Best gym bags of 2025: We put 22 options through the paces

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 to make sure you grab one that'll work for you.

"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 need even more room. 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 reviewed dozens of products and selected 22 bags to test firsthand. I assessed each for durability, pocket and compartment functionality, special features like water resistance and versatility in real gym trips. Understanding that people's preferences vary, I also examined hundreds of 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.

Table of contents

• Best gym bag overall

• More gym bags we like in 2025

• Types of gym bags

• Factors to consider

• How we chose

• Other gym bags we tested

• FAQs

• Best gym bag specs comparison chart

• Meet the experts

Update, June 25, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best overall gym bag remains unchanged.

Best gym bag overall

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More gym bags we like in 2025

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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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.

• 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.
  

• 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.
  

• 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.
  

• 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.
  

• 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.
  

• 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.

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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 22 standout bags that I personally put to the test (along with help from a few family members and friends). Each bag was evaluated based on durability, design, functionality and unique features.

I also assessed each bag's versatility by using it in real-life scenarios, from gym trips to quick errands, to ensure it could transition effortlessly 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.

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Other gym bags we tested

I tested a few other bags that didn't make the list.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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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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.

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Best gym bag specs comparison chart

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Meet the experts

• Kate Macfarlane, certified running coach at We Run

• Anna Passalacqua, co-founder, director, and teacher at Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy

• Echo Wang, CEO and founder of Yoga Kawa

• Marshall Weber, owner and personal trainer at Jack City Fitness

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.