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The 11 Best Gym Bags for Men Who Want to Leave the Heavy Lifting at the Gym

Form meets function — and some clever compartments.

Headshot of Eunice Lucero-LeeBy Eunice Lucero-Lee
everest gym bag with wet pocket, oakley blade 30l backpack, and mier large duffel bag mens gym bag with shoe compartment
Best Products; Courtesy Everest, Oakley, MIER

If you’re reading this and usually 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 — 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 finding the best gym bags for men: 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 most buff 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.

The Best Gym Bags for Men

  • 1
    Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0

    Best Duffel

    FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0

    Shop at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Undeniable Duffel 4.0 Gym Bag

    Best Overall

    Under Armour Undeniable Duffel 4.0 Gym Bag

    Read more
  • 3
    Large Men's Gym Bag

    Most Utilitarian

    Mier Large Men's Gym Bag

    Read more
  • 4
    Blade Wet Dry Backpack

    Best Side Pockets

    Oakley Blade Wet Dry Backpack

    Read more
  • 5
    Novel Duffel Bag

    Most Versatile

    Herschel Novel Duffel Bag

    Read more

    What to Consider

    When buying a gym bag, there are a few things to take note of, starting with size and need:

    • Size: Start by considering what you typically bring to the gym to help you decide on what size gym bag you'll need. 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: 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: 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 not only help you organize your stuff but also keep everything sanitary — while adding just the right shot of style.

    1
    Best Duffel

    FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0

    Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0
    1
    Best Duffel

    FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0

    $31 at Amazon
    Pros
    • A ton of organized storage compartments
    • Main compartment opens completely for easy access
    • Very affordable
    Cons
    • No laptop sleeve

    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.

    The over 11,000 five-star reviews call out the “super spacious” organized compartments of this bag and point out its great value. One particularly helpful reviewer that works in a vinegar plant confirms that this bag’s clothes pocket does an amazing job of sealing in any odor from dirty clothes.

    2
    Best Overall

    Under Armour Undeniable Duffel 4.0 Gym Bag

    On Sale
    Undeniable Duffel 4.0 Gym Bag
    2
    Best Overall

    Under Armour Undeniable Duffel 4.0 Gym Bag

    Now 11% Off
    Pros
    • Lots of storage
    • Very durable and weather-resistant
    • Tons of color options
    Cons
    • No laptop sleeve

    With a 4.8-star rating and over 21,000 five-star reviews, this bestselling Under Armour gym bag is a must-have for anyone 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-plus color combinations it comes in, too.

    Happy customers love the “well-thought-out design” of this “perfect bag,” saying it has multiple storage options and “lots of room” for clothes and gear.

    More: Check Out These Gym Bag Options for Women

    3
    Most Utilitarian

    Mier Large Men's Gym Bag

    On Sale
    Large Men's Gym Bag
    3
    Most Utilitarian

    Mier Large Men's Gym Bag

    Now 13% Off
    Pros
    • Large 60-liter capacity
    • Padded handles
    • Separate shoe compartment
    • Underside has “feet” to protect from wet grass or locker room floors
    Cons
    • Can look bulky

    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.

    “Great bag, great price,” sums up one satisfied customer. Another goes into more detail: “Got this for my morning gym workouts. I go straight from the gym to work, so I have to carry a LOT of stuff,” they said, specifying, “This holds two full-size towels, 20 hand towels (in the side pocket), two pairs of shoes, a giant bag full of toiletries, and a little room to spare for my workout clothes when I’m done. The only thing I don’t put in is my suit. But when the suit goes on, the suit carrier folds up and fits in the gym bag along with two hangers.” Pretty impressive.

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    4
    Best Side Pockets

    Oakley Blade Wet Dry Backpack

    Blade Wet Dry Backpack
    4
    Best Side Pockets

    Oakley Blade Wet Dry Backpack

    Pros
    • Clever storage options, like straps for towels and a sunglasses holder
    • Fits a 15-inch laptop
    Cons
    • Looks a little bulky

    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.

    Several users attest to how this “durable and comfy” backpack is also “perfect for traveling” (“purchased for 3-day travel... This backpack is most likely the largest you can slide under the airplane seat”) due to its multiple pockets.

    5
    Most Versatile

    Herschel Novel Duffel Bag

    On Sale
    Novel Duffel Bag
    5
    Most Versatile

    Herschel Novel Duffel Bag

    Now 41% Off
    Pros
    • Has a shoe compartment
    • Sleek enough for the office
    Cons
    • No separation for wet and dry clothing

    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.

