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The Best Gym Bags to Keep Your Training Goals In-Tote

Not all gym bags are created equal. Here are our favorites for all kinds of people and uses.

collage of three gym bags Courtesy
Todd Hamer

By Steve Mazzucchi, Hayley Helms, Todd Hamer, and Ben Emminger

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Going to the gym or studio for a workout can be a great way to break up your day, and with gym attendance continuing to rise, it seems that more and more athletes are getting back to the brick-and-mortar facilities we once called home. But with all the gear you need for a proper training session — including your shoes, shorts, water bottle and beyond — you need a proper bag to house all those must-haves.

Now, you can probably get by in a pinch with just a random duffel or backpack, but a dedicated workout tote can help keep your interest and motivation in training with conveniences like water bottle holders, shoe compartments, spacious pockets and more. Plus, having a gym bag solely for your training schedule can help keep your accessories more organized with less of a worry about forgetting your must-haves in-between changing out packs. beBefore we get into some of our favorite picks for premier training performance, let’s take a closer look at what you should consider when finding one for your needs.

Products in the Guide

  • King Kong Core35 Duffel

    BEST OVERALL GYM BAG

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  • King Kong Heritage Leather Backpack

    BEST UPGRADE GYM BAG

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  • Adidas Defender Duffel Bag

    BEST BUDGET GYM BAG

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  • Under Armour UA Undeniable 5.0 Medium Duffle Bag

    MOST VERSATILE GYM BAG

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  • Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag — Small (40L)

    BEST GYM BAG FOR TRAVEL

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  • Aer Duffel Pack 3

    BEST BACKPACK-STYLE GYM BAG

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What to Consider When Choosing a Gym Bag

Just like picking out a new pair of gym shoes, you want to look at how you plan to use your gym bag before making a decision. Maybe you’re just looking for a durable tote to get your gear from the car to the training center without any hassle. Perhaps you need a bag that’s stylish enough to sit for a few hours in your office without drawing a lot of attention. Your gym bag might even need to pull double duty from time to time as a trustworthy carry-on luggage. Below are some key factors to consider as you think through your ideal setup.

Volume

Your gym bag should naturally be large enough to house all your workout essentials. For most athletes, a medium-sized duffel anywhere from 30–40 liters should provide enough internal space for your shoes, accessories and a spare change of clothes. If you often carry more gear, like a weightlifting belt or separate pairs of CrossFit shoes and running shoes, consider sizing up. If you’re looking for a more versatile pack for outdoor excursions or travel, you might need a more spacious interior as well. Be mindful, though, that if you want to use a duffel or pack as a carry-on for flying, some airlines restrict bag sizes, so bigger is not always better for these scenarios (as we’ve learned through multiple instances at boarding gates).

Material

Most gym totes are made from leather, canvas, polyester or nylon due to the durable nature of each textile. It’s also key to look for hearty zippers or hook-and-loop components that will hold up through countless opening and closing. Additionally, more durable duffels and packs can be better equipped for multiple uses, which can save you money in the long run.

Storage Compartments

This next factor often depends on your packing style. While some might not mind just throwing everything in one open compartment, other athletes might prefer to keep everything organized in individual pockets. To achieve this neat and tidy setup, though, you need a bag that includes multiple storage areas. This can also be a good option for those wanting to keep their sweat-riddled garments and footwear separate from their other gear (which is a particularly good habit to develop to maintain a clean bag setup). Some premium gym bags can come equipped with separate shoe compartments and smaller side pockets to match these needs.

Ventilation

To go along with keeping your gym bag fresh and clean, you might want to opt for setups that feature some form of ventilation. This can allow your stinky gym gear to breathe more, creating an environment that gives a solid pathway for funky fumes to disperse before getting trapped in fabrics and textiles. If your bag doesn’t offer solid breathability, we recommend opening up the various pockets and zippers once you get home to create better airways. Also, don’t keep your used shaker bottles or dirty fitness apparel in your bag for too long, as these scents can easily penetrate your setup and linger longer than a nagging injury. And once that funk develops, cleaning your bag can be as hard as an RPE 9 deadlift.

What to Put in a Gym Bag

While your gym bag’s gear should cater to your specific fitness discipline, and there’s plenty of ways to keep your tote well-packed, there are a few items we recommend to help cover all bases and scenarios. A change of clothes is always great to have on-hand, especially a pair of socks for those quick post-workout wardrobe changes. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to have an extra water bottle or shaker bottle in your tote, if your pack grants you the space. This helps eliminate the chances of you being parched mid-set after leaving your go-to bottle on the counter or in the car. Other small items like a phone charger, gym towel and other small items can also be handy additions to your setup along with your other training accessories.

