Matt Kollat
My workouts just 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, it has 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 an easy task though, especially as 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 make the right decision (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 shoes and dirty gym clothes are some of the key components that will make a great gym bag.
I've been strength training for four years, completed a HYROX, and dabbled in running, so I've tried lots 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.
Best gym bags to buy right now
Best overall
No doubt you’ve seen someone stroll into the gym donning one of these on their back, maybe even with their HYROX or CrossFit stickers proudly on the front. The Built For Athletes backpack is the ‘it’ gym bag right now, and as soon as we tested it, we could see why (aside from its cool ‘ready for action’ aesthetic).
It has a generous 45-litre capacity – with two main compartments, internal pockets and two front zip pockets – which provides plenty of space to fit all our gym gear inside, including our shoes, weightlifting belt, lifting straps, wrist wraps, knee sleeves and more. We also never knew we needed two water bottle holders till we used this bag – one for our water, another for our pre-workout drink – genius!
Made from tough, double-stitched Cordura fabric this bag is extremely durable and it certainly withstood us picking it up and throwing it down between our different exercises. The only thing we weren’t too keen on is that it opens flat to 180 degrees. While this does make for easy packing or unpacking (especially if you’ve lost something in the depths of your bag), for us it just meant extra faffing.
As this bag is water-resistant and has a 17-inch laptop sleeve it could easily be used for commuting from work to the gym. It is a big bag though and it will look like you’re going into combat. There are smaller versions and colours too, if camo isn’t your thing.
Best premium
If you’re looking for a gym bag that offers substance and style, the Kit Bag from Stubble and Co hits the sweet spot. Whether you’re off to the gym or heading away for the weekend, this bag can handle it all and looks good while doing it.
It has the same 45-litre capacity as the Built For Athletes Backpack above, but we can’t wrap our heads around how because it felt a lot bigger when testing. It’s probably down to the fact that it has one large main compartment, which provided more than enough room for all of our gym kit. The only downfall here is that if you don’t fill your bag to the brim you’ll open it to find your items all over the shop due to its lack of pockets, so neat freaks are best to avoid.
There’s also a quick access pocket on the top which was handy for storing our keys/wallet; a large padded 16" laptop pocket on the back and a trainer compartment that you'll actually end up using, as it's a decent size. It's been crafted from recycled materials and we're pleased to confirm the exterior is 100% waterproof too. The padded straps (which are also removable) and front fastening made this bag comfortable and secure to dash around London with it on our backs.
The only other caveat for us is that the bottle holder is on the inside of the bag. However, we do appreciate it probably wouldn't look as attractive with a bottle poking out the side.
Read our full Stubble and Co Kit Bag review
Best affordable
We can’t say we’ve personally tested this bag (because we haven’t), but you can't go wrong with an Adidas duffel bag, can you? Especially, for this price. The standard sports duffle is popular with many, from the weekend warrior through to the advanced athlete, and Adidas is one of the most recongnised sports apparel brands out there.
For £35, you'll get a very generous-sized 51-litre holdall bag with a main compartment, a shoe compartment on the side, and a zip pocket on the front for storing snacks and valuables; plenty to separate your used gym gear from your clean items. The bottom of the bag is also TPE-coated so it can withstand some trashing around at least.
Sadly, there aren’t any other colour options available in this bag, so you will have to make do with just black. The good thing about this though is that you’re less likely to see dirt marks. All in all, this bag will do the job and carry all your kit at a bargain price.
Best for commuters
Work at nine, then gym at five? The Roll Top bag from Stubble and Co will do you nicely. While we appreciate this isn’t your ‘typical gym bag’, on testing we found it has a range of features that definitely make it a great ‘work to gym’ bag.
For starters, just look at it. Anyone would be proud to stroll into the office donning this on their back – it’s a great-looking work bag. We also found no problem fitting in our gym kit and a pair of trainers alongside our working-day essentials and lunch, and it fits into gym lockers nicely.
But, what we really appreciate about this bag, is that there are lots of small pockets and compartments on the inside, and outside so, despite it being a roll top, you don’t feel like all of your items are getting too on top of each other. We also love a bag with two bottle holders – one for hydration and the other for pre-workout.
The material is durable and waterproof, so whether you’re cycling to the gym or dashing between buses, or tubes, your kit will remain 100% dry. We also found it remained stable and felt comfortable on our back whilst rushing for the bus, thanks to its padded shoulder straps and waist buckle. It also comes available in eight different colourways, just incase you fancy something a little bolder and brighter.
Best tote
Tote bags are a good choice for those who aren’t a fan of duffles and backpacks or duffles and want a bag that ‘looks good’. There are lots of expensive gym totes on the market, but we found this one from Gymshark very practical.
We used this bag for going from work to the gym and, although one of the smaller bags on this guide, we found there was lots of space and storage (as well as four internal pockets and three external) to store our everyday work essentials. We managed to fit (almost) everything inside, including our laptop lunch and gym kit, but trainers were a bit of a squeeze. If you do decide to use this solely as a gym bag though, you’ll no doubt have room for everything.
The bottom of the bag also has a coating on it for extra protection and there are two straps on the front of the bag that you could store your yoga mat through. While Gymshark doesn’t state whether this bag is water resistant, we can confirm that when we walked through the rain with it our kit remained dry. All in all, there's very little to criticise, this is a great tote bag for the gym.
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.
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
- A towel
- Deodorant
- Headphones
- Gym water bottle
- Protein powder (if your journey home is going to be long afterwards)
Other items you may want to consider packing, but may not be essential, include:
- Supplements (pre-workout, electrolytes, creatine)
- Change of clothes
- Weightlifting belt
- Lifting straps
- Knee sleeves/wraps
- Wrist wraps
- Liquid chalk
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.
