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If you have been using a wheelchair or a walker for sometime and have gotten used to the feel of it, effortlessly controlling it must have become your second nature. Now, you are probably thinking about venturing out a little more than your own backyard. Probably to the next block for groceries or along that hiking trail or maybe even to your workplace.
The longer your trips get, the more likely you would want to carry a bit more along with you. It is always convenient to have some supplies on your trip. Be it a bottle of water, a phone charger, a laptop or some extra blankets for a sudden surge in the cold.
At a time like this some storage space will come quite handy. So if you are wondering what are the best bags for wheelchairs and walkers, we have the answer right here for you. If you are in a hurry, you can choose from the table below. Or you can read the detailed reviews of each of the individual bags to see if they will fit your needs and your wheelchair or walker.
Contents
Selection Criteria for Best Bags for Wheelchairs and Walkers
- Convenient to access: You must be able to access the bag and its contents conveniently while using the wheelchair or the walker. Bags can be slung or attached to the front, sides, back or the bottom of your wheelchair. You should buy a bag which is best suited to be slung at any of these positions, basis your type of use.
- Machine or hand washable: It is best if your wheelchair bag is machine washable. If it has metal buckles, or other metal parts, it is not advisable to wash it in your washing machine. It has to be hand washed in that case.
- Compartments: Take care to see that the compartments and size of the bag are aligned to your needs. If you are looking to carry a bottle, it is best if your bag has a dedicated bottle holder. If you are planning to carry your laptop, your wheelchair bag should be able to comfortably hold your laptop.
- Material & Weight: You should select a bag that is made of waterproof material, otherwise the contents may get wet in rainy or snowy weather. The bag itself should not be very heavy.
- Visibility aides: Presence of reflective strips adds to the visibility of the wheelchair, during travel in low light environments.
Below we have listed out the advantages and disadvantages of some of the widely available wheelchair bags. Read on for some help for you to arrive at your decision.
#1 Vive Wheelchair Bag
This is a cost effective storage bag that can be slung on the back of a wheelchair with the help of adjustable straps and two clasps. The bag is available is 4 different colors / patterns and should fit all standard sized electric wheelchairs. This bag can be used for storing groceries, water bottle, change of clothes, light blankets and similar stuff.
Pros
- Reflective strip helps wheelchair visibility in the dark
- The bag has large storage with 19 x 14 inch dimension
- Dedicated compartment for water bottle and 3 exterior pockets apart from the main compartment provides for good organization
- Comes with 60 day guarantee
Cons
- Requires presence of attendant to access the contents of the bag
- Though it is made of water proof material, water may seep into the bag during heavy rains or snow.
Here we have a video featuring Vive Wheelchair Bag.
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#2 DMI Wheelchair Bag
This is a storage bag to be fitted on the back of a wheelchair on the handle bar. The 19 x 14 inches large bag can be utilized to carry groceries, extra blankets and other bulkier items. It uses a convenient hook and loop closure.
Pros
- Easy to attach to the wheelchair with slip on straps
- Machine washable
- Made of durable nylon fabric which is waterproof
- Large storage space with size of 19 x 14 inches
Cons
- Since it is strapped on to the back of the wheelchair, it is not possible to be accessed while you are still on the wheelchair. Mostly you would require your care giver to help you access the any of the items.
- No reflective strip for visibility in the dark
#3 Pembrook Wheelchair Side Bag
This is a lightweight organizer bag that can be fitted on the arm rest of the wheelchair. The bag has a 5 pocket design and is available is 3 colors. The bag uses a hook and loop closure system which can be used to sling the bag from one of the arm rests, depending on whether you are left handed or right handed. The main zipped pocket is 12 x 7 inches in dimension.
