Whether your preferred workout routine involves hitting the weights, pounding the pavement or diving in for laps, there’s one must-have: the ideal gym bag. However, just like every workout is different, different gym bags come with varying features, which means before you buy, you should keep a few key factors in mind. “Functionality is key. There is definitely not going to be one size fits all in this category. We all need different things out of our fitness accessories,” says Marshall Weber, owner and personal trainer at Jack City Fitness. “It all depends on the commute into the gym, our preferred workout types and even how we prioritize fitness and health in our lives.”
Start by thinking about all the accessories you tote to the gym: water bottle, phone, keys, towel, change of clothes — you need room to accommodate your pre- and post-workout items. If you travel from the office to the gym, you might also need to consider whether you need padded sleeves for your laptop or space for work documents. Versatility is important. “A bag that can transition from the studio to errands or other workouts is a major win,” says Echo Wang, CEO and founder at Yoga Kawa.
With these needs in mind, I set out to find the best gym bags. Consulting fitness experts for insights, I worked with Yahoo’s Senior Health Editor (and exercise physiologist), Laura Williams, to test dozens of products. I assessed each for durability, pocket and compartment functionality, special features such as water resistance, and versatility during real gym trips. Understanding that people’s preferences vary, I also examined user reviews to see what works for different gym-goers. I chose the best gym bags from this research, including budget-friendly, splurge-worthy, sport-specific and compact options. These are the gym bags that came out on top.
Best gym bag overall
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Laura Williams
Dimensions: 20″ x 12.6″ x 12.6″ | Materials: Nylon body with PVC backing, ripstop nylon lining and nylon webbing | Capacity: 51L | Colors: Desert, black, green, natty | Special features: Internal laptop sleeve, external weight belt attachment, shoe compartment, two external bottle compartments, 25-year warranty on materials and workmanship
If you’re looking for a bag that could last a lifetime (or at least as long as its 25-year warranty), the KNKG Core Duffel is hard to beat. The large-capacity size holds 51 liters of gym supplies — we were able to fill it up with two changes of clothes, a small foam roller, a percussion massager, a cosmetics bag, a pair of shoes (in the internal shoe compartment), a jump rope, resistance bands, muscle relief creams, various pre- and post-workout supplements and a 15-inch laptop (in the bag’s padded compartment) too. There’s even an external carry loop where you can attach your weightlifting belt. The two external bottle compartments also come in handy — they expand sufficiently to hold larger water bottles and shaker bottles for all your pre- and post-workout hydration and supplementation needs.
The material of the Core Duffel is sturdy — heavy nylon with PVC backing, ripstop nylon lining and nylon webbing, all designed to withstand heavy use without stretching or tearing. The buckles are powder-coated steel and the zippers are YKK — known to be the best in the business. That said, this bag isn’t light. At a not-insignificant 2.2 pounds, once it’s filled with all your gym supplies, it can be hefty to carry around, so just keep that in mind.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you want the product’s organization sleeves (handy if you want to keep your clothes separate from your shower supplies and your shower supplies separate from your supplements or snacks), you have to buy them separately, which adds $40 to the purchase price. We found it came in handy to have the dividers, but the bag’s capacity remains the same whether you add them or not.
- Sturdy construction backed by a 25-year warranty
- Internal shoe compartment
- Two large bottle compartments
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Large capacity duffel that can hold just about everything you need for a full-day’s activities
- Organization dividers sold separately
- Heavy compared to many duffel bags
- Expensive
$160 at KNKG Core Duffle, Large 51-liter
More gym bags we like in 2025
FocusGear
Dimensions: 20″x11″x10.5″ | Materials: Canvas, polyester | Capacity: 20L | Colors: Black, silver, blue, charcoal, green, red, teal | Special features: Water bottle holders, wet pockets, separate shoe compartment
Focus Gear proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality bag. For less than $30 (and often for sale), the Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0 features 10 compartments, including a separate space for keys and phone.
The tunnel pocket keeps your clothes separate from your dirty gym shoes, and a hidden water-resistant pocket keeps the rest of your stuff dry so you can stash your swimsuit or sweaty items without worry. Reinforced stitching holds everything together for one durable bag. “It’s great quality. Large enough to be an over the weekend bag too. Good carry on. Plenty of extra pockets. Shoe portion is perfect for dirty clothes too!” said one reviewer.
