After 10 hours of research evaluating 67 products, we picked MIER Gym Duffel Bag for Men and Women with Shoe Compartment as our top choice.
Your workout is personalized to fit your needs – so shouldn’t your gym bag be? Having the best gym bag matters, so we’ve taken the time to find the best bag to fit your customized requirements.
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In this article, we look at qualities such as durability, resistance, size, and – of course – style. It’s nice to have practicality when it comes to gym bags, which is why we’ve included bags that can be used for multiple purposes. Included in our list are workout bags that can double as carry-on bags, camping bags, or even just the everyday bag.
It gets better:
Looking for the best gym bags for men or women? All of these bags are exemplary regardless of gender or size. These bags are all within an affordable price range without the sacrifice of quality. Looking for bags that fit everything you need on your workout journey? We’ve got you covered there too. We’ve spent hours researching and reading reviews to bring you the below list of the best workout bag on the market.
Enjoy your workouts!
#1 Best Everyday Bag
MIER Gym Duffel Bag for Men and Women with Shoe Compartment
- Versatile; this bag is multi-purpose and can be used for the gym or travel
- Very fashionable yet functional design
- Made with durable material
Pros
Small enough to fit in lockers/ compartments, yet big enough to hold everything you need. Features a separate compartment for shoes and a separate compartment for toiletries.
Product Ratings
Construction
9/10
With a cool dark grey exterior and coral colored interior this bag is has a very simple yet elegant style to it. The bag measures 20.5″L x 11″W x 11.5″H and weighs about 2.5 lbs – perfectly sized to fit in lockers or accompany you on your workout. Made from Nylon fabric, it is durable and has a padded bottom for extra support. This MIER bag is box stitched and has a detachable and adjustable padded shoulder strap.
Features
9.5/10
The main compartment is spacious and accompanied by three mesh pockets along with a Dopp kit – perfect for toiletries or other small items! There is also a pocket along the bottom of the bag that fits almost any regular shoe type.
Value
9.5/10
This product is on sale – originally $48.99 and now only $29.99. For the features and quality construction, that’s a price that can’t be beat!
#2 #1 in Sports Fans Duffel Bags
Adidas Diablo Duffel Bag
- Compact sole use gym bag
- Simple design allows easy access
- Bag is available in multiple colors
Pros
This bag features an adjustable shoulder strap; is made of a thin and light, yet durable, fabric; light in weight but still able to carry a heavy load.
Product Ratings
Construction
9.5/10
This bag is imported and 100% polyester. It has the Adidas logo on the front of the bag and is accompanied with carry handles along with a shoulder strap. The dimensions are 18.5″ x 11″ x 10″.
Features
9.5/10
Compact in size, this bag may not be for everyone. However, if you like to make quick and simple trips to the gym, then this is the perfect bag for you. The main compartment is zippered and the shoulder strap is adjustable for maximum comfort. The bag comes in a variety of colors, giving you an option to pick your favorite style.
Value
9.5/10
This price is very reasonable considering the brand and durability.
#3 Best Multi-Pocket Bag
Everest Gym Bag
- Relatively small, yet easily fits everything you’ll need when going to the gym
- Price is extremely affordable
- Very durable; perfect for day-to-day use
Pros
Bag features a vented shoe and laundry pocket – no more stinky gym bags! Additionally, it has an adjustable shoulder strap to fit your comfort and also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Product Ratings
Construction
9/10
Tired of your gym bag smelling like your workout clothes? Then this bag is perfect for you. With a spacious main compartment, six exterior pockets, a pouch for bottled water, and two vented pockets, you’ll never have to worry about a pungent smelling workout bag again. Made of 600D polyester with professionally weaved seams – it’s made to be long-lasting and easy to wash. Light in weight – this bag is only 2lbs and 8 oz.
There is a padded shoulder strap for easy carrying, along with an adjustable metal buckle (up to 50 inches!) for optimized comfort.
Features
9.5/10
In our opinion, what makes this bag extra special is the easy access water bottle pouch. Most of the time you have to pay top dollar to have easy access pouches like this. The mesh pockets air out all your dirty laundry and keep the bag smelling fresh – which means you can wash it less frequently! The bag is small and unobtrusive, yet still manages to fit everything you’ll need for a trip to the gym – a fresh change of clothes, deodorant, shoes, water, headphones – you name it!
Value
9.5/10
It’s incredibly difficult to find a durable and long lasting bag that sells for this cheap of a price, so we think this is one of the best valued products on our list.
#4 Best Water Resistant Bag
Marsbro Water Resistant Sports Gym Travel Weekender Duffel Bag
- Water resistant inner lining
- Well-cushioned shoulder strap with dual handles for easy carrying
- Spacious interior with multiple pockets
Pros
Includes a small compartment/pocket for storing, features a shoe compartment with air holes for ventilation, and comes in a variety of styles and colors.
