As I continue to turn to pickleball as my main source of activity, the need for pickleball equipment outside of paddles, pickleballs, and shoes has grown. Selkirk Core Line Bags consist of three gear-carrying options that vary in size and features to meet the needs of pickleball players of all types. And just when I thought it was time to explore my own options, I received a couple such bags to test from the Selkirk Line: the Selkirk Core Day Bag and the Selkirk Core Team Bag.
In this review, I share my thoughts and experience with both of these pickleball carrying options.
Selkirk Core Line Day Bag
The entry level option in the Selkirk Core Line is the Core Day Bag, which is a great option for individuals on-the-go and seeking a more traditional backpack look.
At two jobs where I use laptops for work activities (one at a corporate office with pickleball courts on campus grounds, one at a seven-court pickleball facility), the Core Day Bag is the daily driver between the two. It sports space for up to a 15” laptop, up to six paddles (I typically carry 2 to 3 at a time), various pickleball accessories, and a change of clothes when necessary.
I would prefer a little more room to carry a pair of recovery slides inside; but with how the bag is intended to be used, I am overall satisfied with the Day option from the Selkirk Core Line. My favorite features of the Core Day Bag are the front pocket, where I carry more life essential-type items, and the key clips on the adjustable straps, where I can keep my keys in reach without having to carry them in a pocket.
Price: $40
Selkirk Core Line Team Bag
Coming from the Core Day Bag, the Core Team Bag is an upgrade in space and compartmentalization within the Selkirk Core Line. With more of a bucket-style space, I have fit all of the same things as in the Core Day Bag, along with more clothing items and as many as 12 paddles (albeit, it’s a tight squeeze).
I would prefer to stick in around 2-3 paddles and throw in a pair of recovery slides or a second pair of shoes occasionally. But the only apprehension I have regarding carrying footwear in the Core Team Bag is that there is not a dedicated compartment to separate it from everything else. But I am happy the space is there, if needed.
Compared to the Core Day Bag, I enjoy the padded pocket over the top for quick, easy access to things like an inhaler and keys, along with an extra drink holder for multiple hydration options. In addition, the implementation of seven zip compartments is reassuring in that items will not become mixed together to then have to dig through later.
Price: $80
Additional Notes
- My first day using one of the Selkirk Core Line Bags was met by the biggest thunderstorm of the year. On this day, I used the Core Team Bag, which looked like the more water-resistant option. I did find that water made it into the main compartment; fortunately, I was not carrying a laptop at the time.
Selkirk Core Line Bags Summary
The Selkirk Core Day Bag is great not only for pickleball players, but even for those in need of a backpack in general. I use it on a daily basis from multiple jobs, to open play pickleball both inside and outside, along with indoor private court reservations. The Day Bag even works for the youth and could be appealing with the pop of color options and traditional style.
The Selkirk Core Team Bag works best in travel scenarios and special pickleball events. I will be using this bag for the next tournament I enter when I know I will be spending a good portion of the day there. The space for hydration, recovery, and clothing options, as well as backup paddles and accessories, makes the Team Bag appealing for these scenarios. It may also be an appealing option for couples given the space it provides, eliminating the need for multiple bags.
Disclosure
While Selkirk did send the Core Line Bags to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.