Need hydration on the go? The bag comes with two water bottle compartments, so you’ll never be without a drink. However, some reviewers report that the zippers come off their tracks. This isn’t a problem I experienced, but something to keep in mind.
- Sturdy, water-resistant bottom
- Wet pouch for sweaty clothes or swimming gear
- Big mouth opening for easy access
- Some reports of zippers coming off tracks
- 20 L capacity may not be large enough for some users
$29 at Amazon
Laura Williams
Dimensions: 8.4”x 6.6”x 2” | Materials: Polyester/recycled polyester | Capacity: Not indicated | Colors: Black, primrose, elm | Special features: Water-repellent, detachable strap
When you need nothing more than a bag to carry small toiletries, your wallet, phone and keys, there’s no need to lug a big duffel around. To be honest, choosing the best minimalist bag was a toss-up, but this vertical crossbody from Athleta won out against the competition (Lululemon’s Everywhere Crossbody Bag 2L came in a very close second).
We love that it has a slightly larger capacity that allows you to throw a small makeup or cosmetics bag inside. The fabric is water-repellent, and the strap is removable. This offers additional functionality, allowing you to use it as a toiletry tote on days when you need a bigger gym bag — just throw this bag inside (sans strap) and it’ll do the trick. It also features a small, exterior zippable pocket that’s ideal for storing your wallet, while an interior pocket provides additional organization.
Another Athleta bag (the Reflective All About Crossbody Belt Bag) that was a close contender stood out for its fully reflective exterior, making it a great choice for anyone walking or biking to the gym in the dark. We wish this vertical option had the same, reflective exterior, which is our main complaint when testing this bag.
- Compact, yet spacious
- Detachable strap
- Water repellent fabric
- Machine washable
$65 at Athleta
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KNKG
Dimensions: 20.1″x13″x8.7″ | Materials: 500D nylon with PVC backing, ripstop nylon lining, nylon webbing | Capacity: 38L | Colors: Black, green, natty, desert | Special features: Internal dividers for organization, two external bottle compartments, dedicated laptop sleeve, external attachment straps for a weightlifting belt
You can fit a lot inside this 38-liter backpack, and thanks to its numerous pockets and included internal dividers, you can keep everything well-organized. While there’s no external shoe compartment, the internal (removable) dividers make it easy to keep your sneakers separate from your toiletries and clean clothes. The external water bottle holders are sized well for 24-32 ounce water bottles or shakers. We also appreciate that there’s a dedicated laptop sleeve and an additional “hidden” pocket at the back where you can stash your phone, earbuds and wallet. You can even use the external buckles to attach your weightlifting belt — no need to cram it inside with the rest of your stuff.
Like our “best overall” pick — another KNKG bag — this backpack is covered by a 25-year warranty. It’s made from high-quality materials and is durable. Of course, like its counterpart, it’s heavy, clocking in at 5 pounds before you fill it with stuff. And, of course, you can’t ignore the fact that it’s expensive. We appreciate that this bag comes with its internal dividers included in the price, but the price also reflects the cost of this additional accessory.
- Internal organization dividers included
- Two external bottle compartments
- Works well for travel
- Dedicated laptop sleeve
- External buckles to store your weightlifting belt
- Expensive
- Comparatively heavy
$240 at KNKG
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Laura Williams
Dimensions: 20.1″x 9.8″x 9.4″ | Materials: Recycled polyester | Capacity: 33L | Colors: Black, stone/black | Special features: Backpack straps can be hidden away, dedicated shoe compartment, dedicated laptop sleeve, water-resistant
Sometimes you want a duffel bag. Sometimes you want a backpack. With this handy, convertible number from Under Armour, you don’t have to choose between the two — you get both in a single bag, thanks to the hidden backpack straps that you can unzip when you want to put them to use.
While the 33-liter capacity is smaller than some of the bags on this list, it’s sufficient for most needs. You can fit a change of clothes, basic toiletries and your shoes (in their own compartment). Unfortunately, there’s no dedicated water bottle sleeve, so you’ll want to ensure your preferred bottle is leak-proof before throwing it in with your clean clothes.
We also appreciate that the bag is water-resistant, so if you get caught in the rain, your things will be protected. This is especially important for your electronics, which you can also safely store inside the bag’s dedicated laptop sleeve.
