The Best Gym Bags to Keep Your Gear Organized in 2024

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Tired of arriving for workouts with everything crammed in your arms? Is carrying your shaker bottle and towel making it hard to keep tabs on your earbuds and phone? Do you have to take a few pairs of gym shoes with you, and need some extra room? If any of these apply to you, it may be time to invest in a new gym bag.

Our list of top-rated gym bags offers a variety of cool features including dedicated shoe compartments, antimicrobial materials to keep stink at bay and a wide variety of overall volumes for whatever you need to carry. We combed through reviews to see what actual users say in order to provide you with authentic intel as you whittle down your choices.

Whether you are looking for something that can store a basketball and a change of clothes, or you want a small gym bag for essentials, read on for our top picks.

Our Picks for the Best Gym Bags of 2024:

• Best Small Gym Bag: Lululemon All Sport Backpack
• Best Large Gym Bag: Haven Athletics Large Duffel
• Best Duffel Gym Bag: NoBull Waxed Canvas Duffel
• Best Gym Bag for Men: adidas Defender Duffel Bag
• Best Gym Bag for Women: Lululemon Go Getter Bag 2.0
• Best Gym Bag with a Shoe Compartment: adidas Team Issue Duffel Bag
• Best Boxing Gym Bag: Elite Sports Duffel Bag
• Best Gym Tote Bag: Nike Jordan Flight Carryall Tote Bag

Best Small Gym Bag: Lululemon All Sport Backpack

Key features:

• Size: 9.8 inches L x 3.5 inches W x 16.1 inches D
• Material: Recycled polyester, elastane, nylon

If you’re looking for something a bit smaller than a duffel, consider the 10-liter Lululemon All Sport Backpack. Compression straps and load lifters make for easy carrying and a custom fit. There are sternum straps and a back panel to provide lumbar support and to help distribute weight evenly. If you like to keep all of your things organized, you’ll appreciate the exterior zippered pocket, side drop-in pockets and discreet pockets on the harness that allow easy access to smaller items like keys and earbuds. The main compartment is accessible from the top, and an interior water reservoir pocket can also be utilized to keep items separate, such as shoes or sweaty clothes.

In addition to being a smaller gym bag option, it's great for those who have a commute or those who have to head to the gym on the go. For extra safety, there is a built-in whistle, and the exterior loops can hold a hiking pole if you decide to take this on your next adventure outside the gym. However, if you are needing something larger their Wanderlust travel backpack that could be a good option to look into.

Pros:

• Versatile
• Exterior loops to hold a hiking pole and hidden snap pocket for a stowable hood
• Sternum stacks help distribute weight evenly

Cons:

• Only one color option is available

Best Large Gym Bag: Haven Athletic Large Duffel

Key features:

• Size: 23 inches L x 12 inches H x 13 inches D
• Material: 1050D ballistic nylon

The Haven Athletic Large Duffel is a 50-liter gym bag that weighs just 4.4 pounds when empty. This bag has a patented internal organization system that Haven designed to stand up on its own, allowing you to load the bag easily without having to fight against unstructured material. The Haven Athletic Large Duffel also has a mesh pocket on the outside for wet or sweaty items you don’t want to store inside, an expandable pocket for your water bottle and a separate shoe compartment that can hold up to men’s size 14 shoes.

According to Pete Nastasi, a NASM-certified CPT and certified nutrition coach who uses the Haven Athletic Duffel, this bag is the “...perfect solution to the cluttered gym bag. The internal organization system makes storing your gym equipment a breeze, and the suitcase-like zipper design allows easy access to all of your gear.”

Pros:

• A patented organization system inside that stands up on its own
• Extra storage underneath the main compartment with access from the side
• Magnetic handle straps for a secure close and grip

Cons:

• Premium features mean premium pricing at $349

Best Duffel Gym Bag: NoBull Waxed Canvas Duffel

Key features:

• Size: 24 inches L x 12 inches W x 7 inches D
• Material: Water-resistant, waxed canvas exterior

The NoBull Waxed Canvas Duffel is an ideal gym bag for women and men, and it can go beyond your fitness needs too. The water-resistant waxed canvas exterior material keeps your stuff dry if you’re transporting it in the rain (or doing an activity where you’ll be outside), and the waxed coating is durable and helps resist abrasion.

The large zipper runs the length of the bag, so it’s easy to fit longer gear in it (like a racquet or just your dirty gym clothes), and it has a YKK Uretek waterproof zipper. There are two interior side pockets ideal for smaller items like a jump rope or grips, and a slip pocket on the outside. One review on the NoBull website states, “The best gym/duffle bag I have owned. Durable and waterproof. Heaps of room for all my workout gear.”