Product Ratings
Construction
8.5/10
The bags dimensions are 19.7” x 9.8” x 9.3”. It is made from durable anti-tearing polyester on the surface, with a water-resistant Artificial PVC Coating Lining. There is a built-in shoe compartment with ventilation holes, a small interior security pockets for valuables, and a roomy main compartment for clothes, towels, accessories, etc.
Features
9.5/10
What makes this bag special is it’s resistance to water. This gym bag has multi-purpose – it’s also built for travel, carry-on, and camping trips.
Value
9.5/10
An extremely affordable price for a bag that will last and keep your items protected.
#5 Best Packable Bag
Under Armour Packable Duffle Bag
- Bag packs down to a small pouch
- Material of the bag allows sweaty gym clothes to breathe
- Extremely spacious; easily fits everything you’ll need for a trip to the gym
Pros
Water resistant; can be packed into another bag or into a pouch for easy storage; and has an extra large zippered compartment.
Product Ratings
Construction
9.5/10
This bag is made from 100% Nylon, is water resistant, and has an extra large main compartment. It has grab handles and measures 22 x 11.8 x 11 inches before it is packed into a carrying pouch. This bag can easily fit into an everyday bag – perfect if you prefer not to bring a big ole’ gym bag into the workplace!
Features
9/10
This bag has an adjustable shoulder strap and is made of comfortable smooth material. It comes in a sleek black or navy color and is very light in weight, yet can fit everything you’ll need for the gym. There are two exterior pockets for smaller or more personal items.
Value
9/10
Under Armour is a well-respected brand with reasonable prices and if you buy now you can even snag this item is on sale!
#6 Best Gear Bag
Carhartt Legacy Gear Bag
- Main compartment is very spacious and perfect for carrying gear
- Stitching and workmanship of this bag is very high quality
- Extremely sturdy (stands on its own) and durable
Pros
Multi-purposed – take to the gym or across the country. This bag will hold up! Created using water-resistant lining, and available in 3 sizes.
Product Ratings
Construction
9.5/10
Built with rugged synthetic material and Rain Defender durable water repellent – this bag is incredibly sturdy and made to last a lifetime. The bag is triple stitched to increase durability and has a limited warranty for manufacturing defects.
Features
9/10
This bag is perfect for the serious gym goer. It contains a large main compartment perfect for gear, boots, sneakers, or even just a change of clothes. There is a smaller interior pocket for personal items along with sturdy top and side handles. It has a removable padded shoulder strap and comes in black, tan, or camouflage.
Value
8.5/10
While the price is higher than the other bags we found, we think it’s definitely worth it for the ultra gym enthusiast.
Men’s Gym Bag Buying Guide
A gym bag is an indispensable item for athletes and fitness buffs. There are numerous gym bags on the market. They come in all shapes, sizes, and prices with an array of features that can make one gym bag more appropriate for a particular sport over another. A great gym bag should suit your sport, fitness activity, and lifestyle. Here are some things to consider when choosing your next gym bag.
MATERIAL
The most common materials for gym bags are polyester and nylon. Polyester is sturdy and prevents swimsuits and sweaty clothing from seeping through the fabric. Nylon is just as robust but it doesn’t have the same water-resistance as polyester. Canvas and leather are also popular fabrics for gym bags, though they’re likely to be heftier and more costly.
Aside from the material, more reputable brands will also state the denier of the material. Much like a thread count for cotton, a denier is unit of weight to measure the thickness of polyester, nylon, and other fabrics. The higher the denier, the better. Most good quality gym bags have a 600-denier rating.
WATER-RESISTANT BOTTOM
It keeps the contents dry and safe from water seepage through the bag’s base or bottom. It’s especially beneficial if you often change in swimming pool changing rooms or play pick-up basketball in the park during a downpour. Some gym bags have feet for added protection; this elevates the bag off the floor for lesser chances of water infiltration.
Some gym bag manufacturers go the whole nine yards by extending the water-resistance to the entire bag. These gym bags are perfect if you live in a state that gets more than its share of rain or if you engage in swimming or water sports.
If water-proofing is a necessary feature for you, remember that water-resistance isn’t the same as water-proof. Make sure the bag you’re purchasing is water-proof and not merely water-resistant. Not knowing the difference can lead to very costly consequences.
There are gym bags that provide a water-proof compartment to place your wet clothes and towel in addition to a water-resistant bottom. For most people, these features are sufficient.
Remember that the bottom of your gym bag is the most abused part. That’s why it’s crucial to pick a bag with a water-proof, resilient bottom, preferably with feet. Also, try to find a bag with a scuff-resistant bottom for extra assurance.
SHOULDER STRAP
Depending on your lifestyle and how much you plan to haul your bag, a shoulder strap feature may be more important than you think. If you need to walk a considerable distance to the gym or sports club, you’ll be glad you chose a gym bag with a shoulder strap. A shoulder strap could significantly ease the load and cause less strain on your arms by evenly distributing the weight when worn across your body.
