Find the Perfect Competition Bags for Dance: A Comprehensive Review

Choosing the right competition bag for dance can feel overwhelming. As your dancer progresses and participates in more competitions, the need for a reliable and spacious bag becomes essential. Whether you’re upgrading from a smaller bag or searching for your first dedicated dance competition bag, understanding the options and features is crucial. We’ve compiled insights from a community of dance moms to bring you a detailed review of top dance bag brands, focusing on durability, capacity, design, and value, to help you make the best choice for your dance star.

Dream Duffel: The Popular Choice

Dream Duffel dance competition bag for durability and size

Dream Duffel is a widely recognized name in competition bags for dance, and it’s no surprise they receive significant feedback from dance families. Praised for its generous size, thoughtful design, and reasonable price point, the Dream Duffel is a go-to for many.

Pros:

• Ample Space: Dance moms consistently highlight the Dream Duffel’s capacity. One mom, Julia P., noted it comfortably holds “all four costumes PLUS my dance mom emergency bag,” emphasizing its ability to manage multiple costumes and essential extras.
• Durability: Longevity is a key advantage. Jill L. shared her Dream Duffel lasted six years and was still going strong with a second owner after repairs. Dawn F. echoed this, using hers for nine years and planning to use it for the final year with her youngest dancer, despite showing wear. Janelle K. and Lindsay S. also vouched for their durability and robust construction.
• Cost-Effective: Billie J. pointed out Dream Duffel’s competitive pricing, especially considering its features and design, including numerous pockets and updated models with charging ports.
• Versatile Options: Maryjo B. utilizes small, medium, and large Dream Duffels depending on costume needs, appreciating the range. Terri W. loves the recital bag that stores flat, perfect for seasonal dancers.
• Positive User Experience: Tami B. simply stated, “Love our Dream Duffel,” summarizing the positive sentiment of many users.

Cons:

• Maneuverability Concerns: Jennifer G. expressed a preference for spinner wheels, finding the standard wheels less maneuverable.
• Construction and Rack Issues: Billie J. mentioned the “less than stellar” construction and fabric, and noted the rack can lean. Jenna K. and Bonnie D. also reported issues with the bag tipping while rolling and flimsy bars.
• Durability Concerns: Despite many positive durability reviews, some users experienced issues. Kim G. had a zipper break in the fourth season, and Kelly O. faced a broken trolley assembly and zipper issues, requiring repairs.
• Rack Height and Stability: Lindsay S. found the standard rack too short for longer costumes and noted instability even with an extender, especially on larger bags.
• Alternatives Preferred: Stephanie K., after using a Dream Duffel initially, switched to Glam’r Gear, indicating a preference for other brands after her experience. Jenna K. also described the bar as “flimsy.”

Glam’r Gear: Sturdy and Feature-Rich Competition Bags

Glam'r Gear dance competition bag with changing station feature

Glam’r Gear stands out as a strong contender in competition bags for dance, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback, second only to Dream Duffel in volume. Dance moms consistently praise its features, maneuverability, size, and robust build.

Pros:

• Exceptional Capacity: Courtney W. confirmed her medium Glam’r Gear “holds a lot and has held up well over the last 5+ years.” Jennifer U. highlighted the ability to “literally hold everything,” appreciating the insulated cooler pocket, particularly in cold and wet climates.
• Sturdy and Tall Rack: Corrie J. lauded the “sturdy bars” that extend tall and the ability to close the top with the bars up, adding a security feature. Bonnie D. also noted the sturdier and taller bars compared to Dream Duffel, along with smoother wheeling.
• Convenient Features: Stephanie K. emphasized the insulated cooler pocket, four-wheel maneuverability, and the extendable rack that creates a mini changing room (with an included curtain). The ability to fully zip the bag with the rack up is another advantage. Jenna K. confirmed the large size is “huge,” even using it as a suitcase for a convention weekend with extra space, and praised the sturdy rack, smooth four-wheel rolling, and charging port.
• Easy to Maneuver: Julie L. loved the four wheels, making it “easy to push and pull,” and appreciated that it fits in her car and can be zipped with the rack up. Robyn B. simply stated, “I like the way the poles are,” indicating satisfaction with the rack design.

