The Best Gym Bags

What to Look For

If you’re in the market for a new gym bag, we suggest considering three key qualities: the size and style of the compartments, the durability of the material, and the overall size. With those factors in mind, we rounded up a few of our own favorites. Under Armour’s Undeniable gym bag is an all-purpose bag that works for any type of athlete. From runners to lacrosse players and everything in between, it will fit the bill thanks to the plentiful space and varied compartments it provides. LandTrek’s drawstring bag, on the other hand, is a small but mighty style that gives you enough space to easily transport all of the basics. Discover these bags and our other favorites the find the perfect option to add to your workout routine.

Under Armour Undeniable Duffle Gym Bag 4.0

In the bag

This all-purpose gym bag is perfect for those who work out regularly.

Best Overall

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This gym bag effortlessly blends the best of form and function. Made with a water-resistant finish and with an abrasion-resistant bottom panel, it can withstand daily wear and tear and still look like new. It has two large front-zippered compartments that are perfect for storing your change of clothes or toiletries, and the adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy and comfortable to carry. It even has an extra section for your laundry or shoes, allowing you to stay super organized under any circumstances.

Pros:

• In real life, the colors look very true to what they look like online. What you see is what you’ll get.
• Even in the small and medium sizes, the bag is very roomy. It’s large enough to fit your shoes, water bottle, and other gym accessories with room to spare.

Cons:

• It doesn’t have a stabilizer on the bottom, so the bag will fold when it’s not full.

FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0

Get organized

This durable bag has several compartments, so there's a place for everything.

Runner Up

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This bag has ten total compartments, so you can keep everything organized and streamlined when you hit the gym. With this duffel’s phone pocket, key loop, internal zipper pockets, and exterior Velcro pockets, you can store all of your items both big and small. It also has an interior wet pocket that’s perfect for sweaty clothes and swimsuits. The bottom is even reinforced with a sturdy panel to give your bag unwavering structure.

Pros:

• The bag has a separate shoe compartment, so you can keep your clothes dirt-free.
• You can pull the wet bag out of the bottom of the bag, making it easier to stash your wet or sweaty clothes. It even keeps odor in to protect the rest of your belongings.

Cons:

• The mesh water bottle holders on the side aren’t very durable.

Dalix 14-Inch Small Gym Bag

Small but mighty

This simple gym bag is perfect for carrying just the basics.

Small Size

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This gym bag is a tried and true option for your daily workouts. Thanks to the main compartment and zip-front pocket, you can stash all of your must-haves such as your water bottle, towel, or change of clothes. It also has an adjustable shoulder strap to make carrying it more comfortable as well two shorter side handles when you need them. Plus, you can choose from a spectrum of fun and bright colors to find a bag that complements your workout attire.

Pros:

• While some gym bags are too giant for daily use, this one is just right. You won’t have too much excess space that can make a bag unruly to handle.
• It’s small enough that it’s perfect for children. The small bag is ideal for athletes, dancers, or swimmers, as it makes it easy for them to transport all of their equipment to practices, games, and competitions.

Cons:

• The lining isn’t very durable.

LandTrek Drawstring Gym Bag

Back to back

This simple drawstring style is the perfect hands-free solution.

Best Backpack

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This wonderful waterproof bag is super lightweight, making it easy to carry all day long. It has a convenient drawstring closure that keeps all of your belongings secure, with an extra zipper pocket for easy access. It’s even machine-washable for fast and easy clean-up, making it a low-maintenance option you’ll love.

Pros:

• The synthetic material is water-resistant, which will keep all of your belongings protected from rain or other unexpected weather.
• Because it’s affordable, it’s a low-risk option to add to your routine. It offers a comfortable and economical way to transport your gym equipment.

Cons:

• It doesn’t fit as much as traditional gym bags.

Sportsnew Gym Bag

Head to toe

A separate zippered compartment for your shoes helps keep you organized.

Best With Shoe Compartment

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This versatile gym bag is perfect for any workout. From running to swimming, it makes it simple to organize all of your belongings. One large main zipper compartment is ideal for storing a change of clothes, and a waterproofed pocket keeps your sweaty clothes contained. The bottom of the bag has a separate compartment designed just for your shoes, too, so they can stay hidden away from your clothes, toiletries, and other personal items. The best part? It only weighs one pound, so it’s lighter than most other traditional gym bags. That makes it easy and comfortable to carry.

Pros:

• The waterproof wet pocket is transparent, so you can easily see what’s inside without rummaging around in your bag.
• It doesn’t have a hard layer in the bottom of the bag, so you can fold it up when it’s not in use to make storage easier.

Cons:

• If you have large feet, the shoe compartment may be too small for your shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are gym bags allowed as a carry-on?

Yes. As long as your gym bag fits the airline’s size requirements, you can use it as your carry-on for air travel.

Is a gym bag necessary?

While gym bags aren’t necessary, they make it much easier to transport all of the items you need for your workout. From a spare change of clothes to sneakers to a water bottle, a gym back is a convenient option for those who work out frequently.

About the Author

Hannah has always had an eye for fashion and beauty and is often inspired by the styles she sees on the streets of her beloved New York City. She closely follows the top fashion blogs and icons, and her goal is to help everyone look and feel their best through their clothing choices. Hannah’s work can be found in Boston Magazine, Hamptons Magazine, and more.

Why Trust Us

Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.