With functional fitness exploding in popularity over recent years, finding the best gym bag for functional fitnessapparel and accessories is an important choice. Functional fitnessinvolves a wide range of high-intensity functional movements that are usually performed in quick succession, with a range of accessories including belts, wraps, sleeves, and shoes all helping to improve training and increase performance.
Just like needing a bag for work or an important event, you need somewhere you can store your important functional fitness gear and access it quickly. Fitness gear bags provide places to store your dirty or wet clothes and shoes, your lifting accessories, your water bottles and important keys, documents and money.
I've reviewed the 8 best functional fitness gym bags, described the benefits of using them, and explained what to look for when purchasing a suitable bag.
Top 8 Best Gym Bags for Functional Fitness Reviewed
- Bear KompleX Gym Bag - Top pick
- Gymreapers Gravestone Duffle - Runner Up
- Adidas Defender 4 Small Duffel Bag
- Rogue Gym Bag - Premium Pick
- FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0 - Best Backpack
- Red Rock Outdoor Gear Diplomat pack
- Canway Sports Gym Bag
- Everest Gym Bag
I’ve reviewed the top 8 best gym bags for fitness available to buy online in 2023 according to pockets, durability, function, and quality and presented them in the table below:
1. Bear Komplex Gym Bag - Top Pick
Developed by athletes, Bear KompleX aims to assist a variety of fitness and functional fitness athletes to achieve better performance. Their products include functional fitness gym bags, lifting accessories, and mobility tools.
- Pockets:
Two vented side pockets
Large end shoe compartment
Three side pockets
MOLLE Web platforms - Size: 20" L x 12" W x 12" H
- Material: Military Grade 1000D Nylon
- Color Palette:
Black
Camo - Handle Type:
Two external compression straps
Contoured yoke shoulder strap system
At the top of my list for the best functional fitness gym bag is the duffel bag from Bear KompleX. It's an excellent bag choice that contains ample amounts of well-organized storage, including two shoe compartments, multiple vented and normal pockets, and MOLLE web platforms.
Made from durable military grade 1000D nylon that’s water resistant and featuring double stitched seams throughout, it's a functional fitness duffle bag that's designed for heavy use. It measures 20" L x 12" W x 12" H, giving you enough space to store all your fitness accessories.
With two padded carry straps and a contoured yoke shoulder strap system, you can choose how you want to carry the Bear KompleX bag around. If you like customizing your gym bag, the external mesh pockets and hook and loop area allow you to easily attach your flag patches or keyrings. It’s available in black or camo color options and is designed in the US.
Positives:
Two separate shoe compartments on one side
Multiple storage options using different materials
Easily customizable with mesh outer pockets and a hook and loop area
Could be better:
No water bottle holder on the outside
2. Gymreapers Gravestone Duffle - Runner Up
The Gravestone bag is proof of how dedicated Gymreapers is to functionality and quality. They designed the bag with athletes’ needs in mind, and it really shows. This is more than just something to stuff your things into – it’s a sleek, modern bag that looks good while protecting your equipment.
- Pockets: Internal shoe pocket, external water bottle storage, external soft pocket for essentials
- Size: height 24.75” x width 12.75” x depth 12.75”
- Material: Polyester
- Color Palette: Gunmetal, onyx, desert sand
- Handle: Shoulder strap, two handles
The best thing about it is how crazy durable it is; the 900D polyester fabric is known for being highly resistant to wear and tear, so you don’t have to baby this bag and annoy yourself with thinking about it too much. You can just throw anything you want in there and know your stuff is completely safe and the bag won’t fall apart. The YKK zippers are top-of-the-line and only add to the bag’s durability. They’re sturdy and neatly sewn in.
Photo by @bre.fitt
There’s plenty of space to carry anything you need to – towels, shoes, smaller pieces of equipment, iPad, phone, water bottle… You name it, it can fit it. There are pockets for shoes, water bottle, and accessories, so everything you need is neat, nice, and organized.
You can carry it as a standard duffle or cross body, which makes life a lot easier and adds to how convenient the bag is.
There is one thing to keep in mind, however, and that’s the price. It’s decently high and, while the price may not shock someone used to buying designer fashion bags, you may be surprised if you’re not that someone. It’s an investment, for sure. However, it’s going to last you for years because its quality is exceptional.
