Reviewing 10 Board Game Bags

[@Shelfside]

Play Monopoly Go!: app.adjust.com/1fnbvy77_1fnar3q1?campaign=monopoly-ThingOrTwo-US-IPM-Sep24&adgroup=Shelfside-Sep24-ThingOrTwo-monopoly&creative=Sep24-youtube

[@smoogums89]

.... The monopoly ad. How could you do this to me!!😢😢

[@TymofiiLisovychenko]

It's worse, Monopoly Go is essentially Coin Master with a Monopoly skin. And Coin Master is for all intents and purposes just a slot machine with a social element, down to the interface(literal slot machine). So, yeah, it's a bizarre ad choice for a board game channel, but I guess you gotta get paid somehow, and at the very least it's not as actively harmful as actual slot machine apps, just annoying.

[@ptastydactyl]

I've been waiting for my Crafting Kingdoms Adventurer bag forever now. That sucker was hella expensive. Should've just went with one of these cheap guys. Thanks for the great content!

[@ashtonwu7760]

Cheers!! No problem mate :D

[@dupthedodger]

So incredibly useful, thank you! After eyeing the boardgamestable bag for over a year I finally ordered it, but as soon as I unwrapped it realized that I didn't need anything that big like...ever. I was looking for other options on Amazon and the May The Game bag seemed like an option mainly because it hypes up its lays flat storage option, but I knew it would be even bigger but actually seeing how comically oversized it is on the video and what I figured was suspect branding -- these sealed the deal that's it a no go for me. Now I'm deciding between two 4 ticket to ride sized bags -- the Game Haul bag you cover here and a similar designed one with BGG branding that's half the cost. I appreciate you highlighted the danger of the spiky bottoms too -- it's definitely not something I would have that of as far as scratching tables, I was only thinking of it as plus for when it's on the floor. The timing of your videos for me is crazy, you posted an overview of Bay Area game cafes like two days before I left for my summer vacation to Berkeley and now this a board game bag review that covers most of the options I was looking for and is not 4 years old. Thanks again!

[@SuessLagerstedt]

For a long time, as the price of Chanel increased, I no longer thought I could afford it. I think I'll be happy that I have the kislux as my travel bag that I don't have to take care of. By the way, I'm sure no one will have a hard time telling the difference. Thanks for the comparison.

[@VampguyN85]

My game bag will hopefully arrive before January 1st but may not arrive until the new year. It's been delayed multiple times. I backed board game gear essentials. You can pick and choose what pattern you want and strap for it. At a convention this past summer people seemed happy to test out the quality and design. They seem legit good. They're just majorly delayed due to issues with the manufacturer.

[@Lucretiel]

I have and absolutely adore the GeekOn bag, I’m super bummed that they don’t make them anymore.

[@mccrispy]

Good to see a number of folks pointing to cajon/"flamenco drum" bags. These are usually pretty well padded and are the right shape for TTR boxes. Most have easy access zippers for a "drop front". I have one for a bass cajon, it's frickin' huge and barely liftable when full, but it's carrying capacity is huge. I probably should get a standard cajon bag to save my back. Mine are by Meinl; to quality.

[@davidautinify]

MM sells one that's perfectly fine and costs like $20. one of the best accessory purchases ive made.

[@Show985]

If you are going to be hauling a ton of games I would recommend this carry on bag, it’s from a camera equipment company but it opens up like a doctor bag and you can store and carry a lot of games while not looking weird and not messing up your back. Shimoda Carry-on Roller V2. It’s pricey but you can use it for travel

[@alliterationking2029]

Tackle bags! Get a tackle bag from Bass Pro or something. Highly protective, structured, and designed to hold rectangular inserts. I got the Offshore Angler Boat Bag for a friend and printed a Republic decal to cover the original logo since it's white and blue plastic.

[@TheSchaef47]

Reminds me of the halcyon days before custom organizers, when people would throw out their Rio Grande box dividers and put game pieces into Plano tackle boxes.

[@alliterationking2029]

@@TheSchaef47 There's a part of me that wants to get a tackle bag with a bunch of the plano boxes and just move all my favorite games out of their boxes, lol.

[@TheSchaef47]

@@alliterationking2029 well, 20 bucks in Planos is not fantastic but it gets the job done, and besides, they'll charge you 50, 60 bucks for a custom organizer. I'm the worst of the bunch: I paid $150 for a Firefly crate, plus the money to stain and finish the outside.

[@kyang321]

At the size that these bags get to, why not have rollers attached?

[@arifjumali]

it called luggage

[@Shelfside]

haha, yeah it would be luggage -Ashton

[@Cerekay]

If you’re going to carry a giant bag you could just buy a collapsible dolly. Store it in your trunk and add a plastic bin if you need to protect the games.

