So, you’re going to a stadium. Maybe you’re traveling across the USA to see your favorite NFL team play in a new, tax-payer-funded stadium, are finally seeing Taylor Swift after sitting on Ticketmaster for three hours and spending two months’ rent, or taking a dream trip across the United Kingdom to see the most historic soccer (erm … football) teams in the world play. Regardless of the destination, you’ll want to bring a few things into the stadium, and you’ll likely need a clear bag to do so.
Depending on where you’re going, there will be different rules to follow on what you are and aren’t allowed to bring inside and what you can put those items into to carry them. Don’t worry; this guide will help you understand how to prepare for your trip and find the best clear stadium bags for your needs.
lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Clear
Best Splurge
Wait, lululemon makes a clear version of their Everywhere Belt Bag 1L?! Why didn’t somebody say something earlier? End the list; it’s game over!
Jokes aside, we do love this thing. We’ve tested our fair share of lululemon slings and have rated many of them highly. This one lacks the organization some of those have had; however, we understand why—it’s clear! The transparent materials with the lululemon logo is hard to get used to at first, but it has grown on us. Plus, it utilizes YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware, which are two of the best brands in the business.
You can’t fit much more than what you’d generally put in your pockets inside this bag, as its capacity is just a singular liter; however, there is some room for extra goodies, like gum or a snack. Since the opening is wide and the sling is small, we had no issues getting gear in and out of the bag. The wide strap also helps spread the weight so that you can walk, dance, and sit comfortably all day, afternoon, or night. Plus, it’s a similar price to the standard Belt Bag, so you aren’t paying more for something you’ll likely use less!
Why We Like It- The materials and hardware are more durable than most other models on this list
- It fits and operates similarly to other lululemon bags, so if you like those, you’ll probably like this
- It can get a little warm (and sweaty) for such a small sling
- You may run out of room inside sooner rather than later because of its small capacity
Baggallini True Classic Clear Stadium Explorer Crossbody
Not every clear bag has to look purely functional. The Baggallini True Classic Clear Stadium Explorer Crossbody leans into the brand's everyday carry expertise, pairing transparent PVC with elevated details like metal hardware, refined trim, and a comfortable, adjustable strap. The result is a bag that feels just as appropriate for a concert or sporting event as it does for exploring the area before or after the show. Its compact dimensions also make it a strong fit for the clear bag policies enforced at many venues
The slim profile encourages you to pack only what you need, but there's still enough room for the essentials, including your phone, wallet, keys, and a few personal items. Because the bag is lightly structured, it doesn't flop over when you set it down, making it easier to find what you're looking for without digging around. We also like that Baggallini doesn't overcomplicate the design. Instead of adding unnecessary pockets or bulky features, it focuses on creating a lightweight crossbody that's comfortable to wear for hours. Still, at around $35, it is rather pricey for a rather minimal setup, even by clear stadium bag standards, so just keep that in mind.
Why We Like It- Large fabric top almost makes you forget it's a clear bag once you're wearing it
- The structured shape makes it easy to access your gear without the bag collapsing on itself
- The minimalist layout prioritizes simplicity over extensive organization
- It's quite pricey for what you're getting
Wrangler Crossbody Clear Sling
The Wrangler Crossbody Clear Sling Bag stands out from many stadium-approved bags because it doesn't look like an afterthought. Instead of a basic rectangular pouch with a thin strap, it uses a sling-style silhouette, a wide adjustable shoulder strap, and Wrangler branding to create something a little more stylish without sacrificing functionality.
The sling design makes a noticeable difference if you're walking around a venue for hours. The wide strap distributes weight better than the narrow webbing found on most budget clear bags, and the bag stays comfortably against your body whether you're weaving through crowds or waiting in security lines. A zippered main compartment and front pocket provide enough organization for your phone, wallet, tickets, keys, and a few small accessories without encouraging you to overpack. Storage is understandably limited compared to larger clear totes. However, if you prefer traveling light, the Wrangler delivers a comfortable carry with a bit more personality than the average stadium bag.
