We all love getting into a sticky sweat, right? Whether this is with a willing lady of choosing in the bedroom or simply down the gym, a good workout is a great way to stay in shape and let off some steam at the same time. There are many reasons that people go to the gym, whether it is to lose weight, stay in shape, train, tone up their muscles in such a way to attract the female species, or at the very minimum, appease their own self-loving vanity.
It should be said that while many of us love nothing more than a solid workout, others will come up with just about any excuse to avoid one. It’s raining, the dog ate my membership card, aliens abducted me and inserted something up my backside – you know who you are!
If you’re one of those that do enjoy a regular trip the gym however, we have this strange feeling that you might be here to find a new gym back for your workouts. Well, it’s understandable as whether you’re into weight training, fitness, or getting yourself into and hopefully out of some strange yoga positions down the gym, you’re going to need a quality men’s gym bag to store all of your gear.
The good news is that we have gone and trawled, tested, thrown around, and hit each other with 40 of the best gym bags for men so that you don’t have to. We can unequivocally state that the bags we have reviewed will contain one that is perfect for your workout needs. So, what are you waiting for? Go check them out!
For those of you that want something that is of good quality but at a fantastic price, this is a great gym bag for men. In our opinion, it offers more than some bags that’re double its price.
Easily the most expensive bag on our list but at the same time easily the best of the bunch, this bag will not only give you everything that you could want from a gym bag but it will also give it to you in style.
We’ve always had a massive soft spot for the excellent and the top quality bags that the Friendly Swede produce and the Sandham Duffel Bag in our own opinion, is the best of the lot.
Kicking off our extensive list of the best gym bags that money can buy is that of the Nike Brasilia Large Training Bag. Designed specifically for the most dedicated of athletes and equally as suitable for those of you that pack it but never use it, this gym bag for men and women will tick all your boxes.
It’s large, and we mean large. It is made from a 100% polyester, is extremely durable, and the bottom is completely water-resistant. Handy features on this dual-handled gym bag for men include a removable shoulder strap, interior pockets, and even an exterior mesh side pocket which is ideal for putting any sweaty and smelly garments.
Available at a competitive price, in a variety of colors, and suitable for all kinds of activities, the Brasilia is certainly a gym bag worth checking out.
Under Armour, a company and brand founded by a former football player, is responsible for our next pick and that’s the Undeniable 3.0 duffel bag. Sure, it is not as big as our previous recommendation but it offers more than enough storage for even the most dedicated of gym goers.
Durability is where the Undeniable 3.0 really stands out and we’re confident you’re not going to find many duffel bags in this price range that can challenge it in this regard. Water and abrasion resistant, this gym bag for men also comes with a shoulder strap, numerous internal and external pockets, and is available in a wide variety of designs.
Would a list of the best gym duffel bags be complete without Adidas making an appearance? No, we didn’t think so either and their Squad III duffel bag is just one of a number of their bags that you’re going to see.
The squad III was actually designed with women athletes in mind but we don’t think they should be able to have it all to themselves. This would explain the multiple internal and external pockets though – makeup, cellphones, and all other items usually reserved for their handbag. Just avoid the feminine color schemes when buying and you have a gym bag that is great value, well designed, and from a leading sports brand.
Designed for outdoor living, activities, and for traveling the world, the Topo Designs Classic Duffel Bag is going to bring you the ultimate in durability that also makes it an ideal choice of a gym bag. Made in America, this duffel bag has a Cordura nylon construction, heavy-duty straps and handles, and a classic but functional design.
Although a little more expensive than your average gym bag, you really are paying for quality with this men’s duffel bag. Add to that two internal lined and zipped pockets and an adjustable.
Reebok will be another recognizable name with all of you, who hasn’t heard of Reebok? Their Warrior II Small Duffel Bag is the first of their gym bags for men that are featured in this list and it is definitely worth a look if you’re after a small gym bag.
Despite being small, this bag does offer up ample storage space as you can easily fit some clothes and shoes in the main compartment. There’s also an external pocket that is ideal for keys, a cellphone, or anything else that will fit. An adjustable shoulder strap and dual handles enable the Warrior II to be moved easily while you’ll also be able to pick from a multitude of great designs.