Positives:
Made of 900D durable polyester
- Water-resistant coating
Plenty of pockets
Neat stitches
Could be better:
Expensive
Three colors available
Adidas aims to be the best sports brand in the world. They understand the important role of sport and culture in people’s lives and see sport as a core value to health and happiness. The company believes that sports should guide the way they produce their products which include sports apparel, shoes, gym bags, and sports and lifting accessories.
- Pockets Galore:
Zippered end pockets
Zippered side pocket
Large main compartment with smaller zip pouches - Size: 11" H x 20.5" W x 11.75" D
- Material: Durable polyester/ Water resistant base
- Color Palette: 19 color options
- Handle Type:
Adjustable shoulder strap
Carry handles
At first glance, the Adidas defender 4 duffel bag looks quite simple. Once you use it, you notice the clever thought process behind the bag design. Featuring a large rigid main compartment, multiple internal spaces, and two zippered end pockets, the Adidas bag contains enough storage for all your fitness needs.
Constructed from durable polyester with a water-resistant base, the bag is built to withstand wear and tear from both indoor and outdoor use. The small zippered internal pockets provide space for smaller items such as keys, money, and your phone whilst the zippered end pocket gives plenty of space for you to add your team's branding.
With an adjustable padded shoulder strap and two carry handles, you can wear or carry the bag at a length that works for you. One of the best things about choosing an Adidas product is that it comes in 19 different bright and exciting color options with a lifetime warranty. Whilst I've reviewed the small duffle bag, it also comes in medium and large.
Positives:
Cleverly designed small inner zip pocket at the top of the main compartment
- Rigid design with water resistant base
19 different bright and textured color options
Could be better:
No breathable outer material for wet or dirty apparel
4. Rogue Gym Bag - Premium Pick
Rogue aims to produce high-quality equipment at lower price points. The brand is well known for being the lead sponsor of many elite sporting events, including the fitness Games. They produce a wide range of gym equipment and lifting accessories including racks, weights, apparel, and functional fitness gym bags.
- Pockets Galore:
Large zippered middle compartment
External pocket
Internal zippered storage pocket - Size: 24" L x 10 W" x 10" H
- Material:
1000D Kordura Nylon
2 Nylon handles and straps - Color Palette:
Gray
Ripstop Black - Handle Type:
Adjustable shoulder strap
Two Nylon handles
In terms of durability, the Rogue gym back is a step above the rest. It’s made from 1000D Kordura Nylon on the inside and rip-stop material on the outside, meaning it will last for years even with excessive heavy use. It’s my premium pick fitness bag choice.
The Rogue gym bag features a large internal compartment with a smaller inside pocket and an external pocket. The full-length zipper allows the bag to open wide to store bigger functional fitness accessories.
The bag is made from polyester materials, which offer effective protection from all external factors. However, one of the main benefits of the bag is the water-resistant design, which should keep plenty of moisture from getting in. It would unfortunately also trap some of the sweat from used clothing.
Both the black and gray designs include an adjustable, removable shoulder strap and two grip-friendly nylon handles. The shoulder strap connects to metal D-rings with metal strap clips on each side of the bag.
Positives:
Extremely durable Kordura Nylon is made to last
Full length primary compartment zipper for easy opening
High-quality metal attachments for the handles and bag
Could be better:
Not enough external pocket options for easy access and wet gear
5. FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0 - Budget Pick
FocusGear wants to use customer feedback to create the best products possible. The brand has a passion for fitness and recovery and wants to create a superior gym bag that’s well-suited for sports such as functional fitness.
- Pockets Galore:
10 Compartments
Two external zippered pockets + Velcro back pocket
Full-length shoe pocket
Wet pocket
Two bottle holders
Multiple internal pockets - Size:
Small (15")
Medium (20") - Material: Water-resistant bottom panel
- Color Palette: Black, Gray, Green, Blue, Dark Green, Orange, Pink, Red
- Handle Type: Two padded carry handles
Featuring 10 total compartments, the FocusGear gym bag has the most storage options out of my top 8 choices. It’s also cheaper than the other options, getting my top budget pick.
The full-length shoe pocket lets you separate your dirty shoes whilst the two external mesh bottle holders allow easy access so you can stay hydrated throughout your session. A hidden wet pocket provides a space to store your wet clothes with the many internal pockets providing suitable options for other accessories.
Made from water-resistant nylon and featuring reinforced stitching, the durable FocusGear bag is made to last, with the budget price not sacrificing quality. It comes in 8 color choices and is available to purchase in small and medium sizes.