Cons:

• Weight and Bulkiness: Jennifer U. noted they “take up a lot of storage room and space in the car. They are heavy!” Corrie J. found the top bar “bulky and awkward” to fit in the bag, making it difficult to break down when loaded. Courtney W. mentioned it “doesn’t collapse for the off-season,” taking up significant storage space.
• Durability Issues: Jill L. reported theirs “won’t roll correctly (and the side is bent in)” after one season. Jenna K. also reiterated, “It’s very heavy.”

Glam’r Gear Solo Bag: A Compact Option

The Glam’r Gear Solo bag offers a more compact solution without sacrificing functionality. Despite its “solo” designation, it can surprisingly hold multiple costumes and accessories. Its extendable rack and interior pockets provide good organization for dancers with fewer routines or for shorter competition days.

Journey Station by Glam’r Gear: The Newcomer

Journey Station by Glam'r Gear competition bag with versatile features

The Journey Station is a newer offering from Glam’r Gear designed for the 2024-2025 season. This 3-piece set boasts versatile features with a built-in bar in the larger piece and easy-to-maneuver wheels. While still relatively new to the dance community, it’s designed to be a comprehensive competition bag solution.

Rac N Roll: Spacious and Customer-Focused Competition Bags

Rac N Roll dance competition bag known for roominess

Rac N Roll competition bags are praised for their generous space and exceptional customer service. Dance moms appreciate the wipe-clean material and the sheer volume they can accommodate.

Pros:

• Exceptional Roominess: Mara T. raved about the “wipe-off material” and capacity to hold “up to 20 costumes,” noting she fit 10 costumes plus extras with room to spare, surpassing other brands like Diva Dolly. Corrie J. simply stated, “Holds a ton of costumes.”
• Durability and Customer Service: Christa B. highlighted the bag still looking new after six years and praised the “wonderful” customer service, prompt and kind responses to all questions. She manages to fit 10-12 costumes, shoes, snacks, drinks, a stool, and a mirror.

Cons:

• Rack Height and Closure: Corrie J. wished for taller extending poles and the ability to zip the lid closed with the rack up.

Pack2Rack: Foldable and Organized Competition Bags

Pack2Rack dance competition bag highlighting organization

Pack2Rack competition bags are well-regarded for their roominess, durability, and organizational features. The foldable design is a significant advantage for off-season storage.

Pros:

• Long-lasting and Foldable: Tammy M. confirmed their Pack2Rack is going into its seventh season and “still looks new,” highlighting its foldable design for easy storage and no need for part replacements or leaning issues.
• Organization and Visibility: Dawn W. loved the spaciousness and the “light gray lining,” making it easy to find items. Maneuverability and customer service were also praised.
• Recital and Show Day Essential: Amy S. found it perfect for recitals and long show days, holding everything needed and appreciating the USB port and multiple compartments for organization.
• High Capacity: Keri S. mentioned it held up great for five years, even accommodating 21 costumes for one recital.

Cons:

• Size and Weight: Dawn W. noted the size can be a drawback for those with fewer dances. Amy S. found it “so heavy” and unsuitable for competitions or conventions.
• Durability Concerns: Maryjo B. mentioned it “wore out fast,” contrasting with other long-term durability reviews.
• Website Availability: As of July 2022, the Pack2Rack website was down, limiting direct purchasing options.

Ovation Gear Performance: Top-Rated Competition Bags with No Cons

Ovation Gear Performance dance competition bag with changing screen

Ovation Gear Performance competition bags received overwhelmingly positive feedback, notably without any cons mentioned by reviewers. This speaks volumes about their quality and user satisfaction.

