As your dancer progresses and competition season ramps up, the need for a reliable dance competition bag becomes essential. Juggling multiple costumes, shoes, makeup, hair accessories, and all the other necessities can quickly become overwhelming. If you’re feeling lost in the sea of dance bag options, or your current bag isn’t cutting it anymore, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve tapped into the wisdom of our community of dance moms to bring you a comprehensive review of the top Dance Competition Bags on the market. These seasoned pros have shared their real-world experiences with various brands, highlighting the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to find the perfect dance competition bag to streamline your competition days and keep everything organized!
Dream Duffel
Dream Duffel Dance Competition Bag
Dream Duffel is a widely recognized name in dance competition bags, and it’s clear why. It garnered the most feedback from our dance mom community, with many praising its spaciousness, thoughtful design, and perceived value.
Pros:
- Ample Space: “It’s big enough for all four costumes PLUS my dance mom emergency bag,” says Julia P., a testament to its generous size.
- Durability: Several moms emphasized the longevity of Dream Duffel bags. Jill L. shared, “Dream Duffel, to me, is the most durable. I had one for six years. Sold it. They repaired it and are still using it in year three.” Dawn F. echoed this, “I’ve had the same Dream Duffel for nine years. It’s showing its age but I have one year left with my youngest so we are going to tough it out.” Janelle K. also noted, “My daughter used her Dream Duffel for about 13 years. It’s still in good shape.”
- Well-Made: Lindsay S. and Tami B. simply stated, “They are well-made and durable” and “Love our Dream Duffel,” respectively, reflecting a general consensus on quality.
- Versatile Options: Maryjo B. highlighted the range of sizes, “We have a small, a medium, and a large Dream Duffel. I love them all, depending on how many costumes she has. I got them all used and have no complaints!”
- Recital-Friendly: Terri W. appreciated the Dream Duffel recital bag, “We have the Dream Duffel recital bag (the one that stores flat). I like that I can put it away after the season.”
- Cost-Effective Design: Billie J. found Dream Duffel to be “the most cost-effective” and praised “the design, including all the pockets.” She also noted the newer models with “additional features (pockets and charging ports).”
Cons:
- Maneuverability Issues: Jennifer G. expressed a desire for improvement in the wheels, “I don’t particularly care for the wheels (I prefer spinner wheels). I think it would be easier to maneuver.”
- Construction Concerns: Billie J. also pointed out that “The actual construction and fabric was less than stellar. The rack leans.”
- Rolling Instability: Jenna K. and Bonnie D. both experienced issues with stability, noting “It would turn on its side while rolling” and “The bars always fell. It was not sturdy at all.”
- Zipper and Trolley Breakage: Kim G., Kelly O., experienced zipper and trolley assembly failures, indicating potential durability issues with these components over time.
- Rack Limitations: Lindsay S. and Jenna K. mentioned rack problems, “The rack is too short for longer costumes. I bought the extender to add height for the medium bag, but it makes the rack feel unstable. On our large bag, the rack leans all the time” and “The bar was flimsy.”
- Switching Brands: Stephanie K.’s experience led her to switch to another brand, “I had a Dream Duffel our first season and would honestly never go back to using one (I have a Glam’r Gear now).”
Glam’r Gear
Glam'r Gear Dance Competition Bag with Changing Station Feature
Glam’r Gear emerged as another favorite among dance moms, receiving the second-highest volume of positive feedback. Users consistently praised its features, ease of movement, size, and robust build. The convertible changing station feature (curtain sold separately) is a unique selling point.
Pros:
- Durability and Longevity: Courtney W. shared her positive experience with the medium Glam’r Gear, “I have the medium Glam’r Gear. It holds a lot and has held up well over the last 5+ years.”
- Weather Resistance and Features: Jennifer U. highlighted practical features, “We love that they literally hold everything. The insulated cooler in the front is nice. We live where it’s cold, raining, and snowing during comp season so I don’t worry that things will get wet when we need to walk a little ways.”
- Sturdy and Tall Rack: Corrie J. and Bonnie D. both emphasized the rack’s superior quality compared to other bags, “I love how sturdy the bars are and how tall they go up to. I love that I can close the top while the bars are up, and you can put a lock on it if needed” and “The bars are much taller and much sturdier and the bag wheels more easily (than the Dream Duffel).”
- Maneuverability and Convenience: Stephanie K., Julie L., and Jenna K. all raved about the four-wheel system, “It rolls on four wheels, so it’s easy to maneuver. It extends off the rack so it makes a mini changing room (also comes with a huge curtain). I can zip it up completely when the rack is up,” “I love our Glam’r Gear! It has four wheels so it’s easy to push and pull,” and “The large size is huge. I used it as our suitcase for a convention weekend. There was room to spare. The rack is very thick and sturdy. It rolls on four wheels very smoothly and has a charging port.”
