The 13 Best Gym Bags for Leg Day and Every Other Day
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If there's one thing you need extra motivation for, it's going to the gym. And there's a few factors that go into actually getting you there. Maybe you've got the gym membership and the gym clothes, but do you have the right bag? This is the final piece of the puzzle that you may be missing, the piece that will carry you to the workout. Or rather, the piece that you carry. Regardless of who is doing the carrying, you need to have something that gets you from Point A to Point B, whether it's your downtown loft to Equinox or a shoebox studio to your local gym.
Either way, you want to put thought into selecting the perfect gym bag. Here's what you want to consider: material, style, and durability. Our Commerce Editor, Luke Guillory, advises to prioritize space, too. "Looking for a gym bag, I want it to be durable, first and foremost," he says. "Second, it needs to have enough space, however you figure that. For me, that's only clothes and shoes for one day. Some guys will need extra space for bands, lifting belts, and multiple pairs of shoes. It can add up, but it's never to the point where you need a million different interior pockets. One small pocket for phone, keys, wallet, and you're good. At the end of it all, it needs to look good."
Look for a bag that is make from sweat-wicking materials, that can handle your moisture-laden clothing post workout. Find a bag that fits your aesthetic; maybe you like to wear all black to the gym and want the duffle to blend in. Ensure that your bag is durable and can handle itself even if it's pouring en route to the gym.
Considering this criteria, we picked our 13 favorite gym bags that are going to get you to your next workout and even far beyond. If nothing has made your resolution stick, maybe a new bag will.
Gym Bag
A duffle bag as standard as they come, an option you most certainly can't go wrong with. Rains designs this bag to be multi-functional, for all of your needs; go to the gym, to work, or to a weekend getaway. This waterproof style has a side mesh pocket, a zippered front pocket, and a spacious main compartment. Choose from three different colors, with a detachable shoulder strap for easy carrying.
One buyer says: "Material is amazing, has enough pockets and zip pockets to hold essential gym items. Perfect size for my gym bits. Even got the wash bag to match!"
Sportswear RPM Backpack
For those who prefer a gym-ready backpack, go the classic sporty route. Nike has an infallible pick that'll keep all your shit—laptop, chargers, water bottle, change of clothes, and more—organized, without breaking your back with the weight of it all. This style has plenty of zippered pockets, smaller compartments, and padded straps for easy carrying.
One buyer says: "Perhaps the best backpack Nike has never made. Within a span of 4 years I’ve collected two with a third on the way. Well engineered and stitched together."
Tech Novel Duffle
This super simple duffel is an easy option for gym trips and overnights. It has a minimalist shell, which makes it usefully versatile, and comes in two smaller sizes. The big one is our favorite, though; it features a laptop sleeve, trolley sleeve, shoe compartment, and a removable strap.
Atlas 2-in-1 Backpack Duffle
Can't decide if you want a durable duffel or a hands-free backpack? Mack Weldon has the ultimate solution. This tough, versatile pick has a 2-in-1 design, so you can carry it either way. Whatever you prefer, though, you'll still love the shoe compartment, padded laptop sleeve, and easy-to-reach outer pockets.
One buyer says: "Well-built, lightweight yet sturdy. Like that it has the option of being a backpack or a crossbody duffle."
Om The Go Gym Sling Bag
If you want a gym bag that's trendy, slouchy, and barely even looks like a gym bag, Alo has the pick for you. This spacious crossbody has room for all your essentials, but it pairs perfectly with your day-to-day fits, too.
One buyer says: "So beautiful on and super comfy! Also so stylish! I absolutely love this bag!"
Jack Duffle Bag
It's tough, it's cool, it's durable—obviously, it's Carhartt WIP. The brand that makes your favorite workwear jackets also has a damn good, versatile duffle, which makes for the perfect gym companion. It has a water-repellent exterior, an adjustable, detachable crossbody strap, and a D-ring carrier that's convenient for tying your shoes or water bottle to.
Barrel Gym Bag
If you really wanna get fancy with your gym bag (I don't blame you), invest in a full-grain leather option. No matter how sweaty and red you get, this one from Leatherology will keep you looking good. It has padded straps, a shoe compartment, mesh storage, and a water-repellent lining, so it's okay if your water bottle spills inside. Plus, you can add on personalization.
Franklin Weekender
In addition to making very good bags—this one is big enough for a weekend away, but compact enough to navigate your commute—State also works with charity partners and schools to help kids and families in need, so it's a purchase you can feel good about.
Cruiser Backpack
You already trust Lululemon's workout gear. How about a water-repellent, well-organized backpack to carry it all? With plenty of pocket space, a water-repellent exterior, and designated storage for your your laptop, sunglasses, phone, and more, you'll use this one at far more places than just the gym.
Santiago 2 Duffel Bag
Adidas gives you ample pockets with this duffle. The large compartment is great for all clothing and workout necessities, while the smaller side one is perfect for separating smelly gym shoes and socks.
Base Camp Duffel
For the gym, your camping trip, and just about everywhere in between. This duffle is as sturdy and reliable as it gets. TNF, being proprietors of the outdoors, designed this with a weather-resistant flap, detachable and padded straps, and even a water-resistant ID window for extra convenience.
One buyer says: "Much stronger than expected. I've used a 65L duffel for years for occasional trips plus a gear bag for short car camping adventures. The material on the Base Camp is miles ahead of what I've used in the past. Feels like this one will last me a lifetime."
Hue Laptop Duffel
Picture this: you hit the gym, shower and slip on your suit, and head to the office without stopping home to switch bags. The padded laptop sleeves are here to make that fantasy a reality. This is a work to workout to play option our editors absolutely love, 'cause it's convenient, spacious, and tough.
One buyer says: "This duffel bag is so luxurious! The feel is soft and plush. You can fit a good weekend worth of stuff. I love all the pockets and compartments this bag contains."
Dakota Neoprene Backpack
Dagne Dover makes some of the best quality bags on the market. This water-resistant backpack comes in all sorts of colors and sizes, while keeping everything inside nice and dry. Plus, the sleek, minimalist outer easily pairs with your gym clothes or your work attire.
What To Look For
Fabric: Some people are going to want a water-repellent gym bag, and some are going to want full-grain leather. The fabric of your gym bag determines how you should clean it, what materials it can be exposed to, and generally, how easy it is to carry to places that aren't just the gym.
Features: Some gym bags come packed with things like a laptop sleeve, shoe storage, zippered pockets, adjustable straps, and more. Others are more simplistic. Depending on your preferences and how and when you plan to use your bag (ie. going to the gym straight after work), pay attention to what features are offered.
How We Chose
Our editors are marathon runners, gym rats, hikers, and more. In other words—we know what makes for a good bag to store your activewear, 'cause we frequently use them ourselves. The bags on this list have been tried and tested by our editors, and chose out of many more options for their infallible durability, convenience, and great storage.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We're not going to say something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire's roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to gym bags, you can rest assured that we're hand-selecting styles that we've personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We've had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these bags are the ones that are simply the best.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don't, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you're looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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