Cricket Bag Buying Guide: Wheelie, Duffle or Backpack?
by The team at Western Sports Centre, Derrimut on Nov 03, 2026The right cricket bag depends on how much gear you carry and how you get to the ground. Most club cricketers are best with a wheelie bag, because pads, helmet and bats get heavy. Juniors and players who travel light often prefer a smaller duffle or backpack-style bag. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your bat (or bats), has a separate pocket for shoes, and is big enough for your full kit with a bit of room to spare.
We stock cricket bags from Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra, New Balance, Gunn & Moore, SS, SG and more at Western Sports Centre in Derrimut. Here's how to choose.
Quick picks
| If you are… | Look at |
|---|---|
| A junior or beginner | A compact wheelie bag, like the Gray-Nicolls 500 Wheel Bag or Kookaburra Pro 5.0 Wheelie, or a junior duffle like the Kookaburra Pro 6.0 Duffle |
| A club cricketer | A mid-size wheelie bag, like the Gray-Nicolls 700 Wheelie or Gray-Nicolls 900 Wheel Bag |
| A regular player carrying lots of gear | A large wheelie bag, like the Gray-Nicolls Select, Prestige or Kookaburra Pro 2.0 Wheelie |
| Someone who wants to carry it on their back | A backpack duffle, like the Gray-Nicolls Ultra Duffle or GM 808 Duffle |
| Carrying gear for a whole team | A team bag, like the Gray-Nicolls Team Wheel Bag |
Bag models change through the season. See all our cricket bags for what's in stock now.
Types of cricket bag
Wheelie bags
The most popular choice for club cricketers. They have wheels and a handle, so you can pull your gear instead of carrying it. Most open from the top for easy packing and have a separate bat pocket. Browse our wheelie cricket bags.
Duffle bags
Soft bags that you carry over your shoulder or in your hand. Many now have backpack straps, and some also have wheels. They're lighter than a wheelie bag and easy to throw in the car. Browse our duffle cricket bags.
Backpack and holdall bags
Smaller bags for juniors, training, or players who only carry a bat, gloves and shoes. Some, like the MRF Genius Backpack, double as an everyday sports bag.
What size do I need?
Bag sizes are often given in litres. As a rough guide:
- Under about 70 litres: juniors, beginners, or a light training kit (bat, gloves, pads, shoes).
- About 70 to 120 litres: most club cricketers with a full kit including a helmet.
- Over about 120 litres: players who carry two or more bats, keeping gear or extra clothing, or coaches.
Lay out everything you normally take to a game before you buy. Pads, helmet and shoes take up the most room. It's better to have a little extra space than to squash your helmet or bend your pads.
Features to look for
- Bat pocket: a separate, padded sleeve for one or more bats. Check it fits your bat length, especially for long-handle bats.
- Shoe pocket: keeps dirty spikes away from your clean gear. Ideally it's vented.
- Wheels and handle: sturdy wheels make a big difference on gravel car parks and grass.
- Ventilation: sweaty gloves and pads need air. Vents help stop smells and mould.
- Valuables pocket: a small zip pocket for your phone, wallet and keys.
- Tough base: a hard or reinforced base protects your gear and helps the bag stand up.
Bags for coaches, scorers and umpires
We also stock ball bags, scorer satchels, umpire bags and stump carry bags, like the Gray-Nicolls 48 Ball Bag and Gray-Nicolls Scorer Satchel.
Looking after your bag
- Empty your bag after every game and let your gear dry. Wet gloves and pads are the main cause of smells and mould.
- Keep spikes in the shoe pocket.
- Don't overfill it. Forcing the zip closed is the quickest way to break it.
- Store it somewhere dry over winter.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best cricket bag for a junior?
A compact wheelie bag or a junior duffle that they can manage on their own. Make sure the bat pocket fits their bat size.
Wheelie or duffle?
A wheelie is easier if you carry a full kit or walk a long way to the ground. A duffle is lighter, easier to fit in the car, and better for smaller kits.
How many bats can a cricket bag hold?
It depends on the bag. Most hold one or two bats in the bat pocket, and larger bags hold more. Check the product page for details.
Find the right bag
Bring your gear into Western Sports Centre in Derrimut and we'll help you find a bag that fits it all. Or shop cricket bags online. Choosing the rest of your kit? Read our cricket bat buying guide and cricket shoes buying guide.