Functionality and practicality will be a priority for many of you, what with all the devices and equipment that we need to carry around with us these days. Well, with the Apera Performance Duffel Bag, you’re not going to be disappointed in this respect. It offers huge amounts of storage, has pockets coming out of its ears, and is highly water-resistant to boot.
Alongside that impressive 43 liters of internal storage also comes two exterior water bottle pockets, an exterior laptop/tablet pocket, an exterior shoe pocket, and an exterior cellphone pocket. Two other notable features of this gym bag are the laser-cut venting found throughout and antimicrobial product protection technology that prevents the bag from stinking the place out.
If your wallet is lacking as much muscle as you are, then the Everest 16-inch Round Duffel Bag would make a good budget option. While a cheap price often means cheap quality, this really is not the case with this offering from Everest as the bag is durable, well-made, and offers similar features to gym bags that are double or even triple its price.
Ideal for trips to the gym, or for traveling, this Everest Duffel bag offers up a good amount of storage space, an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, and a handy front pocket which can be used for storing smaller items.
If you’re a bodybuilder and looking for more of a complete solution, you might want to take advantage of the Isolator Fitness Thin Blue Line Isoduffle. This is a gym bag, food management system, and cooler in one. Containing 8 various sized food containers that are kept cool by two Isobricks, you’ll be able to prepare and plan your daily meals, keep them cool, and essentially have better control over your diet.
The Isoduffle will keep all food and water cold for up to 16-hours while you’ll still have ample storage in the bag for your gym clothes and equipment. You’ll also find two mesh pockets on the inside and outside and an adjustable shoulder strap that enables you to carry it around with ease.
Not all of the best gym bags for men have to be of the duffel variant and this is clearly evident with the excellent Under Armour Unisex Lifestyle Backpack. Sure, it has not been specifically designed to be used as a gym bag but its versatility allows it to easily play that role.
As with all Under Armour bags, you’ll quickly notice just how well made this backpack is while it also offers up plenty of functionality with numerous pockets both on the inside and out. You’ll even be able to fit a laptop inside one of the padded sleeves. Another big benefit to this bag is the UA storm technology that enables it to be resistant to most of the day-to-day elements that you may face.
If you’re looking for the best gym duffel bag possible, then the Swiss Alpen Cervino Duffel Bag is certainly one that should be considered. This moderately priced duffel bag certainly offers value for money when you consider the obvious high-quality workmanship alongside its large size and the multiple zippered compartments that you can make use of.
Where it really stands out, however, is through the 1680D water-repellent coated polyester fabric that it’s made from. Rain will never be able to ruin your gym days again but on the flip side, it will not be able to be an excuse not to go for some of you.
Puma is another well-established name that has been making sports equipment and accessories so it’s of little surprise that they are renowned for making good quality workout bags for men. Their Contender Duffel Bag is one of their more popular models and this is essentially due to a combination of being well-made, the capacity and storage options that it provides, and its relatively low cost.
Whether you’re an athlete or somebody that enjoys going to the gym, the Contender certainly provides everything that you’ll need. There is plenty of space in the main compartment, three exterior zip pockets, and the option of carrying it around either by dial hand straps or the removable shoulder strap.
If you wanted a duffel bag that could easily double up as a travel bag, then this Gonex Travel Duffel might be right up your street. This bag is huge with a capacity of 45 liters and with a total of ten pockets being found throughout, you’ll have no problems storing what you need whether you’re going for a workout or for a short business trip. The side pockets, in particular, are great as they you’ll easily fit a pair of shoes in both of them.
Made from a water-repellent and durable polyester, this bag has been made to last and will have no troubles being used when up against the elements. Reasonably priced, the Gonex Travel Bag is well worthy of a place on our list of recommendations.
Another worthwhile addition to our list that will allow you to find the best gym bag for men is the Ralyiks Multifunctional Sports Gym Bag. No matter whether you’re a professional, serious, or occasional athlete or gym goer, this gym bag will able to store just about everything that you need. With a stylish look, a good size, and a bunch of multifunctional pockets, you’ll never have an excuse to not hit the gym.
