The best gym bags are highly versatile bits of kit. They can store your workout essentials so you're ready to train, but can also be used for transporting everyday items as well.
To help you find the right bag for you, we've compiled a list of our top picks based on features, price, and reviews, to kick off your search in the best way possible.
From organised duffle bags for storing your top water bottle in, like this FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0, to backpacks to carry with you whilst you train, like this Nike Vapor Energy 2.0, we've got everything you need right here.
Best Gym Bag
- adidas Convertible 3-Stripes Duffel Bag
- Nike Brasilia 6 Duffle Bag
- FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0
- Nike Vapor Energy 2.0
- ZONE3 Transition Bag
Best Gym Bag – adidas Convertible 3-Stripes Duffel Bag
Brand: adidas | Size: 40cm x 20cm x 20cm | Capacity: 26 Litres | Water Resistant: Yes
adidas is one of the top sports brands in the world thanks to its sleek design and amazing, durable products.
This duffle bag is no exception as it offers you a load of space for carrying your fitness gear whilst remaining relatively compact in size thanks to its cylindrical shape, meaning it should be easier to store away whilst you exercise.
Its adjustable padded shoulder strap makes it a viable option for people of all shapes and sizes, and its air mesh-padded carry handles have been designed with comfort in mind which benefits anyone looking to travel with this bag long distance.
In terms of organising your gear, the Convertible 3-Stripes Duffel Bag has one main zip compartment with three smaller pockets inside to store items such as your phone, and a ventilated zip shoe pocket on the end to carry your top football boots or top astros for example.
Best Everyday Gym Bag – Nike Brasilia 6 Duffel Bag
Brand: Nike | Size: 60cm x 24cm x 30cm | Capacity: 3 Litres | Water Resistant: Yes
Nike is another brand synonymous with sports and fitness gear, like KD14's featured in our best basketball shoes list and this simple, yet stylish Brasilia 6 Duffle Bag.
It has been made out of durable, water-resistant fabric which should mean this bag lasts the test of time, all whilst keeping your gym gear dry as you travel.
This carrier comes with one main spacious zipped compartment suitable for a whole manner of fitness-related items like towels, but also a ventilated compartment on the side designed for carrying either wet or dry shoes making this bag ideal if you play football or rugby and often have muddy boots to bring home.
One nice addition is the padded adjustable shoulder strap can be removed if you prefer carrying your duffle with your hands and don't want an unused strap flapping around as you move with it.
Best Gym Bag For Organisation – FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0
Brand: FocusGear | Size: 50.8cm x 27.9cm x 26.7cm | Capacity: Unspecified | Water Resistant: Bottom Panel and 2 Pockets
This carrier from FocusGear is said to be crowdsource designed after reviewing loads of existing gym bags and taking user feedback into consideration to create the Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0.
The main attraction of this bag is how it has been designed to keep your stuff organised, with 10 compartments to store a range of items including your top running headphones, a protein shaker, and even an XL-sized phone.
Another useful feature of this carrier is that it comes with 2 hidden water-resistant pockets for all your soggy items which means that it should suit keen swimmers, weightlifters who want to separate their sweaty clothing from the rest of their bag.
FocusGear boasts that they have reviewed the feedback from previous designs and have incorporated reinforced stitching at key stress points and a water-resistant bottom panel to improve the longevity of this item if you're after a bag that lasts.
Best Gym Bag For Cycling – Nike Vapor Energy 2.0
Brand: Nike | Size: 47cm x 33cm x 15cm | Capacity: 21-30 Litres | Water Resistant: Unspecified
Sometimes, your favourite activity like cycling on a top road bike isn't overly duffle bag-friendly so you'll probably be looking for something that is easy to carry with you whilst you exercise.
The Nike Vapor Energy 2.0 is a backpack rather than a carrier making it more compact and easier to travel with, so should be suitable if your main form of transport or exercise is cycling for example.
It comes with a handly designed roll-top opening to give you a larger gap to funnel your gear into, as well as providing an extra bit of security whilst traveling around with it on your back.
If you do cycle most places like to work, then its slightly smaller size means it will most likely fit in your storage space or under your desk, so really is a great bag for everyday use.
Best Gym Bag For Triathlon – ZONE3 Transition Bag
Brand: ZONE3 | Size: 8cm x 54cm x 40cm | Capacity: 25 Litres | Water Resistant: Yes
This bag from ZONE3 has won numerous awards like the '220 Triathlon Best On Test' award thanks to its clever design that makes storage and organisation of your fitness equipment simple.
One of its most unique features includes the bottom compartment designed specifically for wetsuits, meaning this backpack should suit anyone who has a hobby for water sports or open-water swimming.
The top compartment on the other hand has been designed with cycling in mind as the space should perfectly accommodate a helmet, helping ensure you don't sacrifice your safety whilst you workout and exercise.
The main storage space opens outwards and comes with a fully waterproof pouch to keep any of your wet clothing separate from your dry items, or to keep paperwork such as Triathlon racing documents secure whilst travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Bottles
With so many different types of gym bags to choose from, you probably have a few queries about them, but we're here to clear up a few of the most common questions.
What Should I Carry In My Gym Bag?
This depends entirely on what sort of activity you plan on taking your gym bag to, because it would be unhelpful and a waste of space to carry a skipping rope with you to go rowing.
However, there are a few essentials that should come in handy after any sort of exercise and therefore deserve a spot in your carrier.
A great item to have on you at all times is a water bottle as staying hydrated is vital for performance and avoiding fatigue, not only whilst exercising, but throughout the day.
Other important items might include a towel for wiping away any sweat produced after a killer workout, a change of shoes to keep you comfortable on your journey home, and everyday essentials such as your phone, keys, wallet, and so on.
What Gym Bag Will Suit My Needs?
Depending on the purpose of your bag, there are a few things to consider when selecting a gym bag.
Firstly, you need to make sure it can hold everything you need for your workout, so for someone who swims regularly, that would mean a bag big enough to carry a towel, their costume, goggles, a pair of shoes to go home in, and more.
If your main activity involves being outside then you might want to consider selecting something waterproof to keep your belongings safe whilst you complete your workout.
Will My Gym Bag Fit In A Locker?
Typically, the lockers in a gym or sports centre are 12-16 inches in width, with 18 inches of depth, and are 72 inches in height.
This means you should have plenty of space to fit your gym bag into, especially considering most carriers are made from soft materials that can be compressed slightly to fit into smaller spaces.
Should You Wash Your Gym Bag?
Given their purpose, gym bags can quickly become dirty if not maintained and washed.
If you store your sweaty gym clothes in a duffle after going to the gym then, seeing as you'll most likely wash the clothes, you'll probably want to wash the bag as well.
Depending on how often you use it, you should, ideally, wash your bag at least a couple of times a week to remove some of the dirt and bacteria stored in them.
Most bags these days are machine washable, but make sure you double-check on the label as some have to be washed by hand.
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