Ultimate Gym Bag Guide: All To Know Before Buying

Why would you ever care about a gym bag? Can’t you just stick your equipment/items in a random bag and simply carry it around with you? Well… Technically, you could do that, sure. But a gym bag is more than a random bag to throw your stuff into – it’s a very important piece of your fitness gear.

Each of us has different preferences and priorities. Some like tote bags, some think drawstring bags are the most practical, some will even carry backpacks. Regardless of what you like, your gym bag should be good quality, it should fit your stuff nicely and protect it from damage. And if you’re someone that values aesthetics – then it should look nice, too.

As far as gym bags go, you’ll find everything you want in this article – what the main types are, what to look for in a gym bag, and we’ll even share the one we recommend.

Let’s pack those bags and learn how to find the perfect one!

7 Types of Gym Bags

A lot of times, people don’t think about the type of gym bag that would suit them. They will just pick up what looks functional and that’s that. With so many styles available, that can be a big mistake because a gym bag is an important part of your fitness equipment. Let’s see what the most common types are.

1. Backpacks

These are super versatile and have the weight distributed evenly. They usually come with a lot of compartments and have ergonomic designs.

Obviously, the main difference between a backpack and a traditional gym bag is that you wear the gym bag on your shoulder via a strap, while the backpack is designed to sit securely and comfortably on your back, leaving your hands free. This is especially important if you plan on traveling to the gym via bike or motorcycle.

It’s easy to travel with them, and they’re comfortable to wear even if it’s for prolonged periods. Still, they may not be the best for people with back issues, and they rarely come with specialized compartments.

Woman with a backpack on their back in gym

2. Duffel Bags

Duffle bags for gym have a recognizable cylindrical shape and a very spacious main compartment. The handles are robust, and the bag will usually come with detachable shoulder straps. It’s perfect for gym and travel because of its generous storage space, but it becomes pretty bulky if you pack it fully.

Some duffle bags have designs that enable them to be worn like backpacks. If that is the case, then the same advantage applies to them as with backpacks — if you’re going to the gym by using a motorcycle or a bike, they are a must in order to ensure the safety of travel.

3. Tote Bags

A tote is one of the most stylish bags due to its minimal design and it’s great for transitioning from the gym to running errands and regular daily activities.

It’s a lightweight, versatile bag, but has limited storage space compared to the duffel, so it’s not ideal for travel.

4. Sling Bags

If you want a very compact bag – this is it. It’s worn diagonally across your body and it’s very easy and comfortable to carry. It’s good for short workouts, but since it’s so compact, it won’t be able to carry any bulky or heavy equipment.

Woman with Nobull compact bag diagonally across body

5. Sack-Style Gym Bags

This is a super straightforward type of bag that has a drawstring closure for easy use. It’s lightweight and good for outdoor activities. This one is also one that won’t hold anything bulky because that’s not its purpose.

Lightweight sack-style gym bag with drawstring

6. Tactical Bags

The epitome of durability – a tactical bag. It’s rugged, sturdy, and often made from military-grade materials. Its primary use is for outdoor and adventure sports and the bag is usually waterproof. It’s not the most stylish bag, however, and it’s quite bulky.

7. Luxury Gym Bags

A luxury bag is never a necessity, but if you want to be fashionable, you may want to consider splurging on one of these. It’s made of high-end materials, looks fantastic and it’s designer. It’s a statement piece for sure, but like many luxury bags in general, it may not be the most functional and durable.

Our expert Tanya Shaiko went straight to the point:

“When it comes to gym bags – size does matter!” — she paused to laugh😀 — “Well, it does, what can I say? But seriously, I always go for larger gym bag variants. These are made with the goal to perfectly accommodate the multitude of various accessories and gear that I’ll bring to my workouts. Because, you see, sometimes you just won’t have the time to go home and pack your bag just for the gym.

