Reviewed by our Gear Geeks:
THE BEST GYM BAGS in 2021
Our experts at work
We gave our Gear lovers one job:
Test 30 different Gym Bags and write reviews of the best.
The result is 20 of the best Gym Bags on the market today.
Anastasia Hamurari
Travel and Gear Writer
An ambitious writer with a thirst for content creation through storytelling.
Torben Lonne
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Torben is a dive nut, with a passion for traveling and gear.
You want to find a Gym Bag that’ll fit all your gear, but also works great at your commute from work to the gym.
Well, we got you covered!
With a wide range of gym bags being continuously released by the old-school sports and outdoor brands like Nike and The North Face and fresh startups experimenting with innovative features, there is hardly a shortage of good-quality gym packs.
The question is – which one is worth the price tag?
Before going for the back, consider what kind of bag you’ll need. :
- The settings in which you will be carrying it (swimming pool, weight lifting section of the gym, etc.);
- The material the gym bag is built from (Polyester, Nylon, Vinyl, or Leather);
- The amount of storage space you are comfortable with;
- The functionality of the bag (shoe compartment, anti-theft pockets adjustable straps);
- The maintenance it requires.
All of this is covered in our extensive guide, but you can also just look at our product recommendations.
Top 10 Best Gym Bags In 2021
See our quick top 10, or go further down and read our in-depth reviews.
- Boost Sports Gym Bag
- Everest Gym Bag
- PUMA Contender Duffel Gym Bag
- Kuston Sports Gym Bag
- G4Free Gym Backpack
- HOLYLUCK Drawstring Gym Backpack
- Canway Sports Gym Bag
- INOXOTO Fitness Gym Bag
- MIER Large Duffel Gym Backpack
- Under Armour SC30 Storm Gym Duffle Bag
Still unsure as to what gym bag to choose? Check out our buying guide to know what to look for when buying a gym bag.
The good old gym bag by Everest is still in high demand, and we can see why. This medium-sized powerhouse is a reliable piece of equipment that will come in handy for basketball players to CrossFit enthusiasts and everyone in between. At less than $30, it is rich with features that range from a padded water bottle pocket to a separate shoe/wet compartment. The 600-Denier Polyester it is made from gives it an edge over other gym bags – be it rain or snow, it will be able to withstand both. The shoulder strap is fully adjustable and is equipped with metal anchor points. You simply can’t go wrong with a gym bag under $30 that was raved about by every customer. Designed to accommodate every fitness enthusiast and triathlon professional, it is a versatile accessory that is bound to last you many years with proper care. The bag is built from the anti-tearing 600-Denier Polyester that is coated with a layer of the water-resistant PVC. This combination ensures your purchase can withstand harsh weather conditions and bumps into sharp objects. The construction is just as sturdy – the main compartment can fit a good load of clothes, towels, and other gym essentials. Additionally, the internal security pocket can store your valuables, while the external pockets can be made responsible for those quick-access knick-knacks. The built-in shoe compartment acts as a cherry on top with its ventilating properties and spacious dimensions. If you have ever been to a sports apparel/equipment store, the chances are you are familiar with PUMA. How can you not be when the brand’s commercials are on par with those of Adidas and Nike? The item we are about to review is everyone’s favorite – a duffel gym bag with the name Contender. This 100% Polyester pack comes in 10 colors, thus accommodating every buyer out there. And while its design isn’t sophisticated, it will fit in the lifestyle of a swimmer, bodybuilder, and a yoga guru equally well. The classic PUMA logo on the front isn’t the only element that steals the show – the spacious interior, the multitude of pockets, and the low weight of the bag all come into play when making it stand out. Stylish, practical, and affordable? Yes, please! Kuston sports gym bag is all of that and more. Coming in 10 different colors, it draws the attention of a wide audience that won’t be disappointed with the vast range of features the pack offers. Starting from the wet pocket that is suitable for storing towels and clothes and ending with a compartment for sneakers, there is nothing missing from this gym bag. The SBS zippers are made to be durable yet smooth, and the same goes for the mesh pocket designed for keeping your water bottle safe. The brand’s signature Oxford fabric adds security that is very much needed when doing sports at crowded gyms. Known for its sturdy quality, the material ensures your gym essentials don’t get stolen at any point throughout your workout. G4Free is a duffel-backpack hybrid that happens to be perfectly appropriate for gym