How We Tested

Pros

  • Convenient weightlifting belt sleeve creates great structure while also freeing up space in the main compartment
  • Internal shoe compartment keeps sweaty footwear separate for cleaner transport

Cons

  • Some smaller pockets can feel tight and essentially useless
  • More structured profile might not fit inside a cubby or gym locker
  • Material: Exterior: Canvas, Interior: Ripstop Nylon
  • Volume: 35L
  • Dimensions When Full: 11”H x 18”W x 11”D

One of our first thoughts when putting our fitness gear inside the Core35 Duffel from King Kong was, “Man, they thought of everything!” From an internal shoe compartment, to a unique weightlifting belt sleeve that eliminates unnecessary clutter in the main compartment, this premium gym duffel is more than capable of upgrading your setup. We did notice that the more rigid profile doesn’t fit seamlessly into smaller gym lockers, but with a bag this impressive, you’re likely to just tote it around the weight room to show it off even more.

Editor’s Note: The Core35 Duffel is currently out of stock across all colors, but King Kong is still taking backorders on this impressive gym essential. You can purchase your bag today and can expect shipment in 3–4 weeks, according to the brand.

Read our full review of the King Kong Core35 Duffel.

Pros

  • Side bottle compartments zip close for a more compact profile
  • High-quality zippers, buckles and clasps used across the silhouette

Cons

  • Nylon straps are somewhat difficult to adjust at first
  • The high-quality leather is almost too nice for the gym
  • Material: Full grain American leather
  • Volume: 26L
  • Dimensions When Full: 20”H x 12”W x 7”D

Want to really turn up the luxury when it comes to your gym ensemble? This leatherbound backpack from King Kong boasts impeccable build quality across its silhouette, most notably in the metal zippers and clasps, as well as the high-grade stitching. We also appreciate the zippered bottle compartments at each side that zip open and close for a roomier or more compact fit and profile. The durable leather makeup, however, is heavier than other materials, and at nearly $500 for 26 liters of space, you may be inclined to opt for more affordable, spacious totes.

Read our full review of the King Kong Heritage Leather Backpack.

Pros

  • That classic, athletic look is hard to ignore
  • Despite the cheaper cost, this duffel is more than ready to handle the abuse of your average gym rat

Cons

  • This is purely a gym bag, so not a lot of versatility outside the fitness realm
  • Not as durable as other options in this roundup
  • Material: 100% Polyester
  • Volume: 65.5L
  • Dimensions When Full: 13”H x 24.75”W x 12”D

Anyone who’s ever been involved in athletics has probably owned a classic Adidas Duffel. This bag is the all-purpose tote we’ve all grown to love. Ample storage and extra side packets make the Defender Duffel perfect for someone heading off to the gym — and only the gym. It doesn’t offer the bells and whistles like some of the more versatile options we tested, so you probably wouldn’t want to use this bag as an office tote.

Pros

  • Bottom and side panels are TPU-coated for improved durability
  • Vented internal pocket can be ideal for footwear or post-training laundry

Cons

  • While respectable, this silhouette doesn’t particularly stand out for non-training storage needs
  • Soft internal pocket does not feature a zipper, leading to potential jostling during travel
  • Material: 100% Polyester
  • Volume: 58L
  • Dimensions When Full: 11.4”H x 24.6”W x 12.1”D

This sport-ready duffel from Under Armour is very similar to the Adidas Defender in terms of dimensions, volume and materials. We lean more toward the UA option for more versatile storage needs, though, thanks to this pack’s sleeker, more subdued aesthetic that can blend in more easily in different, non-training environments. Plus, the addition of a mesh vent at the internal pocket promotes better breathability for footwear or dirty fitness apparel. Is it the absolute best for non-gym bag use? No. Can it hold its own multiple times over in those scenarios? Absolutely.

Pros

  • Colorful designs make identifying your bag at the front desk or baggage claim much easier
  • Plenty of space to store gear, despite the “small” moniker

Cons

  • Not as many accessory pockets, which can leave you fishing for those smaller items
  • 3.5-pound frame can become cumbersome quickly with a lot of gear in-tote
  • Material: Exterior: Phthalate-Free PVC Fabric, Interior: 150D OM Stardust Polyester Lining
  • Volume: 40L
  • Dimensions When Full: 10.5”H x 20.5”W x 12.5”D

Our first thought about the Go-Bag from Baboon to the Moon is its size. We used this bag for a recent cycling trip around D.C. and it worked out great, providing plenty of space to even store some wine and food to enjoy as a campsite nightcap. Continental treks aside, though, this colorful duffel makes for a damn fine gym bag, too. The convenient carrying handles allow you to carry this bag like a backpack or duffel, while the waterproof exterior cleans up easily from errant spills or stains. We do wish it had more pockets to separate smaller items, though. Some tinier essentials like your headphones and keys may get lost and tossed in the roomy interior.

