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The 12 Best Gym Bags For Men, Tested By Editors

Best Overall Gym Bag

Lululemon 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack 45L

Here's another Lululemon bag that blew the competition out of the water. For starters, it can transition from a duffle bag to a backpack by simply clipping the hidden straps onto the base of the bag, which allows you to wear it on your shoulders. We also love that its vast amount of pockets offer enough space for a change of clothes, running shoes, jump ropes, water bottles, and more workout equipment. We're not exaggerating—it's that spacious in there.

Given its water-repellent fabric that dries in seconds, it's a great bag to carry during rainy and snowy commutes. When this bag is not in use for the gym, it comes in handy for impromptu overnight stays and road trips—no need to dig out a full suitcase. And you can ensure that work gets done since there's an padded sleeve for your laptop.

The price may be a little steep, but we guarantee you can fit your entire life in this thing and get your money's worth. One more thing to know about this gym backpack is that its shoulder straps are very tough, and made with nylon and elastane, which will not tear or fray a bit.

Shell Materials 100% polyester Capacity 45L Dimensions 20.5" x 12.6" x 9.3"

Best Gym Bag with Pockets

FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0

This gym bag has pockets galore: A total of 10 compartments will make organizing your gym clothes, fitness gear, and personal gadgets a breeze. We love that its shoe pocket is very spacious and fits up to men's size 14. In addition, it has its own wet pocket for storing wet towels, sweaty clothes, or swim trunks. There are two bottle holders as well, one for your pre-workout drink and another for your post-workout drink.

Based on our extensive testing, we found this bag is more than just reliable for the gym. Our gear editors have taken it for a spin during backcountry adventures and quick weekend excursions.

Shell Materials 100% polyester Capacity 35L Dimensions 20" x 11" x 10.5"

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Most Versatile Gym Bag

Lululemon 3-in-1 Gym Duffle Bag 30L

Designed to function as a duffel, crossbody, and backpack, Lululemon is the most versatile option we've tested. At a volume of 30L, it's roomy for gym gear, workout headphones, and reusable water bottles. We love that it comes with a separate drawstring pouch to keep sweaty clothes away from the rest of your items. The exterior shoe pocket can store gym sneakers or extra shoes and fit up to a men's size 14, so it's pretty substantial.

As a 3-in-1 multi-use design, most would think it's super bulky, but that's not the case. It's surprisingly compact, and we found it can fit into cube-sized gym lockers and move through busy crowds without knocking into people. We also appreciate that the bag is pretty indestructible. During our testing, we found the nylon fabric was resistant to dirt, stains, rain, and daily wear and tear.

Shell Materials 100% Recycled Nylon Capacity 30L Dimensions 18.5" x 10.6" x 7.7"

Most Stylish Gym Bag

Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag

Beyond what meets the eye, Dagne Dover's carryall bag is designed to hold a great deal, last for a long time, and double as a stylish carry-on. Crafted from premium neoprene, it boasts a high-tech fabric that's super smooth and water-resistant to keep your gear dry on rainy days. Inside the main compartment, you'll find significant room for your typical gear as well as a shoe bag and dust bag to help prevent dirt or moisture from transferring to your clean duds. Plus, this section contains a dual water bottle slip pocket, so you'll never be short on H2O at the gym or on a hike.

We've owned this bag for a few years and the fabric's tough structure has withstood the wear and tear better than the more expensive options out there. Perhaps, it gets a scuff or a stain, you can pop it into the washer for easy cleaning. There's an adjustable shoulder strap to wear as a crossbody if you want to be hands-free. Not to mention, it's a sleek design that we don't mind showing off as we board flights, too.

Shell Materials 100% REPREVE recycled poly Capacity 29L Dimensions 16.5" L x 9" W x 11" H

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Most Affordable Gym Bag

Gymshark Sharkhead Gym Bag

Now 20% Off

Credit: JOE LINGEMAN

For a budget-friendly option, you can't go wrong with Gymshark's $42 gym bag. It comes with all the nuts and bolts like Lululemon and Rhone, but isn't as water-resistant. We wouldn't recommend carrying it around in a heavy rainstorm, but the polyester material can manage light drizzles. Besides that, it's perfect for everyday commutes or leisure travel.