We were a bit surprised the bag doesn’t come with a detachable shoulder strap — a common add-on for most duffel bags. This seems like an oversight, but a relatively minor one in light of the bag’s other benefits.
- Water-resistant
- Dedicated laptop or tablet sleeve
- Backpack straps can be hidden away when not in use
- No detachable shoulder strap
- No dedicated bottle compartment
$120 at Under Armour
Laura Williams
Dimensions: 16″x6.5″x13″ | Materials: 420D laminated nylon | Capacity: 22L | Colors: Black | Special features: 100% waterproof, dedicated shoe compartment, dedicated laptop sleeve, internal bottle compartment
To be fair, a number of the bags on this list have a dedicated shoe compartment, but what makes this one stand out is that you don’t expect a dedicated shoe compartment to be included in what, at face value, looks like a fairly standard gym tote. However, we can assure you that this isn’t a standard gym tote. This is a seriously tricked-out tote that works well for gym days and travel, particularly when you only need the basics.
For starters, the laminated nylon material (specifically, VX-42 made from sailcloth) is 100% waterproof and resistant to rips and tears. The bag also includes all the dedicated compartments you need from a gym bag — an internal shoe compartment, an internal water bottle sleeve, and an internal padded laptop or tablet sleeve. There are also lots of internal and external zippered pockets to provide more organization for necessary supplies (we fit in resistance bands, a change of clothes, a small tub of creatine, a muscle relief cream and a cosmetics bag … and still had room to spare). There’s even an external luggage handle pass-through strap and a hidden compartment for a smart tracker.
All in all, this is a pretty sweet option if you don’t need a lot of added room (the 22-liter capacity is generous, but not huge), particularly if you’re looking for a gym bag that doesn’t look like one.
- 100% waterproof
- Dedicated laptop or tablet sleeve
- Dedicated internal shoe compartment
- Internal water bottle pocket (good for narrower bottles)
- Luggage handle pass-through
- Smaller capacity may not suit those who need to carry more gear
- Expensive
$159 at Aer
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Laura Williams
Dimensions: 19.7″x11.6″x 6.7″ (expands to 8.3″ deep) | Materials: Polyester, polyurethane, rubber, elastane | Capacity: 28L (expands to 35L) | Colors: Black, nu blue/black, white, jasper blue, racer red | Special features: Water resistant, expandable, two external bottle compartments, dedicated laptop sleeve, ventilated straps designed to adjust for even weight distribution
For anyone who regularly exercises outside and needs a bag designed to withstand the elements (and that’s easy to tote around), Under Armour’s No Weigh Backpack is a good selection. It expands to hold a 35-liter internal cpacity, sufficient for shoes, changes of clothes and essential toiletries. The external bottle compartments hold bottles up to 32-ounces and the separate laptop sleeve keeps your laptop safe. There’s even a separate internal pocket to store your gym shoes or sweaty clothes, although it doesn’t zip, so the items on the other side of the bag could still come in contact with your sweaty or dirty items.
We especially appreciate the design of the straps on this backpack. They’re specifically designed to make it easy to adjust them evenly so you don’t end up with an unbalanced load (all too common with standard backpacks). And even if they’re not perfectly aligned, the brand’s “suspension” strap system helps distribute the load more evenly. These features are particularly handy if part of your workout is walking or biking with your backpack to a park, track or other facility — they make carrying your goods with you a little easier to manage.
- Two external bottle compartments
- Internal shoe sleeve
- Dedicated laptop sleeve
- Easy-to-adjust straps designed to help balance the load
- Water resistance is good for outdoor workouts
- Expensive
- Shoe compartment isn’t zippered or otherwise sealable
$140 at Amazon
Laura Williams
Dimensions: 18.13”x 7.88”x 15.75” | Materials: 100% nylon exterior | Capacity: 36L | Colors: Black, mahogany rose, matcha, sunkissed, vanilla creme | Special features: Zippered shoes compartment, 2 included accessory bags, dedicated laptop compartment, dedicated bottle compartments, removable shoulder strap
If you travel frequently for work, pleasure or sporting events, this spacious weekender bag is all you’ll ever need. With a 36-liter capacity, it can easily carry a couple sets of clothes, a couple pairs of shoes (in the bottom zippered compartment), travel-sized toiletries and cosmetics and lightweight fitness gear like resistance bands, jump ropes and a travel-friendly massage gun or foam roller. It also comes with two color-matched accessory bags (one that’s ideal for sweaty or dirty clothes and the other for your toiletries). The external elastic side pockets easily hold 32-ounce water bottles and there’s also an internal padded sleeve for your laptop or tablet. The bag is also sized as a carry-on, so you don’t have to worry about whether it’ll meet TSA standards when you get to the airport.
