Choose a Durable Bag Material Like Cordura or Ballistic Nylon
When selecting a lacrosse d pole travel bag, one of the most important factors to consider is the durability and strength of the bag material. Many top lacrosse bags designed specifically for defense sticks are constructed from ultra-tough fabrics like Cordura nylon or Ballistic nylon. These heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant materials can withstand the rigors of frequent travel, rough baggage handling, and exposure to rain, mud, and dirt.
Cordura nylon is a common bag material prized for its exceptional durability. It is resistant to scuffs, tears, and abrasions. Bags made of Cordura nylon are built to last for years of constant use. The dense weave helps prevent ripping and reinforced stitching provides extra strength at high stress points prone to tearing. Players who travel frequently with their lacrosse gear will appreciate a bag made to endure heavy-duty use.
Ballistic nylon is another extremely rugged, durable fabric used in quality lacrosse bags. It has a tight weave construction that helps it resist fraying or puncturing under strain. The tough ballistic nylon material helps protect lacrosse sticks and other vulnerable gear during transit. Bags made of 1680D ballistic nylon offer water resistance while remaining lightweight.
No matter your budget, try to choose a d pole lacrosse bag constructed from one of these rugged materials. The Cordura nylon or Ballistic nylon fabric will protect your gear from damage, allowing it to withstand the knocks and scrapes of frequent travel. Investing in a bag made of premium durable fabric means it will last season after season.
Look for a Bag with a Separate Cleat Compartment
When shopping for the best lacrosse d pole travel bag, be sure to look for one that has a separate, ventilated cleat compartment. Models designed specifically for defense players often include a special pocket or area just for your shoes and cleats. This helps keep dirty or muddy cleats isolated from your clean gear and uniforms.
A cleat compartment with ventilation is ideal, as it allows air to circulate and helps your shoes dry out after a tough game or practice in the rain. Wet, soggy cleats stashed in a confined space can lead to mildew and foul odors. But a mesh side panel or vent holes allow moisture to escape. Some bags may even incorporate antimicrobial treatment into the fabric lining the shoe area for added odor and bacteria prevention.
Ideally, the cleat compartment will be large enough to accommodate both your game shoes and an extra pair of sneakers or turf shoes. This keeps footwear secure and contained in one designated area of the bag. Some bags may include removable mesh sacs for laundry that can double as a shoe bag.
Since cleats can scrape sticks or puncture other gear, packing them separately from jerseys, pads, and lacrosse shafts is smart. With everything organized in its place, you’ll avoid damaging your equipment when traveling. Dedicated cleat compartments with ventilation channels allow shoes to dry out and prevent stinky odors from spreading.
Be sure to measure the dimensions of your footwear when shopping for a new lacrosse travel bag for defense sticks. Then choose a bag where the sizing of the cleat compartment and ventilation channels can properly accommodate your shoes. Keep those dirty cleats quarantined from the rest of your equipment and enjoy the convenience of organized, compartmentalized storage while traveling.
Make Sure it Fits Your Gear – Measure Your Stick!
When selecting the ideal lacrosse d pole travel bag, one of the most important considerations is ensuring the bag is long enough to fit your stick. D defense shafts are extra long, so take careful measurements before choosing a bag.
The last thing you want is to purchase a bag, only to find out your stick doesn’t actually fit inside. Be sure to account for the full length of your shaft from head to butt end. It’s smart to add an extra buffer of at least an inch or two as well, just to give some extra wiggle room.
Don’t just guess at the length or assume a bag will accommodate your stick. Take the actual measurements to avoid an unpleasant surprise. Lay your stick down on the ground or floor and use a measuring tape to determine the overall length from top to bottom.
Many lacrosse bags designed for defense sticks list the maximum shaft length they can accommodate. This spec will be listed in the product details or description. Match your stick’s measurements against this maximum length to ensure your d pole will fit without issue.
Keep in mind that shaft dimensions may vary across manufacturers and models. So one player’s 72-inch stick may be slightly different than another’s of the same labeled length. Measure each of your sticks individually if you have multiple to account for any subtle differences.
You want room for your entire stick to fit inside the bag’s main compartment without jamming in diagonally. A bag that seems big enough but requires you to angle your stick can lead to breakage. Get the right fit by knowing your exact shaft dimensions beforehand.