Positives:
Budget friendly fitness bag choice
Multiple internal and external compartments in a variety of sizes
Two duffle size options to choose from
Could be better:
No shoulder strap included
6. Red Rock Outdoor Gear Diplomat Pack - Best Backpack
Founded in 1999, Red Rock’s mission is to supply quality outdoor products at great prices. They produce their gear according to customer feedback and fully believe in each product made.
- Pockets Galore:
Large main zippered compartment
Secondary compartment with organizers
Pleated external pocket
Three utility compartments
MOLLE Webbing - Size: 12" W x 20" H x 11" H
- Material: 600D Polyester
- Color Palette: Various
- Handle Type:
Padded shoulder straps
Three carry handles
Adjustable sternum strap
If you’re trying to find the best backpack for fitness, look no further. The Red Rock diplomat backpack is one of the best-organized fitness backpacks out there. With 54 liters of total storage, Red Rock states that the diplomat backpack can last you up to 72 hours.
The front of the backpack features a main compartment with wrap-around zipper and a large mesh pocket that can be accessed easily whilst the secondary compartment has multiple sleeves and organizers to store all your functional fitness gear. The padded back panel is the perfect size for a laptop or hydration bladder.
The adjustable padded shoulder straps sit comfortably on your shoulders, with a quick-release buckle and an adjustable sternum strap. The bag comes in 5 darker camo-type options.
Positives:
Waist strap allows the bag to be carried on the shoulders with little effort
Padded back panel suitable for a laptop or hydration bladder
Internal straps and clips can be used to keep your gear secure
Could be better:
No specific shoe storage option
- Pockets Galore:
Large main pocket
Shoe compartment
Two front pockets
Inner wet pouch - Size: 20" L x 10" W x 10" D
- Material: 600D Polyester fabric
- Color Palette: Blue, Red, Orange, Gray, Black
- Handle Type:
Two padded carry handles
Side hook
While most traditional duffel bags feature a big central compartment with one or two external end pockets, the Canway Sports duffel has taken a more modern design approach.
The external multi-pocket design provides lots of storage space to easily access your fitness gear and the large internal compartment has an inner wet pocket for storing wet clothing. Underneath the bag is a large shoe storage compartment.
The Canway Sports bag is made of water-resistant 600D Polyester material that’s firmly stitched to the tear-resistant leather bottom.
It has some nice added touches, such as a built-in key ring and a side hook that allows the bag to be easily hung up, and comes in five color options.
Positives:
Nice extra touches such as the key ring and side hook allow the bag to be easily hung up
Multiple external pockets options including mesh
High-quality leather bottom thats water-resistant
Could be better:
No external mesh pocket options
Everest wants to design, manufacture and sell high-quality functional fitness equipment to suit a wide range of athletes including fitness athlets. They look to keep their products stylish and functional whilst adding the latest features and trends.
- Pockets Galore:
Large main compartment
Two front zippered pockets with mesh
Side pockets for shoes and wet gear
Padded bottle holder - Size: 18" L x 11.5" W x 10.5" H
- Material: 600D Polyester
- Color Palette: Red, Blue, Gray, Black, Navy
- Handle Type:
Adjustable shoulder strap
Padded carry handles
The Everest gym bag features multiple compartments of different sizes, a padded external water bottle holder to keep your drink protected, and comes at a fraction of the cost of most other comparable bag options.
Made from 600D polyester with professionally woven seams, the Everest bag is designed for long-lasting use indoors and outdoors. It has a large main compartment with a zippered clamshell opening, two front zippered pockets, and a side mesh pocket for wet clothing.
The bag can be carried using the adjustable padded shoulder strap or the two handy carry handles. It comes in 5 color choices that line the pocket openings.
Positives:
Space-saving large external mesh pocket
Padded external water bottle holder
Multiple different sized compartments
Could be better:
The water bottle holder could be bigger
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What Are the Benefits of Functional Fitness Gym Bags?
Convenience
With many different compartments specifically designed for certain gym accessories, fitness gym bags provide a convenient way to store and access the equipment needed.
Alongside the big compartments, fitness gym bags also usually have small zip pockets, providing a way to store smaller items such as money, phones, and hair accessories.
Portability
With their shoulder straps and/ or carry handles, functional fitness gym bags provide an excellent method of moving all your favorite gym gear without any hassle.
Versatility
Whilst fitness gym bags are designed for functional fitness, they can also be used for other sports or normal weightlifting. With the range of compartment sizes, they can store different shoes, jackets, or bigger sports equipment if you need them.
