The 2018 season seems to have been one where several new economy backpack bags were introduced into the disc golf market. Affordable bags like the Prodigy BP3 and the Dynamic Discs Trooper were joined by some promising newcomers. Let’s take a look at these economical solutions to carrying your discs on your back for longer or shorter disc golf rounds.
Dynamic Discs TROOPER
The Trooper was Dynamic Disc’s strong entry into the economy backpack market. While priced $10 higher than the Prodigy BP3 at $39.99 it had a strong surge in interest as it is generally more comfortable and sturdy. When it comes to basic disc golf backpacks that will last a long time for a low price, and also hold a good number of discs, this is one of the better offers on the market.
Here are the basic features:
- Low center of gravity to avoid tipping
- Padded straps and back panel
- Main compartments holds 18+ discs
- Upper pocket holds 3-4 discs
- Two external pockets
- Reinforced haul handle
- Drawstring-enclosed water bottle holder
- Zipper pulls on all zippers
- Velcro tabs keep the front flap out of the way
- Three accent colors to choose from
Infinite DISC SLINGER
This is the first sling style bag for disc golf, at least that I’ve seen. It seems a very logical middle ground between the traditional shoulder bag and the backpack. There are many times that I’ve seen players with large backpacks simply pick them up and sling one of the two straps over a shoulder to walk to their disc or to the next hole. The Disc Slinger basically allows you to do that without the expense and bulk of a large bag. It is not designed to hold a lot of discs, but is more targeted to the casual round where you want to take ten or twelve of your favorite discs and travel light. The front pouch easily holds two or three putters, and the inside holds 8-10 discs with a couple of pocket dividers in the back. For only $19.99 this is a very good bag and the manufacturing is solid.
Here are some of the features:
- Inside pocket carries up to 10 discs, including two inside slots for your go-to discs.
- Putter pouch on the front of the bag easily carries two putters and even fits oversized discs.
- Drink holder carries water bottles and drinks with an adjustable pull string.
- Vertical zipper pocket on the back of the bag carries your keys, wallet, mini, grip bag, or other small accessories.
- Double eye-hole on the top of the bag allows for easy clipping of your towel and bag tags.
- High quality, padded shoulder strap for hanging on your shoulder or adjusting for wearing across your chest (sling bag).
- Adjustable strap clips in two different possible configurations so you can adjust for your preferred shoulder.
- Current blue and black colors available (maybe more coming later).
Infinite STEALTH BAG
Also from Infinite Discs, be sure to check out the unique, light-weight, Stealth Bag which is designed for quick rounds or for rugged, mountain courses where having a lot of water is a plus and dragging around large bags is a struggle. This bag has four pockets which each can hold two discs, meaning that you will have only eight or nine total discs in your arsenal, but it also has the inside water bladder feature (bladder sold together or separately) which carries two liters of water. Aside from the water bladder, there is also a water bottle holder and other accessory pockets so that you can safely stow your wallet, phone, mini, grip bag, or whatever else you need while you’re on that rugged course. Because it is light weight and comes with chest and waist straps, it is carried very close to your body for easy movement. You’ll hardly know you’re carrying a backpack. Or you can carry it with the easy top handle as you move from place to place. Not bad for the $30-$40 price range.
Here are some of the features:
- Comfortably holds 4-8 discs
- Zip up pockets to hold phone, keys, and snacks
- Ultra comfortable padding on back and straps
- Chest and belt straps
- Clips to hold towels and bag tags
- Water bottle holder
- Full size pocket that holds 2 liter water bladder
- Originally released in four colors.
Latitude 64 CORE Bag
The CORE backpack was recently released by Latitude 64 as a middle-of-the-road starter bag where the price is around $50 and you get some of the perks of larger bags, like a sizable top putter pocket and plenty of storage for anywhere form 15 to 20 discs. It is still lightweight, making it easier to haul around than large, $100+ backpacks out there. It stands up easily when loaded and comes with size pockets that are big enough to carry all of your accessories.
Here are some of the main features:
- Holds around 20 discs.
- Top compartment has two sections – one for putters and one for towels, clothes, etc.
- Two side pockets for your wallet, keys, or water bottle.
- Mini pocket and pen holder on top side.
- Padded straps and back panels.
- Fabric is water repellent.
- Less than two pounds.
- Dimensions: 18″ x 16″ x 8″
- Fabric: 600D x 600 D Ribstop Poly with 6P PVC backing
Innova DISCOVER PACK
As one of the newer entries in the economy backpack market, the Discover Pack is certainly one of the lightest and most basic. It really comes with no frills, just the very basics, so you can throw some discs in a bag and get out onto the course. It has a top pocket for putters, and a sizable main compartment for your discs, but the material is not very sturdy, so it kind of feels like a backpack your kids would take to school for their books. For $20, you can’t expect too much, and the Discover Pack gets the job done, with a few color options, so you can grab a couple for your friends who are now to the game, as well as one for your own casual rounds.
Here are some of the features:
- Holds 15 Golf Discs
- Adjustable Straps
- Internal U-Frame
- Large Zipper Pocket
- Adjustable Drink Holder
- Scorecard Pocket
Hopefully this helps you to see some of the options when it comes to affordable backpacks. I will add this– as cheaper options, you shouldn’t approach these choices as long-term solutions to carrying your discs for years to come. When it comes to bags that will last for many years, or to options for tournament play, you may want to dish out a little more money. But personally, I’ve downsized my disc selection on the course and prefer to travel very light. I’ve used the Disc Slinger as my main bag for the entire summer and fall of 2018 and only had one occasion where I’d wished I had more discs on hand. So for players like me, spending on under $50 for a easy-to-carry backpack is really all I need.
Do you have a favorite, affordable bag option that you’ve enjoyed? Feel free to add it in the comments.
