10 Best Gym Bags Tested & Fully Reviewed
By Sarah Easterday
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We’ve put together a list of the ten highest-rated gym bags out there to help you choose the one that’s right for you. Choosing the right Gym Bag requires thoughtful consideration, you want carrying capacity which is secure and practical. How many of us have purchased what we felt was a great bag and later wished we had chosen a bag with more compartments/pockets.
Before we get a new gym bag we need to consider its purpose, how often will we use it, is it made from durable material, does it have featured pockets for carrying a phone/tablet/small laptop, shoes, yoga mat, water bottle, umbrella and of course sports gear. A lot of people are happy with a canvas gym bag, these are good, durable and functional, the construction of canvas is usually a durable woven linen or cotton fiber which are capable of many years use. Canvas gym bags tend to be light. For resistance to water penetration people like oilcloth canvas bags which are treated to keep out the rain. These are some of the things to think about.
- Adidas Team Speed
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Our rating - FreshPAK ventilated compartment
- Price: See Here
- Wandf Foldable
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Our rating - 8 colors available
- Price: See Here
- UA Storm Undeniable II
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Our rating - Vented main compartment
- Price: See Here
13 Best Gym Bags
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. ASICS Gear
This bag is made of 600D polyester. Polyurethane coating serves as a layer of protection between your bag and the elements. It holds up incredibly well to every day wear and tear.
Storage
The ASICS Gear Duffel Bag features a drawstring closure to the main carry-all compartment, as well as a smaller zippered pocket on the front.
Cost
This bag is priced on the low-to-mid range on the spectrum.
- Available in 5 colors
- Padded shoulder straps
- Affordable
- Polyurethane coating
- Versatile
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Some would prefer to have separate compartments for their belongings rather than one large carry-all compartment.
6. 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.
7. 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
8. Meister
This bag is made from double-layered Chain Mesh for durability. The material is porous and allows the bag to breathe. The handles are stitched around the entire bag, providing the bag with support. Available sizes are 28"L x 15"W x 15"H; or 22"L x 13"W x 13"H. It weighs in at just over a pound.
Storage
On each side of the bag there is a zippered pocket to store your small, personal items in. The main compartment of the bag is a catch-all.
Cost
This bag is priced moderately compared to others on the market.
- Multiple sizes available
- Handles stitched around entire bag
- Affordable
- Zippered pockets for valuables
- Breathable
- Durable Chain Mesh construction
- Lightweight
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Some customers find that this bag does not hold its shape.
9. 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
10. Olympia 21"
Made of durable 100% polyester, this bag is incredibly resistant to wear and tear. Self-repairing zippers ensure that you never have to worry about a broken zipper. The bag measures 21” high by 11” wide.
Storage
Other than the main catch-all compartment, there’s a front zippered pockets which allows for easy access.
Cost
This bag is more affordable than most options.
- Available in 6 colors
- High-quality seams
- Self-repairing zippers
- 100% polyester
- Adjustable/removable padded shoulder strap
- Some would prefer to have more individual compartments for their gear.
11. Propeller Gym
There are a great number of carrying compartments, a week ventilated mesh feature shoe compartment, fast access phone pocket and even a slide through featured compartment where you can carry a yoga mat.
This gym bag is multi-functional and has an impressive convenient carrying capacity.
Have a good read of our review and decide if this gym bag is for you.
This gym bag offers so much, you get three roomy zip up storage pockets ate the front and a soft lined pocket secured by a pull-tab. The upper zip up front pockets give RFID secure protection. A slide through designed compartment for carrying a yoga mat, two cargo-pockets on the side for carrying an umbrella and water bottle.
The front zip up compartment placed lower on the bag enables carrying a good range of jewelry and a soft lined pocket. A well-ventilated compartment for carrying shoes separately from the main bag features, a secure zippered compartment for carrying small tablets/laptops and documents. For easy transportation twelve inch tote-handles with good padded grip and crossbody straps which are removable.
Storage
This gym bag can double up as an over-night trip bag and has a very good carrying capacity for a broad range of gym and luggage needs.
Cost
A nicely priced gym bag which will serve well for the purpose.
A broad range of different sized zip up compartments
A lot of convenient carrying capacity
Slide through compartment for carrying yoga mat or coat
Can carry water bottle, umbrella
Can carry shoes in a separated mesh compartment
Safely carry a cell phone in an easily accessible pocket
Some ladies would like to see the bag offered in more colors
12. Everest 25" Sporty Gear Bag
All carrying compartments/pockets have secure zip features. A durable comfortable shoulder strap for ease of carrying
The bag is made of durable polyester. a good spacious front pocket will enable you to carry any documents safely and easy to access.