With the proper bag size matched to your stick’s specs, you can travel with confidence knowing your gear is fully protected. Avoid hassles by taking the time to measure so your long pole has plenty of room inside a purpose-built lacrosse travel bag for defensemen.
Pick a Bag with Padded Shoulder Straps for Comfort
When carrying your lacrosse gear across campus or through airports, padded shoulder straps can make a d pole bag much more comfortable and easy to transport. Quality lacrosse bags designed for defense sticks will incorporate thick padded straps to help ease the burden of heavy loads.
Bags loaded down with bulky helmets, pads, shoes, and an extra long d pole shaft can get very heavy. Thin, unpadded straps dig painfully into your shoulders when carrying a heavy bag. But wide, cushioned straps help distribute the weight more evenly and reduce strain.
Look for shoulder straps constructed using thick, molded foam or soft padded mesh fabric. Straps with generous width across the shoulders are ideal for stability and comfort. Narrow straps are more likely to dig in and cause soreness.
Multi-panel ergonomic strap designs are another feature found on high-end lacrosse bags to provide padding and support. Curved, contoured straps modeled to the natural shape of the shoulder can make carrying heavy athletic gear more pleasant.
Adjustability is also key for a proper customizable fit. Bags with straps that allow you to tailor the length help you hoist the bag high on your back for better stability. This positions the weight properly to avoid hunching over while carrying.
For extended wear, molded straps that curve with your body’s contours are ideal. Or look for extra padding on the inner surface that rests on your shoulder to prevent chafing when the bag is heavily packed.
A quality lacrosse bag designed for defensive players should have comfort in mind to make travel and transport easy. Prioritize wide, well-padded straps when choosing a new d pole travel bag to enjoy carrying your gear with less strain and fatigue.
Consider Compression Straps to Secure Your Gear
Lacrosse bags built to carry bulky defense gear often incorporate compression straps to help keep equipment securely in place while traveling. These adjustable straps cinch the bag down tight to prevent shifting and movement inside.
The long shaft of a d-pole can slide around banging into other gear if it’s not properly immobilized. Cleats, pads, and helmets packed loosely also risk bumping into each other causing damage as you move.
But compression straps let you snug down the bag to keep everything locked in position. They usually stretch horizontally across the width or vertically down the length of the bag. Tighten them down to remove excess space and restrict gear from sliding.
This allows you to haul your bag through airports, toss it under the bus, or cram it into a car without lacrosse equipment inside getting knocked around during transit. The tight compression straps keep pads cushioned and protect sticks from cracking.
Look for models that allow you to independently adjust the tension of upper and lower compression straps. This way you can distribute weight evenly for comfort while immobilizing gear top and bottom.
With strategic placement and adjustable tension, compression straps are enormously beneficial for safeguarding your lacrosse equipment during travel. They prevent sticks from clanking into helmets and stops pads from bouncing around inside.
For defense players hauling lots of bulky gear, compression straps help streamline the bag profile while locking equipment in place. Choose a lacrosse bag with adjustable horizontal and vertical straps to immobilize your pads, helmet, shoes, and long d pole securely.
Get a Bag with Ventilated Shoe Pockets
When picking a lacrosse travel bag designed for defensive players, prioritize models that have ventilated, breathable shoe pockets to store cleats. This prevents foul odors and allows moisture to evaporate.
After intense games or practices, cleats soaked from rain or sweat can get stinky quickly in an enclosed space. But specialized shoe pockets outfitted with ventilation channels avoid this issue.
Small perforations or mesh paneling allow air flow into the cleat compartment. This circulation prevents the buildup of odors. It also enables any dampness within the shoes to dry out faster.
Ventilation is key if you will be storing cleats inside your bag between games while traveling. Even a short time stuffed in a cramped bag breeds bacteria and stink.
High-quality bags designed for defense men will often incorporate antimicrobial finishes into the fabric lining shoe pockets. This treatment curbs the growth of odor-causing microbes.
The ideal setup is a dedicated cleat compartment separate from the main gear section, with mesh ventilation along the sides or top. This keeps muddy or damp shoes isolated from the rest of your equipment.
When using your d pole lacrosse bag for extended travel, ventilation and separation of the footwear protects the rest of your gear. Well-ventilated, breathable shoe pockets prevent nasty odors from building up inside the bag.
Choose a Spacious Main Compartment
When selecting a lacrosse travel bag designed for defensive players, look for a bag with a large, spacious main compartment to fit all your protective gear. Models made specifically for d poles will feature oversized interiors to accommodate bulky equipment.