Its construction is from an Oxford fabric and polyester which offers excellent water protection and the zips and clips are all of top quality. A vented shoe compartment allows you to fit even large pairs of shoes and with eight colors/designs to choose from, you’ll be able to pick one that matches your personality.
Meister MMA is known for producing elite gear and apparel mainly aimed at mixed martial arts and their range of gym bags for men are always worth a look. One in particular that we like is the Vented Convertible Gym bag. This can be used as a duffel bag or a backpack which offers ample storage either way.
For its large size, this bag really does represent good value for money and we have to say that we really like the design and how they have allowed the bag and its contents to breathe via mesh panels being implemented on both sides. A removable shoulder strap and three pockets are just a couple of other standout features.
Sometimes mens gym bags can be a little too big, I mean we’re going for a workout, not moving home! If you find this to be the case with gym bags and would prefer something a little bit smaller and stylish, then the Adidas Sport to Street is the first one you should be looking at.
Despite its smaller size, the Sport to Street serves up more than enough in regards to storage options. The main compartment is a lot more spacious than you might imagine while you also have plenty of pockets. On the inside you’ll find several pockets, one being a lined and padded tablet pocket – we know it is a tablet pocket simply because it’s labeled as such. On the outside, you’ll also find two water bottle pockets and a long-zippered pocket.
Another men’s gym bag for those of you that are looking at some bang for the buck is that of the big and durable Northstar 1224 Standard Duffel Bag. Constructed of a heavy-duty diamond rip stop Dura coated nylon fabric, this bag will not only give you plenty of space but it will also protect it from wetness and moisture.
Large in size, this bag will also be able to serve multiple uses. As well as using it for the gym, it can easily be used for travel, storage, camping, or for those inclined, a bank heist or two. There are no pockets to speak of but the main compartment will give you all the storage that you need.
If money is no object and you like to surround yourself with expensive but high-quality gym equipment and accessories, you could do a lot worse than checking out the North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag. Although designed to be a durable travel bag capable of fending off the elements of outdoor expeditions and adventures, its strong nylon construction also allows it to fend off the even tougher test of your sweaty gym undergarments.
Everything is of very high quality with this bag from the strong zippers, detachable straps, and the numerous pockets. Seriously, if you’re keen to impress with a premium level gym bag, start your search with the Base Camp.
If you want something that is a good mix of style, comfort, and affordability, we suggest that you consider the Boost Gym Sports Bag. Available in five different colors with each of them looking great, you’ll certainly be pleased with the aesthetic side of things. However, there is no beauty over substance here as this mens gym bag is also made of strong stuff.
A water and wear-resistant oxford fabric are used for the construction and it not only protects your possessions but also allows them to breathe. We also found the numerous pockets, zippers, and straps to be of a high standard, while the shoe compartment is spacious and ventilated.
Under Armour are back for a third time on our list of the best gym bags for men and this could top them all so far. It’s certainly the best looking back so far and also the most expensive but when you consider the workmanship and build-quality of this bag, it’s no wonder that it is among their more premium offerings.
This is part of the Stephen Curry SC30 collection at Under Armour and you’ll struggle to find many better gym bags. It’s constructed of durable and water-resistant materials, can be used as a duffel or backpack, adjustable straps, and has vented pockets for shoes, water bottles, and mobile devices.
The Northwest Company have always been renowned for their quality gym bags for men which alone is a big reason to consider them. However, now you’ll have another reason as you can get your hands on one off their bags emblazoned with your favorite football team. Their officially licensed NFL Duffel Bags can now serve a dual purpose, aid you in your workouts while allowing you to support your team!
Reasonably priced, there is more to these duffel backs than just being NFL licensed too, as they are big, well-made, and have a good number of pockets that you can utilize. You’ll also be pleased with how durable the bag is, something which is important when rival fans start kicking it about.
When it comes to sheer size, you’re not going to find many, if any, men’s gym bags on our list that are bigger than the Outdoor Products Large Utility Duffel. It has a capacity of 110.6 liters which means that you’re going to be able to pack in just about every piece of gym clothing and equipment into the bag that you own and still probably have tons of room left over.