settings. Whether you carry it in your hands, on your shoulder, or on your back, you are not likely to get exhausted from moving it from one place to another. It is constructed from the water- and tear-resistant Nylon that is durable enough to last you for years. First-class SBS metal zippers together with solid stitching in stress points back up the bag’s durability too. The main compartment features an interior mesh zippered pocket and can easily be accessed through the U-shaped opening. To store your electronics and little knick-knacks like headphones and drinkables, you can use the zippered pocket in the front and a side pocket. A compartment for shoes is also there – it is fully ventilated so that you can separate your smelly sneakers from dirty gear and not receive strange looks. If carrying hefty gym equipment isn’t a part of your plan, a drawstring gym backpack like the one from HOLYLUCK is your best bet. Spacious enough to fit a pair of shoes, a change of clothes, and a water bottle, it is a great compact pack for everyday use. You aren’t limited to gym setting only – bring it with you when you go hiking, camping, or traveling, and you will be pleasantly surprised by how well it serves you. The bag is built from sturdy Polyester both on the inside and the outside, which means that it is not only recyclable, but also easily washable. What’s more, the drawcord closure allows you to have your hands free for carrying other things, which, as the practice shows, is a handy bonus. Duffels are hands-down the most convenient gym bags out there – this model released by Canway proves that. Originally designed for gym settings, its uses go beyond the walls of the gym. You can bring it with you to your next overseas trip as well as to a weekend getaway to the countryside – the scenarios are endless. It is built from the heavy-duty Polyester of 600 Denier that also happens to be water- and tear-resistant. With premium-quality metal zippers, a padded and adjustable shoulder strap, and stitched grab handles, it becomes a real deal in the eyes of every gym enthusiast. As if the main compartment wasn’t roomy enough, you are given a separate pocket for your shoes and wet clothes and a side mesh pocket for a protein shake or a snack. Hang your gym bag in the locker or hotel room by the hook attached to it, and you are set to build your muscles or explore the new city. Perhaps the most versatile fitness gym bag on the market is the one released by INOXOTO. For less than $30, it has the perfect dimensions for fitting it into the locker, a durable water-resistant fabric, and a shoe compartment with an air vent. Oh, it also features a suitcase strap for travel junkies who want to use it as a carry-on. The bag is multifunctional – the shoulder straps and handles are padded for carrying it in your hands, across the chest, and on the back. Also, the straps are adjustable, which means that you can customize the fit according to your preferences. You have a mesh water bottle pocket, a dry/wet separation compartment, and sturdy metal zippers – there’s nothing it is short of. Can’t decide between a duffel and a backpack? Then MIER large duffel gym backpack is your answer. Featuring detachable backpack straps that can be easily adjusted, it is a rare find. The water-resistant Tarpaulin combined with the tear-resistant floor panel make the gym bag suitable for a variety of weather conditions including strong winds, rainfalls, and snow. Solid stitching integrated into every section plays part in the overall sturdiness of the pack and the absence of the need to replace it anytime soon. You are provided with plenty of storage to keep your stuff in – interior mesh, zipper, and open pockets in conjunction with the exterior side and front zipper pockets work well together to accommodate any load. The innovative compression straps come particularly in handy when carrying heavy items, which is always a nice bonus to have. Built from the first-class Oxford fabric, Boost sports gym bag is a steal for those looking for a durable pack on a budget. Be it tennis, yoga, travel, or camping, this bag has got you covered. You are provided with a shoe compartment, a side pocket, a tear-resistant leather bottom, and a wet pouch – basically, everything you might need when out and about. Use the small pocket for storing your electronics, the main compartment for gym gear and a water bottle, and the waterproof wet pouch for your, well, wet towel. There is no need to bring additional bags – this one has enough space for all of your essential and non-essential items. Pick your favorite color from the ones given, and you are set for a productive day at the gym. Under Armour is known for its high-quality sports apparel and equipment, which already puts it in an advantageous position. But this is not just a hypothesis – their SC30 Storm bag, a part of the Stephen Curry’s signature collection, is the proof. Made from 