The main gear section needs ample room for a helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, and other protective accessories. But it also needs to fit an extra long d pole up to 72 inches in length. This requires a bag with a very roomy compartment.
Cheaper or smaller bags can cram tightly when loaded up with a pile of gear. But an expansive compartment allows you to pack everything efficiently with space to spare. Your equipment fits comfortably rather than jammed in tightly.
High quality bags often incorporate a cinch system that compresses the main compartment down when not filled to capacity. But you still want maximum interior space for full loads.
Ideally the compartment will be deep enough that you don’t have to strategically place gear. Ample room means you can load your bag quickly without Tetris-like precision.
Measure the dimensions of your stick, helmet, and pads. Then choose a lacrosse bag for defense that offers more than enough interior volume to easily fit all your equipment with space left over.
The proper d pole travel bag will allow fast, hassle-free packing and unpacking. Prioritize lots of roomy interior volume when shopping so all your gear fits nicely without cramming.
Find One with Exterior Mesh Pockets for Small Items
When evaluating lacrosse bags for defense designed for travel, look for models that incorporate external mesh pockets. These provide handy storage for smaller essentials you want quick access to.
Mesh pockets on the exterior of your bag are perfect for stashing little accessories and knick-knacks you use frequently. Having them stored outside the main compartment saves you from digging around inside.
Use the exterior pockets to store things like your wallet, phone, keys, snacks, travel documents, gloves, or practice pinnies. Some bags may have two or more external pockets for organization.
Mesh is ideal for visibility so you can easily see contents. And the open weave helps air circulate so wet, sweaty items like gloves or towels dry out faster.
External mesh pockets are perfect for sticky gels, tape, or any smaller accessories you access routinely. They keep essentials handy while keeping the main compartment clutter-free.
Some lacrosse bags may even incorporate zippered mesh pockets to secure valuables like wallets or phones. Or they may have a combination of open and zippered pockets.
When shopping for your next d pole travel bag, prioritize models with multiple exterior mesh pouches. They add convenience while helping you stay organized on the go.
Pick a Bag with a Protective Hard Shell Bottom
When choosing a lacrosse bag to carry your d pole and gear, pick a model with a durable, hardened bottom for protection. This shields your equipment from damage if you set the bag down on rough or wet surfaces.
Quality bags designed for defensive players feature a tough polyethylene or PVC plastic bottom panel. This provides impact protection and water resistance if you plunk your bag down on abrasive or damp ground.
A reinforced bottom keeps pointy metal cleats or turf pellets from poking through the fabric shell. The hard shield also prevents any moisture from seeping in from below.
Some bags may incorporate skid guards or extra exterior padding on the bottom for additional defense against scuffs, scrapes, and moisture. Frequent travelers will appreciate the added protection.
For extra shielding during transport, some long pole lacrosse bags have a rounded, arched bottom profile. This causes the bag to rock or settle on the edges rather than flat on the bottom, preventing direct contact with rough surfaces.
The bottom panel takes a beating when you’re on the move, so prioritize reinforced materials to avoid rips, tears, and water damage. A quality hard shell bottom ensures your gear stays safe and dry no matter where you set down your bag.
Look for Interior Pockets to Organize Gear
The best lacrosse bags for defensive players incorporate interior pockets and compartments to keep equipment neatly organized when traveling. This allows you to find gear quickly while keeping your bag tidy.
Multiple pockets sized for specific items like phones, wallets, tape, goggles and more allow you to neatly categorize and stow your accessories. Interior dividers also help separate dirty gear from clean uniforms.
Without built-in organization, helmets, pads and other equipment just get tossed loosely into the bag. Things get buried at the bottom making it hard to find what you need. And loose gear bangs around causing damage.
But pockets sized specifically for gloves, towels or cleats keep everything neatly stowed in its place. Designated side pockets for tape, balls, electronics and other must-haves keep them handy.
Some long pole lacrosse bags may even have removable interior pocket panels that can be customized. This allows you to arrange storage specific to your personal gear.
The ability to neatly categorize all your equipment inside a d pole bag delivers convenience when traveling. Multiple pockets and compartments keep you organized so you can find items quickly as needed.
Consider Wheeled Bags for Heavy Loads
Lacrosse players who travel frequently may want to consider a wheeled d pole bag to more easily transport heavy gear loads. Models with smooth-rolling skate wheels reduce fatigue.
