The best gym bags work overtime. If it isn't comfortable to carry, can't keep my gear organized and fresh, or makes my commute harder, then it's not doing its job. Sure, you could toss your gym gear into a spare tote or shopping bag. Technically, anything can be a gym bag if you're determined enough. But the best ones are built with the features gym-goers actually need, from removable yoga mat straps to ventilation panels to prevent odors.

After testing 20-plus gym bags for a full year, we've narrowed down our best picks, whether you're a bodybuilder, yogi, powerlifter, or just someone who needs a small gym bag for everyday use. For more bag recommendations, check out our guides to Best Laptop Totes, Best Travel Totes, and Best Messenger and Crossbody Bags.

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Best Gym Bag

• Courtesy of Lululemon

• Courtesy of Lululemon

Lululemon

3-in-1 Gym Duffle Bag 30L

WIRED/TIRED

WIRED

• Designed with a removable shoulder strap to carry a yoga mat or as a stretching strap
• Separate compartments for shoes and sweaty gear
• Water-repellent fabric

TIRED

• Limited colors
• The dark interior makes it somewhat difficult to retrieve items

Don’t let this bag’s compact shape fool you—it holds much more than it appears to. You can toss in a pair of shoes, clothes, and toiletries and still have plenty of space left. The water-resistant fabric is a key feature if you’re commuting through unpredictable weather (hi, Midwest winters). True to its name, it can be carried three ways: by the top handles, crossbody with the detachable strap, or—my favorite—the strap by itself doubles as a yoga strap when you just need to haul a mat. It’s super-stretchy and cushioned, making it comfortable to use for stretching as well.

Storage is well designed, too. There’s a dedicated sneaker compartment that fits sizes up to a men’s 14, but I prefer to stash my gym shoes in the bottom section so I don’t lose any of the main interior space. You also get a drawstring pouch for your post-gym clothes, a side zip for most 24-ounce bottles, and interior pockets to hold keys, cards, and other essentials.

Specs

Materials

Body and lining: 100% nylon; Mesh: 100% polyester

Dimensions

18.5" x 10.6" x 7.7"

Volume

30L

Colors

4 (black/traverse grey, black/graphite grey, black, rainforest green)

Care Instructions

Spot clean

Best Gym Backpack

• Courtesy of Troubadour

• Courtesy of Troubadour

• Courtesy of Troubadour

Troubadour

Pioneer Backpack 3.0

WIRED/TIRED

WIRED

• Waterproof and tear-resistant fabric
• Plethora of pockets and organized compartments
• Five-year guarantee against any manufacturing fault

TIRED

• Limited colors
• The volume may be too small for heavy-packers

Troubadour’s Pioneer Backpack is so chic, I’d recommend it as a work bag, but it has all the components of a good gym bag. The high-quality FortiWeave shell, made from recycled plastic bottles, is waterproof, tear-resistant, and fluorocarbon-free, so it can handle accidental spills and unpredictable weather. The sculpted, padded straps and breathable pack panel are game-changers for long commutes, and the trolley sleeve is key for travel.

I love the clamshell design, which gives you a full view of your gym gear. There is a ventilated shoe compartment, so your sneakers don’t stink up the office if you’re heading straight from work to the gym (or vice versa). You get not one but two water bottle side pockets. Inside, there are enough pockets to keep even the most type A gym-goer satisfied: a small shoulder-strap pocket for keys, pen slots, a key leash, and a lockable main compartment, to name just a few. There’s also a padded NanoCushion laptop compartment to protect your electronics.

Specs

Materials

FortiWeave fabric (from recycled plastic bottles)

Dimensions

19.3" x 11.8" x 6.3"

Volume

23L

Colors

2 (navy and black)

Care Instructions

Spot clean

Best Tote Bag

Courtesy of On

On

Track Pack 35L Lite

WIRED/TIRED

WIRED

• Made with ripstop fabric and nylon base
• Designed with compression straps to tighten and adjust
• Extremely lightweight

TIRED

• Lacks structure and feels somewhat flimsy
• Designed with ventilation holes that can be susceptible to tearing

This is Hellen Obiri’s favorite travel bag, and after a month of hauling it to Pilates, I get the appeal. It weighs barely over a pound, yet somehow fits all the gym essentials without feeling bulky. The detachable shoulder strap is super comfortable, and the Swiss-made ropelike handles make it easy to carry by hand. Compression straps let you cinch everything down if needed. Inside, you get bottle pockets, two exterior zip pockets, and an internal mesh compartment for smaller items.

