Here’s the secret: There is no perfect gym bag.
Many bags sold as “gym bags” are indistinguishable from any duffle bag or tote. And almost any kind of bag will work as a gym bag in a pinch.
In the end, a good gym bag brings fresh clothes to a workout and takes wet gear home again without everything becoming a fragrant swamp.
After researching hundreds of gym bags—traditional gym bags and others—and testing more than 40, we’ve found five bags for a range of gym goers and situations.
We found a pick that’s well organized and will last a lifetime; a backpack for commuters; a casual, water-resistant duffle; a cheap pick for team gear; and a roll-top dry bag for storing sweaty gear.
If these choices aren’t what you’re looking for, check out our picks for duffle bags, laptop backpacks, and totes.
It’s well organized. Most gym bags are made to be somewhat disposable. Inevitably, odors, stains, and the weird abuse they sustain wears them out. Before we tested the KNKG Plus Duffel, we wouldn’t have considered spending three figures on a gym bag, but it won us over with not only its durable materials and strong construction but also its clever organization options. In addition to its main compartment, the Plus Duffel, which has an overall capacity of just over 30 liters, comes with four accessory pockets (one button-sealed for clumsy hands), a stretch catchall, and a shoe compartment.
It’s tough. Did we mention that? In our destructive testing, squat world-record holder Roy Glenn took one look at this bag, threw up his hands, and said, “No fucking way.” Every corner of this bag is built to last, from the zipper points to the seams, and it should stand up to years of abuse. The Plus Duffel comes with a 25-year warranty as long as the original purchaser is still in possession of the bag, which should be plenty of coverage for even the most dedicated gym buff. It comes in seven colors, including two camo options. KNKG makes the same bag in slightly larger 45-liter and 63-liter models.
