Last updated on April 11, 2024
Bag of Holding | Illustration by Evyn Fong
How many decks are you taking out to your friend’s place for Commander night? How’re you getting them there? Carrying around a loose handful of deck boxes, dice, and tokens shoved into your pockets, a playmat tube balanced on your head?
If any of this rings true, it may be time to invest in an MTG deck bag. But how will you know which is the best? What sort of features should you look for in an MTG deck bag? Check out our handy-dandy buyer’s guide here!
The Best Overall MTG Deck Bag
USA Gear is a bag and backpack company that has slyly started selling their camera bags to Magic players under the guise of being Magic-specific bags. Really, they’re just regular modular camera bags with a little bit of branding pizzazz, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t the best deal on the market right now.
They sell their modular deck bags in two sizes. The large USA Gear MTG Bag Compact Card Case’s pockets are 16” x 12.5”, with a 3” pocket for small custom deck boxes and a 4” pocket for long card boxes. The small size is still fairly big, 8” x 11”, with pockets that are 2.5” deep. Both come with a set of soft foam adjustable compartment dividers, and each has a panel that lays flat between the two large pockets to prevent items from jostling around during transit. Both also include an elastic strap in the larger pocket for securing your large boxes and MTG playmats.
While USA Gear’s deck bags aren’t the cheapest ($80 for the large and $40 for the small), they’re the best recommendation I can give for an MTG-specific bag, besides a regular ol’ camera bag.
- CUSTOMIZABLE INTERIOR STORAGE: Adjustable dividers allow you to create custom interior pockets to store your sleeved cards, MTG playmat, dice, notebooks, tokens, counters, and more MTG accessories
- SPACIOUS DESIGN: The large TCG deck box storage bag holds decks and large card boxes in place with an elastic security strap allowing you to bring along a collection to every game night
- WEATHER RESISTANT EXTERIOR: The MTG carrying case is made from tightly woven RipStop Nylon to give your MTG cards the best protection from water damage, scratches, and impacts
- REINFORCED PADDED INTERIOR: Premium scratch resistant interior loaded with adjustable reinforced dividers keep your cards and deck boxes in place and safe during travel
- INTERIOR DIMENSIONS: 16 x 12.5 x 7.5 inches || 3 YEAR WARRANTY: All USA Gear products are backed by a 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty **CASE ONLY**
Buyer’s Guide
There are several things to consider when shopping for an MTG deck bag. The fact of the matter is your deck bag has to hold your cards and keep them safe while you travel. A simple school backpack might technically hold all your cards, but you need something that keeps each of your decks safe and tightly packed.
The best bags have spaces specifically for deck boxes, playmats, dice, pens… everything you’d need to ship out for some Magic. They’re also the most secure, offering protection from the elements as well as the forces of gravity.
A bag or backpack is still an investment, and a good bag can be used to transport all sorts of goods, not just Magic and Magic-adjacent products. The most versatile bags include modular interiors and offer uses outside of moving your cards. A lot of players opt for a camera bag since they offer similar features and are sized appropriately.
Often overlooked, a bag’s style should factor into your bag-browsing experience. It’s not hard to customize a bag to fit your personal style, but it never hurts to purchase one that’s close. The best-styled backpacks include options for colors, and patterns, or are easily customizable.
There’s also the price to consider. Most cheap bags do the minimum required to stash your cards but lack the fancy bells and whistles a premium deck bag would have. Think about how much you’re willing to spend on a new bag and start from there.
The “Cadillacs” of MTG Deck Bags
Ultimate Guard Vago 20 Journey Backpack
Ultimate Guard is a well-known name in the Magic industry, famous for their card sleeves and magnetic deck boxes. They also produce a 28-liter deck bag for $200. This mammoth bag comes with everything you’ve come to expect from a Magic: the Gathering deck bag: zipper-screen-closing pockets, elastic straps to secure items, and ample space to fit an entire Ultimate Guard Arkhive and still have room for laptop, iPad, dice, and a few more decks!
One of my favorite features of the Ultimate Guard Vago 20 Journey Backpack is the 180-degree “suitcase” style zipper, which lets you lay the bag flat for loading and unloading cards – much easier than attempting to stack deck boxes vertically and then seal their individual pockets quickly before they fall out. Plus, it’s got three exterior handles – one on top and two on the sides. This seems like it might not matter, but I’ve found that spreading the weight of a full backpack of cards horizontally makes it much easier to carry than lugging it vertically and trying to keep it off the ground.