Pros:

• Universally Loved: Brittany A. simply stated, “I can’t think of a single dislike.”
• Durable and Long-lasting: Crystal L. mentioned hers is still in great condition after five or six years of “not gentle” use.
• High Capacity: Samantha R. exclaimed, “It holds so much – we love it!”
• Practical Features: Samantha R. also appreciated the attached changing screens, easy for her dancer to use independently, and the foldable design for under-bed storage. She has fit up to 10 costumes, shoes, makeup, and more, with room to spare.
• Exceptional Longevity: Robyn B. confirmed hers is in its seventh season and “holding up perfectly.”

Diva Dolly: Organized Trunk-Style Competition Bags

Diva Dolly trunk-style dance competition bag for organization

Diva Dolly competition bags, with their trunk-style design, are a popular choice for dancers who prioritize organization and compartmentalized storage.

Pros:

• Unmatched Organization: Katie T. praised the “organization of it! It is truly unmatched when it comes to organization, in my opinion!” She was impressed that items stay in place even when transported on its side. Megan M. also loved the “so much storage for makeup, accessories, etc.” Billie J. has always liked the “Diva Dolly look and drawers.”

Cons:

• Maneuverability and Weight: Katie T. advised to “never unfold it all the way but always at a 90-degree angle so it doesn’t tip.” Weight was mentioned as a potential con, but she can manage it herself. Megan M. found it doesn’t fit well in her trunk with third-row seats up and disliked its heaviness.

Rhino Dance Trunk: Premium, High-Capacity Competition Bags

Rhino Dance Trunk premium dance competition bag

Rhino Dance Trunk competition bags are positioned as a premium option, boasting excellent storage and capacity, but come with a higher price tag and potential maneuverability challenges.

Pros:

• Amazing Storage: Tabitha T. highlighted the “amazing storage bins” and capacity to “hold a ton of stuff.”

Cons:

• Heavy and Hard to Maneuver: Tabitha T. found it “beyond heavy and hard to maneuver,” limiting its use to only twice due to mobility issues.

Grit Dance Tower: Unique Upright Competition Bags

Grit Dance Tower unique upright dance competition bag

Grit Dance Tower competition bags feature a unique upright design, setting them apart from traditional rolling bags.

Pros:

• Durable and Organized: Kerri D. praised its “super durable” build and upright design, eliminating the need to dig for items. She highlighted the ample pockets and capacity to hold “literally everything.” Despite its size (comparable to her 11-year-old), her daughter can roll it easily. Side and bottom handles aid in car transport. After four seasons, it still looks “brand new.”

Cons:

• Size Concerns: Kerri D. mentioned it’s “freaking huge.” The reviewer also noted potential size limitations, especially for multiple dancers or longer costumes, observing one in person and finding it potentially too small for their needs.

Elite Dance Gear Bag: Collapsible and Functional

Elite Dance Bag

The Elite Dance Gear bag offers a collapsible design and functional features at a more accessible price point.

Pros:

• Collapsible and Easy Assembly: The reviewer liked that it’s “fully collapsible” and “fairly easy to assemble.” Outer pockets are useful for snacks and essentials. It can hold four costumes, a Caboodle, and toiletries. A video demonstrates assembly in about 90 seconds.

Cons:

• Rack Assembly: The reviewer admitted being “spoiled” by telescopic racks and found assembly required getting used to.
• Past Rust Issues (Addressed): Early 2022 reviews reported rust issues, but the owner addressed this by offering refunds and replacements, with newer models being stocked as of April 2023.

Making Your Choice in a Challenging Market

Shopping for competition bags for dance currently faces supply chain challenges, potentially limiting brand options and leading to backorders. Exploring off-brand options on platforms like Amazon or searching for used bags locally might be necessary if immediate availability is a priority.

Regardless of your chosen bag, keeping the receipt and customer service contact information is advisable in case of any issues. With the right competition bag for dance, you’ll be well-equipped to handle competition day with ease!

Ready for Competition Day? Ensure you have all the essentials for HAIR, MAKEUP, and COSTUMING!

Choosing a competition bag is just one of the many decisions dance moms face!