Best Gym Bags for Men

Whether you live to sweat or frequent your local gym every few days — or weeks, no judgment — you know the importance of a quality gym bag, especially when toting it around town before hitting the gym or using it as a weekender for quick getaways. Nobody wants to see (or smell) your raggedy trainers thrown under the desk in your cubicle, and you certainly don’t want them mingling with your lunch in your day-to-day bag. You need something more conducive to your active lifestyle — that being a carryall that holds all fitness garb and supplements, as well as the necessary post-workout deodorants. So, whether you're a backpack fan or you're loyal to the duffel, we've rounded up the best gym bags for men to ensure your fitness gear stays safe, secure and smell-free. RELATED: Strength Training Accessories That Actually Work Types Of Gym Bags Backpack: Easily portable bags for hyper-functional types on the go, with reasonable storage for clothing and equipment. Duffel: Designed specifically for gym purposes with mesh air vents for circulation, multiple pockets, and two thick straps for practical mobility. Holdall: The most urbane of the batch, they’re better known as weekenders and ideal for getaways or storing your finest threads when making moves. Rucksack: A shoulder strap with sporty features made from strong, waterproof material and widely popular amongst outdoor conformists. Sackpack: Drawstring bags that are super-lightweight and hold a variety of items in a large single pocket. Tote: More of the covert-style of bag made from different materials that offer plenty of inner and outer pockets with two different ways of carrying it. Enter the modern day gym bag. The days of throwing your funky gym clothes into the trusty old duffel are dunzo. With all types of bags for men hitting the market lately, from sophisticated backpacks to duffel bags, the array of athletic options available has never been greater. And before running off to the local sporting goods store, familiarize yourself with these popular form factors. So like DJ Khaled, you’ve just been blessed with the major keys. Now comes the time to do some window-shopping, and eventually settle on your next exercise companion. From rugged duffel bags to roomy weekenders, we’ve scoured the net to find the best gym bags to stash your shoes, socks, shorts and toiletries without sacrificing your style or your budget. Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag Herschel’s top-selling duffel reigns supreme for its minimalist look, refined craftsmanship, and versatility. Not too big, nor too small, the Novel is the perfect size for what many consider an elite weekender bag. You’re given a comfortable amount of real estate to lay out anything from a blazer to sweatpants. One of the best things about the bag is that it actually comes designed with a separate compartment for your gym shoes — meaning you can stash your runners away and use the main bag as a multi-use carryall for your sweaty attire or whatever else you may be toting. Detailing proves to be Herschel’s strongest suit, with some of the most basic of features, such as the two-way waterproof zipper, serving as a testament to the brand’s design pedigree. A multitude of prints from classic bold to printed stripes give the Novel some millennial appeal. The combination of a padded-webbing shoulder strap and carry handles yields enough leverage to lug it around in any fashion. Plus, because of its durable hemp/rayon outer shell, this duffel can handle anything from the locker room to baggage claim, should you require a last minute weekender bag. A lifetime warranty only confirms its stamp of approval. $110 at Amazon.com Lululemon City Adventurer Duffel If you want a gym bag to take you from the office to the gym, something that doesn't look worn down or outdated but that still has the chops to hang with the most dedicated of duffels, check out the City Adventurer from Lululemon. It's made from a water-resistant nylon shell that's extremely durable, with a recycled polyester lining. There's plenty of storage, both interior and exterior, and a dedicated, expanding pouch to keep your sweaty gym clothes separate from the rest of your things. We also love that the shoulder strap is detachable, for those of you who prefer to carry your gym bag by the handles. $168 at Lululemon.com PUMA Evercat Accelerator Duffel Bag Made from 100% polyester and designed with storage capacity top of mind, the Evercat Accelerator from PUMA ticks all the boxes for a daily gym bag: it's easy and comfortable to carry; it has zipped pockets on three sides, as well as a dedicated shoe pocket; and the materials and construction are sturdy enough to withstand a lot of abuse. We also love that it's available in a variety of colors, beyond the boring all-black standard. $35 at Amazon.com