Disc golf is a fun sport that has a low barrier to entry. The equipment is affordable, and it doesn’t put a lot of stress on the body. Plus, though it requires skill to get good at it, pretty much anyone can step out onto a course and start playing with little to no previous experience or instructions.
One of the essentials you’ll need is a good bag to hold your discs. At the very least, these should have a sturdy build and enough capacity for two drivers, two mid-range discs and two putters. You’ll also want to consider other factors that can add to their convenience such as a water bottle holder or a scorecard pocket.
The Innova Adventure Pack stands out as a top choice for players who like to carry a lot of discs. It is nicely padded, offers balanced weight distribution and has a smart layout that makes it easy to keep all your discs and other items organized.
What to know before you buy a disc golf bag
Capacity
One of the first and foremost decisions to make when purchasing a disc golf bag is how many discs you want to be able to carry. Some options can only hold six discs, while others accommodate 25 or more. If you are the kind of player that likes to head to the course with only the necessities, you’ll be well served by a small and streamlined bag. However, if you like to carry a lot of discs so you have the exact perfect one for every shot, make sure to choose a bag that allows for that.
Style
Disc golf bags come in two main styles: backpacks and shoulder bags. Backpacks generally have the largest capacity and the best weight distribution, but some may find them unnecessarily bulky.
Shoulder bags are usually lighter weight than backpacks and allow you to access your discs while walking. They are also easier to put on and take off quickly. Unfortunately, they are not ideal if you want to carry a lot of discs because the uneven weight distribution can get uncomfortable.
Disc golf bag features
Padded straps
A disc-golf bag can get very heavy when fully loaded and you’ll most likely be carrying it for a long time. To ensure your comfort, it is best to look for a bag that has a decent amount of padding on the straps. You’ll find that backpack-style bags usually have more padding on the straps because they are meant to carry more discs.
Drink pocket
It is important to stay hydrated when spending the day out in the sun. If you don’t want to have to carry a water bottle separately or try and stuff one into the disc compartment of your bag, choose a disc golf bag with a dedicated drink holder.
Putter pocket
Putters are smaller than most other discs, so most players choose to keep them separate from the rest of their arsenal. Purchasing a bag with a dedicated putter pocket helps keep them safe and quickly accessible without having to dig through all your other discs.
Additional pockets
Along with your disc, there are many other items you’ll most likely bring with you while playing disc golf. These may include a pencil, scorecard, snacks, your phone, keys and other valuables. Bags with a variety of pockets in different sizes make it easier to keep these things organized and safe from damage.
Towel clip
Between the walking, throwing and warm sunny weather, disc golf can often be a sweaty experience. Because of this, most people like to bring a towel with them to wipe off their brow or dry their hands before a hole. Bags with towel clips offer the perfect place to keep your towel where it will be easily accessible without having to dig through one of the pockets.
Disc golf bag cost
The most affordable disc-golf bags start at just $10, though these will often be of questionable quality. A more reasonable cost is between $20-$50, with the basic, lower-capacity bags being at the lower end of the price spectrum and the high-capacity, feature-packed options being towards the higher end.
Disc golf bag FAQ
How many discs do I need to play a full round of disc golf?
A. The minimum number of discs you need to play a round of disc golf is three: a putter, a mid-range and a driver. However, it is generally recommended to carry at least two of each of these in case you lose or break one in the middle of a round. That said, many players like to carry between 10 and 20 discs so they have several of each type with different properties.
Can I just use a regular backpack instead of buying a disc golf bag?
A. While you could use a regular backpack as your disc golf bag, there is a high possibility it will not last very long. This is because they lack the reinforcement of dedicated disc-golf bags, so they are prone to ripping, seams splitting and other structural failures.
Which disc golf bag should I get?
Best of the best disc golf bag
Innova Adventure Pack Backpack Disc Golf Bag: available at Amazon
Our take: With its large capacity and comfortably padded shoulder straps, the Innova Adventure Pack is ideal for players who like to carry a lot of discs to every game.
What we like: Despite its large size and sturdy construction, it isn’t overly heavy when empty, and it features a dedicated water bottle holder to help you stay hydrated.
What we dislike: It’s not well balanced and tends to fall over when placed on the ground.
Best bang for your buck disc golf bag
Fade Crunch Box Disc Golf Bag: available at Amazon
Our take: Offering a sturdy build with a smart layout and enough room for up to 12 discs, the Fade Crunch Box Disc Golf Bag will serve any player well for years to come.
What we like: It has several pockets to keep your valuables, scorecard and other items organized, and it comes in multiple colors so you can get one that shows off a bit of your personality.
What we dislike: The drink holder doesn’t accommodate 1 -liter bottles.
Honorable mention disc golf bag
NutSac Disc Golf Bag: available at Amazon
Our take: This streamlined option is a top choice for players who prefer to only carry the most essential discs.
What we like: It has a heavy-duty canvas construction and is backed by a lifetime guarantee, so it may be the last disc bag you ever have to buy.
What we dislike: It doesn’t have any pockets for additional items and won’t offer enough capacity for some players.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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