Protection
Most functional fitness bags are made with water resistant material, protecting the accessories inside from water. With their padded compartments, the bags also help to increase the life expectancy of the accessories that may wear down with repeated contact.
Weight distribution
The built-in carry handles and/or bag straps help to evenly distribute the weight of each accessory across your shoulders or using your arms. The weight of each accessory individually would feel much heavier and be a lot harder to carry compared to using a gym bag.
When Do You Need a Functional Fitness Gym Bag?
Fitness gym bags are needed by athletes from beginner to elite level looking to perform a range of gym exercises that include fitness movements.
With most compound and functional movements benefiting from the use of accessories, normal gym goers and functional fitness athletes need a convenient way to store and transport the necessary lifting accessories.
Gym accessories that can be stored in a suitable gym bag include:
- Lifting belts
- Lifting straps
- Knee sleeves
- Gym apparel
- Lifting shoes
- Lifting tape
- Resistance bands
- Sports towels
What to Look For in Functional Fitness Gym Bags?
Size
Even the best quality gyms like to save space by using smaller gym lockers. If you need to keep your bag secure when you're not using it, you may find it harder to fit bigger, more rigid bags into the locker space.
If you have a regular gym that you plan to use for the foreseeable future, check the locker size and compare it to the size and shape of the fitness bags you're considering buying.
To check if the gym bag is the correct size for all your functional fitness gear, make a list of everything you need to carry and factor in the possible additions you’ll make as you continue your fitness journey.
Material
Before purchasing a gym bag for fitness, make sure to check the interior and exterior materials. When considering the bag material, the two most important factors are the thickness and material used.
Whilst thicker bags tend to be more rigid and durable, the added bulk may make the bag less comfortable to carry around and harder to store and move around. The right thickness for you depends on what you're using the bag for and where you will be storing it.
Alongside thickness, you should check whether the bag is water resistant. If you're taking your bag from your car to the gym this might not be much of an issue, but if you plan to carry it outside for long periods, the material needs to be waterproof. Nylon and polyester are both excellent waterproof bag materials if you need to take your bag outside.
Variation of Pockets
One of the main uses of a gym bag is to provide convenient pockets to store a variety of functional fitness gear. With shoes, towels, lifting straps, sleeves, and belts needing to be stored, the bag needs to have pockets that can store each piece correctly.
Pockets providing shoe compartments, mesh areas for wet clothes, external water bottle holders, padded areas, and smaller zip pouches all make excellent gym bag pocket options.
Multifunctionality
Multifunctionality refers to how suitable the bag is for performing several functions. A good fitness gym bag needs to be easy to store and accessible, comfortable to carry around using different handle options, and function as an indoor or outdoor bag depending on your use.
Price/Quality
As with most gym equipment, you need to consider both the price and quality before making a purchase. In terms of quality, look for a bag that’s made of durable material designed to last. Consider durability vs functionality and compare that to the total cost. If you have a budget to stick to, consider the budget-friendly bag option I’ve reviewed above.
Color Palette
Whilst color isn't as important as the factors I've discussed above, it's still something to bear in mind. If you're taking your bag to the office, you might want to go for a more suitable color to match your work attire. If you want the bag to match your functional fitness apparel, check the most common color in your wardrobe and go with that.
FAQs
Why do fitness athlets use gym bags?
Functional fitness consists of a wide range of high-intensity functional exercises. At any point during a training session or competition, a functional fitness athlets may need a water bottle, lifting belt, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, clothes, and resistance bands.
Therefore, using a gym bag that can store these items so they are easily accessible is a great idea.
Can I use a backpack as a gym bag for functional fitness?
A backpack can be used for functional fitness if you wish as they are comfortable to wear and usually contain several pockets. However, having a bag designed with compartments for dirty shoes and wet towels alongside other functional fitness gear is a better option.
Summary - Which Gym Bag Is the Best for Functional Fitness?
With functional fitness consisting of a wide range of high intensity functional and powerlifting movements, having a well-designed, portable bag to store all your lifting accessories is a must.
Out of the bags I've reviewed above, the Bear KompleX functional fitness gym bag is my top pick choice, receiving the best total score for size, pocket variations, function, durability, and price/ quality.
Before purchasing a suitable bag, consider the size of the bag and pockets, materials used, possible functions and the overall quality and price.
What do you think of the functional fitness bags I’ve reviewed above? Do you currently own one? Talk to me in the comments section.
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My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.