How to Choose the Best Disc Golf Bag or Backpack
As you build a disc golf bag, one of the best investments you'll make is choosing the right bag to carry your discs.
Prodigy Disc offers a variety of disc golf bags designed to fill the needs of any player. Our disc golf backpacks and travel bags range from professional-level bags with tons of space to smaller, more affordable options for the budding beginner or more experienced player looking for a lightweight option.
What should you consider when buying a disc golf bag or backpack?
A disc golf bag is essential because it provides a convenient and organized way to carry your discs and other gear on the course. This lets you focus on your game without worrying about juggling loose discs or searching through a cluttered backpack.
A good disc golf bag can protect your discs from damage and prolong their lifespan. Disc golf bags and disc golf backpacks make great disc golf gifts.
The main things you'll want to consider when purchasing a new disc golf bag are storage capacity, materials, comfort, additional features, and style. Prodigy offers bags and backpacks for all use cases and bags and accessories for players who prefer a disc golf cart like a ZÜCA.
Capacity & Disc Organization
Disc golf bags come in various sizes, so consider the number of discs you typically carry during a round before purchasing. Beginners may only need to start with smaller, lighter bags, such as an Ascent backpack or ACE Starter shoulder bag. The Starter bag can hold up to 8 discs, while the Ascent has room for up to 20 discs and a side water bottle holder. Both options are easy to grab and go and are priced under $35.
More experienced players may find smaller, lighter bags convenient for casual and practice disc golf rounds. Still, they may prefer a backpack with a larger capacity, like the new Prodigy Disc Apex XL, BP-1, or BP-2. These larger bags are designed with a professional player in mind and can hold up to 28 discs each. They have extra putter pockets and interior dividers to organize discs better.
Durability & Materials
Disc golf bags are dragged through the mud and tested against rough terrain and weather elements, so you'll want to select a bag made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of the game.
The larger, professional-level bags feature extra sturdy fabrics, reinforced stitching, and durable zippers. The Apex XL is made of heavy-duty 1000D and 500D Cordura Nylon. The BP-1 and BP-2 are made of a combination of Nylon Ripstop and High-density Polyester fabrics. Smaller bags like the BP-3, Ascent, and Starter bags are also made of Nylon Ripstop but may have fewer reinforced areas.
Suppose you're looking for a more compact disc golf bag or backpack that still offers the full benefits of a large professional disc golf bag. In that case, Prodigy Disc does offer the Apex backpack. It is made of the same materials as the Apex XL. Still, it is slimmed down to accommodate fewer discs without sacrificing comfort or durability.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Since disc golf rounds can last several hours, comfort should be a top priority when choosing a bag. Bags with padded and adjustable shoulder straps and padded, breathable back panels help distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on your body. Bags with more customized fit will ensure maximum comfort through marathon days on the course and long disc golf tournament weekends.
The Apex and Apex XL have two different adjustable straps on each shoulder and a chest strap to further take pressure off your back. All Prodigy backpacks have padded back panels as well.
Test your bag with your discs to find the best fit and comfort. Remember that this bag will be with you most of the day while playing.
Storage & Features - A Disc Golf Bag with a Cooler
Besides carrying your discs, a well-designed disc golf bag offers additional storage space for accessories and personal items. External pockets and internal storage are essential for holding water bottles, snacks, scorecards, and towels. Specialized compartments for valuables, such as wallets, keys, or phones, are also necessary.
The Apex and Apex XL have two large side pockets, one of which is insulated like a disc golf bag with a cooler. The insulation will keep drinks cold or coffee warm if you're playing an early morning or winter round.
Other features of the Apex disc golf backpack include an umbrella holder, which can protect your bag and you from rain. The BP-1 also has an umbrella sleeve, a great place to hold a disc retriever. Many players also like D-rings to attach sunglasses holders or towels, pockets to hold mini disc markers, and a customizable patch area.
Bag Types: Shoulder Sling Bags vs. Backpacks
Disc golf backpacks have become the most popular bag on the disc golf course. Backpack-style bags offer superior weight distribution, increased storage capacity, and better back support. The Apex, Apex XL, BP-1, BP-2, BP-3, BP-4, and Ascent are all backpacks.
Sling bags worn over a shoulder provide quick and easy access to discs and are better suited for those carrying fewer discs. The ACE Starter bag is a shoulder sling bag.
Choose the style that aligns with your playing style and preferences.
Putter Pockets, Disc Golf Cart Bags, & Practice Disc Golf Bags
In addition to disc golf backpacks and shoulder bags, many players like to use a push cart on the course, such as a ZÜCA cart. Prodigy disc golf backpacks will fit into ZÜCA and other disc golf carts, but you should also check the size dimensions to be sure.
The Prodigy Putter Pocket for Carts is also an excellent accessory for any disc golfer who prefers a cart. It gives players easy access to their putters while storing pencils, scorecards, and other small valuables used during a round. It is easy to attach with a strap and works well with any disc golf cart. It also has a shoulder strap and can be carried as an additional accessory for storage or for putter-only rounds.
For those looking for better practice solutions or disc golf storage, the Prodigy Practice Bag remains the best way to organize and transport your growing disc golf collection and help streamline your practice sessions. The main compartment holds up to 45 drivers or 30 putters and is easily accessed with the double-zippered top.
The rigid insert keeps the bag straight as you fill it up to take your discs out to the field or fly mart, and no more discs are scattered in your car's trunk. The bag also has a magnetic pocket for valuables, a small, insulated water bottle holder, a padded shoulder strap, and rubber branding patches. These upgrades make this power-packed bag even more functional and comfortable, no matter how you use it.
Styling & Personalizing Your Bag
After you've found the right disc golf bag, personalizing it can add a stylish touch to your gear. Remember that any changes you make to your bag will likely affect its warranty. Here are some ideas to make your bag stand out before you hit the course:
- Custom embroidery or patches: Add your name, a nickname, or an excellent design with custom embroidery or patches. This can give your bag a unique and personalized flair.
- Colorful straps and accessories: Invest in colorful straps or accessorize with brightly colored carabiners, keychains, or zipper pulls. Choose colors that complement each other or match your favorite discs.
- DIY modifications: Get creative and customize your bag with DIY modifications. This could include adding extra pockets, attaching hooks for accessories, or even sewing on fabric patches or decals.
- Stickers and decals: Decorate your bag with stickers and decals featuring your favorite disc golf brands, logos, or designs. Be sure to choose durable and weather-resistant stickers.
- Fabric paint or markers: Use fabric paint or markers to add your designs or artwork directly onto your bag. This allows for endless customization options and lets you showcase your artistic side.
- Pins or buttons: Add personal touches like pins or buttons that reflect your interests, hobbies, or personality. It's a fun way to make your bag uniquely yours.
- Coordinated gear: Coordinate the style of your bag with your other disc golf gear, such as your discs, clothing, and accessories. This can create a cohesive, stylish look on the course.
Lifetime Warranty
Prodigy Disc works hard to bring you the most innovative, high-quality disc golf bags. Although our warranty doesn't cover improper use, normal wear and tear, or bags that have undergone repairs or alterations, all our bags carry a lifetime warranty to be free of defects, valid for the bag's original owner. This will give you peace of mind that your bag will be perfect and course-ready from the day you receive it.
