The best gym bags work overtime. If it isn't comfortable to carry, can't keep my gear organized and fresh, or makes my commute harder, then it's not doing its job. Sure, you could toss your gym gear into a spare tote or shopping bag. Technically, anything can be a gym bag if you're determined enough. But the best ones are built with the features gym-goers actually need, from removable yoga mat straps to ventilation panels to prevent odors.
After testing 20-plus gym bags for a full year, we've narrowed down our best picks, whether you're a bodybuilder, yogi, powerlifter, or just someone who needs a small gym bag for everyday use. For more bag recommendations, check out our guides to Best Laptop Totes, Best Travel Totes, and Best Messenger and Crossbody Bags.
Best Gym Bag
Courtesy of Lululemon
Courtesy of Lululemon Chevron Chevron Lululemon 3-in-1 Gym Duffle Bag 30L $158 Lululemon WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Designed with a removable shoulder strap to carry a yoga mat or as a stretching strap
Separate compartments for shoes and sweaty gear
Water-repellent fabric TIRED Limited colors
The dark interior makes it somewhat difficult to retrieve items
Don’t let this bag’s compact shape fool you—it holds much more than it appears to. You can toss in a pair of shoes, clothes, and toiletries and still have plenty of space left. The water-resistant fabric is a key feature if you’re commuting through unpredictable weather (hi, Midwest winters). True to its name, it can be carried three ways: by the top handles, crossbody with the detachable strap, or—my favorite—the strap by itself doubles as a yoga strap when you just need to haul a mat. It’s super-stretchy and cushioned, making it comfortable to use for stretching as well.
Storage is well designed, too. There’s a dedicated sneaker compartment that fits sizes up to a men’s 14, but I prefer to stash my gym shoes in the bottom section so I don’t lose any of the main interior space. You also get a drawstring pouch for your post-gym clothes, a side zip for most 24-ounce bottles, and interior pockets to hold keys, cards, and other essentials.
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