First umpire bag / suggestions

[c-stone]

I am in need of having an umpire bag for the upcoming season.  It will be my first one, and I don't need the Cadillac version to take on planes and through airports--just one which is durable and functional to get me from the car to the locker room.

Colleagues of mine have suggested one of the Diamond bags, and I'm also looking at the Force3 bag.

Feedback would be appreciated, pro/con (including suggestions of what NOT to buy).  Note that I don't wear the bucket, so my mask requirement is a pretty low profile.

Thanks!

[834k3r]

Following this thread. I currently use a luggage-style bag from Wal-Mart, but I can see how better organization in the bag can be a huge upside to umpire bags.

[JonnyCat]

I have the Force3 bag and it is a nice bag as far as bags go. Sturdy construction, well made. 

With that being said, there's really nothing special about any bag. Any suitcase/luggage, duffel bag, etc, would suit that purpose. If I recall correctly, even one member on here uses IKEA bags. A wheeled suitcase with an extendable handle would work fine for most people.

It really depends on your needs and how you travel to games. My pants, shirts, and jackets are hung up in my truck. So I don't use my bag for any of that. I also have plastic storage compartments in the bed of my truck to hold my hats, shoes, ball bags, etc. I have a tonneau cover, so all that gear is safe. My gear bag pretty much houses my chest protector, shin guards, and mask. I use the side pocket for indicators, line up card holders, pens, stuff like that. I use the bottom storage for back up gear. For me, any old bag would work, most of my stuff stays in the truck during each season. For my levels, HS on down, I'm almost always changing in the parking lot. so I've developed a system that works for me.

But if you're carrying gear from car to locker room, you can't go wrong with the Force3 bag. But honestly, it's really only a sturdy luggage bag. If you found a deal on a good luggage bag, it would probably work just the same.

There's no wrong or right answer, figure out what you need to do, and choose the bag/setup that will work best for your purpose.

Hope that helps.

[bluetick48]

EBags……Lifetime warranty! 

[BlueRanger]

If you work out of your trunk, the big Diamond bag is a great choice. Ebags are a fantastic choice just in general. The Champro umpire bag is a decent value, but the Diamond and Wilson bags are built a bit sturdier. The Wilson is way over-priced imo for what you're getting.

[BLWizzRanger]

If you haven't already, search for bags on this site.  There are a couple of threads already discussing bags that was helpful to me.

[Mr Ump]

E Bag will last as a longtime bag. Sturdy, expandable, handles don’t break and the zippers are perfect. Many will give you many choices but when you see others with the E Bag you will see why they do. Good luck in your search.

[boyinr]

I work out of my trunk/pick up bed. I have had the 33” Diamond for 10 seasons.  I can’t think of a complaint. Plenty of room, very sturdy, everything has a place. Gear and shoes on the top. Clothes in the bottom in plastic bins.  

[gnhbua93]

https://www.ebags.com/luggage/checked/mother-lode-large-checked-rolling-duffel/117751XXXX.html?dwvar_117751XXXX_color=Solid Black&cgid=checked-luggage

[SeeingEyeDog]

Avoid...the Wilson bag...for eff's sake...

~Dawg

[MadMax]

On 12/4/2023 at 5:03 PM, SeeingEyeDog said:

Avoid...the Wilson bag...for eff's sake...

~Dawg

Best thing you’ve said all year… 

… 

… from my vantage point at least. 
 

Golllllllll-damn! That thing is a rolling money pit. 

[The Short Umpire]

7 hours ago, MadMax said:

Best thing you’ve said all year… 

… 

… from my vantage point at least. 
 

Golllllllll-damn! That thing is a rolling money pit. 

If it could hold up long enough to actually roll. 

[c-stone]

Postscript: I ended up going with the Force3 bag and have been pretty happy.  A couple of mild complaints, comments:

1) Since most gear et al is for the plate, I like storing that in the lower cavity.  However, this is the smaller of the two cavities and getting just shin pads and chest protector requires advance Tetris skills.  Would like it the lower cavity was larger, the top a bit smaller in trade.  By larger/smaller I mean height.

2) I keep all the misc. gear in a tackle box in the top (ball bags, indicator, brush, etc.)

3) Shoes end up in the top, because it's larger.  Makes sense though since, hey, ya gotta wear shoes.