Pros:

• Adjustable and removable shoulder strap with lockable length adjustment
• Waterproof exterior and zippers
• Versatile, can be used for the gym or weekend trips

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Gym Bag for Men: adidas Defender Duffel Bag

Key features:

• Size: 24.75 inches L x 12 inches W x 13 inches D
• Material: Polyester

The adidas Defender Duffel Bag is a smaller-sized gym bag with a classic adidas look—and space for your team’s logo on the ends. There’s a multitude of pockets and dual handles that have a padded grip (along with a detachable shoulder strap and pad) making this bag easy to carry. An inside zipper pocket in this gym bag is great for smaller items or valuables. Plus, end zip pockets easily fit a pair of running shoes.

The polyester is water-resistant so if you get caught in a downpour in the parking lot, your stuff won’t be sopping wet afterward. One reviewer on the adidas' website writes, “They have been [dragged] around in the dirt, and thrown around while stuffed full of gear. The bags still have no rips or zipper issues. They have taken a lot of abuse and still work as good as new.” If you need a bag for general travel, this is a great option for that, too.

Pros:

• Dual handles with padded grip
• Affordable price point
• Durable
• Water-resistant fabric 

Cons:

• Side compartment may not fit bigger shoe sizes 

Best Gym Bag for Women: Lululemon Go Getter 2.0

Key features:

• Size: 18.5 inches L x 8.9 inches W x 12.6 inches D
• Material: Recycled polyester lining, mesh and trim, nylon body

The Lululemon Go Getter 2.0 is a 25-liter capacity bag that is simple in style but sturdy enough to haul your gym gear around. Padded handles make it comfortable to carry even when you’re carrying a heavy load. There’s an exterior water bottle pocket and a pocket for your phone so you can keep those items handy. It has an interior padded pocket that can fit a laptop up to 16 inches making this a great work-to-gym bag, and the other interior pockets are great for tucking away small items.

The bag can be spot-cleaned, but it’s not machine washable. Reviewers say it can stand up to much more than the gym. “I love almost everything about this bag including the durability, look, size, heaviness and number of pockets (side water bottle pockets are the best). I used it for a work trip and plan to use it for the gym,” writes one reviewer on the Lululemon website. Other reviewers note that they would like to see a place to attach and carry a yoga mat, and a luggage attachment.

Pros:

• Large spacious main pocket
• Zippered small pouches
• Easy access to water and phone
• Sturdy material

Cons:

• One color
• No yoga straps
• Not machine washable; spot clean only

Best Gym Bag with a Shoe Compartment: adidas Team Issue Duffel Bag

Key features:

• Size: 24 inches L x 11.5 inches W x 12.5 D inches
• Material: Polyester

The adidas Team Issue Duffel Bag has a dedicated compartment designed specifically for shoe storage that can accommodate an extra pair. The polyester interior and exterior are durable, breathable and can withstand everyday use.

But let’s talk about that shoe compartment, because it really ensures that you can kick off the dirty ones without spreading the ick to the rest of your stuff. It can fit a large pair of shoes, and the polyester offers some ventilation to keep shoes (and perhaps dirty gym clothes) from smelling up the entire bag. Speaking about compartments, this bag is loaded with them. It’s got inner and front pockets that zip. The shoulder straps are padded and are removable if you prefer using the carry handles.

Reviewers on the adidas website like the big size, and note that the bag is ideal for the gym or traveling. One reviewer writes, “I love that the side pocket is big enough to fit my shoes and keep them separate from my other stuff.” One review notes that the top flap is thin stating, “The bag is nice, [but] could've been made more durable. The top flap is a bit on the thin side, which may not last over time.” The brand offers a lifetime warranty that ensures the bag is free from defects in materials and workmanship and provides a replacement for eligible claims.

Pros:

• Material can be spot-cleaned with soap and water
• Interior key fob helps you quickly locate your keys
• Water-resistant base
• 10 color options

Cons:

• May be too large for some

Best Boxing Gym Bag: Elite Sports Duffel Bag

Key features:

• Size: 24 inches L x 11 inches W x 13 inches D
• Material: Mesh and Cordura

The Elite Sports’ duffel bag is large enough to hold your clothes and combat gear and it’s sturdy thanks to the mesh and Cordura fabric construction.  Cordura is a super-durable blend of high-tensile strength synthetic fibers—in other words, it’s a great pick for boxing or MMA enthusiasts whose gear gets put through the wringer.