Life is life and there will be days when you have to plan your whole day ahead. This means that your gym bag will carry much more than gym-related items. You’re carrying your whole day in that thing. This is why you NEED the extra space. Also, a pro tip, multiple compartments are a life saver when trying to look for that one specific thing in a hurry! It’s all about ensuring you have everything you need, without compromise.“

How to Choose a Proper Gym Bag Type?

You may not think training bags can have any influence on your fitness journey, but they can. A bag that suits you needs to be able to comfortably carry all of your essentials and it should suit your lifestyle.

Say you’re into weightlifting or have bulky equipment – a tote or a backpack wouldn’t be as useful to you as a duffel would. You would need something spacious that can handle everything you want to throw in it.

On the other hand, a gym backpack is perfect for someone who travels a lot because it can be both a carry-on and a gym bag.

A tote is a great choice if you want to hit the gym in the morning and then go grocery shopping immediately after because it transitions easily from one thing to the other.

The right gym bag needs to align with your lifestyle, the sports you do, and if aesthetics are important to you, it should also look stylish. And don’t forget that gym bag reviews are also a great source of information.

Pros and Cons of Various Gym Bag Types

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Gym Bag?

Before you choose your next gym bag, keep in mind that it’s far more than just a stylish accessory. There are things you need to pay attention to to make sure you’re not wasting your money on a bag that doesn’t have the right features, isn’t good quality, or ends up being uncomfortable.

1. Material Quality

A good gym bag is made of durable material that can withstand frequent use and that you don’t need to look after too much. Look for bags made of polyester, Cordura nylon, and waterproof materials.

2. Capacity and Storage

Think about how much equipment you want to carry and how much space you need the bag to have. A compact bag is good for essentials, but if you want to carry clothes, shoes, and equipment, you’ll need one with more space.

Criteria	Description	Suggestion
Material Quality	Durable materials will ensure product longevity	Polyester, Cordura nylon, waterproof materials
Capacity/ Storage	Choose bag size according to the equipment that you’ll carry most frequently	Compact bag for essentials / Larger bag for clothes, shoes, and equipment
Compartments	Multiple compartments help organize items more efficiently	Separate shoe compartment, wet clothes pocket, safety compartment for valuables (phone, wallet, etc.)
Ventilation	Helps prevent odor, mold, mildew from sweat/humidity	Crucial after a long or hard workout
Water Resistance	Waterproof, or at least water resistant bag protect your items during rain or accidental spills	Waterproof material
Security	Keep valuables safe during workouts	Lockable zippers, hidden pockets
Usage Purpose	Define the primary use of the bag for best selection	Gym, travel, shopping, camping
Comfort	Ensures comfort during transport	Padded/adjustable shoulder straps, even weight distribution, comfy handles, back/bottom pannels
Additional Features	Modern features that enhance the bags overall functionality	USB charging ports, headphone ports, reflective strips

3. Compartment Availability

The more compartments you have, the better you can organize your bag. Look for a bag that has a separate shoe compartment, a compartment for wet clothes, electronics, and a water bottle. A gym bag with a shoe compartment will make your life a lot easier because you don’t want to put your phone and shoes in the same place, so think about how many compartments you need.

4. Ventilation

You’re likely sweaty after your workout and you also probably want to take your wet clothes and dirty shoes off and change into something clean. If you put the dirty clothes and shoes in a bag that has no ventilation, there’s a good chance they will develop an odor and possibly even mold or mildew.

5. Water Resistance

If you get caught in the rain, you want your things to be protected. This is why your bag should be waterproof, so it can protect everything you want to carry with you.

6. Security Features

Look for a bag that has lockable zippers or hidden pockets, so your wallet, keys, and phone are safe while you work out.

7. Purpose of Use

Think about the way you want to use the bag. Will you use it only for the gym or do you want to travel with it, go grocery shopping, go camping, etc.?

Make sure to choose the bag that’s designed for what you plan to use it for.

8. Comfort

You want adjustable padded shoulder straps and handles and back panels, so the bag feels comfortable when you carry it. Also, make sure the bag’s weight distribution is even.

