As I started to turn into the “pickleball version of Pitbull” (Mr Worldwide😂), travel hacking became a thing. It’s a standing joke in my family that I NEVER do something a little bit. It’s all in, obsessional: same with cricket, tennis, AV systems, gadgets, Blu Rays, car detailing etc. Pickleball was a problem until it turned into a true career.
This meant researching rucksacks, everyday carry (EDC) bags, specific items to make “one bag travel” more doable. If I’m going for a couple of days to do a European clinic, if I can avoid any hold luggage and pack pickleball shoes, clothing, toiletries, I’m saving time and money for my clients. I’ve been able to do an entire week across two climates without any washing or rewearing, due to these hacks (hollow neck pillows filled with clothes FTW). Expect this blog to possibly feature some more travel hack reviews as I discover them. The one thing that piqued my curiosity beyond just travel was the “tech pouch” concept.
A tech pouch is a common part of a travel luggage company’s range. Similar is size to a Dopp wash bag but smaller, it’s designed to contain the clutter of cables that comes with tech. They also can manage USB sticks, SD card, have little pockets for adapters, elastic loops and lots of compartmentalisation. It’s a small bag to contain little bits that would otherwise escape to the furthest corners of your bag but have regular use. I saw some major parallels with a paddle bag and all the accessories you carry.
What are those things that a pickleball player uses periodically or regularly beyond a paddle, clothing and shoes? Wristbands. Overgrips. Straps/sleeves. Hydration sachets. Energy gels or sweets. Paddle erasers and cleaners. Spare laces. All perfect for losing in a big paddle bag or shoved in a ziplock bag with no sorting so it’s a scrabble to find what you need.
Almost all of those accessories are fairly small and have a partner in the tech space. The usb and SD elastic straps are perfect for a single overgrip. Spaces for cables are great for laces or gels. The middle sections to contain clutter are big enough for sprays, erasers or sweatbands.
After some research into various options and price points, I locked in on the Inateck tech bag rather than some of its rivals from TomToc, Peak Designs et all. The similarities are high and the small differences tipped my choices. The unity of buying the TomToc to match my rucksack and EDC (reviews possibly incoming) was high but I went for function as it’s always going to be hidden away so a full set won’t matter.
It has the origami style of the larger pouches of its ilk. With a 180 degree opening, this allows access to every area but the design of the sections keeps organisation compact. The Inateck has a top handle, shoulder strap buckle and side hook and loop strap. These create various ways to carry based on the need: it can even be a small cross body bag for a phone, wallet and more. It has YKK zippers so quality of construction will be reliable.
The things that tipped me in its favour were the plentiful elastic loops for overgrips or gels and the shaping of various pockets to accommodate gels or sleeves. It didn’t have the removable card holders some designs have: perfect if you’re a photographer but not something I needed and the slots looked a little small for grips. I also loved the little hidden AirTag pocket to keep track of the bag: it won’t rattle around and is a simple thoughtful touch.
Any bag is to a degree judged by its capacity and ease of access. You can see below that the capacity of the Inateck to hold my kit for tournament play or travel is great. The roll call of stuff below (and I didn’t even use one small side zip pouch)
- Energy gel
- Three hydration sachets
- Six overgrips
- Eight glass cleaning wipes
- Three wristbands
- Two arm/elbow sleeves
- Pair of shoelaces
- Paddle reset spray
- Microfibre cloth
- Paddle eraser
- BandIt elbow strap.
It doesn’t feel lacking and it fits perfectly in the middle pocket of my Diadem bag. It’s going to travel on my long overseas trips where I pack hold luggage: it can then be used for close to its real purpose, although still going to be for the pickleball bits and bobs.
Could ziplocks do the same job as well? Potentially but the lack of internal organisation means there will always be a root around for something even in a clear bag. These solutions keeps things nicely set aside. All paddle bags have some degree of organisation and pockets but often at UK tournaments, you have to leave your bag away from the match court. This bag lets you take all the little things to your court and not take up space. Everything is match ready but no need to drag the big bag on court.
I think these are a great addition to your paddle bag and a fun gift for a player who has everything. It’ll contain everything for them and make easier to manage their stuff. If you want to get the Inateck tech pouch, you can buy from Amazon here, and I’ll get a little commission.