Carhartt Legacy Gear Bag Carhartt’s built a reputation for assembling the toughest outdoor wear over the past few decades. So is it really a surprise the brand crafted a traveler that can carry its weight in baggage and performance? Hell no. Featuring a handsome canvas body with black accents and hardware, this bowling bag is a great option if you’re looking for something a little lower key than what the classic gym bag offers. It has far superior protection, with sturdy 1200D polyester construction that surrounds the entire bag with enough strength to stave off abrasions and falls, plus maintain enough maneuvering for supplemental packing. Even putting a pair of ice skates in here won’t scuff up the interior. It’s a bit larger than your basic duffle, but there’s tons of space to work with, to the point where you can stuff the wife’s or your kids’ workout gear inside without compromising portability. The super heavy-duty metal zipper is practically indestructible and operates smoothly, eliminating common problems such as getting stuck on fabric. Boasting multiple pockets on the interior and exterior, this canvas number is another great option if you’re looking for a gym-and-beyond carryall. $79.99 at Amazon.com Adidas Team Issue 2 Duffel Bag Despite the athletic giant stepping up its sneaker game with a colossal rollout of insanely dope kicks across the board, it still remains one of the top sports gear makers in the biz. Proof lies in this athletic duffel bag. The Team Speed bag is a practical choice for any fitness aficionado, featuring classic fitness bag aesthetics, a spacious main compartment for all your gear, and a water-resistant base that makes it a solid choice for the guy spending as much time in the weight room as he does on the soccer field or basketball court. It’s definitely not short of room, with one Amazon customer confirming they packed their bag with a leather jacket, several grooming products, an entire outfit and double the footwear…all at once. Build quality is just as impressive, with mesh material allowing moisture to escape the confines of the carrier, while bringing sturdiness into the mix. Those playing in amateur leagues have the luxury of branding their bags with team logos by using the blank space on the opposite side of the bag and on the end caps. Throw in a wide range of colors, from classic blues to bright oranges, and you’re sure to find a shade to modify your style, and at a killer price. $43.25 at Amazon.com GORUCK Gym Bag - Ripstop Robic If you're looking for a gym bag that can withstand whatever comes your way, this is it. Made in America and shipped with an iron-clad lifetime guarantee, this bag can withstand up to 400 lbs of force and is composed of special-force grad materials. While people often think of gym bags solely for gym goers this bag is ideal for the fitness enthusiast who enjoys taking their workouts outdoors. Whether hiking, practicing HIIT routines on the grass or running stairs in the city this bag will keep your belongings safe and secure through rain, sleet and snow. Plus, in recognition of the men and women who serve the country, Goruck offers a discount to those who have or are in service in the USA. $145 at GORUCK.com Gootium Canvas Duffel Bag A vintage throwback, this gym bag is made from rugged canvas and features a varsity-inspired silhouette, antiqued brass hardware, and classic colorway stripes that most collegiate athletes will appreciate. Certainly not your grandpa’s gym bag — but in some way, it could have been — this tote is more handsome and handy! Boasting canvas top handles and a removable leather strap, this canvas bag echoes the past in all the right ways, yet still offers modern day comfort and convenience. Much of the workmanship exhibited in this duffel bag puts the competition to shame. It’s big and spacious enough to hold several days’ worth of workout gear. One of its more underrated features is the panel sewn into the bottom of the interior, which is normally ideal for keeping items flat to make the most of space. A variety of zippered pockets let you transfer all the junk in your pockets into the bag. Sturdy canvas material adds some heft to the design, though it’s a trivial give-and-take when considering it’s been molded to withstand years of use. Its compact size earns it a flight-friendly badge for it can be tucked underneath your seat or stowed above the overhead compartment. The overall integrity of Gootium’s holdall is splendorous. $49.99 at Amazon.com Owen & Fred Men's Work Hard, Play Hard Duffel Quality is an attribute you pay for no matter the product. Case in point with this gorgeously crafted duffel bag. Owen & Fred’s offering is one of the more attractive options available, that favors a clean appearance and durable construction. Design-wise, it combines tough Duck canvas with Denier Nylon