Best gym bag 2024 fit for gym kings and queens

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

Best gym bag: Pictured here, a fit young female athlete doing medicine ball push-ups next to the CORE25 gym bag
(Image credit: King Kong Apparel)

No gym session is possible without the best gym bag. It's where you store your weightlifting belt, workout shoes, clean clothes, and protein powder – basically, it has everything you need to smash your session, as well as take care of yourself afterwards.

Choosing which gym bag is suitable for you is not an easy decision though. Over the next few years, you and your bag will be taking on the gym side by side together, so you've got to make the right decision (no pressure). That's why we've created this guide, so you can find the best gym bag to suit your style and needs. From duffels to backpacks, holdalls and even totes, these are our top picks to see you through your training. 

Best gym bags to buy right now

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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.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.

With contributions from