The reflective details on the logo and zippers are a small but smart safety touch. The bag is built from ripstop fabric with a nylon base, though I’m keeping an eye on long-term durability. One month in, it’s holding up well, but I’ll report back if that changes.

Specs

Materials

Main fabric and lower part: 100% recycled polyamide; Lining: 100% recycled polyester; Pocketing: 86% recycled polyamide, PU 14%.

Dimensions

18.9" x 19.7" x 6.7"

Volume

35L

Colors

4 (glacier, thistle, sand, magnet)

Care Instructions

Warm hand wash and air dry

Best Duffel Bag

• Courtesy of Calpak

• Courtesy of Calpak

• Courtesy of Calpak

Calpak

Fit Gym Duffel

WIRED/TIRED

WIRED

• Three-way carry, including trolley sleeve
• Designed with exterior, adjustable yoga straps
• Includes interior straps with extra bottles and/or shakers

TIRED

• The shoulder strap can get uncomfortable during long treks
• Shoe compartment eats up the main space

There are multiple ways to carry the Calpak Fit Gym Duffel: You can use the adjustable shoulder strap, the top handles, or the trolley sleeve if you’re traveling. But what I appreciate the most about this gym bag is its thoughtful organization. It’s designed with a pair of exterior straps that secure a yoga mat without adding bulk. An adjustable water bottle pocket comfortably fits a 24-ounce bottle, and there are interior straps for a second bottle, a shaker, or your preworkout tub. The interior also features two zippered pockets, two mesh compartments, and a key clip. Plus, a slim exterior zip pocket for your phone and any small essentials.

There is a separate compartment with breathable panels for shoes, but the side access can be awkward, and it eats into the main interior space. While the shoulder strap is padded, it can dig in on longer walks; I’ve trekked about a mile each way to my gym with this bag, and it’s doable, just not the most comfortable when fully loaded. But the good news is that Calpak’s antimicrobial lining works. After a year of use (and plenty of sweaty clothes), my duffel still smells clean, and it wipes down easily.

Specs

Materials

Recycled polyester

Dimensions

19.25" x 12.75" x 8"

Volume

25L

Colors

4 (sage, tea rose, greige, black)

Care Instructions

Spot clean

Best Budget

• Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Etronik

Gym Bag

WIRED/TIRED

WIRED

• Built-in vents, shoe pocket, and wet pocket
• Durable zippers
• Affordable

TIRED

• USB-A cord is a tiny bit useless
• Could be more structured

The Etroniks Gym Bag is accessibly priced and comes in a staggering array of colors. It’s roomy inside, with a generously sized lined wet pocket and a couple of organizational pockets. There’s a built-in USB-A cord with a port that goes to the outside of the bag, so you can theoretically stash a power bank inside and charge a device while on the go (although I wish it were USB-C). The bottom featured a vented zipped compartment for shoes or other items. I tested the medium version of this bag, and fitting two pairs of shoes can be a bit of a struggle with this size (though I've made it work with two less bulky pairs).

There’s enough room for clothes, shoes, a water bottle, and whatever else you might need. I like this versatile bag for trips to the gym or to my friends’ houses over the weekend. I do wish it were a bit more structured, since it can be tricky to pack efficiently if you’re a chronic overpacker like I am. But the luggage loop and multiple carrying options still keep it easy to tote around. It’s an excellent option if you want a lot of room for very little money. —Louryn Strampe

Specs

Materials

Nylon and polyester

Dimensions

18.5" x 8.7" x 14.2"

Volume

37L

Colors

19

Care Instructions

Spot clean

Most Versatile

• Courtesy of Béis

• Courtesy of Béis

• Courtesy of Béis

Béis

Sport Duffle Backpack

WIRED/TIRED

WIRED

• Hidden padded backpack straps allow for multi-wear options
• Trolley sleeve doubles as an additional pocket when zipped
• Includes a separate “dirt bag” pouch for dirty clothes

TIRED

• The water bottle side pocket is too shallow

I usually prefer a duffel bag for its extra space and quick access to compartments, but they can be a hassle to carry on longer walks. Béis’s Sport Duffle features hidden backpack straps, allowing you to switch between styles without committing to just one. It also includes a trolley sleeve, making it a great weekender bag or personal item.

Inside, you’ll find plenty of zippered and mesh pockets (and a key leash), and there’s an exterior zippered compartment for your phone. My only real complaint is that the water bottle slot is somewhat shallow, so taller bottles can feel unstable. The bag comes in five color options, and Béis frequently releases limited editions. My cobalt blue bag was my go-to for months until my cat decided to pee in it. Don’t ask me why—maybe it just seemed that comfortable.