Why We Like It- The wide, adjustable strap is noticeably more comfortable than the thin straps found on many clear stadium bags
- The leather accents offset the PVC's pragmatic vibe
- The compact capacity is best suited for essentials like your phone, wallet, keys, and tickets, rather than bulkier items
- It has that backpack shape, but, in person, its sling proportions might leave you wanting more
HULISEN Clear Sling Bag
Best Value
So, the venue you’re going to allows a clear bag but no backpacks. As backpack experts here at Pack Hacker, we can confirm that the HULISEN Clear Sling Bag is not a backpack. In fact, it’s more of a sling with the spirit of a backpack, as it only has one strap but still has a similar capacity to larger bags. That way, you can still go hands-free without breaking the rules.
Jokes aside, there’s a chance that security will still consider it a backpack, even if it technically isn’t. However, it’s a cheap option that we were willing to try anyway, and we’re glad we did. There’s ample space, with three compartments to work with. There’s one for your travel water bottle, a smaller one for a phone or travel wallet, and the main compartment for everything else. Getting into the far corner of the main pocket can be challenging, especially once the bag is fully loaded with gear, but we think having more space is a perk worth packing around.
The strap is soft and comfortable, making it a solid choice for days when you’ll be out and about in the city before or after the show that you’re going to. It works well on a bicycle, too, without feeling too claustrophobic or getting your back too sweaty. You’ll likely still get warm because of the clear material,, but we’re digging the style of this thing and think it’s a worthy trade-off considering most clear bags produce the same result. Plus, we love that the bottom is made of regular material, so it’s easier to fold the bag flat when you aren’t using it.
Why We Like It- It’s as large as a backpack without (technically) being a backpack
- The strap is soft and comfortable to wear even when the bag is full
- It can be challenging to access gear in the bottom corner
- The water bottle pocket can't handle larger bottles
Juvale Stadium Approved Clear Tote Bags
The Juvale 2 Pack Stadium Approved Clear Tote Bags have a pretty simple design. The bags are shaped like a rectangular prism with a zipper on the top and two straps like a reusable shopping bag. They come in a pack of two, which is handy for you and a friend or partner, and compress down easily to fit inside your closet or car when you aren’t using it. They’re larger than some stingy stadiums will allow, but you can take this bag inside at most places.
In testing, we found that there was ample space to fit your daily carry and a wide array of larger gear inside, too. If you’re going to an event you aren’t that amped about with your partner, bring a book. If rain is in the forecast, bring a travel rain jacket. However, when packing, it can be challenging to utilize all the space, as there are four tight corners on the bottom that are challenging to get gear into efficiently. This leads to wasted space, but these totes are so large that we don’t mind.
However, it’s worth noting that carrying these bags around isn’t the most comfortable time. If you have a larger frame, it is challenging to get the straps all the way up to your armpit to carry it on your shoulder. For holding like a grocery bag, it works well, but the material digs into your hand. The bottom is flat, which is handy, as you can set them down easily and they stand up on their own. Regarding comfort, these aren’t top dog, but you can fit a lot inside them, which is a good selling point if you find yourself attending day-long events.
Why We Like It- You get two for a budget-friendly price
- The large capacity fits a ton of gear inside
- The materials and hardware don't feel that durable compared to other bags we tested
- It can be challenging to pack gear into the corners, which means you’ll have to watch out for wasted space
Bagenius Clear Bag
Best Budget
The Bagenius Clear Bag might be as basic as it gets, and that's a huge reason why we like it. It sticks to a straightforward crossbody design with transparent PVC, black trim, and a detachable shoulder strap, making it easy to carry at concerts, sporting events, and festivals. At 7.5 x 10 x 1.5 inches (19 x 25 x 3.8 cm), it's compact enough for most venue requirements while still offering enough room for the essentials. Bags this size strike a nice balance between staying compliant and carrying everything you'd normally keep in your pockets, plus a few extras.
Inside, there's enough space for a phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, and even a small power bank without feeling overstuffed. The 0.5 mm PVC feels more substantial than the thinner material found on many budget clear bags, though that won't be apparent unless you have another clear bag to compare with side by side. It holds its shape well, the zipper opens wide for easy access at security checkpoints, and the detachable strap lets you swap in another strap or carry it as a clutch if you prefer. It isn't particularly stylish or feature-rich, but it accomplishes exactly what it's designed to do at a budget-friendly price. If you only need a reliable bag for the occasional game day or concert, it's easy to recommend.