Pros
- 2 reflective strips to help visibility of wheelchair in dark environments
- Water resistant material – nylon fabric
- Easy to access from the side
- Compatible with most electric wheelchairs
- Customized pockets for eyeglasses with smooth material and lining inside
Cons
- Not suitable for carrying large objects like a laptop
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#4 Pembrook Wheelchair Backpack Bag
This wheelchair backpack is designed to be attached to the back of the wheelchair and has dimensions of 18 x 16 inches. The main compartment of the bag has a hook and loop closing system and is convenient to use. The bag can be fixed to the back of the wheelchair using easy to use clasps.
Pros
- Wide reflective strip for added visibility of wheelchair during low light travel
- Expandable when required for more volume
- Made of water resistant durable nylon fabric
- Machine washable
Cons
- Bag cannot be accessed while you are on wheelchair, you have to take help from your care giver
#5 Vive Wheelchair Carry Bag
This is a wheelchair side bag, and attaches to the arm rests of the wheelchair with adjustable straps to control height of the slung bag. The bag is not too large with dimension of 8.6 x 12 inches, but is sufficient to carry all essential items.
Pros
- Lightweight and made of water resistant material
- Compatible with most electric wheelchairs
- Two exterior smaller pockets and one large interior main pocket for better organization of items
Cons
- Not suitable for carrying large or heavy items
- While the material is water resistant, the bag, when closed, leaves some room for water to seep in
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#6 Side-Pack Wheelchair Bag by Benefit Wear
This is a hang-on style bag meant to be slung from the arm rests of an electric wheelchair with the help of the plastic clasps and adjustable nylon belts. The bag comes in 5 different colors and is a cost effective solution for carrying essential stuff along with you on longer wheelchair trips (dimensions are 12.25 x 7 inches).
Pros
- 5 pocket design helps in better organization of items and essentials
- Easily accessible position, with height of bag adjustable through the bag straps
- Made of durable material
- Machine washable
- Easily fitted to all kinds of wheelchairs
Cons
- No reflective strip for added wheelchair visibility in the dark
#7 Lightweight Wheelchair and Walker Side Bag by BrightCare
This is a very compact and lightweight option for carrying only the basic items with you. The bag is made of durable nylon which is waterproof and saves items within the main compartment from rain or accidental spillages.
Pros
- 5-pocket design for more storage options
- Two reflective strips for added visibility of your chair in less light
- Can be fitted to the arm rest of any wheelchair through adjustable belt and clasps
- Easy to access for you – just below the armrest
Cons
- No overall flap – object on outer pockets are prone to get wet in rains or due to spillages
- Not suitable for carrying large or heavy items
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#8 Wheelchair Travel Bag by Guoer
This is a backpack bag and has enough compartments that you can forget about or may not even know about its existence for a long time after buying The nag has 5 external pockets and 3 internal ones. Dimension of the bag is squarish at 12.6 x 11 inches.
Pros
- Wide reflective strip for enhanced safety under low light
- 8 pockets provide great options to organize your stuff
- Can be easily attached to the back of any electric wheelchair
- Made of durable and water resistant material
Cons
- Since it is attached to the back of the wheelchair, you need your attendant to access the items in the bag
#9 Wheelchair Backpack Bag by Pep Step
This is cost effective spacious bag by PepStep which can assume dimensions of 19 x 14 x 8 inches when full of essentials. It comes in 3 colors and can be attached to any standard electric wheelchair.
Pros
- Made of durable water proof material and is also machine washable
- Wide reflective strip acts as a safety feature under low light
- Adjustable straps and clasps make it easy to install on any wheelchair
- Good warranty scheme but you should watch out for shipping costs
Cons
- You need your attendant to access the contents of the bag
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Conclusion – Best Bags for Wheelchairs and Walkers
Essentially there are two kinds of bags for wheelchairs and walkers, one which can be fitted on the arm rests or the ones which can be either placed below the seat or slung at the back of the chair. The bag you choose will depend on whether you are a light traveler or whether you are a regular grocery shopper who might want to carry back a lot of things from the store.
A major consideration is also whether you need to access the items in the bag on the go. We hope that with this article, we have been able to help you in your search for the best bags for wheelchairs and walkers. If you are looking for more information on how to become more independent as a senior, you can read this article.
