4 Best Drawstring Bags for Basketball Options for Hoopers (2026)

Updated November 2026

A drawstring bag for basketball is one of the simplest ways to carry shoes, a jersey, a towel and a water bottle to the court without hauling a full duffel. The right one depends on how much gear you carry, whether you need a separate shoe compartment, how often you practice in wet conditions, and whether you want it on your back or over your shoulder. The four picks below were compared on those criteria using manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and common owner feedback patterns. None of them were tested by us.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best for	Key feature
JELUTAR Drawstring Backpack Gym Bag	Players who want shoe separation and wet storage	Shoes compartment and wet pocket
LOKAPEGY Black Drawstring Gym Bag	Players who train in rain, pools or sweaty conditions	Water-resistant shell
adidas Alliance Sackpack	Players who want a simple, lightweight sack	Compact drawstring design
STAY GENT Drawstring Basketball Backpack	Younger players and multi-sport use	Detachable ball mesh bag

JELUTAR Drawstring Backpack Gym Bag with Shoes Compartment, Black

Best for: Players who want shoe separation and a wet pocket in one bag

This is a good fit for players who train several times a week and want sweaty shoes and damp clothing kept away from dry gear. It suits both men and women and works across soccer, swimming and basketball, so it is a reasonable choice for multi-sport athletes.

Key specs

• Listed capacity: 22 L
• Water-resistant string backpack construction
• Dedicated shoes compartment
• Wet pocket for towels and swimwear

Pros

• Separate shoes compartment keeps footwear from mixing with clothes
• Wet pocket helps contain damp items after practice
• Backpack straps distribute weight more evenly than a single shoulder strap

Cons

• Drawstring closure can be less secure than a zipper for loose items
• Capacity may feel tight if you carry a full-size ball plus bulky clothing

Bottom line: A strong all-around choice for players who want organization and shoe separation without moving up to a full duffel.

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LOKAPEGY Black Drawstring Gym Bag for Men, Waterproof Drawstring Backpack for Women

Best for: Players who train in rain, near pools or in sweaty conditions

This bag is aimed at players who regularly carry wet items or practice outdoors. Its waterproof-style shell is well suited to keeping rain off a jersey or swimwear, and it includes a shoes compartment for footwear separation.

Key specs

• Waterproof-style drawstring construction
• Shoes compartment included
• Pull-string closure

Pros

• Water-resistant shell suits outdoor and wet-court use
• Shoe compartment keeps footwear separate
• Simple pull-string design is quick to open and close

Cons

• Water resistance does not replace a sealed bag for fully submerged items
• Pull-string closure offers less protection from dust than a zippered top

Bottom line: Best for players who value water protection and want a no-frills bag for outdoor or poolside sessions.

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adidas Alliance Sackpack – Drawstring Backpack for Sports, Small Gym Bag, Black

Best for: Players who want a simple, lightweight sack for light loads

This is a small sackpack for players who only need room for shoes, a shirt and a water bottle. It works well as a second bag for short trips or as a practice-day carry for younger athletes.

Key specs

• Small gym bag format
• Drawstring backpack design
• One-size-fits-all (OSFA) sizing

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to fold into a larger bag
• Brand reputation for durable sportswear
• Straightforward design with few parts to wear out

Cons

• Limited capacity for full practice kits
• No dedicated shoe compartment

Bottom line: A practical pick for light-gear players or as a backup to a larger bag.

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STAY GENT Drawstring Basketball Backpack for Boys, Foldable Soccer Backpack Gym Bag Sackpack

Best for: Younger players and multi-sport athletes who need a ball pocket

This backpack is marketed toward boys and multi-sport use, with a detachable mesh pocket for a ball. It suits players who move between basketball, volleyball, soccer and similar sports and want one bag for all of them.

Key specs

• Drawstring backpack with foldable design
• Detachable ball mesh bag
• Black colorway

Pros

• Detachable mesh pocket keeps a ball separate from clothing
• Foldable design saves space when not in use
• Works across several sports

Cons

• Capacity is modest for older players with larger kits
• Mesh pocket offers no protection against moisture

Bottom line: A good match for younger or multi-sport players who want a ball-friendly sackpack without spending much time on setup.

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Buying Guide

Capacity and what you actually carry

Start by listing your usual kit: shoes, a full practice shirt and shorts, socks, a towel, water, and possibly a ball. Most players find a bag in the 20 to 25 liter range handles that load, while players carrying a ball plus extra layers may want more room. Check the listed capacity in liters rather than relying on vague descriptions like “large.”

