Whether you’re heading back to the gym or plan on joining soon, it’s a good idea to invest in a quality gym bag.
Gone are the days when gym bags were plain, bulky duffels that got squeezed into gym lockers. These days, gym bags are designed to satisfy specific needs. Some gym bags now have wet/dry compartments to separate swim gear and dry clothes, while others have antiodor properties or straps to hold yoga mats.
Find a brand-new gym bag with help from this buying guide. It covers everything you need to know before you buy one and shares popular styles appreciated by gym-goers.
It’s easy to narrow your options among gym bags by determining what you intend to bring to the gym. If you’re only bringing essentials like athletic shoes and a towel, a small backpack is suitable. If you need to pack a change of clothes, athletic equipment or shower gear, opt for larger totes or duffel bags.
With so many gym bags on the market, you’ll come across a variety of features among them. Here are some of the most popular ones to examine:
Affordable gym bags priced $14-$30 include a variety of smaller backpacks, duffel bags and totes. Midrange gym bags made by popular athletic brands run $35-$75. High-end gym bags, which boast the best quality, cost $100 and above.
Duffel bags usually have a spacious main compartment and a few smaller ones. They’re available in a wide variety of sizes, so it’s fairly easy to find one to suit your needs.
The Adidas Logo Duffel Bag, for example, measures 26 inches by 12.5 inches by 13.5 inches. It’s considered a midsize duffel, though it has plenty of room for athletic shoes and a change of clothes.
Backpacks are popular for their versatility and easy, hands-free carrying. There’s a broad range of small, lightweight styles, as well as larger ones with capacities to hold bulkier items.
Nike Elite Pro Basketball Backpack is a game-ready design with a large opening to accommodate a regulation-size basketball or basketball shoes.
Gym totes are appreciated for their stylish yet practical designs. These sporty bags are highly versatile, and they can be used outside the gym for travel or commuting.
Given the popularity of yoga and other wellness-focused exercise classes, there are many gym bags designed to hold mats. They’re usually lightweight and easy to sling over the shoulder.
Gaiam Yoga Mat Bag is a perennial favorite for its simple, functional design. It has an adjustable shoulder strap and a roomy front pocket to hold small items.
Fila Sprinter 19-Inch Sport Duffel Bag
This Fila duffel has an organized design, making it a good option for separating essentials. The bag is made with 600D rip-stop polyester.
Head to yoga class stress-free with this spacious open-top mat bag. It’s the perfect size to fit most mats.
The rugged Adidas duffel is a popular option for both gym and travel use. It’s well-liked for its machine-washable design.
Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Backpack
The feature-rich backpack has double outer water bottle pockets, wick-away straps and an abrasion-resistant bottom panel. It has an inner compartment to hold 15-inch devices.
Nike Brasilia 9.0 Medium Training Duffel Bag
This larger Nike duffel has plenty of room to hold clothes, uniforms and sports equipment. Choose from five colors.
The right size for just the essentials, this classic Adidas Sackpack is perfect for those who need to pack light. It even has drop mesh water bottle pockets.
FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0
A bestseller, the FocusGear Gym Bag is a customer favorite for its wet/dry compartments. It has several pockets and compartments.
Sporty and affordable, the Puma duffel features high-quality construction and a stylish design. It comes in eight unique colorways.
Adidas Defender III Medium Duffel Bag
The Adidas Defender III has a dedicated footwear compartment. The duffel has a padded shoulder strap and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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