When choosing a shoulder strap, check if it’s detachable and adjustable. Removable shoulder straps are useful if you don’t have to carry your bag for long distances; it will be less cumbersome as a non-removable strap may or tangle. An adjustable strap can be lengthened or shortened to conform to your height, putting less strain on your back.
SHOULDER PAD
A shoulder strap that isn’t outfitted with any padding may cause welts and bruises. It can also lead to shoulder and arm strain. Pick a shoulder pad that doesn’t slip off while you’re walking. It should be wide enough to rest snugly over the curve of your shoulder to avoid chafing. The actual padding needs to be thick all throughout the pad.
EXTERIOR POCKETS
With designated spaces for everything, exterior pockets are an excellent way to organize your stuff. You’ll be able to access them quickly and conveniently without digging through the bag’s main compartment.
Exterior pockets may have generic or specialized designs. A water bottle holder on the outside of a gym bag is very common. It makes the water bottle readily accessible and prevents spillage over the contents in the primary compartment. These external pockets also provide space for items such as shoes or sweaty sportswear so they don’t have to be placed alongside your fresh clothes.
Buying a gym bag that has more pockets than you’ll use can make the bag too big to fit inside a locker. Find a bag with the ideal number of exterior pockets for your individual needs.
INTERIOR POCKETS
These inside pockets are an excellent way to organize your belongings, from small items like your wallet, keys, and phone, to larger pieces like a pair of shoes or even a laptop. Go for a gym bag with several small interior pockets and one large central compartment.
A pocket with a transparent cover lets you see the contents at a glance for fast and simple access. There are gym bag models that have detachable interior pockets. This feature allows you to alter the storage space according to your preference.
SIZES
A gym bag that’s too small is a waste of money and will deliver more frustration than convenience. Trying to stuff your equipment in a small bag will certainly damage your expensive gear. On the other hand, a gym bag that’s too big may not fit inside a locker, and more importantly, it won’t properly pack its contents to keep them secure and safe from damage.
Gym bags come in several styles and sizes. There are models that come in small, medium, and large sizes. When buying a gym bag, be aware of what gear, clothing, and other items you usually bring and pick your bag size accordingly.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Your gym bag’s closure mechanism should be stable and dependable to ensure that the contents are protected, but shouldn’t be too stiff or difficult to open. The draw-string system is one of the most reliable closure designs which is most commonly used for smaller gym bags.
Larger gym bags use various closure systems. Nothing beats the classic zipper for simplicity and efficiency. Do check out the quality of the zipper as low-quality zippers often get stuck, come undone, or break apart easily. A broken zipper will require professional repair or replacement.
A buckle clip can further safeguard your gym bag’s contents when tightened. It guarantees that everything stays in place without falling out or shifting inside the bag which may cause damage. If you’re in a rush, buckle clips can be unwieldy and bothersome.
A few models employ magnetic closure systems to their designs. Generally used for messenger bags, magnetic fasteners are a stylish method of keeping your sports gear steady. Keep in mind that they aren’t as stable as buckle clips.
Whichever closure system you choose, scrutinize the quality of the build and materials, and how well they’re stitched or connected to the bag.
VENTILATED COMPARTMENTS
Most gym bags include mesh pockets and compartments that allow fresh air to circulate in and around the bag. This feature is extremely helpful if you exercise in the morning but have to spend the day at the office before coming home at night to unpack your sweaty workout clothes.
These ventilated compartments air out your clothes and prevent any trace of unpleasant odor to persist once you’ve unpacked. That being said, it’s still a wise option to get a deodorizer for your gym bag. These deodorizers typically come in bags and pouches which release fragrances like peppermint, lavender, and peppermint, among others. Some just contain activated charcoal that absorb odors.
DIRTY SHOES COMPARTMENT
Large or extra-large gym bags have pockets along the sides for storing dirty sneakers or mud-covered football kits. This separate compartment insulates your other belongings from mud, dirt, or sweat. Check for added insulation and a solid plastic lining on the bottom. Make sure that the dirty shoe compartment is easy to clean with a wet or damp towel. Some fabrics absorb mud through their fibers and aren’t suitable materials for a dirty shoe pocket. These materials develop stains and odors with each use. So, you’ll probably spend more time washing the bag than using it.
GYM EQUIPMENT
Carrying gym equipment requires a bag that’s fit for the purpose. Heavy sports equipment should have a bag that has sufficient strength for heavy-duty lifting. The material, straps, handles, stitching, and the closures must be able to handle stress and abuse on a regular basis.
Some gym equipment will demand a lot of extra space. While they may not be heavy, they’re large or long. Gym mats are lightweight and roll up quite easily but you’ll still need an extra-long gym bag. See to it that the you purchase can handle all your equipment and other essentials like towels, a change of clothes, shoes, and toiletries.
If you’re going to be carrying large or heavy sports equipment, don’t scrimp on your choice of gym bag. A lot of gym equipment can damage a cheaply made gym bag so save yourself the trouble and the wasted cash by choosing a high-quality, heavy-duty gym bag that’s specially designed to carry heavy loads.