10 Best Gym Bags Tested & Fully Reviewed
By Sarah Easterday
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Choosing the right gym bag requires thoughtful consideration–you need something with the carrying capacity you need that is also secure and practical. If you have ever purchased a gym bag that didn’t offer the features you need, then you know how important it is to find something that fits your specific needs.
So, before sifting through all of the gym bags out there, make sure you consider its durability, storage capabilities, and of course that it is able to hold the sports gear you need to keep with you.
While one gym bag may be perfect for someone, that does not mean that it’s perfect for you—which is why we have taken the time to research and review the best gym bags currently available on the market.
Below you will find our list of top 10 best gym bags, we hope we help you on your search in finding the perfect fit for you.
- Everest Wet Pocket
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Our rating - FreshPAK ventilated compartment
- Price: See Here
- Mier
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Our rating - Compact size
- Price: See Here
- Grip Storm Pad
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Our rating - Hybrid design
- Price: See Here
10 Best Gym Bags
1. Everest Wet Pocket
This bag is made of 600D Polyester and its dimensions are 18 x 11.5 x 10.5--making it an average sized bag. It has plenty of additional storage pockets--including a convenient side pocket for your dirty shoes or clothes. Its adjustable shoulder strap is comfortable and its main compartment is spacious.
Carrying Capacity
This bags carrying capacity is 32L.
Cost
This one is really affordable and averagely priced among other gym bags.
• Durable
• FreshPak side compartment for dirty shoes or clothes
• Lots of storage pockets
• Adjustable and padded shoulder strap
• Affordable
• Water resistant
• Interior pockets
• Not large enough for those looking for a large bag
• Some users don’t like the interior pockets.
2. Mier
This bag is made heavy duty nylon with 210D inside lining. Its dimensions are 19.29x9.45x11.02 inches, its shoe compartment fits up to a size, and it weighs just 1.36 pounds. It also is available in 3 different colors.
Features
This bag offers a large zippered main compartment as well as smaller pockets to store important items. It has a convenient shoe compartment to keep them separate from your clean items. The bag also has a detachable shoulder strap so you can alternate between the strap or the handles.
Cost
This is a highly affordable bag and well worth the investment if you are looking for something that will last you a while.
• Durable
• Affordable
• Convenient mesh shoe compartment
• Minimalistic design
• Three color options
• Several storage pockets
• Anti-slip and adjustable shoulder strap
• Too small for some
• Not enough storage pockets for some users
3. Grip Storm Pad
This bag is a PVC-coated 600-denier polyester bag that is war and tear resistant.
Features
As far as storage this bag pack in quite a bit in its main storage compartment. It has some small storage pockets but not nearly as much as others. It is comfortable to lug around and has padded handles and straps.
Cost
This one is really affordable.
• Comfortable
• Padded straps and handles
• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Durable
• Compact size
• Lots of space
• Wear and tear resistance
• Waterproof
• Not enough storage pockets
• No separate compartment for dirty shoes or clothes
• Some don’t like the hybrid design
4. Adidas Team Speed
This bag is made of 100% polyester. The bottom of the bag uses ClimaProof technology to protect your belongings from a wet floor or grass. The removable shoulder strap with a cushioned air mesh shoulder pad make this bag super comfortable to carry.
Storage
The main compartment of the bag features a zippered interior pocket to store valuables such as money or your cell phone. One side of the bag contain a zippered end cap with additional storage. On the other side, there’s a freshPAK ventilated compartment which is great for storing shoes and other gear that may be smelly.
Cost
This bag is priced averagely compared to others on the market.
- FreshPAK ventilated compartment
- Affordable
- ClimaProof bottom
- Removable shoulder strap
- Lots of storage
- Interior zippered pocket for valuables
- 100% polyester
- 10 colors available
- A few customers have experienced issues with the bag's zipper getting caught.
5. Under Armour Storm Undeniable II
Made of 100% polyester, a water-resistant finish is used on this bag to protect it from damage. Additionally, the bottom and side panels are all abrasion-resistant. The padded shoulder strap ensures your comfort while carrying this duffel.
Storage
This bag consists of a main compartment, one large interior zipped area, and three exterior pockets for extra storage. The main compartment is vented, making it great for storing shoes or dirty workout clothes.
Cost
This bag is priced similarly to others on the market.
- Vented main compartment
- Padded top handle
- Padded shoulder strap
- Water-resistant finish
- 5 colors available
- Abrasion-resistant bottom and side panels
- Shoulder strap not removable.
6. Adidas Squad III
The Adidas Squad III Duffel Bag is made of 100% polyester. The bag’s shoulder strap is comfortable and enables you to adjust it to the length that works for you.
Storage
This bag has a ton of storage space. The main compartment features an interior zippered pocket, open mesh pockets for clothing or gear, a pocket for your cell phone, and an easy-access zippered pocket on the front of the bag. A mesh water bottle pocket is located on the exterior of the bag as well. A freshPAK ventilated shoe compartment keeps odors at bay.
Cost
This bag is priced averagely compared to others. Additionally, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Available in 6 colors
- 100% polyester
- FreshPAK compartment
- Lots of storage
- Mesh water bottle compartment
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- There have been some reports of the interior lining of the bag ripping easily
7. Nike Gym Club Women's Training
Storage
The main compartment of this bag is dual-zippered, keeping all your gear stored away safely. Several interior and exterior pockets give you extra storage for smaller objects such as your keys, cell phone, or wallet. This bag has dual handles and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap so you can carry it comfortably.
Cost
This bag is relatively inexpensive compared to others on the list.