Specs

Materials

100% nylon body and 100% polyester lining

Dimensions

9.8" x 17.3" x 8.8"

Volume

23.5L

Colors

5 (beige, maple, Atlas pink, olive, black)

Care Instructions

Spot clean

Compare Top 6 Gym Bags

Product

Type

Dimensions

Volume

Colors

Price

Lululemon 3-in-1 Gym Duffle Bag

Duffel

18.5" x 10.6" x 7.7"

30L

4

$158

Pioneer Backpack 3.0

Backpack

19.3" x 11.8" x 6.3"

23L

2

$279

On Track Pack Lite

Tote

18.9" x 19.7" x 6.7"

35L

4

$150

Calpak Fit Gym Duffel

Duffel

19.25" x 12.75" x 8"

25L

4

$155

Etroniks Gym Bag

Weekender

18.5" x 8.7" x 14.2"

37L

19

$37

Béis Sport Duffle Backpack

Duffel/Backpack

9.8" x 17.3" x 8.8"

23.5L

5

$108

Honorable Mentions

Vuori Gym Bag

Courtesy of Vuori

Vuori Gym Bag 2.0 for $198: Vuori’s gym duffel is like everything else I’ve tried from the brand. It's stylish, well-designed, and understated. It’s also durable and well-constructed, with a roomy interior compartment. There’s a dedicated shoe pouch on the side, which will take up some of the internal storage space. The other end of the bag has a vertical, zipped storage pocket that I like for stashing my headphones, keys, and combination lock. Finally, a lined wet pocket and a few organizational pockets round out the inside. The long handles are comfy to grip, the snap closure keeps the handles corralled, and the zipper has never given me any difficulty. It’s simple, but it does its job well. Overpacking can make it tough to carry around, depending on how heavy your load is, but unless you’re lugging a ton of gear, that shouldn’t be an issue. —Louryn Strampe

Knack Expandable Metro Duffel

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Knack Expandable Metro Duffel for $145: If I still worked in an office, this would be an easy go-to gym bag. It’s nice and structured, with room for three to four outfits, a laptop, and a pair of shoes. It’s expandable, too, in case you need a bit of extra room. It’s well-constructed and has a ton of organizational pockets inside. It’s also cavernous, which may be a blessing or a curse depending on your needs. —Louryn Strampe

Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 for $98: There are other dedicated gym backpacks, but Lululemon’s is worth considering. It’s very simple, straightforward, and great for chucking in a change of clothes and your water bottle. The dedicated water bottle pocket isn’t big enough for the kinds of bottles I like to tote around, but other than that, it’s got a lot of organizational pockets and room for your basics. —Louryn Strampe

Frequently Asked Questions

What Features Should I Look For?

Size and volume: Gym bags come in all shapes and capacities, so the right one depends on your routine and what kind of gear you're planning to carry. Duffels generally offer the most usable space, and backpacks and totes skew more compact. For everyday workouts—perhaps a change of clothes and small essentials—20 to 30 liters is the sweet spot. Bags in the 31- to 45-liter range work well as weekenders and often include extras like internal dividers and a dedicated shoe compartment.

Materials: Prioritize durable fabrics that can handle daily wear and are easy to clean. Tough options like ballistic nylon or polyester with a PU coating are reliably tear- and abrasion-resistant. Leather is another durable choice, but it does demand more careful upkeep. I also prefer something water-repellent (if not fully waterproof) to protect my stuff from unpredictable weather and the occasional spilled energy drink on my walk to the gym.

Organization and functionality: I always look for a separate shoe compartment, one that ideally doesn't swallow up the main section when it's in use. A side water bottle pocket is nonnegotiable. If you're heading straight from work to your workout, a padded laptop sleeve could be a must. A wet pocket or separate pouch for sweaty clothes might not be an essential, but it's a bonus. Hidden pockets and lockable zippers for valuables are also nice to have if you stuff your gym bag in a public locker room.

Comfort: How important comfort is depends on your commute. If you're driving to and from the gym, you might not care how the bag feels on your shoulder for 0.2 seconds. But since I usually walk, comfort is a must. Look for padded, adjustable shoulders and versatile carry options; being able to switch from a crossbody to a backpack can make a huge difference on longer walks. Also, pay attention to weight. Heavy-duty bags are durable, but they can feel bulky fast.

Additional features: Breathable mesh panels or air vents are crucial to prevent odors and mildew. Other thoughtful touches include yoga mat straps (bonus points if they're removable and can be used on their own) and insulated pockets for storing a protein shake or snacks.

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