We also love the bag’s bright color options and the fact that it doesn’t scream “gym bag,” making it a good multi-use tote, whether you’re enjoying a weekend with friends or you’re packing a bag for a day at the beach. It’s worth noting, though, that this one isn’t water resistant, and when compared to the thick, extra-heavy nylon exteriors of some of the other bags on our list, the one’s not quite as durable.
- Dedicated external, zippered shoe compartment
- Two water bottle compartments
- Dedicated laptop sleeve
- Sized as a carry-on and features a luggage handle pass-through
- Includes two color-matched accessory pouches — one for dirty laundry and one for cosmetics or toiletries
- Expensive
- Not water-resistant
- Nylon isn’t as thick or durable as some of our other featured bags
$136 at Ogio
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Laura Williams
Dimensions: 18″x11.5″x7.0″ | Materials: Ripstop nylon | Capacity: 20L | Colors: Black, cobalt | Special features: Duffel bag opening, laptop compartment
If you’re the type of gym-goer who goes straight from the office to the gym (or vice versa), chances are you need a bag that can hold your laptop, tablet and extraneous work files along with clothes and toiletries, without risking the two touching each other. While there are a few totes on this list that can do the trick, they’re not going to be very functional on days you want to bike or walk to your daily commitments.
We found the Fuse Backpack 20 from Ogio to be incredibly functional for this purpose. It’s a small backpack with a duffel-bag vertical zipper opening so you can throw all your gym clothes or supplies inside and access them easily when you’re ready to hit the showers. The fabric is water-resistant ripstop Cordura, making it super lightweight and durable, and there’s a sort of half-sleeve protector on the bottom half of the backpack so if the zipper were to unzip while you’re wearing it (unlikely, but just in case), it’s less likely that anything would fall out.
Most important, there’s a separate, padded compartment that fits up to a 17-inch laptop comfortably, and an interior tablet sleeve that’s also padded to help protect your electronics.
The most glaring problem we noticed was the lack of an exterior water bottle pocket — it seems like it would be an easy addition that would turn this already-functional gym bag into an even better product. It also lacked a separate pocket to store wet or sweaty items, and while it features a few reflective tags, it would be nice if there were more reflective strips across the back. Truly, though, for $50? You’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with this duffel backpack.
- Separate zippered laptop compartment
- Padded interior tablet compartment
- Duffel access to main compartment
- Backpack straps
- Luggage passthrough
- No water bottle sleeve
- More reflective features would be helpful
- No separate pocket or sleeve for wet clothing
$50 at Ogio
Speedo
Dimensions: 20″x 17″ | Materials: Polyester | Capacity: 35L | Colors: Black, electric blue, nautical navy, navy/red, sapphire, yellow | Special features: Water- and abrasion-resistant
A good bag can make or break a swimming practice. And because Speedo is synonymous with aquatics, it makes sense that the brand makes one of the best swim bags on the market.
Hidden ventilation ensures your wet clothes can breathe and not go moldy, even if you forget them for a day or two (although we’d suggest not doing that). The water-resistant bottom means you can place it on the changing room floor without worrying about water seeping through. A dedicated, elevated laptop sleeve keeps electronics dry and cushioned from bumps or drops — which is pretty much unheard of in a bag for swimming gear. The generous side pockets keep all your smaller or important items (like your cell phone or keys) within reach for easy access. And you can store additional swimming gear, like googles and caps, in a ventilated front pocket.
“This is the best backpack ever. The double zippers that open like a hood rather than the crosswise one way or even double zip zippers. Holds a lot extremely roomy and has waist straps and wide shoulder straps that quite comfortable,” says one satisfied reviewer.
- Water-resistant bottom
- Laptop sleeve
- Numerous color options
$53 at Speedo
Doubletake
Dimensions: 13″x19.5″x8″ | Materials: Aluminum hardware, eco-friendly fabrics | Capacity: 24L | Colors: Carbon, steel | Special features: Water bottle and ball canister pockets
It’s safe to say that pickleball isn’t just a fad. The paddle-centric sport is here to stay. And if you play the game, you know the right bag is essential. Meet the Doubletake NYC Backpack, which also doubles as a tennis bag.