100% Polyester, the gym bag features a patented UA technology that makes it a highly water-resistant accessory. With the padded shoulder strap and the top handle and an abrasion-resistant bottom panel, it is guaranteed to last you a long time. The main compartment of the bag is super large, which isn’t obvious from the first look. It fits up to 48 liters of stuff that can be accessed via the U-shaped top zipper. The rugged zipper system locks make it secure to use in large crowds where the possibility of theft is high. Stuff your sneakers in the bag’s shoe compartment, place a drink in the water bottle pocket, and get ready to be out of the door in no time. Thule Chasm gym bag is every sports enthusiast’s ‘go-to’ hauler. Whether you carry it as a duffel or a backpack, it is guaranteed to safely transport your gear from A to B. Its wide mouth combined with the removable straps makes it a practical bag that can be used for travel adventures too. Crafted from the durable Tarpaulin that also happens to be waterproof, it stands out as a rugged carrier that can withstand every weather condition. You can easily access your equipment through either the main opening or the zippered sides. The manufacturer made sure the bottom of the bag is padded for additional protection when placing it on the ground. Use the exterior stash for storing your hands-on essentials, compress the bag with the straps for extra security, and you are good to go. The not your typical gym bag by Apera is here for a reason – apart from being a functional accessory, it has unique features that make it stand out from other packs. Starting from the two flexible water bottle pockets and a tech pocket with soft-touch lining for your cellphone and ending with a laser-cut venting design for ventilation, it is rich with never-seen-before characteristics. The high for this storage capacity (43 liters) combined with the antimicrobial coating makes it the ultimate gym bag from which everyone will find good use. The large exterior pocket can fit a pair of men’s shoes, while the padded shoulder strap and two carry handles are capable of providing you with the desired comfort. Be it that you are running late to work after your gym session or vice versa, the straightforward construction of this bag might just be able to help you get there faster. Crossfit enthusiasts will get the most use out of this King Kong’s heavy-duty gym bag that is as bulletproof as it gets. Crafted from the sturdy, military-like 1000-Denier Nylon, it can be used solely as a wet towels’ carrier – that’s how waterproof it is. No matter how much gear you will fill it up with, the chances of it tearing apart are extremely low. The highly abrasion-resistant material makes it almost impossible for the bag to rip apart. The construction of the pack is mighty too – there are tons of pockets of all shapes and sizes for storage of all types of essentials and non-essentials. You have a separate pocket for storing your shoes, side mesh pockets for your water bottle and snacks, and a couple of more exterior and interior compartments for the gym equipment. With the ultra-tough YKK zippers, your stuff is always safe and sound. Crafted from 100% Polyester, Adidas Defender II duffel bag is a perfect pack for your gym equipment. You can quickly throw it into the trunk of your car or in the gym’s locker and be sure it doesn’t tear apart. The construction of the pack is straightforward – it has got dual top handles, and an adjustable shoulder strap with padding, an interior pocket, and 2 exterior pockets. The main compartment is spacious enough to fit all of your essentials and still have some room left for protein snacks. The shoe pocket can be easily accessed from the side of the bag, thus reducing the amount of time spent dressing up for the workout. The ventilation integrated into this compartment comes in handy too, because, let’s face it, no one wants to be dealing with bad odor coming from their gym sneakers. We get it, not everyone likes carrying duffel bags or backpacks when going to the gym. This is where Kemy’s athletic gym bag comes into play. This tote is a perfect yoga, pilates, or a weight lifting companion for women with all kinds of style preferences. Made from the high-quality Polyester, it is large enough to fit a change of clothes, a pair of shoes, some electronics, and even a mat. You will find a ventilation hole in the shoe bag compartment that allows for airflow and prevents bad odor from forming. This is particularly important for running to the gym straight from the office and vice versa. Make use of the 4 small pockets, 1 large pocket, and a roomy main compartment when carrying your essentials and rest assured that your workout session will be productive. Crafted from the high-quality ripstop Nylon, LBLA waterproof gym bag is a real deal. At $16, it is equipped with the features of its high-end counterparts that come in handy for every athlete. The