Finally, I love the fabric zipper tie that secures your zippers together when they’re closed. A common problem I see with bag zippers is their tendency to subtly bounce open, only for you to notice after you’ve walked twenty minutes in the rain to your bus stop. The fabric fastener holds the zippers together when they’re closed, so there’s no need to worry.
- 28 Liter capacity
- Reflective safety straps on the front (which can be used to secure accessories)
- 180-degree suitcase-style access to main compartment
- Separate 15-inch laptop compartment and 12.9-inch tablet sleeve
- Fold-away shoulder and waist straps
ENHANCE Storage Case
On the more manageable side of the expensive, ENHANCE’s trading card storage case backpack is a sufficiently high-quality alternative.
The modular interior includes a mesh zipper to keep the decks in place, even when the bag is opened from a standing position. It has a sleeve for a 9-pocket binder of cool cards (which doubles as a tablet or small laptop sleeve), a side pocket with a strap (for your playmat or your water), and two exterior pockets with an abundance of space for various tokens, dice, notepads, and more!
If the full backpack size isn’t for you, it’s also available in a smaller shoulder bag variety.
Some might find the gold zippers and details a bit gaudy, though, and reviews have mentioned the modular interior can be finicky to work with.
- HOLDS UP TO 7,600 SLEEVED CARDS: Store and organize all your favorite card games including deck boxes and sleeved cards! Compatible with Magic the Gathering, Cards Against Humanity, and more TCGs
- REINFORCED PADDED INTERIOR: Premium scratch resistant interior loaded with adjustable reinforced dividers keep your cards and deck boxes in place and safe from impacts, drops, and more
- CARD DEFENDER SCREEN: Organize your cards and lock them into position using the zippered Card Defender Screen which prevents decks and cards from shifting around during travel
- EASY-ACCESS POCKETS: Exterior pockets large enough to store various card games and accessories including MTG tokens, notepads, pencils, life counters, and much more
- 3 YEAR WARRANTY: We believe in the quality of our products and back every ENHANCE product with a 3 year Manufacturer Warranty
The Best Budget MTG Deck Bag
Amazon Basics School Backpack
Amazon’s in-house branded School Backpack is about as basic as a backpack gets. Two straps, two pockets, and a side pocket for bottles or playmats and that’s it. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a useful bag, though. For $25 the Amazon Basics bag does everything you need an MTG deck bag to do; namely, keep your cards secure and dry while you move them around.
Even though it doesn’t come with any fancy bells and whistles like adjustable dividers or USB battery pack ports, it should serve any TCG collector fine if they’ve made the smallest investment in deck boxes. Sure, you can’t just throw a bunch of loose Magic cards inside and expect them to survive, but three or four cheap deck boxes (even the cardboard ones that come with your Commander precons) will endure this Jansport knock-off bag easily.
- Lightweight, durable backpack featuring adjustable padded shoulder straps and convenient side water bottle pockets
- Locker loop at top
- Large main compartment with double-zipper closure and small front pocket with zip closure
- For ages 13 years or older
Quiver Time Card Case
A small step up from that price point goes a long way. The Quiver Time card case carries up to 1,000 unsleeved cards and is manufactured with water-resistant zippers and leather.
Its modular Velcro and acrylic dividers let you keep cards separated and easily sorted, plus it comes in a variety of colors! It won’t fit a trade binder, but the mesh pouch can still fit various tokens and dice.
- Premium Card Deck Box Case: Our Quiver Card Holder Case is a top-notch choice for Card Storage Case needs. It's perfect for storing your MTG Deck, Trading Cards, and Playing Cards, ensuring they remain in pristine condition.
- Versatile Card Carrying Case: With our mtg Deck Carrying Case, you can easily transport your cards wherever you go. It's compatible with a variety of cards, making it an ideal mtg Magic The Gathering Case.
- Perfect Gift for MTG Fans: This MTG Card Case is the ultimate gift for the MTG enthusiast in your life. It's a great way to keep their collection safe and well-organized.
- MTG Deck Carrying Case: Our MTG Deck Carrying Case is perfect for storing your MTG decks. It's designed for large capacity, fitting up to 9 deck boxes.
- Game Card Storage Case: Our Game Card Storage Case is a convenient way to store and transport your game cards. Pair this case with the Orion playmat tube for a secure and convenient method of transporting your playmat alongside your cards.
