [ ] Padding that protects both back and gear
• [ ] Small pocket for valuables
• [ ] Strong zippers and straps
• [ ] Clear warranty and easy returns

Where SporTine fits

We make the SporTine XL lacrosse backpack, so we built it around the problems above. It has foam padding throughout, a built-in cleat compartment, two stick-holder straps, and an extra small pocket. It comes in black and white. Size: 15" W × 11" D × 24" H. Materials: Polyester. A 1-year or 2-year warranty is available.

It may not be the right bag for everyone. If your child needs a different size or carries unusual gear, use the checklist above to compare any bag, ours included. Check out our lacrosse backpack here

FAQ

What size lacrosse backpack do I need?

Pack the gear first, then pick the bag. Our XL bag is 15" W × 11" D × 24" H.

Can a long pole fit in a backpack?

Usually it will stick out or need to be strapped on. Check how the bag carries long sticks before you buy.

How do I keep the bag from smelling?

Air out cleats and pads after every practice. Use a separate cleat section. Don't leave a wet bag zipped up overnight.

Is a lacrosse backpack better than a duffel?

A backpack frees the hands and is easier for kids to carry to school, the field and the car. A duffel can hold more. It depends on how your child travels.

How long should a lacrosse bag last?

It depends on use and build. Check the warranty, and look at zippers and stitching.