Guys, if you’re reading this and you normally stash your gym necessities in the back of your car, it’s high time to level up your fitness game. Let’s start with a new gym bag (and maybe some resistance bands) — because carrying your sneakers around in your hand or stuffed in your work bag is not it. Lucky for you, we've taken the heavy lifting out of actually finding the best gym bags out there: From multifunctional duffels to versatile backpacks, you're sure to find the perfect picks to help you start the new year right.
Since even the buffest of fitness bros have lives outside the gym, choosing a bag that can fit your lifestyle both in and out of the gym is important, too. A multitasking gym duffel or backpack is always key to organizing your belongings, giving you one less thing to worry about as you're going to and from workouts.
Size: Start by considering what you typically bring to the gym to help you decide on what size gym bag you’ll need. For instance, if you’re packing work stuff, sports gear, sneakers, a change of clothes, a water bottle, et cetera, a roomy duffel bag is likely to be up your alley. If you only bring the basics, such as a water bottle, deodorant, and fresh shirt, on the other hand, you might want to purchase a versatile backpack instead.
Compartments: Once you've noted the essentials you'll be taking with you, you can now determine what compartments your bag should have. For example, if your shoes typically get very sweaty, a separate shoe pocket is an excellent luxury; if you typically change out of wet clothes, a bag with a waterproof pocket for dirty laundry is also a plus. Other options include special phone or laptop sleeves, water bottle holders, and the like.
Purpose: Last but not least, are there other purposes you hope to use your bag for occasionally? Whether it be a weekender bag, carry-on bag, work bag, et cetera, make this decision before hitting Add to Cart.
For men looking for both form and function in their workout carryall, these are the best gym bags that will help you organize your stuff.
Choosing a gym bag with all the right compartments is, of course, important, but getting a stylish one as well is always a fun bonus. This Mier option checks both of those boxes with its khaki design, ventilated shoe compartment, and a variety of other interior and exterior slots.
With over 13,500 5-star reviews, this bestselling Under Armour gym bag is a must-have for any guy looking for a completely water-resistant holdall. It has plenty of pockets for organization, including a large vented pocket for laundry and sweaty shoes, internal slip pockets, and an external mesh pocket. Massive bonus points for the 60+ color combinations it comes in, too.
Another budget-friendly pick that has all the bells and whistles is the FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag.
The best part? It has 10 compartments (yep, 10): a spacious main compartment, two external zip pockets, a Velcroed back pocket, a shoe compartment, a hidden pocket for wet clothes, two water bottle holders, a separate bottom panel, and an interior pocket for your phone and miscellaneous belongings.
It's no secret that Herschel is known for its hip, top-rated bags and this gym duffel is no exception. It's the versatile option that doubles perfectly as a weekender or carry-on — and does so fashionably. It's also big enough to hold all of your necessities, from shoes (extra shoe compartment included), towels, and clothes, to sports balls, hand weights, and other equipment.
Though this gym bag comes with a higher price tag, the convertible duffel-to-backpack feature might just be worth it for you. Not to mention that it holds up to 30 liters of stuff, making it especially perfect for athletes (if they're globetrotters as well, it's also carry-on compliant). The water-resistant material and packable exterior wash bag are great bonuses.
Another sleek, time-honored option with over 1,700 5-star ratings is this adidas duffel. Sporting a ventilated compartment for all the post-workout stinkiness as well as a spacious interior, it can also double as your go-to duffel for a weekend getaway.
For those looking for a classic high-quality option, a Nike trainer bag will never do you wrong. Featuring plentiful space in the main interior compartment, you can store anything and everything you'll need for a workout, and then some. Plus, an extra bottom zip compartment keeps wet and sweaty clothes, towels, or shoes separate from the clean stuff.
Though this Everest Gym Bag is under $28, that doesn't mean you sacrifice storage, as it comes conveniently equipped with plenty of interior and exterior pockets.
On the outside, you'll find a water bottle holder, two zipper pockets, and a shoe compartment. Inside, you'll find plenty of space for a basketball, tennis racket, or any other must-haves for your favorite sports or gym activities.
We're with the 5,750-plus 5-star reviewers who absolutely love this Champion backpack for many reasons. It's a classic shape that makes it casual enough to use as a multipurpose backpack, and its slip laptop sleeve is a highlight that helps make that happen.
Resembling a cool Transformer, this backpack rocks a little more bulk thanks to extra storage along its entire exterior. Beyond what meets the eye in the photo, though, includes a sleeve for a 15-inch laptop, a padded eyewear pocket, and enough space to hold your gym sneakers, a change of clothes, and other small workout needs.
Taylor MeadTaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and social media manager for beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands and publications.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io