Pros

  • Plenty of small pockets to keep your tinier essentials neat and organized
  • Backpack style totes easily, and the stylish silhouette doesn’t give off that “gym only” vibe

Cons

  • When loaded with fitness equipment, this pack can become heavy rather quickly
  • Some might not be willing to pay over $170 for a backpack
  • Material: 1680D Cordura Ballistic Nylon Exterior
  • Volume: 21.4L
  • Dimensions When Full: 20.5”H x 11.75”W x 8”D

While the duffel style is more synonymous with gym bags, we can’t hype this backpack enough. It’s quickly become one of our go-tos for training purposes thanks to the two bottle side pockets and gigantic main compartment. Additionally, the shoe compartment at the base has plenty of room to hold our sweaty clothes after training sessions as well as our workout sneakers. A convenient laptop sleeve also adds to the build, allowing you to keep your work or school assignments well-secured as you chase down those new PRs.

Pros

  • Folds up conveniently for better storage when not in use
  • Can be a great pick for race day mornings where you want all your running essentials at the ready

Cons

  • Just one small internal pocket, so everything is kept in one blended mix
  • Not ideal for typical gym-going routines
  • Material: 8.7-ounce 300-Denier 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester Ripstop with a TPU-Film Laminate
  • Volume: 25L
  • Dimensions When Full: 11”H x 15.75”W x 8”D

Random workout opportunities can pop up from time to time, and for these scenarios, you’re not going to want to completely change your setup for just an afternoon. We love the Black Hole Tote from Patagonia specifically for these scenarios, as the wide top opening easily allows you to throw in whatever you need for the day.

We’ve taken this tote to spur of the moment pickup basketball games, and carted it along filled with our race day essentials where rummaging through pockets can leave you stressed and frazzled — two emotions you don’t want to feel before toeing the starting line. While we wouldn’t say this is a good option for normal gym bag use, there’s just not enough storage organization to warrant that modality, for quick one-off training situations, this compact bag can be a great solution.

nike utility power gym bagNike

BEST GYM BAG WITH ADDED STORAGE COMPARTMENTS

Nike Utility Power Training Duffel

Pros

  • A wide variety of storage pockets and mesh holsters, perfect for building a well-organized bag setup
  • Built-in ventilation for improved breathability

Cons

  • Zippers are not metal, which could compromise durability over extended use
  • Air padded shoulder strap can pop and crack over time
  • Material: 100% Polyester
  • Volume: 51L
  • Dimensions When Full: 12”H x 22”W x 11”D

Need a gym bag with plenty of nooks and crannies to store all your fitness accessories? There’s a multitude of pockets, compartments and holsters across this sleek, stylish duffel from Nike. Added ventilation holes also keep everything inside with plenty of air, helping calm any growing funk your tired workout gear may be giving off. We also appreciate the shoulder pad for more comfortable transport, but you may want to take extra care of this component, as the plastic shells can begin to deteriorate over time, causing that plush air-padded strap to deflate and lose all that cozy, plush feel.

Pros

  • Performance air mesh allows for breathability when toting around post-workout
  • Zinc-alloy hardware should be durable enough for the trials of versatile use

Cons

  • Neoprene can begin to hold in that pesky, unsettling stench if not cleaned routinely
  • 18-liter volume doesn’t provide the same storage capacity as others on this list
  • Material: Exterior: Premium Neoprene and Performance Air Mesh, Interior: Recycled Repreve Lining
  • Volume: 18L
  • Dimensions When Full: 9”H x 14.5”W x 7”D

If you’re the type of person that wants to go to the gym, but doesn’t want to look like you’re going to the gym, this bag is for you. This little number combines sleek and savvy looks with performance: it’s made with neoprene, which allows it to stretch and flex, and comes in a handful of neutral colorways, giving it a polished feel. This hard-working duffle features an interior zip pocket, shoe and water bottle pockets and a removable padded laptop sleeve, as well as a removable laundry/shoe bag, but from looking at the stylish exterior, you’d never know it.

