The best gym bags work overtime. If it isn’t comfortable to carry, can’t keep my gear organized and fresh, or makes my commute harder, then it’s not doing its job. Sure, you could toss your gym gear into a spare tote or shopping bag. Technically, anything can be a gym bag if you’re determined enough. But the best ones are built with the features gym-goers actually need, from removable yoga mat straps to ventilation panels to prevent odors.
After testing 20-plus gym bags for a full year, we’ve narrowed down our best picks, whether you’re a bodybuilder, yogi, powerlifter, or just someone who needs a small gym bag for everyday use. For more bag recommendations, check out our guides to Best Laptop Totes, Best Travel Totes, and Best Messenger and Crossbody Bags.
Featured In This Guide
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- Compare Top 6 Gym Bags
- Honorable Mentions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Features Should I Look for?
- What Are We Testing Next?
Best Gym Bag
Don’t let this bag’s compact shape fool you—it holds much more than it appears to. You can toss in a pair of shoes, clothes, and toiletries and still have plenty of space left. The water-resistant fabric is a key feature if you’re commuting through unpredictable weather (hi, Midwest winters). True to its name, it can be carried three ways: by the top handles, crossbody with the detachable strap, or—my favorite—the strap by itself doubles as a yoga strap when you just need to haul a mat. It’s super-stretchy and cushioned, making it comfortable to use for stretching as well.
Storage is well designed, too. There’s a dedicated sneaker compartment that fits sizes up to a men’s 14, but I prefer to stash my gym shoes in the bottom section so I don’t lose any of the main interior space. You also get a drawstring pouch for your post-gym clothes, a side zip for most 24-ounce bottles, and interior pockets to hold keys, cards, and other essentials.
Best Gym Backpack
Troubadour’s Pioneer Backpack is so chic, I’d recommend it as a work bag, but it has all the components of a good gym bag. The high-quality FortiWeave shell, made from recycled plastic bottles, is waterproof, tear-resistant, and fluorocarbon-free, so it can handle accidental spills and unpredictable weather. The sculpted, padded straps and breathable pack panel are game-changers for long commutes, and the trolley sleeve is key for travel.
I love the clamshell design, which gives you a full view of your gym gear. There is a ventilated shoe compartment, so your sneakers don’t stink up the office if you’re heading straight from work to the gym (or vice versa). You get not one but two water bottle side pockets. Inside, there are enough pockets to keep even the most type A gym-goer satisfied: a small shoulder-strap pocket for keys, pen slots, a key leash, and a lockable main compartment, to name just a few. There’s also a padded NanoCushion laptop compartment to protect your electronics.
Best Tote Bag
This is Hellen Obiri’s favorite travel bag, and after a month of hauling it to Pilates, I get the appeal. It weighs barely over a pound, yet somehow fits all the gym essentials without feeling bulky. The detachable shoulder strap is super comfortable, and the Swiss-made ropelike handles make it easy to carry by hand. Compression straps let you cinch everything down if needed. Inside, you get bottle pockets, two exterior zip pockets, and an internal mesh compartment for smaller items.
The reflective details on the logo and zippers are a small but smart safety touch. The bag is built from ripstop fabric with a nylon base, though I’m keeping an eye on long-term durability. One month in, it’s holding up well, but I’ll report back if that changes.
Best Duffel Bag
There are multiple ways to carry the Calpak Fit Gym Duffel: You can use the adjustable shoulder strap, the top handles, or the trolley sleeve if you’re traveling. But what I appreciate the most about this gym bag is its thoughtful organization. It’s designed with a pair of exterior straps that secure a yoga mat without adding bulk. An adjustable water bottle pocket comfortably fits a 24-ounce bottle, and there are interior straps for a second bottle, a shaker, or your preworkout tub. The interior also features two zippered pockets, two mesh compartments, and a key clip. Plus, a slim exterior zip pocket for your phone and any small essentials.
There is a separate compartment with breathable panels for shoes, but the side access can be awkward, and it eats into the main interior space. While the shoulder strap is padded, it can dig in on longer walks; I’ve trekked about a mile each way to my gym with this bag, and it’s doable, just not the most comfortable when fully loaded. But the good news is that Calpak’s antimicrobial lining works. After a year of use (and plenty of sweaty clothes), my duffel still smells clean, and it wipes down easily.
Best Budget
The Etroniks Gym Bag is accessibly priced and comes in a staggering array of colors. It’s roomy inside, with a generously sized lined wet pocket and a couple of organizational pockets. There’s a built-in USB-A cord with a port that goes to the outside of the bag, so you can theoretically stash a power bank inside and charge a device while on the go (although I wish it were USB-C). The bottom featured a vented zipped compartment for shoes or other items. I tested the medium version of this bag, and fitting two pairs of shoes can be a bit of a struggle with this size (though I’ve made it work with two less bulky pairs).