[@mr.hufflebottom]

Greatly appreciated the Age of Empires sound effects interspersed throughout the video 😎

[@benjaminrosa1418]

I use a flamenco drum moving bag, which is basically what all those box like bags are based off. A bit big, but still cushioned and still looks like you're a Death Stranding cosplay. Surely even cheaper than dedicated gamign transport bags.

[@TheSchaef47]

It's funny that Chromacast made a board game branded bag. They must have learned that people had been using their drum bags to carry 4-5 game boxes to game night. Probably they also learned that their sales went down after people started manufacturing niche bags for board games.

[@ChadHensley]

Love my BoardGameTables bag! Glad that you reinforced my decision to purchase this bag.

[@Jakkesama]

I only need to know what the smallest bag is that can fit the Frosthaven board game.

[@mmmikko]

Great timing for upload, was just looking to buy board game tables' bag

[@dold_]

I bought a comically large board game bag (reusable grocery bag style thing) for my brother a few years ago, it has either CoolStuffInc or BGG branding on it I forget. He's 6'2", and wearing it on his shoulder, the bottom of the bag rests just below his knee. Good for when you need to carry around a few games plus your two children.

[@Messiman14]

I think the versatility of the Peak Design duffel or any "normal" bag was understated. Sure, it's almost $150 bucks but it also doubles as a weekender or travel bag for other use. I think it's the best solution for weekly game nights since you're normally not bringing more than what you can fit in there anyway. The other board game bags might store more games but aren't really useful beyond that.

[@Shelfside]

hear, hear! I think the biggest downside to a normal bag is just that your games could get damaged more easily, and some people care about that a lot. -Ashton

[@amagrude]

I truck around a *complete* Arkham Horror investigator LCG set, a campaign, and tokens, in my Mayday Games bag. Works great. I lift, so I barely notice the weight/bulk even when I get it that loaded. Enjoy it actually. Most direct equivalent would be the boardgametables bag, except with an extra top pocket (which can actually hold a substantial amount,) a back pocket (same) and two neoprene case holders on the side. Worth a look if you’re trucking that kind of volume on the regular. Overkill if you’re only moving 1-2 games.

[@DanieltheFink]

Really want to love my All Play bag, but they just haven't held up. First one had trouble with the stitching around the straps. They were nice enough to replace, but then one of the panels of material just shredded off when I took the bag out of an air plane overhead. Again, a discount was offered, customer service is great. But couldn't justify buying a third try of a bag that hadn't survived more than 2 or 3 uses each time.

[@6MillionPesoMan]

I got the Innit GameFolio 1.0 × 4 plus a duffle bag. Rather than carry the games in the boxes, the bags have many compartments that can fit multiple games in each folio that in turn can be stacked in the duffle bag, up to four. I myself prefer this so that my boxes can stay in good condition (too many worn damaged corners with other bags) and the games take to much less space this way. Sadly, the company went under during covid, but another company offers products that fulfill a similar niche, the Beartooth Explorer Series Board Game Bags. Would love to see you guys do a review on those in the future.

[@TwrZ]

BGG actually sells a bag that's the perfect size IMO. Not as big as the big bags but bigger than the smaller cube ones. It has backpack straps and is also easily one-handable. It can also hold rectangular boxes.

[@gamersngrub8628]

I got the May the Game bag specifically so I can bring my giant Everdell collection box to game night. But now I'm looking for something smaller. That Everdell big box is the largest single box in my collection. Thanks for the reviews!

[@gamersngrub8628]

I lied. I have the Sentinels of the Multiverse "everything" box. But that one is obviously not intended to be moved around.

[@Shelfside]

nice, yeah I think you could probably get away with a rectangular sized bag, especially if want to bring other games to game night! -Ashton

[@benlauson555]

I use a simple cloth bag with handles ... like the ones intended for groceries. I have tried numerous different options and keep coming back to a cloth bag.

[@Shelfside]

As long as its not cardboard, it wil work excellently! -Ashton

[@blacksheep9950]

I use DJ equipment bags for game nights. A few brands do padded bags the size of TtR square boxes of varying heights. They fit a lot of games, protect them from bumps, and are much cheaper than board game branded bags. No good for bigger game boxes, though.

[@Shelfside]

DJ bags are probably sick, but also expensive and yeah don't have the height -Ashton

[@blacksheep9950]

@@Shelfside The ones I have were super cheap - £22 and £23. Not amazing quality but at that price I wasn't complaining. I'm sure there are high-end ones as well.

[@A.E.Konietzky]

The ONLY bags I have bought for my board game needs are the Meinl Percussion Cajon Drum backpack bags or standard bags. Great price and quality across the board.