Pros

  • 1,200-Denier canvas promotes exceptional durability
  • Top and side-haul handles offer a number of carrying options

Cons

  • Hard-nosed, rugged silhouette may not be the best for office-to-gym scenarios
  • Not a lot of additional storage compartments
  • Material: 1200D Polyester
  • Volume: 120L
  • Dimensions When Full: 14”H x 30”W x 15”D

If you don’t consider the words sleek or urban as legitimate selling points, then the Legacy Gear Bag is for you. It’s built much like Carhartt’s overalls: simple, timeless and nearly indestructible. The Legacy Gear Bag comes in three sizes (20, 23 and 30 inches) and four colors (black, tan, grey and Real Tree Xtra camouflage), but for the added space and internal shoe pocket, we prefer the 30-inch variety. The 1,200-Denier canvas is built to take a beating, too, and a Rain Defender DWR finish makes this duffel capable of taking on your next PR or your next morning at the job site.

Pros

  • Spacious 35-liter center compartment provides plenty of space for gym and office needs
  • Comes with a convenient washable laundry bag to separate post-workout attire

Cons

  • Full-grain Italian leather accents might be too posh for serious gym-goers
  • It can be difficult to fit larger water bottles in their prescribed holsters
  • Material: Exterior: Waterproof DuraLite Fabric Shell, Interior: Antimicrobial Ripstop-Lined Core
  • Volume: 35L
  • Dimensions When Full: 12”H x 19”W x 8.5”D

We like to think of this stylish office-ready gym bag as a heightened version of yesteryear’s trapper keepers. This stylish, waterproof duffel boasts a sneaky shoe slot to keep stinky kicks separate from work clothes or fresh gym apparel. The built-in locker hook allows you to hang the Regimen Gym Bag up for convenient storing, as well. Once at the office, unzip a side pocket to reveal a 15-inch laptop sleeve and organizational sections lined with blue nylon twill.

Pros

  • Ample storage capabilities whether conquering your workouts or jet-setting around the globe
  • Sleek design is sure to fit any stylized aesthetic

Cons

  • A lack of smaller compartments keeps everything in just one large cavity
  • Candystriped interior can become stained if not routinely cleaned
  • Material: Canvas
  • Volume: 42.5L
  • Dimensions When Full: 11.75”H x 20.5”W x 11”D

The sleek and stylish Herschel Novel is perfect for the gym or for a small road trip with its handy side shoe compartment, and spacious interior cavity. The leather straps add a nice touch, too, to make it stand out from the rest of the pack. While this silhouette could benefit from some side pockets, like others featured on this list, we can’t ignore this classic profile that looks to boost any get-up — fitness-related or not.

patagonia black hole dufflePatagonia

BEST GYM BAG FOR THE OUTDOORS

Patagonia Black Hole 55L Duffel Bag

Pros

  • U-shaped lid allows for easy access to spacious center compartment
  • Daisy-chain structures allow you to easily clip a water bottle or yoga mat to the silhouette

Cons

  • Shoulder strap systems could be more secure when used as a backpack
  • Zippers have been known to catch on the interior fabric, leading to opening and closing issues
  • Material: 14-ounce 900-Denier 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester Ripstop with a TPU-Film Laminate
  • Volume: 55L
  • Dimensions When Full: 11.8”H x 26.7”W x 15.7”D

We’ve already praised Patagonia’s Black Hole Tote as a worthwhile gym bag, but the 55L Duffel is also one impressive rig in itself, especially if you fancy yourself an outdoorsman, too. We’ve hiked and traveled aplenty with this spacious pack that promotes exceptional durability and construction ideal for wild-centric and workout-centric needs. The U-shaped lid creates a wide opening, perfect for finding anything within the main compartment, and we also like the dual carry system that allows this silhouette to be carried as a duffel or worn as a backpack.

Editor’s Note: The Black Hole Duffel makes an exceptional carry-on, too, but the 55L may be too big for smaller overhead storage. If you’d like to get some flying miles with your gym bag, we recommend sizing down to the 40L option.

mec recycled duffle bag greenMEC

BEST OVERSIZED GYM BAG

Mountain Equipment Company Recycled Duffle Bag

Pros

  • Classic design provides just enough flair to your gym aesthetic
  • Packs conveniently into itself for easy storage when not in use

Cons

  • 60 liters is a lot, which can be too cumbersome for the average fitness enthusiast
  • Interior PU coating can begin to break down over extended use
  • Material: 1680-Denier Recycled Polyester
  • Volume: 90L
  • Dimensions When Full: 14.6”H x 30”W x 14.8”D

When you become heavily invested in your fitness routine, odds are you’ll acquire a plethora of gear to boost your in-gym performance. This spacious duffel from Canada’s Mountain Equipment Company has more than enough room to house your weightlifting belts, massage guns, apparel, shoes, resistance bands and more. We really appreciated the classic, no frills silhouette of this down-to-earth tote, and while it might not be the most convenient for some athletes — 90 liters of volume is a lot — we definitely think this large duffel is more than enough to handle even the most rigorous of training regimens.

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