Most of that storage can be found in the main compartment of this water-resistant 300-denier polyester gym bag but you’ll also find some throughout the three exterior pockets provided. One of those is a front mesh pocket that is ideal for storing wallets, keys, phones or sweaty underwear.
Made from 600D polyester, the Everest Sports Duffel with Wet Pocket is another hugely popular gym bag among both men and women. Here you’re given a decent amount of storage space, about 32 liters to be exact, three pockets with meshing, a bottle holder, and a spacious wet pocket that is perfect for moist garments or some training shoes.
You’ll quickly admire the impressive quality found throughout this bag from the padding on the bottle pocket, to the metal anchor points for the shoulder strap, and to the high-grade water-resistant polyester that has been used in its construction.
Durability and style is the name of the game when it comes to the Carhartt Legacy Gear Bag, two things that we know are very important to many of you gym-fiends out there. Constructed of 1200D polyester that has been treated by water repellent, this is more than able to handle rough and tumble environments and anything that the weather can throw at it.
We personally like the Carharrt brown but the Legacy Gear Back is also available in two other striking colors which certainly makes it an attractive bag to carry around. As for the storage, you’ll be able to enjoy, it’s not surprising that there is quite a bit considering the bag is 20 inches in length. A zippered pocket inside allows you to store smaller items separately while you’ll also appreciate the removable padded shoulder strap.
A good all-rounder and definitely worth a place on our list of the best duffel gym bags is that of the Starter Duffel Gym Bag. They offer this bag in a couple of sizes with this one being the smaller of the two at 21in but this offers more than enough space for you to fit your workout gear.
Appealing features on this polyester gym bag include a dedicated shoe pocket, one interior and two exterior pockets, and padded handles and shoulder strap. As for the design, there are two different colors and the bag looks quite stylish.
Pros
Simple but functional
Lightweight
Shoe pocket
Cons
Simple but functional Lightweight Shoe pocket Cons Only two choices of color
Some of you might want to add a bit of class to your look when going to the gym and by using the Doreamale Leather Mens Gym Bag, you’re certainly going to do that. Made of a soft high-quality leather that is backed up with a strong fabric lining, this gym back is full of style and durability.
You’ll also love the spacious shoe compartment, heavy-duty zippers that have been used, and three inner pockets. As a multi-purpose bag, you can also use it as a travel bag, or carry-on bag when it’s not being used to hold your smelly workout clothes. Might want to clean it first though!
Like to keep all of your items a separate as possible when at the gym? Well, you’re going to love the FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0 as it has a total of 10 compartments. You’re literally going to be able to have your shoes stored as well as two water bottles while there are tons of other pockets including wet pockets.
This gym bag was crowdsourced designed which essentially means, the team went through the thousands of reviews of other gym bags to make what they feel is the perfect gym bag. One feature in particular that we like is that you can open up the main pocket completely making it so much easier to get the items that you need.
The 40L Duffel Bag is the second that we have featured from Gonex and for good reason, these guys know how to manufacture a good back at a competitive price. Ripstop nylon is the material that was used to make this back and that means it offers a water-resistant, lightweight, but durable experience for whoever decides to use it.
Other things going for this bag includes the many pockets it has, the padded strips that add to comfort, and the fact that it can be folded away easily at a fraction of its size. The design itself might not be too fancy but you do have numerous colors to choose from.
If sheer space is a big priority when considering a new gym bag for men, the simply huge Venum Sparring Sport Bag should be one of the first to look at. At a length of 26 inches with a spacious main compartment, a large side pocket that would be perfect for your shoes, and a separate side pocket, you’re not going to have any trouble fitting all of your gear inside.
This bag was designed with boxing in mind but it easily has the space to be able to accommodate your gear no matter what sort of workout you’re doing at the gym. We do have to mention that we like the design of the bag as well, especially as you have a choice of three colors.
Made from a rip-stop diamond plaid fabric, the Mier Men’s Gym Bag is certainly more durable than most without affecting its lightweight appeal. It might not be the biggest of gym bags but with multiple compartments including one for your shoes, you’ll never have too many issues getting what you need inside.
