Embarking on your fitness journey requires more than just motivation and dedication; having the right gear is essential for success. One of the most crucial items in any fitness enthusiast’s arsenal is a reliable gym bag. Whether you’re hitting the weights, attending a yoga class, or heading to the track, a well-designed gym bag keeps your essentials organized and easily accessible. In our quest to find the ultimate gym companion, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best gym bags for both men and women. From spacious totes to sleek backpacks, these gym bags combine functionality, style, and durability to meet the diverse needs of gym-goers. Join us as we explore the top picks that will elevate your workout experience and keep you prepared for any fitness challenge.
Our Selection Criteria for best gym bags
At the core of our selection process was the essential question: is this gym bag equipped to meet the demands of both men’s and women’s fitness journeys? We prioritized features that enhance convenience and address common gym bag challenges encountered by individuals of all genders. From combating odors to ensuring comfortable portability, the perfect gymbag must ensure it caters to the needs of our active lifestyle.
Durability was a non-negotiable criterion for us, recognizing the frustration of premature bag replacements. That’s why we sought out options built to withstand the rigors of daily use, regardless of gender. While gym bags may not endure the same trials as frequent air travel, they must endure the wear and tear of sweaty clothes and potential spills from water bottles.
Throughout our selection process, functionality and purpose remained paramount for both men and women. A gym bag should seamlessly integrate into your routine, enhancing your overall experience rather than becoming a hindrance. With this in mind, we carefully evaluated each bag to ensure it serves as a reliable and indispensable companion to your fitness journey, regardless of gender.
Best Gym Bags for Men
Best Overall : Under Armour Undeniable 5.0 Duffel, Large
Best Duffel : Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0
Best Pockets : Oakley Blade Wet Dry Backpack Gym Bag
Best Ventilated : adidas Team Issue 2 Medium Duffel Bag
Best WaterProof : Helly-Hansen Duffel Bag
Best Gym Bags for Women
Best Overall : Under Armour Women’s UA Undeniable Signature Duffle
Best Duffel : PUMA Evercat Women’s Velocity Duffel Bag
Best Backpack : adidas Excel 6 Backpack
Best Compact Size : adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag
Best Cheap Option : ETRONIK gym bag
Choosing the Right Gym Bag: Key Considerations
When selecting a gym bag, both men and women should consider several key factors to ensure it meets their specific needs and preferences. First and foremost, size plays a crucial role, as it determines how much gear and equipment you can comfortably carry. If you’re someone who brings along a variety of items like work essentials, sports gear, and a change of clothes, opting for a spacious duffel bag is likely the best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer to keep it minimal with just the basics like a water bottle, deodorant, and fresh shirt, a versatile backpack with a capacity of 18-25 liters may be more suitable.
Furthermore, the number and type of compartments are essential considerations. A gym bag with well-designed compartments can help keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. Look for features like a separate shoe pocket to keep sweaty footwear isolated, a waterproof compartment for wet clothes or towels, and dedicated pockets for your phone, laptop, or water bottle. With the wide array of options available, you can find a bag tailored to your specific lifestyle and storage needs. Finally, consider the bag’s purpose beyond the gym. Whether you plan to use it for travel, work, or weekend getaways, ensuring it aligns with your multifunctional needs will maximize its utility and versatility.
Detailed review of the best gym bags for men
If you’re in the market for a gym bag that combines durability, functionality, and style, look no further than the Under Armour Water-Resistant Gym Bag. Boasting an impressive 4.8-star rating and garnering over 6,000 five-star reviews, this bag has solidified its position as a fan favorite among fitness enthusiasts.One of the standout features of this gym bag is its complete water-resistant design, ensuring your belongings stay dry and protected even in unpredictable weather conditions. With a plethora of pockets for organization, including a spacious vented pocket designed specifically for laundry and sweaty shoes, internal slip pockets, and an external mesh pocket, keeping your essentials organized has never been easier.
Customers rave about the versatility, performance, and functionality of the duffel bag, highlighting its suitability as a carry-on companion, its seamless integration into gym lockers, and its overall impressive performance. Many customers commend its ample pockets, finding them perfect for keeping their essentials organized on the go. Moreover, customers are particularly impressed with the bag’s size, noting that it effortlessly accommodates all their gear while remaining compact enough to fit snugly into gym spaces. Whether for travel or workout sessions, this duffel bag proves to be the perfect blend of versatility and practicality, earning high praise from satisfied customers.
Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0
Best Duffel
- cheap
- A ton of organized storage compartments
- extra pocket for wet clothes
The Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0 emerges as a standout choice among budget-friendly options, boasting an impressive array of features that rival even pricier competitors. With an impressive 10 compartments, including a capacious main compartment, two external zip pockets, and specialized compartments for shoes, wet clothes, and water bottles, this bag offers unparalleled organization for gym essentials. Its durable, water-resistant material earns praise from customers who appreciate its ability to keep belongings dry, while the multitude of pockets ensures ample space for clothing, shoes, and small equipment. Moreover, reviewers highlight the bag’s value for money, emphasizing its affordability without compromising on quality or functionality.
Customers appreciate its attractive appearance and optimal size, resulting in overwhelmingly positive reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 15,000 global ratings.
Oakley Blade Gym Bag
Best Pockets
- Can fit a 15 inch laptop
- Good pocket configuration, easy to access
- Salt-water resistant
The Oakley Blade Gym Bag stands out with its sleek design,offering not just style but also ample storage capacity. Featuring additional exterior pockets, this backpack provides convenient storage for various items beyond what meets the eye in its photo. Users praise its durability and comfort, highlighting its suitability not only for gym use but also for travel purposes, with one user noting its ability to fit under an airplane seat even when fully packed. Customers particularly appreciate its versatility and numerous compartments, which allow for efficient organization of belongings.
The Oakley Blade Gym Bag garners a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from a substantial pool of 1,168 global ratings. This rating underscores the overall satisfaction among users with the backpack’s design, functionality, and performance. With such a high rating, it’s evident that the majority of customers find the bag to be a reliable and worthwhile investment for their gym and travel needs.
adidas Team Issue 2 Medium Duffel Bag
Best Ventilated
- ample pockets
- lifetime warranty
- several color options
The adidas Team Issue 2 Medium Duffel Bag receives high praise from customers, boasting an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a substantial 4,193 global ratings.
Renowned for its sleek design and functionality, this duffel bag is lauded for its ventilated compartment, ideal for post-workout gear, and its spacious interior, making it suitable for a weekend getaway as well. Customers appreciate the bag’s durability, quality construction, and attractive appearance, with many commending its vibrant color and stylish design. Additionally, users find the bag to be versatile, perfect for gym use and beyond. With such overwhelmingly positive feedback, it’s evident that the adidas Team Issue 2 Medium Duffel Bag is a popular choice among customers seeking a reliable and stylish gym companion.
Helly-Hansen Unisex Hh Duffel 2
Best WaterProof
- very spacious.Can be used a travel backpack
- waterproof
The option to switch between a duffel and backpack configuration could prove invaluable for many gym enthusiasts, particularly considering its affordability at under $100. Moreover, its impressive capacity of up to 90 liters, available in the largest size, caters well to athletes, doubling as a carry-on compliant luggage option for those who frequently travel. Additionally, it serves as an excellent supplementary bag for larger suitcases, adding further versatility to its appeal.
This duffel bag earns praise from customers for its robust construction, appealing appearance, and water resistance. Users commend its sturdy build, highlighting its suitability as an ideal size for a TSA checked bag, while also appreciating its aesthetic appeal.
Detailed review of the best gym bags for women
Under Armour Women's Undeniable Signature Duffle
Best Overall
- very spacious
- durable
- large front zippered pocket
- waterproof
The Under Armour Women’s Undeniable Signature Duffle makes a triumphant return, boasting enhanced features that cater to your daily performance needs. Crafted from lightweight yet highly durable materials, this classic duffel is a steadfast companion for your active lifestyle. With water-resistant UA Storm technology, it keeps your belongings dry regardless of the weather conditions. Notable features include a large vented pocket for storing laundry or shoes, complemented by a mesh pocket on the opposite side. The front elastic straps offer convenient transport for your yoga mat or foam roller, while the ingenious zipper pull on the front pocket doubles as a hair tie—a thoughtful detail for the on-the-go fitness enthusiast.