The Most Secure MTG Deck “Bag”
Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack
Traveling with your Magic cards means you’re carrying quite a bit of dollar value around in your backpack, so it makes sense to seek out the safest bag available.
The Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack has got you covered. Its straps are made of anti-scratch, anti-cut material to keep them secured to your back at all times, and the hidden zippers mean no one can sneak up and rifle through your bag behind you without you knowing. It also comes with a strip of bright reflective tape on the back to keep you visible in the dark.
Besides these extra functions, the Oscaurt Anti Theft backpack includes all the typical pockets you’d need for transporting Magic cards. The main pocket includes three pouches of various sizes to fit a single deck box, a fat pack-sized box, and a playmat. It also has a laptop pocket with shock protection padding on either side to keep your electronics safe. All this comes for about $45, maybe less for the gray color.
- Anti-Theft Backpack: Made of strong anti-scratch /-cut fabric, this college backpack keeps your belongings pretty safe with hidden zippers of the main pocket and a secret pocket at the back
- Convenient Charging: Via the built-in charging cable on the inside of the laptop backpack and the USB charging port on the outside, you can just plug in and charge your device anywhere (Reminder: Power bank NOT included)
- Great for Your Electronics: The business backpack has versatile compartments for separately storing pens, phone, wallet, notebook, and up to 15.6 inches laptop – protected from shock with elastic band and velvet inside
- Less Stress, More Comfort: The adjustable shoulder straps, widened and well curved with padding, and EVA material at the back section of the laptop bagpack for back protection and breathability, can offer painless carrying for a few hours
- Meticulous & Minimalist Design: This backpack is equipped with reflective strips on front for safe travelling at night, and a luggage strap that allows the travel backpack to hook to the suitcase
CardKingPro Graded Card Hard Storage Case
If you’re looking to transport some valuable cards while ensuring their professionally graded condition endures, might I recommend the CardKingPro graded card hard storage case? This 15-pound mammoth case can fit over 250 “slabbed” cards, and one can only guess how many double sleeved cards or deck boxes that translates to (hint: a lot).
The polycarbonate exterior and faux suede interior make this the smoothest possible ride for your cards, and the locking hatches mean no one’s riffling through your cards without you. The case’s modular foam inside guarantees a snug fit for its contents, meaning your cards won’t shift a millimeter in transit. These cases are available in multiple sizes and range in price from $80 to $200.
Here’s the deal: this product isn’t for everyone, or really anyone save the MTG collector in your life who enjoys rolling up to an FNM and clicking open a briefcase like they’re in Pulp Fiction.
- FOR CARD COLLECTORS - Perfect for serious card collectors and card investors who want to protect and secure their valuable card collections.
- CAPACITY & COMPATIBILITY - Graded Cards (check the compatibility image for more details). This case, which we call KingCollector, is designed to hold your graded cards, whether they are PSA, Becketts, BGS, CGC, Toploaders, One-Touch, Boulder Boxes, Satin Towers or even Saver 1/Saver 2, Semi Ridge Sleeved Cards. Our case can hold them all!
- LOCKABLE with FOAM BLOCKS - Simply add any padlock to secure your case. Each case includes 12 foam blocks to segment and secure your cards.
- HIGH QUALITY CARD CASE - The exterior is a strong polycarbonate material with super strong interior construction, soft faux suede material, strong heavy-duty handle, locking hoops, heavy-duty hinges & ball corners.
- IMPORTANT FACTS - This product is high quality and therefore heavy, it weighs 15 lb (7kg) when empty. The lid is permanently attached to the product, meaning it is not removable. There are no card dividers included with this KingCollector case.
The Best Deck Bag Alternatives
Cwatcun Backpack
Ultimately there’s no reason your search should include only bags branded for MTG use when it comes to deck transport. A lot of players use camera bags since they typically include padded modular interiors for carrying fragile equipment.
The Cwatcun camera backpack retails for a huge deal compared to the Magic-specific bags. Its modular backpack includes a waterproof shield and a strap designed for a tripod that can easily carry your playmat tube. And now you’ve got a reason to pick up photography, another extremely expensive hobby!
- ✅【Large Capacity】 ①The camera backpack is compatible with Canon Nikon Sony and other brand cameras and 14" IPAD; ②It holds and protects 1 SLR / DSLR camera bodies, 3 ~ 5 lenses, 1 flash speedlite, 1 tripod and other photography accessories.