    Over 4,000 five-star reviews recommend this “quality duffel” as well as its shoe compartment that can fit two pairs.

    6
    Best Value

    Everest Gym Bag with Wet Pocket

    On Sale
    Gym Bag with Wet Pocket
    6
    Best Value

    Everest Gym Bag with Wet Pocket

    Now 14% Off
    Pros
    • Ideal size for everyday use
    • Easy-access compartments
    Cons
    • Reviewers note it's not the most durable

    Though this Everest Gym Bag is under $40, 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.

    Customers “love” this bag and say it’s “perfect for the gym locker: “Just the right size and number of compartments,” confirms one.

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    7
    Best Convertible

    Helly-Hansen Duffel Bag

    On Sale
    Duffel Bag
    7
    Best Convertible

    Helly-Hansen Duffel Bag

    Now 19% Off
    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Beloved by athletes and ski/outdoor professionals
    • Can be carried as a duffel or two-strap backpack
    Cons
    • Expensive

    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 90 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. And did we mention the great color options?

    This “excellent” bag has proven its mettle amidst many users’ travels, with one saying that aside from accommodating his portable speakers, it was also able to fit his tuxedo, suit, and an additional two weeks’ worth of clothes on a trip to Italy! The “perfect carry-on bag,” says another.

    8
    The Minimalist

    Adidas Team Issue 2 Medium Duffel Bag

    On Sale
    Team Issue 2 Medium Duffel Bag
    8
    The Minimalist

    Adidas Team Issue 2 Medium Duffel Bag

    Now 22% Off
    Pros
    • Many pockets for organized storage, including vented options
    • Lifetime warranty
    Cons
    • No shoe compartment

    Another sleek, time-honored option with nearly 2,500 five-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.

    This “sturdy” gym bag for men apparently ticks all the boxes with customers, with one saying, “It’s a great size for a weekend bag, [has] plenty of pockets, good structure on the sides without being too stiff, [is] easy to clean, and durable.”

    9
    The Classic

    Nike Brasilia Training Medium Duffle Bag

    Brasilia Training Medium Duffle Bag
    9
    The Classic

    Nike Brasilia Training Medium Duffle Bag

    Pros
    • Spacious compartments with separate bottom pocket for wet items
    • Padded strap
    Cons
    • Can look bulky

    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.

    “Great quality for the price!” says a mom, who says her daughter is able to fit her catcher’s gear in it. “I can fit a basketball, two pairs of sneakers, and small equipment in just the big zipper!” says another satisfied buyer.

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    10
    Travel from Work to Gym

    Lululemon Cruiser Backpack 22L

    Cruiser Backpack 22L
    10
    Travel from Work to Gym

    Lululemon Cruiser Backpack 22L

    Pros
    • Water-repellent fabric
    • Laptop pocket
    • Strap for yoga mat
    Cons
    • Expensive

    The Lululemon Everyday Backpack is designed for people on the move who need versatile storage for work items and a pack of gym clothes.

    You can easily organize all the essentials with both the exterior and interior pockets. This backpack even includes storage space for a laptop and yoga mat so you’ll have everything you need for the day in one place.

    This “super comfortable, super functional” gym bag for men “can fit a lot of items while staying sleek and minimal,” which is super on-brand for a Lulu product.

    11
    Best for Bringing to Work

    Champion Manuscript Backpack

    Manuscript Backpack
    11
    Best for Bringing to Work

    Champion Manuscript Backpack

    Pros
    • Internal organizers, including a laptop pocket
    • Side water bottle pocket
    • Padded straps
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • No gym-specific features

    We're with the 9,000-plus 5-star reviewers who absolutely love this Champion backpack for many reasons. Its classic shape makes it casual enough to use as a multipurpose backpack, and its slip laptop sleeve is a highlight that helps make that happen.

    Apart from the many parents (and kids!) who absolutely love this bag for school, several also praise its practicality for the gym. "Ordered this bag to use for the gym. Absolutely love it. Got a few compliments and comments on where I got it," says one such happy user.

    Headshot of Eunice Lucero-Lee
    Eunice Lucero-Lee
    Senior Editor

    Eunice Lucero-Lee is the Senior Editor for Best Products, and is a beauty, astrology, and pop culture obsessive whose work has been featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, The Numinous, and woman&home, among many others. A (very) proud cat mom, she spends her time in Manhattan obsessing over celebrity natal charts, luxury skincare, and Scandi-noir, as well as finding the perfect K-Pop vid to save the day. She can order drinks perfectly in Korean.

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