The shoulder strap can be adjusted or even removed and we like that the strap and the handles are all soft and padded for extra comfort. The gym bag is only available in black but this will not be an issue for many of you.
Cleto Reyes is a famous Mexican brand that is renowned for producing high-quality boxing gear and apparel and we thought it only right to include one of their gym bags. This good-looking nylon is water-resistant, offers comfort when carrying via padded straps, and offers up plenty of space via its main compartment and pockets.
Of those pockets, one is a meshed pocket designed for wet clothes while the others will be a good place to put any valuables that you might have.
Don’t worry, just because this Chain Mesh Duffel Gym Bag is made by MMA Meister, you’re not going to have to go to the gym and get your head kicked in – well unless you want to that is. While the brand is primarily focused on mixed martial arts, you can obviously use their gym bag for other kinds of exercise, sports, and workouts too.
This bag is fairly cheap compared to others but we feel it offers good value due to its double-layered Chain Mesh construction which allows it to take the sort of beating an MMA fighter would. That construction also allows the bag and clothes to breathe and dispel any odors that your gear might have after a heavy workout session.
We all want to be able to walk into the gym with a good looking but also highly-functional gym bag and with the MarsBro you can do just that. While smaller than many other bags on our list, we like what they have done with that space. You have enough room for a change of clothes, a compartment for your shoes, and some pockets on the inside and outside for more important possessions.
We also find the fact that its design is not as bright and daring as others. They certainly allow you to use the bag for other occasions rather than simply looking like a gym bag being used for something else. Being water-resistant and having a shoulder strap are big benefits to the MarsBro as well.
For many of you, nothing will look cooler than a duffel bag that has been designed in a military-style and we have to say that we cannot blame you. The Smartact Air Force Military Duffel Bag is exactly that and it’s really a sight to behold.
Military stuff doesn’t just look the part usually either as they are usually very durable, functional and made from strong stuff. The same can be said of this spacious weather-resistant duffel which is constructed of heavy-duty nylon, has pockets internally and externally, and an adjustable shoulder strap. Our favorite part though is the original parachute buckles on the side – very cool!
It has to be said that the Friendly Swede Sandham Duffel Bag is one of our favorites as it offers just about everything that you need. It might be a little more expensive than others but when you consider just how big it is, how durable it is, how well made it is, and the attention to functionality, it is easily worth the asking price.
The bag is huge, is resistant to all kinds of weather conditions, and its 500D PVC Tarp construction always ensures that your belongings are kept safe. With a capacity of 90 liters, we’re also confident that most of you will have plenty of room to spare even after filling it with your gym gear.
Mosiso makes affordable bags for all occasions and this time the Hong Kong-based brand has delivered a duffel bag for the gym that might just interest you. Available in several different designs and colors, this striking bag gives you more than adequate space for all of your gym gear.This light but durable bag has all the compartments that you might need including one for a pair of shoes and many others that will be able to accommodate your keys, phones, and anything else that you might want to keep separate from your sweaty clothes. A long adjustable shoulder strap is also there to give you another option for carrying it.
If you wanted something that ticks pretty much all the boxes when it comes to value, quality, functionality, and durability, the Small Sports Gym Duffel from Mouteenoo might just be what you’re looking for. This small but surprisingly spacious back is made from water-resistant nylon, has pockets all over the place, and is priced affordably.
As a dedicated gym bag, you can expect a shoe compartment, three additional pockets on the outside of the bag, and two useful pockets on the inside. The build quality is also obvious to see with things like SBS zippers and padded straps.
Another popular gym bag among reviewers and one that we ourselves feel is more than worthy of a place on our list is that of the Kuston Sports Gym Bag. Offering a spacious main compartment, a side compartment for shoes, a 14” wet pocket, and an inner pocket for your valuables, you’ll have plenty of storage options for any trip to the gym.
Being made from a water-resistant Oxford fabric is also a big plus for this gym bag, as is the fact that you’ll be able to carry it via the standard straps above or the adjustable and removable shoulder strap. The latter is also strapped to the bag through some durable high-quality metal fastenings.