Upon testing this versatile duffel, we found it to be a stellar choice, meeting all our criteria with flying colors. Its ample pockets and compartments ensure optimal organization, while the spacious interior comfortably accommodates all your essentials. The duffel strikes a perfect balance between lightweight construction and sturdy design, maintaining its shape with ease. While it excels in most aspects, we did encounter a minor setback with the elastic straps, which proved too short for comfortably securing a standard yoga mat. However, for those not prioritizing yoga sessions, this minor inconvenience should not overshadow the duffel’s overall excellence. With its attractive design, reasonable price point, and thoughtful features, Under Armour has thoughtfully addressed every gym-goer’s needs, making this duffel a standout choice for fitness enthusiasts.
PUMA Evercat Women's Velocity Duffel Bag
Best Duffel
- Spacious interior holds all gym necessities.
- durable
The PUMA Evercat Women’s Velocity Duffel Bag is a reliable companion for gym-goers seeking a spacious and durable option to carry their workout essentials. This duffle bag accommodates gym attire, shoes, accessories, and more, making it convenient for those with active lifestyles. Constructed from sturdy and resilient fabric, it withstands the rigors of daily use, ensuring longevity and reliability over time. Users appreciate the bag’s durability, noting that it holds up well even after repeated washings, with no loss of color or fabric wear.
In addition to its functional design, the PUMA Evercat duffel bag also earns praise for its thoughtful features, including sturdy straps and a reliable zipper. While lacking interior pockets, its basic construction and plastic lining offer simplicity and ease of use. Whether used as a gym bag or a versatile carryall for weekend getaways, this duffel bag proves to be a practical and stylish choice for those seeking a dependable solution to their storage needs on the go.
adidas Excel 6 Backpack
Best Backpack
- comformtable straps
- Multiple zippered pockets
- Interior sleeve securely stores up to a 15 inch laptop
The adidas Excel 6 Backpack emerges as a versatile companion for all your adventures, seamlessly transitioning from gym sessions to weekend getaways with effortless style. Its sleek design exudes a subtle sophistication, making it equally suitable for travel or daily commutes. Boasting a 15-inch laptop sleeve, it effortlessly transitions into a functional work or school bag, catering to a diverse range of needs. Notably, reviewers have repurposed it as a diaper bag and even as a student’s trusty book bag, testifying to its enduring versatility and durability.
This backpack is all about being useful. It’s got two pockets for water bottles, a handy spot on the outside for your phone or wallet, and pockets inside to keep everything neat and tidy. When we tried it out, we were impressed by how many pockets it had – four big ones in total! Even when it’s full, it’s still comfy to carry, thanks to the padded shoulder straps that spread the weight evenly. People who bought it feel the same way, saying it’s just the right size, holds a lot, and doesn’t feel heavy. Overall, the adidas Excel 6 Backpack is a great choice if you want something that’s practical, comfy, and a good deal.
Taking about backpacks, be sure to explore our handpicked selection of the Top 5 backpacks on sale, especially if you’re in the market for backpacks rather than gym bags.
adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag
Best Compact Size
- Compact Size: Perfect for quick trips
- Adjustable Shoulder Strap
- Durable
The adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag is just what you need for a quick trip to the gym or practice. Its zippered main compartment opens wide, making it easy to pack your stuff. Plus, the adjustable shoulder strap lets you wear it however you like, and the padded haul handle adds extra comfort.
For a day trip,it’s just the right size, fits everything you need, and holds up well. One customer even uses it for overnight stays and finds it holds a surprising amount, including their Xbox!
ETRONIK Gym Bag
Best Cheap Option
- USB interface for convenient on-the-go phone charging
- Separate shoe compartment
- Water resistant
The ETRONIK Gym Bag is a versatile and feature-packed option designed to meet the diverse needs of modern travelers and fitness enthusiasts alike. Boasting a USB interface, this gym bag offers convenient on-the-go phone charging, ensuring you stay connected throughout your day. With its spacious 18.5 x 14.2 x 8.7-inch dimensions and multiple pockets, including two slip-in outer side bags and a large zippered wet bag inside, it effortlessly accommodates towels, cosmetics, electronics, and more. The inclusion of a separate shoe compartment with vents provides a practical solution for storing dirty clothes and shoes, while the durable and water-resistant nylon construction ensures long-lasting performance. The bag’s removable design, adjustable shoulder straps, and comfortable padding offer enhanced portability and ease of use, making it suitable for various activities, from gym sessions to weekend getaways.
The vibrant color and stylish design add a touch of personality to any outfit, making it a favorite among fashion-forward travelers and gym-goers.