bag’s structure is smart – there are 2 zippered pockets in the front for your hands-on essentials, and an interior anti-theft pocket for valuables. The main compartment is roomy – you will be able to fit a change of clothes, a bag of toiletries, and towels with no issues. For shoes, there is a separate section in the bag that is fully ventilated for preventing bad odor from accumulating. Feel free to bring the bag with you to your swimming classes – its waterproof construction ensures no water soaks through your belongings. Who said gym bags can’t be pretty? Definitely not VOORAY. Their Burner compact gym bag is the epitome of elegance and style that so many women enjoy using for yoga, dancing, and as a weekender. Built from the 600-Denier Polyester and Nylon, it is as durable as a gym bag can get. It features plenty of pockets including a padded media compartment and stretchy sleeve for your water bottle that prove to be useful in a variety of scenarios. The ventilated shoe compartment is present too – it is spacious enough to fit men’s size 13. With an adjustable shoulder strap, magnetic leather handles and metal clips and zippers, the bag is, what they call it, a full package. Pick the pattern you like the most, and fill your new accessory with everything you will need for a productive yoga session or a weekend in the countryside. Do you want your gym bag to serve as a weekend getaway bag too? Then we suggest you go for the Under Armour’s Undeniable packable gym bag. Created by the famed sports company, it is an investment that will pay off sooner rather than later. It is built from the 600-Denier Polyester in combination with the Polyurethane and abrasion-resistant PU panels, which make the bag tough and durable. The Storm technology embedded into the bag means that the pack is capable of repelling water without sacrificing breathability – an important factor that isn’t that common among gym bags. You will also appreciate having dual grab handles for easy travel and multiple organizational pockets for storing everything from shoes to wet towels. For a girly gym bag, consider looking into Suruid’s pink version of their workout gym bag. It will look pretty not only sitting in your closet, but also waiting for you in the local gym’s locker. Made from the water-resistant Nylon, the bag is sturdy and comfortable to wear (thanks to the adjustable shoulder strap). Apart from the roomy main compartment, you get a place to store your shoes in, an open front pocket, and a zippered side pocket. You also get a separate wet compartment for dividing your wet and dry clothes – a handy feature, as the practice shows. Be it a sports tournament or a business travel trip, your gym bag will serve you well.
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
Where to buy:
Specs & Features:
What we like:
What we don’t like:
BUYING GUIDE
What makes a good gym bag? The most basic answer would be its quality. And this is correct, except there are a couple more elements that contribute to the gym bag worthy of your investment. Read on to find out what they are.
Type
When the buzzword ‘gym bag’ comes up, it often refers to a variety of bags including an actual gym bag, a duffel bag, and even a gym backpack. They are all valid terms that help to differentiate between gym bags.
To know what type of gym bag to get, think about the circumstances in which you will be using it. Are you planning on bringing it with you when going to the gym’s pool? Or, are you thinking about using it for doing weight lifting only?
Your choice of a gym bag will differ depending on the exercise you are intending on doing. For a water sport, you might want to look into a gym bag with a waterproof lining, whereas for working out with a personal trainer, your bag can be relatively low-maintenance.
Material
Just as gym bags vary in type, they also vary in the material used for their manufacturing. Polyester, Nylon, and Leather are the most commonly used fabrics that are perceived to have high-quality features and be durable.
Polyester is often water-resistant and easy to clean, which makes it an easy choice for the majority of athletes. Nylon, in contrast, is not as water-resistant but is noticeably lightweight and affordable. Leather, apart from having a high-end look and durable construction, is the most expensive option.
You will also find gym bags built from Canvas and Vinyl, both of which are on the cheaper price spectrum. While Canvas has the advantage of being machine-washable, Vinyl is known for being stain-resistant. That said, Canvas isn’t compatible with moisture, and Vinyl is prone to scratches.
Storage Space
Given the ease of access and durable zippers, another element that makes a good-quality gym bag is its storage space. While the availability of a multitude of compartments that serve different purposes is a nice bonus to have, what ultimately defines a gym bag is the number of things you can fit in it.