There’s enough room for clothes, shoes, a water bottle, and whatever else you might need. I like this versatile bag for trips to the gym or to my friends’ houses over the weekend. I do wish it were a bit more structured, since it can be tricky to pack efficiently if you’re a chronic overpacker like I am. But the luggage loop and multiple carrying options still keep it easy to tote around. It’s an excellent option if you want a lot of room for very little money. —Louryn Strampe
Most Versatile
I usually prefer a duffel bag for its extra space and quick access to compartments, but they can be a hassle to carry on longer walks. Béis’s Sport Duffle features hidden backpack straps, allowing you to switch between styles without committing to just one. It also includes a trolley sleeve, making it a great weekender bag or personal item.
Inside, you’ll find plenty of zippered and mesh pockets (and a key leash), and there’s an exterior zippered compartment for your phone. My only real complaint is that the water bottle slot is somewhat shallow, so taller bottles can feel unstable. The bag comes in five color options, and Béis frequently releases limited editions. My cobalt blue bag was my go-to for months until my cat decided to pee in it. Don’t ask me why—maybe it just seemed that comfortable.
Compare Top 6 Gym Bags
Honorable Mentions
Vuori Gym Bag 2.0 for $198: Vuori’s gym duffel is like everything else I’ve tried from the brand. It’s stylish, well-designed, and understated. It’s also durable and well-constructed, with a roomy interior compartment. There’s a dedicated shoe pouch on the side, which will take up some of the internal storage space. The other end of the bag has a vertical, zipped storage pocket that I like for stashing my headphones, keys, and combination lock. Finally, a lined wet pocket and a few organizational pockets round out the inside. The long handles are comfy to grip, the snap closure keeps the handles corralled, and the zipper has never given me any difficulty. It’s simple, but it does its job well. Be aware that overpacking can make it tough to carry around, depending on how heavy your load is, but unless you’re lugging a ton of gear around, that shouldn’t be an issue. —Louryn Strampe
Knack Expandable Metro Duffel for $145: If I still worked in an office, this would be an easy go-to gym bag. It’s nice and structured, with room for three to four outfits, a laptop, and a pair of shoes. It’s expandable, too, in case you need a bit of extra room. It’s well-constructed and has a ton of organizational pockets inside. It’s also cavernous, which may be a blessing or a curse depending on your needs. —Louryn Strampe
Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 for $98: There are other dedicated gym backpacks, but Lululemon’s is worth considering. It’s very simple, straightforward, and great for chucking in a change of clothes and your water bottle. The dedicated water bottle pocket isn’t big enough for the kinds of bottles I like to tote around, but other than that, it’s got a lot of organizational pockets and room for your basics. —Louryn Strampe
Frequently Asked Questions
What Features Should I Look For?
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Size and volume: Gym bags come in all shapes and capacities, so the right one depends on your routine and what kind of gear you’re planning to carry. Duffels generally offer the most usable space, and backpacks and totes skew more compact. For everyday workouts—perhaps a change of clothes and small essentials—20 to 30 liters is the sweet spot. Bags in the 31- to 45-liter range work well as weekenders and often include extras like internal dividers and a dedicated shoe compartment.
Materials: Prioritize durable fabrics that can handle daily wear and are easy to clean. Tough options like ballistic nylon or polyester with a PU coating are reliably tear- and abrasion-resistant. Leather is another durable choice, but it does demand more careful upkeep. I also prefer something water-repellent (if not fully waterproof) to protect my stuff from unpredictable weather and the occasional spilled energy drink on my walk to the gym.
Organization and functionality: I always look for a separate shoe compartment, and one that ideally doesn’t swallow up the main section when it’s in use. A side water bottle pocket is non-negotiable. If you’re heading straight from work to your workout, a padded laptop sleeve could be a must. A wet pocket or separate pouch for sweaty clothes might not be an essential, but it’s a bonus. Hidden pockets and lockable zippers for valuables are also nice to have if you stuff your gym bag in a public locker room.
Comfort: How important comfort is depends on your commute. If you’re driving to and from the gym, you might not care how the bag feels on your shoulder for 0.2 seconds. But since I usually walk, comfort is a must. Look for padded, adjustable shoulders and versatile carry options; being able to switch from a crossbody to a backpack can make a huge difference on longer walks. Also, pay attention to weight. Heavy-duty bags are durable, but they can feel bulky fast.
Additional features: Breathable mesh panels or air vents are crucial to prevent odors and mildew. Other thoughtful touches include yoga mat straps (bonus points if they’re removable and can be used on their own) and insulated pockets for storing a protein shake or snacks.
What Are We Testing Next?
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I’ll be testing the Nike Brasilia 9.5 for $57, the KNKG Core Duffel Medium 35L for $170, and the Adidas by Stella McCartney Backpack for $180.
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