This bag has room for three standard tennis rackets or two pairs of pickleball paddles, plus outer pockets for water bottles or ball canisters. A fuzzy sunglasses compartment, wet pocket and plush phone compartment round out the offerings. You can also carry it as a backpack or a tote.
- Can be used for tennis or pickleball
- Water bottle pockets double as ball canister holders
$234 at Doubletake
Laura Williams
Dimensions: 30”x7”x8.25” | Materials: Polyester | Capacity: not indicated | Colors: Black | Special features: Ventilated mat pocket, additional interior and exterior pockets for props, adjutable strap
If your gym trips include yoga classes, chances are you’ll be hauling a yoga mat with you (check out our favorite mats) … which isn’t the most compact item you could carry around. If you’re a serious yogi, it’s nice to have a bag that keeps your mat protected from the elements.
This bag from Manduka is water-resistant and well-made and includes just about everything you could want in a mat bag. In addition to the storage space for your mat itself (which is sizable enough even for oversized mats), there’s a large secondary zippered compartment for clothes, a yoga towel or straps, and hidden interior pockets that are great for tucking away your phone, keys or wallet. When compared with a similar mat bag from Alo (see our notes below), we found this mat’s space for storing yoga accessories like blocks was more substantial — you can even store two mats or a couple yoga blocks in the double compartments if you’re so inclined.
There were a few standout features the Alo bag offered (like an exterior mesh pocket that’s appropriate for wet clothes or a water bottle), but ultimately when we compared prices, the Manduka option won out — this bag costs $70 (or less when on sale) versus the $128 for the Alo bag. We just weren’t sure the extra features the Alo bag offered were worth compromising the extra space and better price of the Go Steady 4.0 Mat Carrier.
- Two large compartments large enough to hold any size yoga mat and accessories, including yoga blocks
- Additional interior storage for smaller personal items
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- One hidden interior zippered pocket good for phone or wallet storage
- Vented mat storage
- Only one color
- No water bottle holder
$56 at Manduka
Types of gym bags
Gym bags come in many styles, each designed with unique features to suit different needs. Here’s a look at some of the most popular types and what sets them apart.
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Duffel bags: Duffels are usually cylindrical and have one large compartment with outer side pockets. They should work fine if you don’t have many smaller items to keep organized. They are easy to reach in and out of, making them a popular choice for a gym bag.
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Backpacks: Backpacks distribute the weight of the bag evenly between both shoulders. If your gear is heavy, a backpack can help make it easier to carry around. External and internal pockets help keep things organized.
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Tote bags: A tote bag is a medium-sized option with handles that can be carried or slung over a shoulder. The number of internal and external pockets varies by design. Some even have external straps for yoga mats.
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Convertible bags: These are bags that can be worn or carried in multiple ways. For instance, the bag may offer straps to carry the bag like a duffel bag, but might also include a detachable shoulder strap or backpack straps that can be hidden inside when not in use.
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Shoe bags: Many gym bags feature a special shoe compartment that keeps your cleats, basketball shoes or running shoes separate from the rest of your belongings. This keeps things fresh and sanitary.
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Crossbody bags: A crossbody bag has one long strap. Your arm goes through one end, and you lay the strap across your body, much like a seatbelt, which keeps your hands free.
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Wet/dry bags: Some gym bags have a wet/dry pocket, while others are designed to keep wet clothes inside the main compartment. The purpose is to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes.
Factors to consider when choosing a gym bag
Make a game plan before purchasing your gym bag. This means considering factors that would make the bag work for you.
“The size and setup of a gym bag are important and will vary depending on your needs. Think about everything you want to be able to put in your gym bag and make sure it’s big enough to fit it all. Consider which of these items you’d like to place in separate areas or compartments,” says Anna Passalacqua, co-founder, director and teacher at Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy. “I like to have a bag with a place where I can put dry, clean clothes, a place for clothes that are damp and sweaty, a larger pocket for my shoes and a smaller pocket for valuables like my keys, phone, wallet and jewelry. For me, it’s also helpful to have a strap or clip that I can use to secure my yoga mat to my gym bag.
