Cricket Bags
If you play any sport then you’ll understand the need for a sports bag, and cricket is no exception. Whilst many try to travel light, there are always the essentials to bring along – bat, pads, gloves…and you’ll want the best cricket bag that suits your needs to store these in for travel!
Cricket bags come in a number of styles & colours from many brands but when you get down to it, you really need to be a robust, durable bag with a strong handle or handles that can take the weight of everything inside easily, with no breakages or tears. You may also want one with wheels, for extra practicality.
There really is a wide range of sizing in the cricket bag arena; you can also buy multi sets which feature a large, medium and small size, which works well for those who travel a lot as they can use all three or choose the right size depending on their requirements per trip.
Some bags, such as the Gunn & Moore Original Wheelie Duffle Bag, come with wheels as well as backpack-style shoulder straps and a top handle. This type of bag typically has a main large pocket (with or without dividers), and then smaller side pockets.
From a practical perspective, bags with extending handles also come in very handy, as they are easier to pull along, especially for taller players. Bags with specific compartments for equipment such as bats and shoes also score highly, as this provides additional protection during transit for these valuable items.
Ideally, you also want a bag with a waterproof base, as this stops the contents getting wet if the bag is set down on a wet surface.
Cricket bags can be made from a range of materials, depending on the specification of the product:
Nylon
A popular material used across many products, nylon is highly durable and waterproof. It is often backed with PVC to provide a double waterproof layer.
PVC
As above, this is also used in the waterproofing of cricket bags, not only to double up with Nylon but also because it is durable and cheap. As it is not easily recyclable, this material is being used less as time goes by.
Canvas
Some cricket bags are still made from canvas as this is a very “traditional” material, however, it is not cheap to buy and as such mass-produced bags are typically made from alternatives such as Nylon instead.
Leather
Like canvas, leather was once popular in the manufacture of cricket bags but has now been priced largely out of the market. You may see this still used on higher priced bags.
PU
PU (Polyurethane) is often used for the rigid elements, such as studs, wheels and runners. This is due to the hardness and durability offered by this material.
When mixed with a blowing agent, PU is also often used for padding, as this forms a High Density foam.
Cricket Bag Maintenance & Storage
As with any piece of cricket or sports equipment, you’ll want to ensure your bag is well maintained.
Maintenance will depend on the material the bag is primarily created from; if nylon, then it can be cleaned using a soft, damp cloth and left to air dry. What is key is to keep on top of cleaning, especially if it has been sat on wet ground, as this can stagnate if not dried properly.
Cricket bags need to be stored safely; they may lose their shape or integrity if squashed into a small space or left with heavy goods piled on top. It may be worth bearing storage location in mind when deciding which to buy.
Price and size will most likely be the primary purchasing factors when deciding which cricket bag(s) to buy; you need to think about how often it will be used and what will go into it. As with any piece of equipment, prices range from the very cheap to the very expensive, so it’s always best to have a guide as to the size limitations and storage options you need before buying.
We’d always recommend reading the product description closely if you are buying online and asking the seller if you have unanswered questions as to the size and care of the bag(s).