Good picks for this: JELUTAR Drawstring Backpack Gym Bag, adidas Alliance Sackpack

Shoe compartment and separation

Sweaty shoes can make the rest of your gear smell and feel damp. A dedicated shoe compartment or a separate pocket keeps footwear isolated. If you rotate between indoor and outdoor shoes, look for a compartment large enough for the bulkier pair.

Good picks for this: JELUTAR Drawstring Backpack Gym Bag, LOKAPEGY Black Drawstring Gym Bag

Water resistance and wet storage

Water-resistant shells help when you walk through rain or carry damp towels and swimwear. Note that “water-resistant” and “waterproof” describe different levels of protection, and neither means a bag will stay dry if the top is left open in heavy rain. A dedicated wet pocket adds convenience for post-practice clothing.

Good picks for this: LOKAPEGY Black Drawstring Gym Bag, JELUTAR Drawstring Backpack Gym Bag

Closure type and security

Drawstring closures are quick and light but offer less protection from dust and loose items falling out than a zipper. If you carry valuables like a phone or earbuds, consider a bag with an internal pocket or a zippered compartment. Drawstrings work best for shoes, clothing and balls.

Good picks for this: LOKAPEGY Black Drawstring Gym Bag, STAY GENT Drawstring Basketball Backpack

Ball carry and mesh pockets

If you want to carry a basketball separately, check for a ball pocket or detachable mesh bag. Keeping the ball apart from clothes prevents dirt transfer and makes the bag easier to pack. Measure a standard size 7 ball (roughly 29.5 inches in circumference) against the pocket opening before buying.

Good picks for this: STAY GENT Drawstring Basketball Backpack, adidas Alliance Sackpack

Strap style and comfort

Backpack-style straps spread weight across both shoulders and are easier to carry for longer walks. Single-strap sacks are lighter and quicker to grab but can strain one shoulder with heavier loads. Look at strap width and padding if you plan to carry the bag over long distances.

Good picks for this: JELUTAR Drawstring Backpack Gym Bag, STAY GENT Drawstring Basketball Backpack

Durability and care

Check the fabric and stitching at stress points such as the drawstring eyelets and strap attachments. Polyester and nylon shells are common in this category and tend to handle repeated washing well. Empty the bag after each session, air it out to prevent odor, and wash it according to the manufacturer’s label rather than machine-drying it.

Good picks for this: adidas Alliance Sackpack, LOKAPEGY Black Drawstring Gym Bag

FAQ

Is a drawstring bag big enough for a basketball and shoes?

Most drawstring bags in the 20 to 25 liter range can hold a standard basketball and a pair of shoes, but fit depends on the ball size and shoe style. Measure the ball’s diameter (about 9.4 inches for a size 7) and check the bag’s listed dimensions.

Are drawstring bags good for basketball practice?

They work well for light to moderate kits, especially when a shoe compartment is included. Players carrying bulkier training gear may find a full duffel more comfortable.

Does a water-resistant drawstring bag keep everything dry in rain?

Water-resistant bags help shed light rain, but they are not sealed. Keep the top closed and use an inner plastic bag for items you need to keep fully dry.

Can I use a drawstring bag for other sports?

Yes. Several of these bags are marketed for soccer, swimming, volleyball and general gym use, so they are useful for multi-sport athletes.

How do I clean a drawstring gym bag?

Empty it fully, shake out debris, and wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Air-dry it completely before storing. Check the care label for machine washing instructions.

Should I choose a backpack or sack style?

Backpack styles are better for heavier loads and longer walks. Sack styles are lighter and easier to grab for short trips. Choose based on how far you carry the bag and how much gear you bring.

Conclusion

For most hoopers who want shoe separation and a wet pocket, the JELUTAR Drawstring Backpack Gym Bag is the most complete option in this list. Players who train outdoors or near water should look at the LOKAPEGY Black Drawstring Gym Bag. The adidas Alliance Sackpack suits light-gear players who want a simple second bag, and the STAY GENT Drawstring Basketball Backpack fits younger or multi-sport athletes who need a dedicated ball pocket. Match the bag to your kit size, your conditions and how far you carry it.

For more on bag choices, see Drawstring Bag for Basketball: 4 Best Picks for Hoopers (2026), Gym Bag for Basketball: 7 Features That Matter Most (2026), Ball Bag for Basketball: 7 Things to Check Before You Buy (2026) and Basketball Bag with Shoe Compartment: How to Choose One That Fits Your Gear.

Sources

• Consumer product safety guidance, including advice on bag and product safety (cpsc.gov)
• Health information on hydration and carrying loads safely during physical activity (nih.gov)
• Basketball rules and equipment standards, including ball sizing

Related reading

• Under Armour Basketball Bag: How to Choose the Right One for Your Hoops Gear

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