[@adriannaoshea]

My trusty blue Ikea bag has been more than enough to travel for board game nights :)

[@Werdna12345]

I think if you want to bring more than 4 or have big boxes, horizontal plastic laundry baskets or duffel/gym bags I think are functional and cost effective

[@HeyImBode]

I got myself the allplay rectangular bag, it ended up being quite frustrating. One of my back straps snapped so I need to replace it or carry it off my back. The weight distribution when used as a backpack is a real problem. All the weight piles up at the bottom and kinda slams into your lower back. If you plan on using these as back packs, I do recommend adding some padding at the bottom like some towels so that you can't fill the bag to capacity and so that your back has a better day. I still use the bag, it's just a bit frustrating it has shortcomings :|

[@seeby6963]

This is a perfectly timed video for me. I will be moving soon and am looking for a bag to carry all my games. I might actually invest in the May The Game bag just to fit everything. I have TI4, War of the Ring, Rebellion, Imperial Assault, and then a bunch of other Ticket to Ride sized games so I think that bag will be perfect!

[@frankli4018]

I have it, and tbh i give it like, a B. I am always impressed with how many games i can carry in it, plus i lug a bunch of extra accessories just in case (dice tower, pens, extra dice, etc). That said walking around is a bit of a workout and its a bit awkward to pick up. Mine has zero smell btw and tbh the bumpers dont bother me

[@benb.6358]

I have a GeekOn backpack, and I like it pretty well. I prefer a bag that holds games horizontally so the components stay in place. My only qualm with the GeekOn backpack is the top handle. It only carries the weight of the contents from the back, leaving the front of the bag unsupported. But, the straps are really comfortable, all things considered. It is a little heavy when fully loaded, but it functions well enough. I’d be curious to hear how that bag ranks amongst the ones you rated here. Thanks!

[@danielmonks604]

Honestly I think the Allplay Lightweight bag can't be beat. It's surprisingly spacious, good quality, and only costs 7 bucks.

[@Shelfside]

looking at it now! I'm surprised how much love allplay gets. I might do a vid with their other products now -Ashton

[@JoachimErdtman]

Great video, kudos on the good job of making bag-testing entertaining. I had wished to see the old classic The Game Canopy tested, as well as All Play's rolling bag.

[@Shelfside]

Will note them down! -Ashton

[@brianmattei7134]

That's wild that they're charging that much for the MayTheGame bag. I got a practically identical bag from Miniature Market (and also Everdell's publisher, Tabletop Tycoon, at PAX Unplugged) for like $25. EDIT: I stand corrected, that bag is somehow deeper than the Miniature Market/Tabletop Tycoon bags lmao

[@JordanMurdockMusician]

I bought a backpack one off Amazon awhile back. I forget how much I spent on it but it would probably fit like 6 eldritch horror style boxes. I try not to pack it that full tho lol

[@SWAT6809]

Honestly: A Cajon Case. Not to be carried on the back, but size should work. maybe a bit too big for like 1-2 games, but for big stuff or multiple games id use that. maybe biased because I own one already :') Edit: Should have walked around the block with each backpck once imo

[@BeefyChud]

I didn’t like that the boardgametables bag loaded on the side but the back back straps were the long way.

[@VeraDeVera]

I love AllPlay but every bag I bought (3) frayed or broke…the most durable and not reviewed I have is the Boardgamegeek bag!

[@Shelfside]

oh no, what happened to the bags exactly? I'll have to look into the BGG bag more -Ashton

[@ryuzen30]

I really like those Saint Seiya board game backpacks

[@Pappagar]

Looks like the gator case is the best for me. Bonus is that it will work well for a bunch of other stuff. Ill have to test my backpack first though to see how many games i can fit in that

[@Shelfside]

sweet, yeah that one felt the best for sure!! -Ashton

[@jethrobb]

SHELFSIDE! I just ordered an All Play bag yesterday LOL. Nice timing!

[@Shelfside]

haha awesome -Ashton

[@blueseqperl]

GeekOn! Ultimate Board Game Backpack has been amazing and great at distributing the weight to not destroy your back or shoulders. I have used it to carry Gloomhaven and Scythe legendary box. I know it is quite pricey, but it has helped me bring games to friends' homes and gaming conventions. Similar to your experience, it turns me into a human SUV, and I did knock a woman over while on Amtrak.

[@Shelfside]

hahaha human SUV, I love that. RIP woman at Amtrak! -Ashton

[@cesteves6882]

I like the gator bag but the carrying orientation of the games seems like components will go everywhere for many of my games, but carrying two games seems more realistic to be played then the amount I bring normally.

[@Shelfside]

aah yeah, the games will have to be ok with being stored vertically. Perhaps modifying the storage within each game would do the trick before you put them into the gator! -Ashton

[@igelkott255]

You should do an addendum video when allplay comes out with their rolling boardgamebag. They also have a "lightweight" bag I was going to try out.