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Capacity and Storage: Think about how much you need to carry, both to the gym and beyond. Choosing a gym bag that fits all your essentials is … well, essential. If you plan to use it for other purposes, like travel, make sure it has enough room for those needs too. “When buying a gym bag, it’s useful to get one that’s versatile, with options such as expanding sections for those days when you are taking more gear with you,” says Kate Macfarlane, certified running coach at We Run.
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Durability: Are you planning to put your bag through the ringer? Will it be on the court, the field or a locker? Make sure that your gym bag’s material can keep up with you. Also, be aware that some bags cannot be washed; they are only wiped or spot-cleaned.
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Comfort and ergonomics: For a more comfortable experience, opt for bags with adjustable, padded straps that evenly distribute weight. Think about how you’ll carry it — whether by handles, a crossbody strap or as a backpack — and choose the most ergonomic style for your needs.
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Water resistance: If you’re a swimmer, you’ll need a water-resistant bag to carry your wet suit and protect your bag from the changing room floor. However, a water-resistant bag is also suitable for storing sweaty clothes. Look for a bag with a wet pouch to keep your other belongings dry and safe.
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Style and aesthetics: Gym bags can be simple or extravagant. Some people prefer muted colors, while others prefer loud colors and patterns. As for style, choose the most comfortable option based on what you’ll be carrying (and how much it weighs), whether a crossbody, tote or duffel.
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Price: The prices of gym bags vary greatly, so be sure to set a budget and stick to it. Name brands always cost more than lesser-known options.
How we chose the best gym bags
Choosing the best gym bag required a combination of hands-on testing, expert insight and user feedback. To begin, I reviewed dozens of products and narrowed them down to 26 standout bags that Yahoo Senior Health Editor, Laura Williams, and I personally put to the test. Each bag was evaluated based on durability, design, functionality and any standout features.
We also assessed each bag’s versatility by using it in real-life scenarios, from gym trips to quick errands, to see if they could transition between various settings. I analyzed hundreds of user reviews to gain a broad view of each bag’s strengths and weaknesses, paying close attention to feedback on comfort, durability and overall value.
From this extensive research, I selected the best gym bags for each category as well as an overall winner.
Other gym bags we tested
I tested a few other bags that didn’t make the list.
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Under Armour Undeniable Duffel: While many gym-goers use this bag for basketball, I preferred competitor options that had a separate compartment for the ball, which keeps all your other belongings cleaner.
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WOLFPack Mini Duffel: This one was just a little too compact. Reviews stated that there just wasn’t enough room, and I agreed. If you’re looking for a small duffel, the Ogio Fuse Backpack 20 is a similar size, but offers more functionality and comes at a much better price.
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Athleta All About Large Crossbody Bag: We tested the version of this bag with reflective fabric, and we loved it. Truly. Being able to wear it across your back while biking to the gym is an excellent safety feature for being seen by drivers in dark conditions. That said, it didn’t have as much capacity as the brand’s Vertical version of this bag (which we selected as our top minimalist choice), and its strap doesn’t unclip like the similarly-styled Lululemon option. This is why it didn’t make the cut.
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Lululemon Everywhere Crossbody Bag 2L Metal Hardware: There’s no denying this is a chic, attractive bag with lots of features that make it an excellent minimalist option. It’s made of water-repellent fabric, has a number of interior and exterior pockets for organization, can be worn multiple ways and features a detachable strap, making it a good toiletry bag as well. The only reason it didn’t make our superlatives list is that the Athleta Vertical All About Crossbody Bag had just slightly more capacity and equal functionality (at a lower price).
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Alo Explorer Fanny Pack: There’s really nothing bad to say about this fanny pack. It’s well made and water-repellent, has lots of zippered storage options and is comfortable to wear. If you’re looking strictly for a fanny pack to haul your stuff, this will do the trick. That said, at almost $100, it doesn’t have the versatility (namely, the detachable straps) that our favorite minimalist bags featured.
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Lululemon Large Slouchy Sling Bag: This is another bag we love from a general standpoint. Again, it’s attractive and has some important features like water-repellent fabric and various pockets for organization. That said, from a gym bag standpoint, it just doesn’t make a lot of sense. Compared with the other bags on our list, it’s lacking the types of pockets or organizational options to separate wet and dry clothes or to store toiletries. There are two exterior pockets that would make excellent places for water bottles, but they’re not functional as such. In short, this makes a great casual day bag but not the best gym bag.
