The Best Gym Bags for Every Type of Exerciser
Now we know that looking for bags can be fun but time-consuming. So we've made things a little easier by rounding up our top picks of the best gym bags to complement a range of exercise preferences and budgets. So if your current gym bag just isn't working hard enough for you, give one of these workout partners a try...
Athletic carry at an affordable price
The Apex Gym Duffel offers a straightforward and functional design with two compartments to separate clean and dirty clothes. A mesh top on the dirty clothes compartment helps ventilate your gear, while a fleece-lined pocket provides protection on the go for valuables. There's also a choice of grab handles or a removable shoulder strap to get your bag where you need it to go. Bonus? If you're on a budget, don't sweat it. This duffel won't break the bank.
A packable duffel that sheds the pounds
A heavy bag can give you a serious workout before you've even reached the gym. But weight isn't a problem with this duffel which comes in at a mere 453 g (1 lb). The packable design stuffs into its own pocket for convenient storage inside a larger bag or when not in use, making it a handy gym or day bag for your travels too. A diagonal zipper provides easy access to the main compartment, and the carry straps are adjustable for slinging over a shoulder, using as backpack straps, or carrying by hand.
An award-winning pack for triathlons
The Tri Clops was designed to cater to the needs of triathletes, with dedicated storage for running, cycling and swimming gear. The pack scooped a Red Dot Award for its design, which can be opened up for fast and convenient access to your gear. The Tri Clops is hydration bladder compatible and features a removable smaller bag for keeping wet and dry (or dirty and clean) items separate.
Fit for work and play
A Carry Award winner for Best Work Backpack, the Aer Fit Pack brings clean aesthetics and clever organization to the table with a design that stores work and workout gear separately. The bag looks at home in an office environment, with space for a laptop, EDC and work tools. But it also packs in storage for gym clothes and a separate shoe compartment-ideal for a quick run during your lunch break or hitting the gym after work without having to carry two bags.
A hard-wearing and multifunctional hauler
Topo's Classic Duffel delivers on simple functionality and rugged durability. Crafted from 1000D Cordura, this duffel can take a beating while hauling plenty of gym or sports gear in its 42L volume. The bag features pockets for organizing smaller items, along with grab handles and a detachable shoulder strap. It's also suitable for travel use, whether you're off on a weekend adventure or clocking up the miles over several days.
Rugged versatility for the gym and beyond
GORUCK's Kit Bag combines tough construction with a simple, versatile design that works equally well as a gym bag, weekend getaway bag, or for day-to-day carry needs. The water-resistant 32L bag is made in the USA and backed by GORUCK's Scars lifetime guarantee. It opens wide for easy packing and access and comes with a choice of interior and external pockets for storing smaller items.
Urban style for gym essentials
The Para Duffel combines urban-friendly aesthetics with separate storage for shoes and dirty clothes, and a choice of pockets for smaller items. The grab handles can also be worn as backpack straps for easier carry over longer distances.
Sleek style with handy organization
If you like the understated aesthetics of the Para Duffel but want a bit more organization and a dedicated backpack style, the Para Backpack could be a good fit for your needs. The pack includes a padded pocket for your tech, separate pockets for dirty clothes and shoes, water bottle storage, and reflective detailing for increased visibility on the go at night.
Working hard in the office and the gym
Like their Fit Pack, Aer's Duffel Pack provides a smart single-bag solution for carrying gym and work essentials. The front-loading main compartment provides easy packing and access for your workout gear, along with a ventilated and separate shoe pocket. A padded laptop pocket on the back keeps your tech protected on the move, and side pockets ensure your water bottle and smaller work and EDC items are organized and within easy reach when you need them.
A thoughtful blend of functionality and style
The Gym Duffel 2 features a ventilated main compartment and separate ventilated shoe pocket, handy for airing out your gear when not in use. There's also plenty of organization for your EDC and clean clothes. Additionally the bag features a padded laptop pocket, which combined with the sleek, low-key aesthetics makes this a great work/gym hybrid.