The main entry is large and has quite a few pockets and compartments within to help you organize your stuff. And it does have a ventilated compartment to air out and store your fresh-off-the-bench-press clothes. Overall, we love the functionality and versatility of Gymshark's gym bag. It can take you from the office to the gym every day and carry all your essentials without putting a huge dent in your wallet.

Shell Materials 100% Polyester Capacity 25L Dimensions 19.6" (L) x 8.2" (W), 9.8" (h)

Most Durable Gym Bag

Under Armour UA Hustle 6.0 Backpack

UA's sturdy backpack doesn't flinch at rain, rough terrain, or getting stuffed to the brim. Our testers say this gym bag is tough enough to handle spills, scrapes, and surprise downpours without fraying or soaking your belongings. That's because it's designed with Under Armour's Storm technology—a water-resistant fabric treatment—which creates a protective barrier to keep your gym clothes, laptop, and socks dry. Unlike traditional waterproof coatings that can feel stiff or heavy, UA Storm is more lighter and flexible while still being an excellent safeguard against the elements.

We found this bag to be very useful beyond the gym. With enough space for clothes, toiletries, and travel essentials, it's perfect for camping, hiking, and weekend getaways. The secondary compartment is a great place to store smelly running shoes or dirty laundry. Wherever you commute or however you decide to pack, it won't be a hassle to wear on your shoulders. The top grab handle lets you move freely, especially for guys that just knocked out a rigorous back workout.

Shell Materials 100% Polyester Capacity 29L Dimensions 6.6"W x 20.1"H x 12.6"L

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Best Gym Bag for Packing Light

Alo Stow Backpack

On the smaller scale with just a 17.6-liter capacity, Alo's gym bag is for guys who want to pack light. In fact, our fitness guys found that it could easily fit into their office desk drawer and under most airplane seats—even when it's full. Made from water-resistant neoprene, this street-ready design has a matte texture that feels smooth and prevents rain from seeping through, and has kept my workout clothes dry after getting caught in a gnarly storm.

Compared to the other backpacks, it's one of the sleeker designs we've tested, and our style editors have co-signed this to throw on with business casual fits. Despite its compact size, it doesn't cut corners on function. It has a well-organized main compartment, a laptop sleeve, and hidden pockets to keep your work and workout gear secure. Plus, the padded straps make it super comfortable to wear for hours without any kind of strain on your shoulders.

Shell Materials Matte neoprene Capacity 17.6 L Dimensions 16" x 12" x 5"

Best Minimal Design

Rhone Mindset Duffel

Rhone's duffel doesn't scream gym warrior, so it's a do-it-all bag that can transition from a morning workout to the office—or even to a weekend retreat at a cabin. This is our go-to bag to take on a business trip or country club. No bulky, logo-heavy design—just a clean, minimal bag that works anywhere. The carry-on size means it fits perfectly in a plane's overhead bin, making it just as great for quick flights as it is for gym runs.

Since it's produced from a water-resistant nylon material, this bag can weather unexpected downpours without drenching everything inside. With smartly placed internal pockets, we were able to keep things organized—so you're not fishing through a pile of gym clothes to find what you need. And the detachable padded shoulder strap gives you options. Sling it over your shoulder for a casual carry or grab the handles for a polished look.

Shell Materials 100% Nylon recycled Capacity 22L Dimensions 16.5" x 9" x 11"

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Most Spacious

Nike Elemental Premium Duffel Bag (45L)

Coming in at 45L, Nike's gym duffel is more spacious than most bags that we've tested. It's so large and in charge that it holds your foam roller, massage gun, and a weekend's worth of vacation fits. In other words, no need to pull out a huge luggage set.

Between the detachable and adjustable shoulder strap, and the padded dual handles, it's practical enough to wear over one shoulder, across the body, or carry by hand. And if you're traveling with a rolling suitcase, this bag slides on the handle, saving you from having to haul it all.

The polyester finish isn't as waterproof as others, but the full-length covered zipper offers enough protection against the light showers. Also, the zippered pocket on the side keeps smaller items like your wallet or keys within reach. More than anything, our testers simply love that the opening is so big, so you can just stash and go.

Shell Materials 100% polyester Capacity 45L Dimensions 24"L x 11"W x 11"H

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Best Water-Resistant

Mack Weldon Atlas Duffle

In case you get caught in abrupt showers, Mack Weldon's Atlas Duffle will keep all your gym gear from getting soaked. This bag is coated with a water-resistant recycled poly canvas that not only protects from light rain, but moisture as well. We found the ventilated shoe compartment to be especially useful, giving our sweaty cross training sneakers some air to breathe and reducing odor buildup.