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Alo Yoga Mat Bag: The Alo Yoga Mat Bag has a lot going for it — substantial interior space for a mat of any size and clothing or yoga accessories, hidden interior storage pockets, an external mesh pocket good for carrying wet items or a water bottle and a well-padded adjustable strap. But it didn’t take the top spot for yoga mat bags because we just didn’t find the Alo Mat Bag was worth the extra cash.
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Manduka Go Play 4.0 Mat Carrier: This mat carrier from Manduka is a nice, minimalist option if you’re looking for something that’s a step up from a basic carry strap but that’s not as bulky as a full bag. This adjustable carrier includes a pocket large enough to store your phone, wallet and keys but not much else. It’s certainly functional (and we like the $40 price tag), but we look for versatility in gym bags, and this one falls a bit short.
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Caraa Sport Yoga Tote: This is the most expensive bag we tested, coming in at a whopping $380. And to be honest, we liked it. A lot. It’s a convertible option that transforms from a backpack to a tote, and its expandable, zipped bottom is superb for dirty clothes, shoes or anything else you want to keep separated from the rest of your stuff. There’s even a yoga bag strap and a luggage sleeve that make it highly versatile. That said, we just couldn’t get past its exceptionally high price. There are other great bags that made our list that cost significantly less with similar features.
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Gymshark Everyday Gym Bag, Small: This bag previously made our list as a solid, mid-sized duffel bag. Unfortunately, it’s now out of stock.
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Cotopaxi Viaje 35 L Weekender Bag: This Cotopaxi bag is a great option as a weekend tote and travel bag — we especially love the external yoga mat pass-through. That said, the Ogio Rise Tote just offered a few more features (and a slightly more spacious size) that made it the better overall choice in this category.
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Lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag, 20 L: This is a cute tote bage that can double as a basic gym tote and a daily carry-all, but when compared to the other totes on our list, it just doesn’t have the added features and versatility that the Aer or Ogio options provide.
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Nike Hoops Elite: We liked the size of this bag and the fact that it could hold a basketball, but it’s now out of stock.
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Adidas Originals Canvas Duffel Bag: Previously this was our “best overall” selection — Adidas offers great duffel bags that check all the boxes when it comes to daily gym trips. Unfortunately, it’s now out of stock.
FAQs
What size gym bag do I need?
The ideal gym bag size depends on what you plan to bring to the gym. For example, swimmers will need space for both wet and dry clothing, while basketball players might need compartments for a ball and shoes. If you’re going straight from the office, a larger bag is beneficial to hold a change of clothes, shoes, your work supplies and any workout gear. Similarly, tennis players will require a bag big enough for rackets and other essentials.
Weber says to think of it like packing for different workout routines. A professional boxer, for instance, needs room for gloves, wrist wraps and other gear, whereas someone just beginning their fitness journey might only need space for a water bottle and a towel. You can find the bag size that best fits your routine by considering what you need to carry.
What material is best for a gym bag?
Most gym bags are made from polyester or nylon because both materials are durable and water-resistant. “When buying a gym bag, one of the first things I consider is its material. Is it water-resistant if I get caught in the rain or my water bottle leaks? Is it something durable yet still environmentally friendly, like recycled canvas? Does it have ventilation to help sweaty gym clothes and shoes air out?” explains Passalacqua. The answers to these questions can help you identify a high-quality bag.
How do I keep my gym bag from smelling?
Keeping your wet clothes separate from your dry items can help keep things fresh. Also, consider airing out your gym bag between uses, as ventilation can help eliminate odors and wetness. Some gym bags, like the Caara Sport Yoga Tote, have an antimicrobial interior that stops bacteria growth. But you can mimic this effect by wiping out your bag with an antibacterial wipe or vinegar solution from time to time.
Meet the experts
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Kate Macfarlane, certified running coach at We Run
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Anna Passalacqua, co-founder, director, and teacher at Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy
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Echo Wang, CEO and founder of Yoga Kawa
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Marshall Weber, owner and personal trainer at Jack City Fitness
Update, November 28, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best overall gym bag changed because our previous pick is now out of stock. We adjusted categories and added new options including “best water-resistant” and “best convertible.”
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.