Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Catchers Bag For Your Needs

By Steven Smiths
Updated: September 10, 2020

In the game of baseball, the catcher has an important and special position. Because of this, they’ll require the right equipment so they can play with utmost comfortability. An important part of the catcher’s gear arsenal is the catcher’s bag.

However, because of the options available in the market, how do you choose the best catcher’s bag that’ll carry all of your necessities?

Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping for a catcher’s bag:

The Size

The first and most important factor is the size of the catcher’s bag as the right one will be able to carry all the gear that the catcher needs. Simply put, whether playing in a major game or a small game, the bag needs to be just right.

Note that catcher’s bags come in different sizes. It’s best, therefore, to choose one that suits the needs of the player. If the player doesn’t have large gear, a smaller sized catcher’s bag will do. The opposite is also true. If the player has plenty of gear to carry, which are large and require some space, consider getting a larger catcher’s bag that has sufficient space.

Go for a catcher’s bag that allows for convenient carry and the one that enables the user to turn it into a backpack, if need be.

Quality

The next thing that you’ll need to focus on is the quality of the catchers bag. Often, the price is a good indicator of the bag’s quality. Hence, by having a set budget in mind, always opt for the most expensive bag that you can afford.

Keep in mind that the cheaper the bag is, the less likely it’ll last long. Going for cheap and low-quality bag could also cause the gear to rip through the material.

To further assess the quality of the catcher’s bag, here are some of the features that you should take note of:

The quality and durability and robustness of the wheels
The quality of the material and type of insulation
The quality of the zipper

Your Budget

As mentioned, it’s important that you go for an expensive catcher’s bag. Doing so ensures that you get a quality bag. Thus, evaluate the range that you’re willing to spend on a catcher’s bag. Then, find a bag that’s priced at the upper end of your budget range.

By taking your budget into consideration, you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Besides, an expensive and high-quality bag will be worth it in the long run as you won’t have to constantly buy a new bag since it’ll be durable enough.

Comfort Levels

When shopping for a catcher’s bag, a major factor to consider is the fact that the catcher’s gear can be quite large and heavy. This is because you’ll be placing your helmet, chest guard, leg guards, etc., in your bag, which can be strenuous to carry on and off the pitch.

For instance, if all the gear weighs around 4 kgs, they may feel light over short distances. But walking all the way to the locker rooms may cause you to feel a strain in your arms. It’s crucial, therefore, that the catcher’s bag is comfortable to carry.

Carrying your gear with an uncomfortable bag could result in muscle soreness and pain, even before you reach the catcher’s plate. This can drastically affect your performance and can be the difference between winning the game or losing it. This is why it’s also important for the bag to have thick straps that’ll distribute the weight on your hand, making it easy and comfortable to carry.

Compartments

You want to go for a catcher’s bag that features all the compartments needed to store various gear. This includes a compartment for the chest guard, the leg guard, and the helmet.

However, you may also find it beneficial to get a bag that comes with extra compartments. These will allow you to carry anything extra that may be useful, such as extra mitts and baseball bats for other players. Furthermore, you may also need a place to store your gadgets, such as tablets or smartphones.

If you’re just starting out and looking to become a baseball catcher, then understanding the various gear as well as the best type of catcher’s bag to choose is important.

5506Father and son playing in baseball. Playful Man teaching Boy baseballs exercise outdoors in sunny day at public park. Family sports weekend. Father’s day.

Final Thoughts

A good catcher’s bag will not only allow the catcher to carry their gear but will also feature compartments that enable them to carry extra items for the other players. In addition to being highly durable, it should also be simple and comfortable to carry.