As we've carried this bag from an evening gym session to a red-eye flight, we've stored snacks and drinks in the insulated side pocket. We tossed it on the TSA conveyer belt and under our seat, finding the rubber bottom kept everything upright and clean the whole team.

Shell Materials 100% Recycled Poly Canvas Capacity 25L Dimensions 19" x 11" x 12.5"

Amazon Bestseller

Adidas Adult Defender

Sure, Amazon offers a bunch of gym bags, but this one from Adidas takes the cake. At 66L, it comes with ample space in the main compartment for play and travel, so it can also be used as an overnight or weekender bag. What also sets it apart is the water-resistant base, which protects your belongings from moisture, accidental spills, or even a sudden downpour. We've used this bag for months now and found this feature not only safeguards your items, but also contributes to the bags overall longevity by preventing water damage to the material. The branding is a bit in your face, so it may not be ideal for guys who prefer a more subtler approach. On the flip side, the iconic three-stripe logo shows your commitment to athletic style.

Shell Materials 100% polyester Capacity 66L Dimensions 62.87 x 30.48 x 33.02

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Best Gym Backpack

KNKG Conquer Backpack

Now 33% Off

Credit: Retailer

For those looking to declutter and uncomplicate their life, KNKG has made something really special with the Conquer backpack. The organizing features of this bag are ingenious, giving you a pocket for every occasion, and I can effectively store anything from my laptop to my creatine for post-workout shakes. In order to accomplish this, KNKG has designed easy-to-navigate dividers that you can change to fit your needs when it comes to compartments. These are not flimsy, which is what I've come to expect after being burned by other brands. These are as solid as they get, and will keep your running shoes or supplements in place.

I'm also a big fan of the KNKG Core duffels, but being someone who likes to carry the load evenly on my shoulder, especially when I'm carrying a lot of gear, this purpose-built backpack is the right fit for me. You don't have to be worried about taking this bag outdoors, constructed out of durable materials like 500D nylon with PVC backing. If you have any weights or plates kicking around, you could take this bag out for a ruck. Long story short, this is a gym bag you can trust to hold your most precious items, with organizational features that will save you precious time.

Nike's Tactical EDC Packs Are Robust And Handy Enough For Outdoor Adventure

So what differentiates these bags from one another? For one, they're all sized differently. The Daymax backpack has a 25-liter capacity, whereas the crossbody bag holds 3 liters and the duffle can haul 60.

Furthermore, they're each formatted differently. While that might seem obvious, it's deeper than that. The backpack, for instance, has a nylon storm flap that the other two bags lack.

The Daymax crossbody bag is perfect for those who are quick on their feet and constantly exploring.Nike

Similarly, the crossbody bag has a front zippered pocket big enough for an iPhone Pro Max. And the duffle, while boasting a large main compartment and several external zippered pockets, also has a separate, secondary compartment perfect for soiled gym clothes or sneakers.

That means each bag in the Daymax collection offers a ton of standalone value while still clearly vibing with its siblings. The toughest choice you'll have is picking which is right for you. Maybe you're better off with all three.

The Daymax duffle is ideal for travel and gym purposes.Nike

The Best Gym Bags For Schlepping Your Sweaty Gear In Style

The best gym bags are built for more than just the gym. Sure, they come with the product specs you'd expect from a bag designed to store your sweaty workout gear—water-resistant fabrics, adjustable shoulder straps, ample shoe compartments—but these aren't bags made exclusively for exercising.

Even the most technical gym bag can double as a slick weekender on a last-minute summer getaway or a lightweight carry-on for your first airplane trip in months—provided, of course, you invest in a style with the right accoutrement. Durability is a must, as is an easy-access side pocket to store your water bottle. A few carefully placed external pockets to hold all your small items never hurt, either. So even if you're an expert gym-goer getting reacquainted with the day-to-day grind, it's worth reminding yourself what a game-changer a high quality gym duffle can be, and then tracking down the best one for your routine.

The Best Gym Bags That Every Gym Goer Needs

Looking for something specific?