Wheeled bags convert a shoulder duffel into a rolling carry-on. This allows you to simply tilt and roll the bag rather than straining to carry the weight on your back and shoulders.
Wheels on the bottom along with an extended pull handle or strap make it easy to maneuver a heavily packed bag. You can quickly roll gear from the bus to the locker room or smoothly guide it down airport concourses.
Wheeled lacrosse bags are ideal for defenders who tend to overpack with lots of protective equipment. They alleviate the sore shoulders and back that can come from repeatedly lugging around 50+ pound bags.
Look for in-line wheels that won’t catch on objects as you roll the bag around crowded locker rooms or airports. Smooth ball-bearing wheels offer easy transport across all kinds of terrain.
For easy stair handling, some wheeled models quickly convert to shoulder bags by tucking away the pull handle and wheels. Prioritize versatility if your mobility needs vary.
Defensive players who haul lots of gear everywhere can save their energy and bodies with a wheeled lacrosse bag. Rolling bags along on smooth stable wheels prevents back strain and soreness from heavy lifting.
Get a Bag with a Removable Laundry Bag
When shopping for a lacrosse travel bag to carry your defensive gear, look for a model that includes a removable mesh laundry or shoe bag. This provides an easy way to tote dirty uniforms.
After intense tournament play, bags get loaded down with sweaty jerseys, socks, and other grimy gear. A mesh laundry bag allows you to neatly contain these smelly, soiled garments away from clean equipment.
Simply stash your dirty apparel in the mesh laundry carrier. Then clip it into your bag or haul it separately until you can get items washed and cleaned.
For convenience, some d pole lacrosse bags include a mesh laundry bag that stows in its own compartment but removes easily when needed. This keeps dirty laundry accessible but isolated.
Alternatively, many bags come equipped with a removable mesh shoe sac that can double as an impromptu laundry bag as needed. Then switch back to shoes when cleaned.
Hauling dirty uniforms in a separate contained mesh bag keeps them from transferring odors and bacteria to helmets, sticks, and other gear sharing the bag.
Take advantage of the added convenience of a detachable mesh laundry carrier when buying your next defensive lacrosse bag. Containing sweat-soaked gear protects your other equipment during travel.
Pick Your Ideal Size Based on Your Needs
Lacrosse bags designed for defensive players are available in a range of sizes from small to extra-large. Consider your gear hauling needs and choose the ideal capacity.
For defenders who travel light with minimal equipment, more compact 30 to 40-liter bags offer ample space. Medium 40 to 50-liter sizes work well for goalies and players that carry a typical load of gear.
At 50+ liters, oversized bags are great for players hauling lots of protective equipment and uniforms for multi-day tournaments. But the extra room does add bulk and weight when empty.
Think about your own packing tendencies and gear needs. Do you cram in as much as possible, or only bring carefully selected essentials? This helps determine ideal volume.
Also consider factors like wheels and backpack straps. Wheeled models often run larger. And backpack-style bags prioritize lighter weight and easy carrying.
Make sure to choose a bag where the stick compartment and interior gear storage aligns with your quantity of equipment. A bag too small will require you to travel light. But huge bags waste space.
Determine your needs, travel schedule, and gear hauling habits first when choosing the best lacrosse bag size for your d pole and equipment. Pick your ideal balance of space versus portability.
Compare Prices Online to Get the Best Deal
When shopping for your next lacrosse bag to haul d poles and equipment, be sure to do some comparison shopping online to find the best price. Models can range quite a bit depending on brand, features and sellers.
Check lacrosse specialty retailers as well as general sporting goods and bag stores. Amazon and other big retailers often offer competitive pricing, but don’t overlook smaller niche shops.
Expanding your search beyond just one merchant allows you to compare pricing across multiple sellers. This ensures you don’t overpay more than necessary.
Factor in any shipping, taxes or hidden fees that could impact the total cost. Some stores may offer free shipping on select oversized bags. Others might ship direct from the warehouse with no sales tax.
Don’t forget to look for any possible coupon codes and discounts that could help you score a deal. Signing up for email lists and rewards programs can provide access to special sale pricing.
Comparison shopping prevents you from impulsively buying the first bag you see at full price. A wider search makes it easier to spot deals and negotiate the overall cost.
Do some homework before purchasing your next lacrosse travel bag for hauling d poles. Search multiple websites and retailers to compare pricing and find potential savings.