6 Best Gym Bags for Every Workout and Commute (2026)

The best gym the bags are working overtime. If it’s not comfortable to carry, if it fails to keep my gear organized and fresh, or if it makes traveling more difficult, then it’s not doing its job. Of course, you can put your sports gear in 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 over 20 gym bags for a full year, we’ve narrowed down our top picks, whether you’re a bodybuilder, yogi, weightlifter, or just someone who needs a small gym bag for everyday use. For more bag recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Laptop Totes, Best Travel Totes, and Best Messenger and Crossbody Bags.

Best gym bag

Don’t let the compact shape of this bag fool you: it can hold much more than it seems. You can add a pair of shoes, clothes and toiletries and still have plenty of space. Water-resistant fabric is a key component if you’re traveling in unpredictable weather (hello, Midwest winters). True to its name, it can be carried three ways: by the top handles, slung across the body with the removable strap, or, my favorite, the strap itself doubles as a yoga strap when you just need to carry a mat. It’s super stretchy and padded, which also makes it comfortable to use for stretching.

Storage is also well designed. There’s a dedicated sneaker compartment that fits men’s sizes up to 14, but I prefer to store my sneakers in the bottom section so I don’t waste any main interior space. You also receive a drawstring pouch for your après-sports clothes, a side zipper for most 24-ounce bottles, and interior pockets to hold keys, cards, and other essentials.

Best sports backpack

Troubadour’s Pioneer Backpack is so chic I’d recommend it as a work bag, but it has all the components of a good gym bag. The high-quality FortiWeave shell, made from recycled plastic bottles, is waterproof, tear-resistant and fluorocarbon-free, allowing it to withstand accidental spills and unpredictable weather conditions. The sculpted, padded shoulder straps and breathable bag panel are game-changers for long hauls, and the cart pouch is essential for travel.

I love the clamshell design, which gives you a full view of your gym equipment. There’s a ventilated shoe compartment so your sneakers don’t stink up the office if you’re going straight from work to the gym (or vice versa). You get not one but two side water bottle pockets. Inside, there are enough pockets to satisfy even the most Type-A sports enthusiast: a small crossbody pocket for keys, pen slots, a key leash, and a lockable main compartment, to name a few. There’s also a padded NanoCushion laptop compartment to protect your electronic devices.

Best Tote Bag

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CABLE

• Made with ripstop fabric and nylon base
• Designed with compression straps to tighten and adjust
• Extremely light

FATIGUE

• Lacks structure and appears somewhat fragile
• Designed with ventilation holes prone to tearing

This is Hellen Obiri’s favorite travel bag, and after a month of carrying it to Pilates, I get the call. It weighs just over a kilo, but somehow fits all the gym essentials without looking bulky. The removable shoulder strap is very comfortable and the Swiss-made rope handles make it easy to carry by hand. Compression straps allow you to tighten everything if necessary. Inside, you have bottle pockets, two exterior zippered pockets and an internal mesh compartment for small items.

Reflective details on the logo and zippers are a small but smart safety touch. The bag is made from ripstop fabric with a nylon base, although I’m keeping an eye on long-term durability. A month later, it’s holding up well, but I’ll report back if that changes.