The rule of thumb states that the more gym wear and gym accessories you have, the bigger the capacity of your gym bag should be.
On average, a gym bag between 50 and 70 liters works best for the majority of avid gym-goers. This range of volume allows you to fit your spare set of workout clothes, a pair of sneakers, a water bottle, and a few toiletries. It also allows you to store your bag in the gym’s locker without any issues.
If, however, you don’t have enough stuff to fill a 60-liter gym bag with, go for a smaller bag instead.
Functionality
When it comes to the gym, you want to have every single one of your workout essentials at hand. This has a big influence on getting in the workout mode and achieving your body goals quicker and more efficiently.
Gym bags in the form of sacks with drawstrings are a thing of the past – now they ought to have a pocket for your tech accessories, a separate space for storing your shoes and dirty clothes, and straps that make it easy for you to carry the bag from A to B.
Maintenance
Taking proper care of your gym bag is your responsibility – at the end of the day, it’s up to you how long your bag will last. You can purchase the most luxurious gym bag and have to throw it away in a few months if you don’t maintain its initial look.
The more durable and the more low-maintenance the gym bag, the easier it will be to look after it. You should ideally be able to wipe it down with a damp cloth and a disinfectant every now and then to maintain its fresh appearance.
If the material allows, you can throw your bag in the washing machine once per month or once in three months depending on how often you use it. This will get rid of any bacteria or dirt that has built up over the weeks of rigorous use.
If you already have a gym bag or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about gym bags
-
How do you carry shoes to the gym?
Just like sleeping bags and windbreaker jackets can be stored in a separate compartment of the bag, gym shoes can also be kept in a discrete section of your sports bag. You will find plenty of gym bags offering enough space for carrying your shoes without them coming in contact with your clean clothes.
If, however, your gym bag doesn’t happen to have an integrated separate pocket for your shoes, consider placing them in a cloth or a reusable plastic bag.
-
What is a good gym bag for a woman?
Despite the majority of gym bags not having a gender-specific design, we do realize that some women might want a pack that will be more girly and, perhaps, more lightweight than the generic bags.
Here are our favorite picks for a female-oriented gym bag:- Kemy’s Store Athletic Gym Bag
- Boost Sports Gym Bag
- LBLA Waterproof Gym Bag
- VOORAY Burner Compact Gym Bag
- Suruid Workout Gym Bag
Read full reviews of each woman gym bag on DIVEIN.COM by clicking the links above.
-
How do you pack a gym bag?
Once you have picked your gym bag, you have to figure out the most efficient way to pack it. While organizing your gym equipment will depend on the amount of storage you have, there are a few guidelines to follow for, let’s call it, systematically cramming your gym bag.
- Use packing cubes for maintaining organized chaos consisting of your clean and dirty clothes, shoes, equipment, and electronics.
- Pack a quickly-drying towel that will both take up less space and time.
- Don’t forget to pack a water bottle (or a protein shake, if you are building muscles) and a snack – it’s crucial to keep yourself hydrated and satiated at all times.
-
How do I choose a gym bag?
Although everyone has different preferences when it comes to gym bags, some features are the real must-haves that cannot be compromised. These include an interior or exterior pocket for your water bottle, storage space for your sneakers, and a compartment where your change of workout clothes can go.
Ideally, your bag should also fit in a gym locker so that you don’t have to leave it on the bench of the changing room. If this is the case, you will have to ensure your gym bag can be locked for the protection of your gear against thieves.
-
What is the best gym bag?
When looking to invest in a good-quality gym bag, there are a couple of variables to consider. You want to make sure your gym bag is made from a durable material, has just the right number of compartments, and is as versatile as possible.
We took them into consideration when compiling our in-depth gym bag guide. As it turns out, the following have proved to be the best gym bags on the market:
- Thule Chasm Duffel Gym Bag
- MIER Large Duffel Gym Backpack
- Under Armour SC30 Storm Gym Duffle Bag
- King Kong Heavy-Duty Gym Bag
- Kuston Sports Gym Bag
- Adidas Defender II Duffel Gym Bag
- Everest Gym Bag
Read full reviews of each gym bag on DIVEIN.COM by clicking the links above.
0 Comments