Best Gym Bag Overall: North Face Base Camp Duffel

The North Face

Base Camp Medium Duffle

Is there anything The North Face's Base Camp duffel can't do? It's one of our favorite duffel bags of all time, and it's definitely apt at handling your sweaty commute to and from the gym. It has a plenty generous 71-liter capacity (if you opt for the medium-sized duffel) that's able to pack enough for a 10-day vacation, so go ahead, bring every pair of sneakers you own. Speaking of shoes, there's a separate zippered compartment for footwear to keep your dirty soles away from your fresh gym 'fit. You can carry the bag as a duffel or fashion it into a backpack if your arms are a little sore from those bicep curls. And sure, this is all about gym bags, but c'mon, there's nothing the Base Camp can't handle.

Best Minimalist Gym Bag: Lululemon 3-in-1 Gym Duffle Bag

lululemon

3-in-1 Gym Duffle Bag 30L

We get it: You work out. You're already telling everyone about your gym obsession, but maybe you don't need to carry a bag that screams "I'm about to lift double my body weight for fun." Lululemon's duffel bag is a great option for getting to the gym under the radar. It's a three-in-one bag because it can be held as a duffel or worn as a shoulder bag, and the strap can be fashioned into a yoga mat holder. All of that aside, the spaciousness of the bag is great for storing all your workout gear, shoes, and even a sweaty towel or two. Plus, the separate bag for shoes is always great for the germaphobes among us.

Best Gym Bag With a Shoe Compartment: Tracksmith Weekend Duffel

Tracksmith

Weekend Duffel

Boston's Tracksmith needs no introduction by this point—they've been crafting some of the best heritage-inspired performance running gear for a decade now, not to mention whipping up dope collaborations with brands like District Vision and Brendon Babenzien's new-look J.Crew. The Tracksmith Weekend Duffel is a mainstay in our rotation, even if we're not headed out of town for race weekend. The bag is extremely well made and is built to last, much like the vintage pieces it draws inspiration from. It's outfitted with a roomy shoe compartment for your stinky kicks or gym clothes, plus comes with a super handy nylon blanket to spread out on race day or in the park on a weeknight.

Best Gym Bag on Amazon: Peak Design Travel Duffel

Peak Design

Travel Duffel 35L

Sure, we already featured some other bags that you can buy on Amazon, but few are as high quality as the Peak Design Travel Duffel. Like all of the brand's gear, it's centered around photography and travel, but we absolutely love the 35-liter model for the gym. It has an extra long zipper that makes it easy to rummage around in, is made from heavy duty nylon that can stand up to a beating, and, maybe most importantly, is guaranteed for life against manufacturing defects and any failure that renders the bag unusable. It's not hard to trust a product that is backed with that kind of confidence.

Best Budget Gym Back: Nike Brasilia

Nike

Brasilia Training Duffle Bag

This one's a no-brainer. The Brasilia is one of the most popular gym bags in Nike's arsenal, and if you can't trust the Swoosh to provide a spacious, heavily-zippered duffle to store all your swoosh-emblazoned gear, who can you turn to? It's got easy-access exterior pockets for small valuables like your phone and earbuds as well as ventilated mesh side pockets to keep your sweaty clothes and dirty shoes from stinking up the main compartment. And with a durable coated bottom, you won't have to worry about scuffs and tears.

Best Waterproof Gym Bag: Rains Trail Gym Bag

Rains is famous for outerwear that laughs in the face of inclement weather. Its Trail Gym Bag harnesses the brand's trademark PU waterproof tech to protect your workout gear from the worst of the elements, whether it's raining cats and dogs or you're the bedraggled owner of a pet insistent on slobbering all over your gym shoes. Beyond weatherproofing, this bag has a front zippered pocket and side mesh pocket, plus a removable shoulder strap.

Best Gym Bag with Laptop Compartment: Evergoods Transit Duffel 35L

Alums from Patagonia and GORUCK make up the brains behind Evergoods, a small Montana-based bag brand specializing in gear for urban-outdoor crossover. Unlike other weekender-style duffel bags, the Transit Duffel has stand-up structure provided by foam panels and aluminum stays, elements more commonly found in hiking packs. It makes this bag much easier to pack and unpack and also provides protection should you be carrying more than shoes and sweats. Organizational features like big exterior pockets for a laptop and small essentials, plus more pockets and sleeves on the inside, make it a cinch to do just that.