Related Post: The Best Boxing Gloves

One Amazon reviewer mentioned that every side of the bag is deep-pocketed allowing for more than enough storage space. Another reviewer also loved the storage capacity this bag offered, noting that it was able to fit their gloves, hand wraps, resistance bands, a 40-ounce water bottle and more, easily and comfortably. A water-resistant lining and ventilation also help prevent that dreaded gym bag stink.

Pros:

• Highly durable 
• Budget-friendly
• Water-resistant lining

Cons:

• Some reviewers mention that storage compartments are too small

Best Gym Tote Bag: Nike Jordan Flight Carryall Tote Bag

Key features:

• Size: N/A
• Material: Polyester

The Nike Jordan Flight Carryall Tote Bag has convenient features such as multiple compartments and zip closure for your fitness routine in a great tote bag style. It comes in six colors and has a minimal Jordan logo, so it blends seamlessly with your workout clothes. The durable polyester material is water-resistant and can be spot-cleaned as needed.

This 25-liter bag has a big main compartment that you access from the top. Inside, there’s a drop pocket for smaller items such as your keys or phone. The straps are thick and flat for easy over-the-shoulder carrying and narrow slightly so you can hold the straps like handles. One reviewer on the Nike website says, “Good quality and size, very sturdy and versatile."

Pros:

• Six color options
• Zip closure keeps contents secure
• Durable material for daily use

Cons:

• No outer pockets

What to Look for in a Gym Bag

To choose the best gym bag for you, focus on function and what you’ll use the bag for. Maybe you like to hit the gym immediately before or after work and need a bag with space to carry your gym gear and clothes and a padded laptop sleeve for your computer. Are you looking for a bag you can also use outside of the gym? You’ll want something that’s versatile enough to double as a carry-on bag for traveling or whatever else your needs might be.

Here are a few things to think about when you’re trying to find the best gym bag for your individual needs.

Materials

Almost every user will want a bag made from a durable material. If you tend to drag your bag around or store it on a dirty gym floor, you may want something with extra reinforcement on the bottom. Consider if you need it to be water-resistant or waterproof. And if you’re into buying what’s good for the planet, you may want to look at recycled materials.

If your bag frequently gets dirty, look for one that is machine washable—many are spot clean only.

Shape

Some bags have more structure than others—meaning they hold their shape when nothing is in them. That can be a good or bad thing, depending on your needs. If you need a bag that can fold up easily, or if you’re always loading gear in and out and prefer something that stays put, look into what reviewers have to say about how the bag holds up when it’s empty.

Cost

Gym bags can vary fairly widely in price, depending on size, materials, construction and brand. It’s possible to find a decent gym bag for your needs for under $100. The bags on our list range between $35 and $158.

Features

This may be the most important aspect of picking a gym bag. For instance, if you frequent spin classes and need to pack your own shoes, look for a bag that can hold them (and an extra towel). Need something to tote your yoga mat to the studio? You may want a yoga bag or gym bag with a longer length. If hydration is a must while you’re exercising, choose a bag with a water bottle holder.

How to Find the Right Size Gym Bag for Your Needs

To find the best gym bag for your needs in terms of size, consider what you’re using the bag for. If you need to carry a yoga mat or boxing gloves on top of clothing, you may want a larger bag. But if you’re just looking for something to hold an extra towel or water bottle, you may be fine with a smaller one. Again, if you plan on using the bag for travel or other sporting events, you may want or need a smaller or larger bag.

At some gyms, your bag may need to fit inside a locker. Otherwise, you may be more at liberty to pick any bag you like.

Gym Bags FAQ

What should I put in my gym bag?

Focus on what needs to go in the bag, and if there are other items that you’d like to be able to carry along. If you don’t change at the gym, you don’t need space for clothes, but maybe you want something to tote around your equipment or a fitness mat. Other people need to change at the gym and need space for clothing. You may want a separate pouch for used gym clothes, which can be wet or stinky.

What is the best size for a gym bag?

That depends on your needs. Bigger isn’t always better, while something too small means that you're either carrying extra stuff or looking for a bigger bag. See what you need to carry first, then see if the bag will accommodate it.

What should a beginner take to the gym?

Think about what you will need. Some people arrive in gym clothes and need to change into regular clothes when they leave. If your gym has a shower, you may want shampoo or conditioner and soap. If you come and leave in the same clothes, you still may want to pack a towel, water bottle, smartphone and workout earbuds. Check to see if your gym offers a towel service—it’s one less thing to lug along.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.