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Shop the best gym bags for all types of fitness enthusiasts
A reliable sports bag will hold your gym clothes, workout gear and everything you need for a good workout.
Those who live an active lifestyle will agree that having a dedicated gym bag can make going to the gym so much easier. Not only can it keep all your gym necessities like a yoga mat and workout clothes, but it can even function as a weekender bag that you can store in your car for emergencies.
If you’re looking for cool gym bags to keep up with your rigorous daily activities, we’ve got your back. From duffle bags to the best gym bags for men, we’ve curated the best gym bags on the market for you to pick from.
Ready for a new gym buddy?
Read more: Quench your post-workout thirst with these protein shakers
Gym bag recommendations
Great all-rounder
Specifications
Material: Polyester, thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon
Volume: 45 liters
Pros & Cons
Water-repellant
Converts into duffle or backpack
Adjustable strap for shoulder bag style
Only comes in black
No dedicated shoe compartment
This 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack from lululemon reigns supreme, thanks to its large volume and multiple compartments. You can choose to carry it on your side with its duffle bag mode or convert it into a backpack if you’re having a more adventurous day.
Made with recycled nylon fabric, this water-repellent backpack will keep your belongings dry even when it rains or when you get sweaty. And when you feel thirsty, its exterior water bottle pocket will give you quick access to hydration.
Talk about a gym bag that truly understands a gym addict’s needs.
Top duffle bag pick
Specifications
Material: 600D recycled polyester
Volume: 35 liters
Pros & Cons
Has stowable changing mat and padded backpack straps
Stores wet and dry items separately
Vented side pockets
No laptop sleeve
No shoulder strap
When looking for the best gym bags, consider features specific to your workout needs. This 35L Duffel Bag from OGIO takes into consideration the need for an air-vent system for your workout shoes and clothes, multiple carry methods and compartments for all your items.
It comes with six packing spaces to store your nutrition bars, important items and bulky items. It even has a zippered pocket with drainage holes to accommodate wet clothes.
Changing outdoors? This bag comes with a stowable changing mat for you to step on.
It also serves well as a travel bag, making it the best gym duffel bag on our list.
Best backpack option
Specifications
Material: Polyurethane
Volume: 24-29 liter
Pros & Cons
Water-resistant
Expandable
Dedicated shoe pocket
Side pocket for water bottle
Not machine-wash safe
May be hard to find items in bag
Blending style and practicality, this Sleek Backpack Rolltop has everything a gymgoer would need daily. The water-resistant backpack with a rolltop closure keeps items dry wherever you go.
You’ll have a dedicated pocket at the base for wet kit or shoes and a separate zip laptop sleeve at the back. And with the option to expand your backpack in case you need more packing space, we vote this the best gym backpack on our list.
Best tote bag
Specifications
Material: Recycled polylining exterior and interior (made with recycled water bottles)
Volume: 16.2 liters
Pros & Cons
Lightweight
Fits up to 16-inches laptops
Holds onto most travel luggage handles
Specific care instructions required
Can’t fit as many items as other bags
For those who prefer tote bags, this Jemi Tote makes a great choice to accompany you to your classes. This lightweight tote has two exterior pockets that are big enough to store valuable items like phones, keys and even protein bars.
Perfect for all-day use, this bag can fit any laptop up to 16 inches and still leave plenty of room to store your towel and water bottle. You’ll also love that it’s made from 100% recycled bottles, which means you’re doing the environment a favor.
Best for organization
Specifications
Material: Nylon
Volume: 30 liters
Pros & Cons
Standalone interior compartments
Ventilated shoe compartment
Expandable water bottle pocket
Only available in black
Higher price point than other bags
This Haven Athletic Small Duffel is the epitome of efficiency for any fitness enthusiast. The patented internal organization system doesn’t just make it easy to store all your different items like shoes and gears but it also makes them easy to access.
The expandable water bottle holder means you never have to worry about the size of your protein shaker and the mesh side pocket allows you to separate all your post-workout gear like sweaty clothes from your clean items.
The separated and ventilated shoe compartment easily fits a men’s size 12 pair of shoes, which is one of the reasons why it’s a top pick for men's best gym bags.
Most stylish
Specifications
Material: Tyvek
Volume: N/A
Pros & Cons
Small and lightweight
Water-resistant
Comes in two color options
Smaller than other options
Love going out right after a spin class? Get this Keep It Dry Fitness Bag from Alo Yoga. This high-quality, water-resistant bag makes room for all your essentials like credit cards and cell phone while you’re getting your sweat on.
With two color options, it’ll instantly turn your gym look into a chic street look — perfect for a coffee catch-up with your girlfriends. You might not fit your water bottle but it will definitely make you the talk of the class.
Best drawstring option
Specifications
Material: Polyester
Volume: N/A
Pros & Cons
Reflective strips for enhanced visibility
Large shoe compartment
Bag is not waterproof
One of the best men's gym bags on our list, this BeeGreen Drawstring Backpack Bag packs everything you need for a gym session or a basketball game with your buddies. With a large capacity and high-density handles, this backpack can also fit a basketball easily.
It even has a large shoe compartment that can fit up to three shoes, a front large zipper pocket to fit your laptop and side mesh pockets for your water bottles.
Additionally, to keep you safe, the bag is designed with a reflective strip to enhance your visibility at night.
FAQs
Is a gym bag necessary for the gym?
How often should you wash your gym bag?
The best gym bags shortlisted
The different gym bags on our list cater to varied needs and lifestyles.
The 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack 45L is the best backpack for gym enthusiasts who love exercising outdoors and always carry their workout gear.
If you want a multifunctional backpack, the Sleek Backpack Rolltop is a great option as it’s durable enough to withstand rigorous outdoor activities.
On the other hand, if you pack light and enjoy sports, opt for the BeeGreen Drawstring Backpack Bag.
Only the best gym bags will do for someone as active as you, so start shopping from our list today!
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Prices updated on 05/02/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Afina Najib
A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.
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