Our sport scientist Sergiy Putsov strongly recommends:

“If you want a optimal gym experience, then look for a gym bag with individual compartments dedicated to gear, shoes, a water bottle, and a protein shaker. You might think that this might be a bit of an overkill, but trust me. You’ll thank me later. Also, keep in mind the bag’s durability! From my personal experience, I’d recommend the Runner-Up Under Armour Duffle Bag.“

9. Additional Features

Some gym bags come with really neat features, like USB charging ports, headphone ports, or reflective strips.

Recomended Gym Bag

Rogue Gym Bag

Type of a bag: Duffel
Dimensions: 24” x 10” x 10”
Weight: 1.5 lb
Material: 1000D Cordura nylon
Color: Black
Best for (men/women/unisex): Unisex
Best uses for: Carrying gym equipment
Additional features: Adjustable/Removable shoulder strap
Package: Bag

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Basically, this is a modern twist on the timeless, all-purpose carryall. It’s compact so it’s perfect to take with you to a gym and it will do everything comfortably. The bag looks much bigger in photos than it actually is, at least as far as travel bags go, so this one is best to use as a gym bag only.

It’s made from 1000D Cordura nylon, which is known for its durability and resistance to abrasions, fading and mildew.

It has a single spacious main compartment, external pockets for quick access, and an internal zippered pocket (this one is perfect for your phone or wallet). The bag also has 2 grippy nylon handles and a removable shoulder strap.

You’ll also find metal D rings on the bag and all the straps and handles are reinforced, so the bag will last you a long time. If, however, you want something even more durable, this bag also comes in a Ripstop version that has Cordura fabric on the interior as well.

6 Tips for Packing a Gym Bag

The best bag in the world won’t be as usable as it could be if you don’t pack it right – we all want an organized gym bag. There’s no crazy science behind the organization, just a few things to keep in mind.

1. Choose the Ideal Bag

First, you need to start with choosing the correct bag. Go over things like size, compartments, features, etc., and choose one that’s right for you.

2. Get Your Workout Essentials

Once you start packing the bag, begin with essentials – workout clothes, socks, shoes, and gym towel. Don’t forget things like headphones, a heart rate monitor or a fitness tracker.

3. Toiletries & Post-Workout Needs

Your toiletries should be in a separate pouch (waterproof would be ideal) so that, if anything leaks, it doesn’t get on your clothes. Also, make sure to pack things you’ll need after your workout, like a change of clothes, a spare pair of socks, deodorant, and a towel.

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4. Sweaty/Damp/Wet Clothes or Towels

Since we’re mentioning ‘after the workout’, also consider where and how you’ll store sweaty clothes.

5. Odor Management

And speaking of odor – if you’re worried about how you’re going to keep your bag smelling fresh, you can get some odor-absorbing pouches and/or, even more importantly, get a bag that has vented compartments so anything damp can air out.

6. Don’t Forget Security

If you’re carrying a wallet or a phone with you, put those in a separate, more secure compartment (it would be ideal if it’s lockable) so you know they’re safe.

How to Clean a Gym Bag in 9 Steps?

There are two types of bags when it comes to cleaning – those that can be machine-washed and those that can’t. Of course, those that can be just thrown in a washer are much more convenient. For those, look for instructions on the label to check the temperature you can wash the bag on.

The ones that can’t be machine-washed are more frequent, but the good news is, there are ways of keeping them fresh and clean.

1. Pre-cleaning

First, empty the bag completely. Check all the pockets and compartments and take everything out.

2. Spot Clean (Optional)

You can now spot clean the bag with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.

3. Deep Cleaning With Natural Solutions

If you want deeper cleaning, you can use a mixture of water and white vinegar (50-50), which will not only clean the bag, but it will also get rid of any odors. White vinegar might have a strong scent, but once it evaporates during air-drying (a couple of hours; also depending on the temperature, wind, etc.), the scent will be completely gone. And as a plus – white vinegar is a natural disinfectant.