As we start approaching the last few gym bags for men on this extensive list, you might be close to making your decision on which to go for. However, that might change when you see this well-designed duffel from FITMYFAVO. This duffel has a spacious main compartment, two small inside pockets, and a double zip to ensure that everything stays inside.
While the FITMYFAVO is available in two different colors, we really admire any of you that go for the bright pink when hitting the gym – the black looks fantastic though. The grid cotton padded material used for the construction gives it a light but durable feel while it’s also easy to clean.
Not all of us want to feel like we’re packing to go on vacation or moving apartments every time that we go to the gym and instead like to keep things simple. A small duffel bag like this budget-priced offering from Dalix is going to provide exactly the right amount of storage for many of us.
The price of this duffel really is great but do not let that fool you into thinking that you’re buying an inferior product. It’s made of a tough 600D polyester, has a removable shoulder strap, and an external front zippered pocket. Also, as well as having handles on the top, you’ll notice that it has side handles which can also come in handy.
Last but certainly not least is this ‘travel’ duffel from AmazonBasics and while its name might suggest this is not going to be ideal when used as a gym bag, you’d be sorely mistaken. Sure, it’s extremely big but we know that some of you’re going to be wanting to bring a lot of equipment and clothes to your workouts.
This duffel represents great value as it’s both lightweight and durable and is made of a tough water and odor-resistant nylon material. There are numerous side pockets with one being able to easily accommodate the shoes of even the Sasquatch-sized feet that some of you may have.
Well, there are big ones, smaller ones, green ones, black ones…No seriously, there’s actually quite a lot of difference that can be found from one gym bag to another. A popular type is a duffel-style bag while others might prefer a backpack instead. However, the key differences usually come in the types of features that a gym bag might have.
Some will be designed for durability, others for functionality, others for their design, and others for not much more than pure space. What you will want from your gym back will come down to personal preference, the type of gym activities you’re going to be using it for, and of course, the price.
As well as all that, gym bags will differ in the features that they have. Some will have a dedicated compartment for shoes or wet clothes, some may have multiple pockets while some will offer shoulder straps for easier carrying.
Among the features you might want to look out for includes:
Wet Pockets
Shoe Compartments
Water-Resistance
Shoulder Straps
Breathability
What to Pack in a Gym Bag?
The type of clothing, equipment, and other items that you’re going to need to pack into your gym bag will obviously differ depending on the activity, workout, or sport that you’re going to be doing. However, there are a number of items that are going to be needed no matter what you’re doing.
These include:
Water Bottle – Without a doubt, you’re going to need a water bottle then you can use and refill on the fly when at the gym. You need to keep yourself hydrated, so this should always be one of the first things that you pack. Some gym bags even have a dedicated water bottle holder.
Towels & Washcloths – As you know, you’re going to be sweating quite a bit at the gym, or you should be. You’re going to need towels and washcloths to wipe yourself off from time to time.
Clothes – Depending on which way around you’re doing it, you’re going to need either your workout clothes or a change of clothes in your bag. Spare socks especially as we can only imagine what some of yours are going to smell like after a workout!
Shoes – Many of you will also want to have your training shoes or normal shoes kept in your bag for when they’re needed.
Plastic Bags – Some gym bags for men will have wet pockets but even so, you’ll want to put any sweaty clothes into plastic bags before putting them in your gym bag.
Shower Bag – You’ll definitely need a shower at the gym after your workouts – if you don’t, there is seriously something wrong with you. A shower bag full of everything you need is a big priority.
Deodorant – Do you really want to submit your smelly armpits to others around you? Bring some deodorant!
Those are the priorities but there are other items that you might want to consider packing too. A cellphone perhaps for your music? How about your keys or wallet?
Gain Done, Now the Pain
So, you have learned everything you need to know about gym bags and which of them we think are among the best available right now. We’re pretty confident that you’ll have found the best gym bag for men among them and will probably have one coming your way soon.
Trouble is, you’ve now gone and bought all the gear, clothes, and bags that you’re going to need and the pain is the next thing to come. For some of you this won’t be a problem but for others, you’re now completely out of excuses for not getting your proverbial behind down to the gym!