Why We Like It- The thicker 0.5 mm PVC feels more durable than many inexpensive clear bags we've tested
- The compact size carries daily essentials while remaining suitable for many stadium and concert bag policies
- Organization is minimal, so smaller items can end up loose inside the main compartment
- The PVC material is still prone to scratches despite its thickness
Others We Considered
We wanted to get the Jon Hart Clear Backpack for its modern look and comfortable carry; however, delivery time can exceed two weeks and there were other options that accomplished the same thing.
The I Love Dooney It Lunch Bag was an option we liked because you could use it for multiple things, but there aren’t free returns, so you’re losing money if you want to see if it works for you. There were other, similar options that have the same function, so we went with those instead.
Why You Should Trust Us
We’ve been testing all kinds of travel gear, from backpacks to socks, for nearly a decade. We invest time and experience into every piece of gear that we test, including these clear stadium bags. In addition to daily use, we came up with three unique tests to ensure that the gear that we’re recommending will work for you, whether you’re going to a soccer match or seeing a rock group’s reunion tour. Over weeks of testing, we filtered through dozens of products to narrow our stock down to the ones listed below to ensure you don’t have to.
How We Tested It
Test 1: In testing, we ensured that every bag on this list can fit your daily essentials. Some will fit more than others, but you’ll be able to empty your pockets (and then some) into all of these clear stadium bags.
Test 2: Next, we tested how easy it is to get gear in and out of these bags. After all, you’re bringing this bag to use, so we wanted to make sure it was easy enough to get your items when you need them.
Test 3: Last, we tested how comfortable the straps are when loaded with gear. They aren’t all as comfortable as a travel backpack or daypack, but we think each of these is the best clear stadium bag for a specific purpose, and we’ll explain why.
FAQ
What should I know before going to the event?
Before you go, you need to look up the stadium where the event is being held, as each one has different restrictions and allowances. Most websites will have a section about security protocols, including prohibited items and what kinds of bags are permitted. Generally, clutch bags are okay, and smaller, sling-sized clear bags are fine.
Second, you need to look at the event that you’re attending. Just because the venue allows something doesn’t mean the show or game you’re attending does, so this step is crucial. For example, Ford Field near Pack Hacker HQ in Detroit is home to various events, not just Detroit Lions games. Some of our team members have been allowed in with a bag for one event and denied entry for another. By looking at the stadium guide and the guide for the event, you won’t be surprised when you get to security.
In addition to looking up what’s allowed inside, it’s best to know where you will enter the stadium, if there are lockers you can rent outside the stadium to store your belongings in a pinch instead of running back to the car, where the bathrooms are, and what to do in case of an emergency. After all, you have a clear bag to keep you safe, so you might as well know what to do if something happens.
How should I pack a clear stadium bag?
Once you’ve found all of the best clear stadium bags for your needs, you need to pack them up. These bags often lack organization, as they’re crafted from PVC, TPU, or another synthetic material, so your order of operations is key here. The least essential items go in first, so they’ll be at the bottom, and the most important stuff goes last. Think phone, ID, and tickets. If you place them in last, they’ll be on top, so you can access them quickly when you want to take a photo, buy a drink, or get to your seat.
When entering the stadium, it’s best to put everything from your pockets into the bag, as it’ll be easier for the security guards to inspect your gear and, therefore, quicker for you to get inside. If you have a bunch of items inside your pockets, you’ll be slow taking them out, putting them into the tray that looks like it should hold tater tots, and getting through the line. If everything is in one place, it’ll speed up the process, similar to why we recommend a travel sling at the airport.
Do clear stadium bags guarantee my entry?
Even if you plan accordingly, sometimes you run into a security guard who is having a bad day, or you happen to visit right when the rules change. If you have a backup plan, your match day, concert, or event experience won’t be hindered by security.
Give yourself enough time to return to the car if something you’re trying to bring in gets flagged, know where lockers or other storage options are beforehand, and be kind and courteous to the security staff. They’re only doing their job and want to keep you safe, so getting irate with them won’t help your cause.
That said, if you follow the instructions above, you should be able to find one of the best clear stadium bags for you from our list and be well on your way.
So there you have it: some of the best clear stadium bags for your next concert, sports game, or monster truck rally. Hopefully, you’re ready to roll without any hiccups at security. Enjoy the show!