touches to balance its ruggedly chic appearance. Complementing these materials are leather pull-tabs and a four-inch leather nickel button-closed grip that’s soothing in hand. It also promotes a water-repellant shell to fight off wet conditions, be it a hail storm outside or the perspiration dripping from your brow. For such an elegant piece, it’s surprising how accommodating it is in terms of storage. This thing is spacious enough to hold two soccer balls, cleats, and a full ensemble, or if you’re going the gent route, a fully loaded dopp kit, MacBook Pro and a weekend’s worth of casual wear. Suffice to say it’s tailored to manage your day-to-day cargo as well as your gym laundry. This is a work-hard, play-hard carrier with distinguished flair. $89 at BoardingPassNYC.com Oakley Link Backpack Some just refuse to give up the knapsack life. So why go against the grain? Oakley convinces you to stick with what works for you with a lightweight backpack that specializes in rugged performance. Layering is everything here. For starters, the Link is built with specialized compartments for expanding baggage. You’re actually afforded separate pouches for specific items (shades, shoes, etc.) to create better organization for stowing away exercise necessities. Then we have the padded back mesh panel and straps that produce enough airflow circulation to relieve the bag of humidity and lingering odors. On those same straps you’ll find pouches that act as water bottle holders. Security is where the Link shines most, as elite stitching ensures the bag can handle the wear and tear of your everyday travels. The metal buckle keeps your property tightly locked in. Its safety attributes also benefit your outdoor active movements. Reflective accents, for example, improve safety when hauling ass to the gym in the dark by increasing visibility when crossing through blind spots. The same applies when cycling in low-light environments through congested main strips. $155 at Amazon.com Everest Gym Bag A typical over-the-shoulder duffel with super-sturdy assembly — Everest constructed this bag to utilize every inch of space, while surviving the wettest conditions. It’s hard not to appreciate the structural makeup with a mildew-resistant exterior and scuff, tear, rust, and scratch-resistant top. Athletic types will find the side pocket accommodating for storing shoes or wet gear. The main compartment is spacious enough to throw all your gym accessories. If not for water sports, storing it in a gym locker proves to be just as efficient. Two front-sided pockets offer easy access to commonly small items such as fitness headphones or workout gloves. The integrated bottle pouch is also a nice touch for storing top-of-the-line water bottles. Some have even find it to serve as a quality hiking pack thanks to durable polyester fabric that keeps everything protected without sacrificing breathability. $25.44 at Amazon.com Under Armour Unisex Hustle 5.0 Backpack The Hustle 5.0 from Under Armour is easily the most versatile backpack on this list. It's available in dozens of colors, can do double-duty as a travel or school bag, and its extra-durable construction makes it fit for all-weather service. If you're not the type of person to let a little rain or snow keep you from a workout, you'll need a bag that can withstand the elements, and this is definitely that bag. In terms of storage, it boasts some seriously impressive options, from pen sleeves to a phone protector to a clever shoe pouch at the bottom of the bag, so you can keep your gym shoes clean while you travel, while key comfort considerations like a ventilated mesh panel at the back and breathable shoulder straps keep this pack cozy even on longer gym commutes.  $55 at Amazon.com Factors to Keep in Mind Compartments: Pockets are major for stowing away accessories, clothing, and all other gym or travel goods. The more, the merrier. Durability: Again, construction is what defines a gym bag. Canvas, cotton or nylon are three materials in particular that offer long-lasting results, whereas leather adds finesse to the equation with strong quality. Functionality: A bag built for organization is the way to go, so fancy one that separates clean clothes from your dirty ones, maybe one that can double as both an EDC and gym bag. Size: Be it handheld or something thrown over the shoulder, make sure it’s something that is as portable as it is stylish. A good gym bag is only as good as its construction. You obviously want a bag that not only grants the flexibility to carry all everyday essentials and gear, but also withstand the abuse you’ll put it through on the daily. Take these determining factors into account when staking out your next carry-on. You Might Also Dig: Fitness Awards 2024: Best Workout Clothing High-Protein Food Swaps Fitness Awards 2024: Best Home Gym Equipment