- Additional Features: Julie L. also appreciated the cooler pouch and compact design, “The bag can be zipped with the rack up. It has a cooler pouch on the front and fits in my car.” Robyn B. simply added, “I like the way the poles are.”
Cons:
- Bulk and Storage: Jennifer U. and Courtney W. pointed out the size and storage challenges, “They take up a lot of storage room and space in the car. They are heavy!” and “It doesn’t collapse for the off-season so it takes up a ton of space for half the year.”
- Awkward Assembly and Bulkiness: Corrie J. found the top bar difficult to manage, “I hate trying to get the top bar into the bag; it’s bulky and awkward and doesn’t break down smaller, so it makes it hard when your bag is fully loaded.”
- Durability Concerns: Jill L. reported rolling issues and bending, “We used it one season and it won’t roll correctly (and the side is bent in),” while Jenna K. reiterated the weight, “It’s very heavy.”
Solo Bag – Glam’r Gear
After personally using the Glam’r Gear Solo bag, I can attest to its surprising capacity. Despite its “solo” designation, it easily accommodated four costumes, along with hair and makeup essentials. The extendable rack, or “crown,” offers versatile hanging options, and the interior pockets are perfect for organization. This bag is a great option for dancers with fewer routines or for shorter competition trips.
Journey Station
Glam'r Gear Journey Station Dance Competition Bag Set
The Journey Station, a newer offering from Glam’r Gear, is a 3-piece set designed for the 2024-2025 season. Its key features include a built-in bar in the larger piece and smooth-rolling wheels. While still new to the market, it promises versatility and ease of use. Keep an eye out for potential free shipping offers and special promotions!
Rac N Roll
Rac N Roll Dance Competition Bag
Rac N Roll bags are praised for their spaciousness and excellent customer service. Their wipe-off material is a practical feature for busy competition environments.
Pros:
- Exceptional Capacity: Mara T. raved about the roominess, “It’s (made with) wipe-off material. It can hold up to 20 costumes. I had 10 costumes plus all the extras in the bottom with plenty of room to spare! And I pack ALOT! I’ve had other types as well (Diva Dolly, etc.) and this is by far my fave!” Corrie J. simply added, “Holds a ton of costumes.”
- Durability and Customer Service: Christa B. highlighted both durability and customer support, “It still looks new (after about six years). Customer service has been wonderful and answered all my questions promptly and kindly. We get about 10-12 costumes in it, along with shoes, snacks, drinks, a stool, and a mirror.”
Cons:
- Rack Height and Closure: Corrie J. noted minor inconveniences, “I wish the poles extended up a little taller and I wish I could zip the lid closed while the rack is up.”
Pack2Rack
Pack2Rack Dance Competition Bag
Pack2Rack bags are generally well-regarded for their roominess, durability, and organizational features. The fact that they fold down for off-season storage is a significant advantage for space-conscious dance families.
Pros:
- Long-lasting and Storable: Tammy M. attested to its durability and storage convenience, “We’re going into season seven with it and it still looks new. It folds down for easy storage in the off-season. Haven’t had to replace any parts and it doesn’t lean.”
- Visibility and Maneuverability: Dawn W. appreciated the light-colored lining and ease of movement, “I love how much stuff it holds. The light gray lining makes finding everything very easy. It’s pretty easy to maneuver. I was quite pleased with customer service.”
- Organization and Features: Amy S. highlighted organizational features and extra conveniences, “We love it for recital and show days. It holds everything we need for the long days. It has a USB port and multiple compartments that help us stay organized.”
- High Capacity for Costumes: Keri S. confirmed its impressive capacity, “Pack2Rack has been great for us. It’s held up great (five years) and one year held 21 costumes for recital.”
Cons:
- Size and Weight: Dawn W. and Amy S. mentioned size and weight as potential drawbacks, “The only problem is how big it is (we just don’t do a ton of dances)” and “We do not use it for comps or conventions because it is so heavy.”
- Durability Concerns (Mixed Reviews): Maryjo B.’s comment, “It was nice but it wore out fast,” presents a contrasting viewpoint on durability compared to other positive reviews.
- Website Availability: As of July 2022, the Pack2Rack website was unavailable, potentially making direct purchases challenging.
Ovation Gear Performance
Ovation Gear Performance Dance Competition Bag
Ovation Gear Performance bags received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with no cons mentioned by our reviewers! This speaks volumes about their quality and user satisfaction.
Pros:
- Universal Praise: Brittany A. simply stated, “I can’t think of a single dislike,” setting the tone for the positive reviews.
- Durability and Condition: Crystal L. confirmed its robustness, “She has had it for about five or six years and it is still in great condition. Very durable, since I am not gentle with it.”
- Spaciousness: Samantha R. exclaimed, “It holds so much – we love it!”