This gym bag comes at a nice price and is very functional.
This gym bag comes in a medium size with interior sizes 25 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches. A light-weight bag constructed from durable light polyester which has a long lasting reliability. This gym bag weighs in at 2lbs and 8 ounces.
Carrying capacity is:
Two good sized pockets with secure zip system, two dual side pockets with breathable mesh features, a good sized front pocket with a secure zip system, a very spacious main compartment for carrying sports gear.
Cost
A really affordable price for a good performing gym bag.
dual side pockets with breathable mesh features
2lbs and 8 ounces
durable light polyester
all pockets/compartments have secure zip systems
four extra carrying compartments/pockets and one main compartment
Durable polyester
More color choices, please
Mouteenoo Gym Sports Small Duffel Bag
There are two options for size, small and extra small. The amount of sports associated items which can be conveniently carried is very impressive and the bag is not bulky. Take this to the gym and it will easily stow away in a locker. The bag can be carried by the standard handles or via a sturdy shoulder strap.
This bag is made from very durable high quality weaved nylon, the seams will not tear because they are stitched into place with strong durable nylon thread, each pocket compartment is protected by a secure zipper. Compartments within the bag come in a variety of sizes for carrying all types of items. Overall the bag is built from strong durable materials which mean's this is a product with longevity.
For carrying you can attach the easily adjustable shoulder strap or simply use the designed in carrying handles.
Carrying Capacity
The listing of pockets/compartments stands as two outer zip spacious pockets, an inner pocket with separate compartments to carry sports clothes, wallet, keys, headphones, water bottle, fitted to the side of the bag is a shoe compartment for carrying sports shoes and this is secured with a zip system.
The small bag size is 20.5 inches long, 11 inches wide with a height of 11 inches.
The extra small bag is 17.35 inches long, width at 9.8 inches and a height of 9.8 inches.
Cost
Consider the carrying capacity the price is really comfortable for buyers.
Durable long lasting materials used to make the bag
Separate outer compartment for dirty footwear
Two options for bag sizes
A good range of carrying compartments/pockets
Zipper systems to secure pockets/compartments
Not yet a well known international brand but worth giving the bag a try
The Factors We Used in Our Evaluation
Material
The material out of which your gym bag is made can make all the difference. Generally speaking, you’re going to want to look for something that’s made of polyester. Choosing a product that says “100% polyester,” or “polyester/nylon blend,” you can be pretty sure that the bag is relatively heavy-duty and durable. Occasionally, companies will blend their polyester with nylon to make the bag wear-proof, waterproof, and tear-resistant. The material of the interior liner is important as well. Typically, a nylon liner is ideal.
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 a zippered interior pocket for valuables is to you. This is a great 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.
Also, some bags come with special sections, like a designed shoe pocket or separate water bottle pocket. Some people like these additional compartments, but some would rather just have one big area to throw their stuff. This is totally a personal preference.
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?
A: 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?
A: 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 is not a standard bag size, it depends on which sport you use it for, which types of clothing and accessories you intend to carry. The bags are offered in a variety of sizes, for example, if you are going to the gym to play badminton you will be carrying sports clothing, a tube of shuttlecocks, a pair of sports shoes, a shower towel, soap, possibly shampoo, wallet, smartphone etc. After your game, your shirt, trackies/shorts, socks, shoes will be soaked with sweat so you may well want separate compartments in the bag to carry the sweat-soaked items. This means you are probably looking at a bag of around 24 inches in length, a width of about 12 inches and a height around 8-10 inches.
You can get bags which are much smaller, such as 12 inches in length, 8 inches wide and 8 inches high and this size is ideal if you are going to carry less. In conclusion, there are not any rules to the size, the market offers a good choice of sizes to suit different needs.
Q: I’m a runner and my shoes get muddy, any options?
Yes, bags have come a long way in terms of designs and compartments/pockets and nowadays this includes durable zippered external compartments specifically designed to carry shoes which are muddied and dirty separately from all other items in the bag. If the shoes are wet the good news is that these separate compartments are usually waterproofed and also prevent shoe odors sifting through the fabric construction into others things carried in the bag.
Q: Which is more convenient carry handles or a shoulder strap?
Nowadays practically all bags offer both options, yes there was a time when the majority of bags were fitted with carrying handles but this is history. Virtually all brand made bags and upcoming bag makers design their product to have two options, carry handles or a shoulder strap. This is very convenient and means that you choose how to carry the bag in relation to what you are carrying inside either heavy or light items.
Here are a few sources to check out:
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