Best Tote Bag for the Gym: Topo Designs Mountain Utility Tote

Topo Designs

Mountain Utility Tote

We all love a tote, but those flimsy thin canvas merch bags can't hack it in the gym. Made for hauling climbing gear, the Mountain Utility Tote—which we love—can. It's built with rugged ripstop fabric and has a base that can take a good dragging. Outside, a detachable shoulder strap offers two ways to carry and daisy chain webbing the chance to show off your carabiner collection. Inside, there's a big compartment that'll fit multiple pairs of shoes, water, shorts, and all the rest while a backpack-style cinch-top closure ensures your protein bar won't pop out on the way.

Best Multi-Sport Gym Tote: Arc'teryx Carrier 45 Gear Tote, $180

Arc'teryx

Carrier Gear Tote

At a glance, this open-top tote is a simple oversized gear bag with handles. That's not wrong, but you already know what we're going to tell you: there's more. Inside, fold-away dividers built into the bag's lining create compartments large enough for separating shoes from clothes, or containing your climbing kit on one side and your lifting duds on the other. If you don't mind the lack of a zippered top, it's the ideal setup if your gym's amenities include more than weight racks and treadmills. The handles are long enough to throw it over your shoulder, so overpacking isn't an issue. And, lastly, the one easily doubles and triples as a beach bag, camping bag, and more.

Best Lightweight Gym Bag: Bellroy Lite Duffel

You know a bag's going to be light when the word is right there in the name (without the excess "g" and "h" too). The Lite Duffel weighs in around 21 ounces, but punches above its class when it comes to features. Those include an exterior organizational pocket, a detachable shoulder strap, and a big main compartment that's extra-accessible from an extended zipper and has additional interior pockets as well (one is designed specifically for an AirTag for keeping track of your tube socks).

Best Gym Backpack: Aer Fit Pack 3

Okay, yes, Aer's Fit Pack 3 is technically a backpack. But its fan-favorite style comes chock full of the type of product details you'd expect to see in a next-level duffle designed for heavy-duty wear and tear. Its exterior is made out of abrasion-resistant 840D nylon with Cordura side paneling, and a padded interior ensures your laptop stays secure no matter how many dirty socks you've wedged in there. Factor in an easy-access water bottle pocket and Duraflex hardware, and you're looking at a formidable gym bag alternative that might convert even the staunchest duffle devotee.

What to Look for in a Gym Bag

These days, most gym bags are made from some form of nylon, but some of our favorites incorporate leather and canvas, too. Nylon is easiest to clean and resists odors better than other materials, but if you're looking for something that's going to last, make sure you figure out how thick the material is. For example, some cheaper nylon bags may end up being quite flimsy, while other bags, like the Peak Design bag we mentioned, is made from bulletproof 600D nylon that could probably be dragged behind a car without busting. Make sure you also consider the zippers—nothing is worse than a faulty zipper that stops working after a few uses.

Yes, this story is specifically geared toward gym bags, but as you may have noticed, many of the bags on our list are intended for travel, weekends away, or commuting. Any bag can be a gym bag if you want it to be! Don't worry so much about the name of the bag or what the brand states as the bag's main purpose, just make sure it has what you want. Sometimes that's a shoe compartment, sometimes that means finding a bag that can be carried by hand or slung over your shoulder, and sometimes you just want something cheap to tote a towel and fresh pair of boxers. In the end, this is up to you, so read the details, look at the images, and if you decide you like a bag, make it your go-to.

There's no reason to drag a bag the size of your checked suitcase to the gym. If you're only bringing a change of clothes and a pair of shoes, you'll want a bag that's just big enough to carry all of that because your workout shouldn't be the commute to the gym itself. Also, take into consideration the size of your gym's lockers—if you get a bag too big, you'll have to leave your gear out in the open, just asking to be stolen.

How We Tested

Not only is our team here at GQ obsessed with bags, but we're also a pretty sporty bunch. We are just as dedicated to spending time at the Park Slope YMCA or LES Equinox as we are to keeping our finger on the pulse of the latest style trends. This means that we definitely use the things we talk about. So we test bags constantly, hauling our workout gear all over the place, looking for the best of the best to then recommend our favorites to you. Our group of editors and writers includes marathon runners, road cyclists, rec league soccer players, self-described meatheads, and Barry's die-hards—so you can be sure that each bag we recommend has been put through its paces.

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