The Board Game Backpack That’s Making Gamers Ditch Their IKEA Bags

You can tell a lot about a gamer by the way they carry their games.
Some show up with reusable grocery bags, others with worn-out IKEA totes that have seen too many game nights. But lately, a new kind of accessory is showing up at tables, conventions, and airports alike — a purpose-built board game backpack that’s changing the way players travel with their games.

Meet the May The Bag Game Be With You backpack — a name that’s half joke, half declaration of war against crushed corners and split box lids.

Built for Heavyweights (Literally)

When @boardgame_deepdive first tried it, he didn’t expect much.

“Sometimes you just need a bag that can handle serious board games,” he wrote. “It’s big, sturdy, and actually feels built for those heavy, complex Euros I always end up bringing everywhere.”

If you’ve ever tried to fit Terraforming Mars and Brass: Birmingham into a tote bag, you already know why that matters. This thing doesn’t just hold games — it protects them.

Padded walls, reinforced stitching, and interior straps keep every box locked down like cargo on a spaceship. It’s overbuilt in all the right ways.

From Game Night to the Philippines

The same reviewer even mentioned bringing it on a trip to the Philippines — and that says something.
Because this isn’t just a “carry your games” bag. It’s a travel bag. One that fits overhead, stands upright, and makes you feel like your next stop could be a board game café halfway across the world.

“Sweet Mother Hubbard”: The Review That Said It All

Then came @board.game.dad, who dropped one of the most entertaining board game gear reviews in recent memory.

“I absolutely HAVE to share this… Sweet mother Hubbard.”

That’s how it started — and then came the breakdown:

  • It’s big. You can fit multiple big-box games inside, with pockets left over for smaller ones.

  • It’s a backpack. Carrying 50 pounds of cardboard on your back suddenly feels doable.

  • It’s safe. Inside straps clip your games in like seatbelts.

  • It’s compact. Folds flat when not in use.

  • It’s tough. Thick, padded sides that make you less terrified of dropping Gloomhaven.

His conclusion was simple:

“Move over IKEA bag, there’s a new sheriff in town.”

Tested at Conventions, Built for the Long Game

The team at @tabletop_worldwide took the bag to Origins, one of the biggest board game conventions in the U.S. Their verdict?

“Crazy amounts of storage inside… the padded sturdy backpack straps make it work great as a convention bag.”

They even dropped a full video showing how much this beast can carry and shared a Prime Day link for a 20% discount — because apparently, good things do come in padded form.

And for transparency, they made it clear:

“May the Game sent me a free bag, but they’re not paying me to say this. I just genuinely enjoy using it.”

That kind of honesty is rare — and it says a lot.

Why Gamers Are Switching

For years, the IKEA blue bag was the go-to for gamers everywhere. It was cheap, flexible, and could fit Catan plus half your collection. But it wasn’t made for board games.

This one is.
It has structure. Protection. Pockets that fit expansions and card decks perfectly.
It looks like it belongs next to a gaming table — or in an airport terminal heading to Essen Spiel.

And the best part? It’s not a one-size-fits-all gimmick. It’s a piece of real gear for real players.

The Verdict

Whether you’re walking to a friend’s apartment or flying across continents, this board game backpack is built to carry the weight of your passion — literally.

It’s the difference between hoping your boxes survive the trip and knowing they will.

The IKEA bag had a good run. But your games deserve better.

🛒 Grab yours here: Get it on Amazon.
👥 Follow the reviewers who made it famous:

Next
Next

Twilight Imperium: Thunder Edge Arrives – But Are You Ready to Carry It?