[@ZiggyZoko]

The classic Ikea bag is all you ever need.

[@marcuscjj4ever849]

Yooo thank you for making the vid

[@GeorgeVelev0]

I have the Allplay bag and the only complaint is that the zippers can damage your boxes.

[@Shelfside]

Oh dang, that hasn't happened to me but I can see it happening! The JDM one has a lot more chance of damaging huh. Cheers! -Ashton

[@draheim90]

What a timely video! I was just in the market for a new bag for heading over to friends’ houses because my personal tote is too small for TTR-sized boxes and, while I have the Allplay bag, it’s excessively large and a little cumbersome if you’re just bringing a couple games over. That Top Shelf bag might be exactly what I was looking for. Also iirc you guys played MTG right? You perhaps saw some of those Pirate Lab backpacks that were (maybe still are) pretty popular at tournaments and game stores, I had one and they were fantastic. I vaguely remembered they also had a board game bag and I just checked their site and apparently they have a tote (similar to the Allplay one but maybe larger and also with customizable compartments) and a backpack which looks a little smaller perhaps like the Top Shelf one. Somewhat expensive but maybe worth it given how nice their trading card backpack is.

[@Shelfside]

Cheers! Yeah allplay is definitely pretty big, that's where my duffel comes in :) We played more Yugioh/Netrunner than MTG actually, and haven't heard of pirate labs- but I just looked it up and its nice. The backpack actualy looks like something I would've bought back then. And their backpack seems nice, although quite expensive (think how they're 2x the price of many bags reviewed here). So the tote might be the compromise, but again might be too big for your needs hah. Best of luck with the search! -Ashton

[@draheim90]

@@Shelfside yeah I went with the Top Shelf game night bag, seems good so far! The Pirate Lab ones are a little pricey but man were they worth it, or at least the card game backpack was. I’m impressed the price for it hasn’t changed at all in six years, too.

[@bigderf1]

IKEA Tote Bags are best for me. Especially if your tetris is up to snuff

[@Shelfside]

oh this is a good pick! -Ashton

[@eck3483]

What about the ultimate game night bag?

[@shockwavemasta]

I use the Chromacast cajon drum bag - it works pretty well

[@Shelfside]

dang, chromacast represent!

[@themuricandictator992]

I think something as big as the may the game bag really needs hip straps.

[@andrewkratzer6398]

That JDM bag might just be a reskin of the Miniature market bag... at a glance I don't see a difference

[@OreLye]

Big bag are usefull for animators who has to bring lot of games !

[@mistuhbear]

BoardGameTables bag pretty great :)

[@Shelfside]

I wonder how I got the inspiration for the vid :O -Ashton

[@mistuhbear]

@@Shelfside

[@Content_deleted777]

how isnt this popular

[@Isterbollen]

perfect video!

[@Ashwinz]

there are 10? I didn't knw there were others other than Allplay bags

[@raphyninja]

Why are there no roller bags? haha

[@MunchhausenPL]

You should take every bag to shower and check how water resistant they are. For me, this is a key factor when choosing a bag. Also, funny content :)

[@Shelfside]

ahaha, just in case I get caught in the rain with all my board games eh? -Ashton

[@sevencoloredmage8726]

I just use a cheap Ikea-style bag

[@Drumox]

The downside of being the home with the huge, fancy, dedicated board game table means that I don't ever need a board game bag

[@kalaz88]

Its funny how you made fun of games like cards against humanity, risk, yahtzee but you advertise for monopoly! in the same video 😅😅😅!

[@Shelfside]

ha ha haa. But it's monopoly go, right, it must be different... ha ha ha ha. I'm actually thinking of doing a monopoly deal review sometime because it has insane non-board gamer appeal -Ashton

[@JadYammine]

So cool, you played ATW with the TSA. Did you Taunt them? Did you get pinned?

[@Shelfside]

hah, luckily the TSA didn't get their hands on my ATW copy!! So its straight into stephen's hands -Ashton

[@lukaspfffr]

Please choose better sponsors than unregulated "casino" apps that target children. :(

[@danjliv7]

Surprised no one really talks about this

[@Shelfside]

right!? Now I'm getting ideas for these ikea bags we could review -Ashton

[@vlowolvtake1797]

IKEA bag?

[@Shelfside]

yess

[@cobtyrannon2479]

None of them are sturdy enough to protect your games from being damaged...

[@Shelfside]

oh snap i should do a drop test! -ashton

[@BrandonGraham]

I use a cajon bag that I bought on Amazon for ~$15 about 5 years ago. The size is perfect for square games, the walls are padded, and it still looks new.

[@otakuofmine]

for the algo

[@Shelfside]

thanks mate