- Changing Screen Feature and Storage: Samantha R. also highlighted the attached changing screens and compact storage, “(My dancer) loves the attached changing screens because it’s easy to assemble and disassemble so she can do it herself. I like that, at the end of the season, it folds down and she can roll it under her bed until we need it again. The max we’ve put in it is 10 costumes plus shoes, makeup kit, blanket, snacks, and a small cooler, but it could easily fit more costumes.”
- Long-Lasting Performance: Robyn B. added to the durability accolades, “It’s on its seventh season and holding up perfectly.”
Diva Dolly
Diva Dolly Dance Competition Trunk Style Bag
Diva Dolly bags, with their trunk-style design featuring drawers, are a popular choice for dancers who prioritize organization and compartmentalized storage.
Pros:
- Unmatched Organization: Katie T. emphasized the organizational benefits, “Absolutely love the organization of it! It is truly unmatched when it comes to organization, in my opinion! I was worried at first that when I put it on its side for transport, everything would fall all over the place but it doesn’t! Everything stays put!”
- Storage for Accessories: Megan M. echoed the praise for storage, “I love that it has so much storage for makeup, accessories, etc.”
- Aesthetic Appeal: Billie J. expressed appreciation for the design, “I have always liked the Diva Dolly look and drawers.”
Cons:
- Tipping Hazard: Katie T. offered a helpful tip to prevent tipping, “Not a con, but more of a helpful nugget – be sure to never unfold it all the way but always at a 90-degree angle so it doesn’t tip.”
- Size and Weight: Megan M. cited size and weight as drawbacks, “It doesn’t fit well in my trunk if the third row seats are up. I don’t like how heavy it is.”
Rhino Dance Trunk
Rhino Dance Trunk Hard Case Dance Competition Bag
Rhino Dance Trunks are known for their robust features and substantial storage capacity, but come with a premium price tag. Their hard-case design offers maximum protection for delicate costumes and accessories.
Pros:
- Amazing Storage: Tabitha T. highlighted the storage capacity, “It has amazing storage bins and can hold a ton of stuff.”
Cons:
- Weight and Maneuverability: Tabitha T. found it challenging to handle, “It is beyond heavy and hard to maneuver. I only used it twice because it is so difficult to get around.”
Grit Dance Tower
Grit Dance Tower Unique Design Dance Competition Bag
The Grit Dance Tower stands out with its unique upright design, offering easy access to contents without digging. Its durability and maneuverability, even for younger dancers, are notable advantages.
Pros:
- Exceptional Durability and Design: Kerri D. praised its robust build and user-friendly design, “It’s super durable. It stands upright so there’s no digging for stuff. Pockets – it literally has room for everything. Even though it’s as big as my (very short) 11 year-old, she can roll it easily. It has handles on the side and bottom so it’s easy to get in and out of the car. We’ve had it for four seasons and it still looks brand new.”
Cons:
- Size (Potentially Too Small or Large): Kerri D. mentioned its large size, “It’s freaking huge,” while personal observation suggests it might be smaller than some dancers need, especially those with multiple costumes or longer garments. The rack height might also be a limiting factor for longer costumes.
Elite Dance Gear
Elite Dance Garment Bag Style Competition Bag
The Elite Dance Gear bag offers a collapsible design and convenient outer pockets. Its garment bag style is a departure from the duffel and trunk designs of other bags reviewed.
Pros:
- Collapsible and Portable: Its fully collapsible nature makes it easy to store when not in use.
- Easy Assembly: Assembly is relatively quick and straightforward, as demonstrated in this video).
- Functional Pockets and Capacity: Outer pockets provide handy storage for snacks and essentials, and it can hold a surprising amount of gear.
Cons:
- Assembly Adjustment: The assembly process may require some getting used to, especially for those accustomed to telescopic racks.
- Past Rust Issues (Addressed by Manufacturer): Some early reviews mentioned rust issues with metal components, but the manufacturer has reportedly addressed these concerns with refunds and improved product stock.
Zipping It All Up
Navigating the dance competition bag market can be tricky, especially with ongoing supply chain disruptions impacting availability. You might encounter limited stock or backorders. Exploring alternative brands or considering used bags from local marketplaces or sites like Craigslist can be helpful if you need a bag urgently. Amazon offers a selection of dance bags if you need immediate options.
Regardless of the dance competition bag you choose, remember to keep your receipt and customer service contact information handy in case any issues arise. With the right bag, you’ll be well-equipped to handle competition days with greater ease and organization!
Don’t forget the Competition Day Essentials! Check out our guides for HAIR, MAKEUP, and COSTUMING must-haves!
Choosing a dance competition bag can feel overwhelming, but you’ve got this! For a little lightheartedness, check out this meme: Decisions, Decisions.
By Danielle
Dance-coach-turned-dance-mom to identical twin competitive dancers!
