Best gym bag 2025 fit for gym kings and queens

The best gym bags will help you carry around your sweaty workout gear in style

Best gym bags: a shot of the Under Amour and KNKG duffle bag, and Built For Athletes backpack
(Image credit: Future)
Jump to category:
Bryony Firth-Bernard's avatar
By
last updated
Contributions from
in Buying Guides

My workouts wouldn't be possible without my gym bag. It's where I store my weightlifting belt, workout shoes, clean clothes, protein powder, gym water bottle – basically, everything I need to smash my session (as well as take care of myself afterwards).

Choosing which gym bag is best for you isn't always easy though; there are so many styles to pick from. Over the next few years, you and your bag will take on the gym side by side together, so you've got to pick a decent one (no pressure).

It’s important to consider what type of training you're using your gym bag for, as this will help you determine the size and style. A bag made from durable materials that’s easy to clean, with plenty of pockets and compartments to store your workout gear are some of the key features that make a great gym bag.

I've been strength training for six years, completed a HYROX, and dabbled in running, so I've tried a lot of gym bags and know what will hold up in the gym and what won’t. Check out my top picks that will see you through your training.

WRITTEN BY
Bryony Firth-Bernard portrait
WRITTEN BY
Bryony Firth-bernard

Bryony is the Active Writer for T3, covering fitness, wearable and outdoor content. She has been strength training for six years now, and has made her way through quite a few gym bags in this time. She's always ready to offer the latest news, recommendations and advice on the best pieces of home gym equipment.

Best gym bags to buy right now

Best gym bags to buy right now

Other gym bags to consider

Oner Active Tote Bag: Another brilliant 'work at 9, gym at 5' tote bag. It's spacious enough for storing your daily essentials and gym kit, with plenty of internal pockets and two bottle holders. It comes in four neutral colourways (our favourite is the Alpine Green).

KNKG Conquer Backpack: KNKG gym bags are made to stand the test of time and this is a wicked gym bag for those who like to keep their kit organised, thanks to its internal dividers (also removable). There's even an external attachment to store your weightlifting belt, making it a great choice for powerlifters, CrossFitters, and Olympic lifters.

How we test the best gym bags

Stubble and Co Kit Bag review: bag being carried side ways

(Image credit: Future)

Before we recommend a gym bag, we first take it along to our own workout sessions for a couple of weeks so that we can put it to the test and see whether it holds up storing all of our workout essentials.

One of the most important factors is the size of the gym bag – and whether it’s actually big enough to hold all of our gear – as well as the materials it’s made out of, to check it’s durable enough to carry our kit over a long period of time.

We consider how functional the bag is for different training styles, e.g., a powerlifter may need to pack more training-specific kit than someone who’s just doing a cardio class, and therefore may require a larger bag. We also take note of the design, whether it has compartments to keep kit separate and tidy, bottle holders, pockets, and if it genuinely looks and feels good to carry.

How to buy the best gym bag for you

There are no set rules to follow here, but plenty of considerations to weigh up when buying your gym bag. If you plan to exercise on your way home from work, you’ll need a bag to carry your kit and trainers, but also leave space for anything you take to the office – and, preferably, a way to keep them separate.

But, if you pick a bag with space for trainers, your packed lunch, and a laptop, then you should check out the lockers at your gym before buying, as some larger bags might not fit.

And of course, this being T3, how your gym bag looks is an important factor to consider. After all, who feels inspired to head out and hit the gym for an hour if the kit bag staring back at you is a tatty, smelly mess?

Speaking of which, the material of your bag is important if you intend to carry wet swimming trunks and a damp towel home each evening. Waterproof rubber or neoprene is good for the swimming gear and shower stuff, but the inferior airflow of these bags means they can start to smell if not aired out properly.

Canvas is better for starving off that distinctive damp smell but may wear out more quickly if used often. If you walk or cycle, look for lightweight bags made from Nylon or polyester. Finally, there’s leather, which gives you the luxury looks and even smells nice if your trunks don’t get involved - but brings with it a high price and some regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.

Best gym bag FAQs

What should I pack in my gym bag?

The contents of your gym bag will never be identical to someone else's, as what you packs depends on the time of the day you’re heading to the gym— maybe you’re going straight from work or it’s the weekend— and what you’re training. That being said, there are a few essentials you’ll definitely want to make sure you pack, such as:

  • Workout shoes – having shoes that support your style of training is key to avoid injury and enhance performance
  • A towel – workouts can get sweaty!
  • Deodorant – and smelly
  • Headphones – listening to music you enjoy can get you in the right frame of mind for your training
  • Gym water bottle – hydration is key as you'll lose salts and minerals through sweat

Other items you may want to consider packing, but may not be essential, include:

  • Protein powder – key for muscle growth and repair
  • Other supplements – such as pre-workout incase you're lacking energy, electrolytes for hydration, and creatine
  • A change of clothes – if you like to shower afterwards at the gym
  • Weightlifting belt – can aid heavy lifts, like squats and deadlifts
  • Lifting straps – again, great for any type of 'pull' exercises
  • Knee sleeves/wraps – a powerlifter essential during squats
  • Wrist wraps – can offer support to weak wrists, especially on the bench press
  • Liquid chalk – great for a solid grip and less messy than powder chalk
Bryony Firth-Bernard
Bryony Firth-Bernard
Staff Writer, Active

Bryony’s T3’s official ‘gym-bunny’ and Active Staff Writer, covering all things fitness. She is a certified personal trainer and also a part-time fitness instructor. In her spare time, you will find her in her natural habitat - the gym - where her style of training is a hybrid of bodybuilding and powerlifting. Bryony loves writing about accessible workouts, nutrition and testing innovative fitness products that help you reach your fitness goals and take your training to the next level.

With contributions from