- Available in 20 colors
- Affordable
- Adjustable/removal shoulder strap
- Dual handles
- Water-resistant
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This bag is a bit too large to fit in standard gym lockers
8. WEWEON 23
Made of high-quality durable nylon, this bag was built to last. Nylon lining on the interior of the bag ensures that no accidental rips or snags occur. This bag measures 23"L x 12"W x 12"H. When folded, dimensions are only 11.5" x 2". The bag’s shoulder straps are adjustable as well as padded.
Storage
This bag has a very large main compartment with multiple interior exterior pockets for your gear. A separate section, made of mesh, is designed to hold your dirty shoes or clothes.
Cost
This bag is priced on the lower end of the spectrum. Additionally, it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.
- Available in four colors
- Affordable
- Compact
- Shoe compartment
- Lightweight
- Removable, padded shoulder strap
- There have been some complaints about the zipper breaking easily.
9. Elite Sports Warrior Series Boxing MMA BJJ
Made of durable Crodura, which is the same material that heavy-use military gear is made of. It’s extremely strong and resistant to tearing. You can be sure that you’re going to get years of use out of this bag. Additionally, the lining is waterproof. The medium bag measures 20"L x 9"W x 11"H and the large one measures 23"L x 11"W x 12"H.
Storage
Additionally, there’s a waterproof pocket, specifically designed for your water bottle, which will prevent your gear from getting wet if it spills. Aside from the large main compartment, this bag has a ton of extra pockets to store your valuables. The interior is very breathable thanks to mesh.
Cost
The Elite Sports Warrior Series Gym Bag is priced in the mid-to-high range.
- Fully washable
- Made with Crodura
- Ventilates dirty gear
- Waterproof lining
- Available in two sizes
- Shoulder straps
- Fits many requirements for carry-on luggage
- Relatively expensive
10. Wandf Foldable
This duffel bag is made of a blend of polyester and a unique durable nylon material. The nylon makes this bag wearproof, waterproof, and tear-resistant.
Storage
A large, zippered main compartment makes up the bulk of the storage, while a gusseted front compartment provides extra space. Total storage capacity is 40 liters. Additionally, this is a great bag to travel with, as its compact folding design allows for easy storage and transportation.
Cost
This is one of the most affordable options on this list.
- Affordable
- 8 colors available
- Lightweight
- Tear-resistant
- Waterproof
- 40 liters of storage
- Some customers have commented about the material being too thin.
The Factors We Used in Our Evaluation
Material
The material gym bags are made of can make all of the difference and, typically, you’re going to want to look for one that is made of polyester. Polyester bags are highly durable and easy to clean while polyester/nylon blend bags are wearproof, waterproof, and tear-resistant. For the interior you are going to want to look with those with a nylon liner, to help prevent odor from emerging and to make it easy to clean.
Storage
For obvious reasons, this is also an important factor. If you’re debating between two sizes, it is usually advised to go with the larger one – it’s always better to have too much space than not enough. Additionally, evaluate how important it is for you to have interior zippered pockets to store your valuables in–this is a safe way to store your car keys, cash, or credit cards. While many bags on the market do contain this pocket, there are still some that don’t. Some bags also offer additional pockets to store your shoes or water bottle. This is all really a matter of personal preference, so make sure to choose based on your specific needs.
Additional Factors to Consider
Cost
As with anything, finding the perfect balance of value and quality is important. Just because a bag is super expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best quality and vice versa. Take your time, read product specs, and do your research. The majority of the gym bags on the market today are pretty similarly priced, but there are some that are on either far end of the spectrum.
Carrying Straps
For comfort reasons, many people like their gym bag to have some padding on the part of the strap that touches your arm. Without this cushioning, skin irritation can occur due to the handle rubbing against the skin. Additionally, it’s nice when a bag’s carrying straps are adjustable. This allows you to shorten or lengthen the straps to best fit your height.
Flexibility
Walking around with a stiff gym bag is uncomfortable. Finding a relatively flexible bag will solve this problem. Drawstring bags tend to be the most flexible, but if you’d rather have something a bit sturdier, you can always find a happy medium. Typically, the fabric that’s the least flexible is the most durable, so this really is all about personal choice.
Breathability
Much of the time, we throw our dirty workout clothes or shoes in our gym bags. For this reason, you may want to go with a gym bag that has a compartment specifically for these items. These pockets are typically very well-ventilated, which is great for when you’re carrying gear that smells sweaty.
FAQ
Q: How do I clean my gym bag?
To spot-clean your gym bag, simply use a wet cloth. If it still appears to be stained, some customers suggest spraying a bit of stain-remover right onto the bag, letting it soak for a few minutes, and then wiping it away with the wet cloth. Some bags are machine washable, also. Check the tag to find out if it’s safe to throw the whole thing in the washer.
Q: How long will my gym bag last?
Most gym bags on the market today are designed to last for years. Even with everyday use, it should take a fairly long time for a gym bag to even start to become worn out. Of course, depending on the brand, one bag may last much longer than another. This is why it’s important to consider the material that each bag is crafted from.
Q: On average what is the best size for a Gym bag?
There isn’t a standard bag size meant for everyone since it all depends on your personal preference in needs. However, if you need more storage space or want to keep things separated we suggest a bigger one with several storage compartments. There are small gym bags as well as extra large sizes, so there is something to suit everyone. i
Q: I’m a runner and my shoes get muddy, any options?
Yes, bags have come a long way in terms of designs and now offer external compartments that are specifically designed to store your dirty shoes. Many of these compartments are odor resistant and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about them getting your clean items dirty or smelly.
Q: Which is better–carry handles or shoulder straps?
Nowadays practically all bags offer both options, however, this really depends on your own personal preference.
Here are a few sources to check out:
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