Tips From the Champ

Leaving wet/sweaty gym clothes/towels in the bag overnight might seem like it isn’t a big deal, but keep in mind that this way you’re creating an optimal breeding ground for bacteria and mold. This will inevitably help produce bad odors. What it can also do is degrade the material of your bag and gym gear. This time-saving ‘technique’ of not dealing with your wet clothes straight away will only create a scenario where you’ll need to exert more time to deal with the issue.

Oleksiy Torokhtiy

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

4. Machine Washing

If your bag is fabric, it can probably be machine-washed (check the label to be sure) on a gentle cycle.

5. Odor Control

No matter what type of cleaning you go for, make sure to rinse the bag thoroughly once you finish with it. If you’re struggling with stubborn odors that refuse to go away, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the bag and let it sit overnight.

6. Consider Sensitive Materials

Be careful if the bag is leather-trimmed or full leather because they may need specialized cleaning products. Again, checking the label is your best bet.

7. Zippers; Don’t Forget the Zippers!

Don’t forget about the zippers and hardware – they need cleaning, too! Use a small brush or a toothbrush to gently clean any dust or buildup. If you have a sturdy bag with a hard bottom, vacuuming can also help in the cleaning process.

8. Let the Bag Dry

Your best bet is to let the bag air-dry. But during colder months, leaving it close to a heat source such as a radiator is also fine (don’t leave it too close if the temperature is too high).

Leaving the bag in the sun is also okay, but keep in mind that while the Sun’s UV rays work as a disinfectant (to some extent), they also degrade the bag’s color pigment via photodegradation. If you have a waterproof bag, make sure to leave all the compartments opened and facing upwards – so that there is no humidity buildup.

9. Freshening Up!

Once your bag is dry and clean, put some dryer sheets or odor-absorbing pouches to keep it smelling fresh.

Our performance architect Jacek Szymanowski said this:

“Look, if you don’t want a messy bag, then make waterproofing and easy-to-clean materials your priority. Not that other things aren’t important. But this one tops the charts for me. Avoiding an unnecessary headache is underrated. My choice is the Cordura-crafted Rogue Gym Bag — it’s quite spacious to pack all the essentials that are important. If you plan on carrying bigger equipment, then first – make sure it’ll fit. The Rogue bag is also very durable. It can really take a punch to the chin without flinching. With minimal effort, that bag will last you years. Easy!”

FAQ

Can You Put Shoes in a Gym Bag?

Yes, you can. A lot of gym bags have separate shoe compartments, and some also come with additional shoe covers. If your bag doesn’t have a shoe compartment, you can still put your shoes in it, but make sure to use a bag or a shoe bag over them to keep them from getting in contact with the rest of your things.

What Makes a Good Gym Bag?

A good gym bag is made of quality, durable materials, has enough space, pockets, and compartments, and it’s also ventilated to keep any odors at bay. It should also have lockable zippers and, if you plan on being outdoors, a waterproof gym bag is the most convenient way to go.

Can I Use a Backpack as a Gym Bag?

Of course you can! A lot of backpacks have more than enough space and pockets, which makes them suitable for a lot of different things, gym included. Just make sure it’s somewhat breathable and made of durable materials.

Conclusion

Now you’re armed with more than enough information to be able to successfully choose a new gym bag that’s going to fit all your needs!

The Rogue Gym Bag is one that you can’t go wrong with and it’s currently the best gym bag you can buy. But if that’s not quite what you want, no worries – dig a little, read some user reviews and you’ll be able to find one yourself!

What do you have to say? Do you have a favorite gym bag? Which type suits your needs best? Have you tried the one we recommend? Do you use your gym bag for something else, other than for workouts?

Share your thoughts and comments with us, we’d love to hear them.

Bagging out!

Experts Who Contributed To This Article

Tanya Shaiko

6 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience

Sergii Putsov

20 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience

Jacek Szymanowski

M.Sc.Eng. Biotechnology, Sports Nutritionist