- ✅【Multiple Protection】 ①Scratch and water-repellent 900D polyester fabric protects your camera security; (it can play a certain waterproof role in light rain,unable to play a waterproof role in heavy rain). ②5 pieces of 18mm thick padded removable dividers is fit and stable, protect your camera from shocking, combine freely and make full use of backpack space; ③The stress position of the camera bag adopts bar-tack technology, which can withstand a weight of 50 kg (110.2 lbs) and is more durable.
- ✅【Ultra-lightweight and Compact】 ①Outer dimensions: 15x 6.5x 16.9 inches; Internal dimensions: 10.3x 9.1 x 13.7 inches; ②Only 1.87lb(0.85kg); Lightweight and easy to carry. ③Hidden zipper design of the front pocket and side high-elasticity mesh bagbest for your daily accessories storage, like storage card, water bottle, umbrella, trekking pole etc.
- ✅【High Quality】 ① Cwatcun alloy zipper won't rusty within 3 years,and won't break within 5 years; ② Lengthened shoulder strap width is 2.5 inches, thickness is 0.5 inches, easy to adjust; ③Webbing material: high elastic decompression memory foam is comfortable and breathable.
- ✅【Perfect Services】 One-year warranty: If there is any quality problem within one year, we will replace a new one for you; The 30-year factory with more than 6000 employees who specialize in the bags industry, worthy of your trust!
Student Jansport
Or, if you’re like me, you’ve opted for the tried-and-true Student Jansport. You’ve all seen them around from our school days; the classic single-pocket backpack that's functional, comfortable, and not-too-flashy. Sure, there’s no modular foam interior to hold your deck boxes upright, and sure, there’s no fancy waterproof shield, but there’s a variety of styles to choose from with different pockets and designs.
They’re reportedly not the most comfortable bag out there, but a Jansport gets the job done nonetheless.
- Your Forever Pack: Always be ready with the JanSport SuperBreak Backpack. The perfect size for all your essentials and always in style, this backpack is functional and convenient with timeless style.
- Ready for Anything: These backpacks are made with durable 600 denier fabric to ensure they are strong, abrasion-resistant and water-repellant! With sturdy zippers and a coated interior, our small backpack always has your back.
- Hold All Your Essentials: Not too big and not too small, these backpacks feature one main compartment to hold your supplies and more, and our cool backpacks have a front utility pocket with a built-in organizer.
- Express Yourself: Featuring a simple, classic silhouette that always looks amazing, and available in over 30 different colors and prints! Our unisex bags are perfect for anyone’s unique style.
- Comfort and Convenience: Made to be reliable and ultra-lightweight, our backpack is always ready to go with a web haul handle! Perfect for everyday use, these backpacks have padded 15-inch drop shoulder straps.
Custom MTG Deck Bags
There are a few different options for a custom MTG deck bag, depending on just how specific you’d like to get.
Timbuk2 Custom Backpack
Timbuk2’s custom backpack options let you personalize the color, materials, and pockets of their messenger bags, laptop backpacks, and tuck bags. The price for these custom bags can easily exceed $100, but it could be worth it if you’re looking for a large, general-use bag and you’re willing to splurge a little to get your favorite color scheme.
Custom Ink Backpack
Custom Ink makes large-order custom products for things like corporate parties or branded events. You can’t beat their prices for custom bags with your own logos and images printed on them, but the minimum order size is 30 bags. Even for their cheapest bag at $12.90 a pop, you’re looking at a $387 order. Custom Ink backpacks make a great purchase for your competitive team or as branded merch for your LGS.
Etsy – CommandersHoard
There’s no shortage of custom Magic products on Etsy. CommandersHoard has two cute backpacks with the five mana symbols printed on the canvas exterior. For $90, you’re definitely paying a premium, but can you really put a price on style?
Etsy – BumbleBeeEmb
Of course, you can always customize your backpack yourself. BumbleBeeEmb makes a Magic: the Gathering patch you could adhere, sew, or attach to the exterior of your typical Jansport bag.
Zip Up!
Tidy Conclusion | Illustration by Bastien L. Deharme
The perennial problem of transportation has plagued Magic players for what feels like centuries. If you’re like me, you’ve moved your decks from location to location in any number of unsafe conditions.
I’m guilty of several heinous card-transportation crimes, including but not limited to loosely rubber-banded cards in my hoodie pocket and scattered deck boxes in the back seat of my car. Don’t let yourself (or your friends) live like this. Invest in a high-quality MTG deck bag and reap the rewards for years to come!
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