What is the Best Gym Bag for my Routine?
Finding the right gym bag shouldn't feel like another workout. Whether you're commuting to the office before hitting the gym or squeezing in a lunchtime session, the bag you choose can make or break your routine. A well-designed gym bag keeps your gear organized, protects your belongings, and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? The answer depends on your specific needs, such as the type of workouts you do, how much gear you carry, and whether you need a bag that transitions from office to gym.
What to Consider When Choosing a Gym Bag
Before you start shopping, take a moment to think about what you actually need from a gym bag. These five factors will help narrow down your options.
Size and Capacity
Think about what you typically bring to the gym. If you're carrying a change of clothes, shoes, a water bottle, and a few accessories, you'll need a bag with enough room to fit everything comfortably. Gym bags typically range from compact 14-liter options to spacious 35-liter models.
Smaller bags work well for minimalists or those who keep essentials at the gym. Larger bags suit people who need to carry workout gear, work clothes, and toiletries all at once.
Material and Durability
Your gym bag will take a beating. It needs to withstand frequent use, heavy loads, and the occasional spill. Look for bags made from durable and easily cleanable materials like ballistic nylon or other strong synthetic weaves. In addition to this, waxed canvas can be a great option if you want your gym bag to have a classic aesthetic while still being rugged.
High-quality materials also mean your bag will last longer, saving you money in the long run. A well-made gym bag can outlast the gear it carries.
Compartments and Organization
A bag with multiple compartments keeps your gear organized and easy to access. Look for features like interior pockets for smaller items, separate compartments for dirty clothes or shoes, and quick-access pockets for keys, phones, and water bottles.
Comfort and Portability
If you're carrying your gym bag for any distance, comfort matters. Padded or grippy straps distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on your shoulders while reducing shoulder slip. Well-rounded gym bags and duffels also include grab handles for quick carrying, plus hooks or loops for hanging in lockers.
Consider how you'll be transporting your bag. Will you be walking, biking, or taking public transit? Choose a design that works with your commute.
Style and Design
Your gym bag doesn't have to sacrifice style for function. Many high-quality bags blend professional aesthetics with athletic performance, allowing you to carry the same bag from the office to the gym without looking out of place.
Choose a color and design that fits your personal style and complements your wardrobe.
Types of Gym Bags
Different bag styles serve different purposes. Here's a breakdown of the most popular types and who they're best suited for.
Duffel Bags
The classic gym duffel offers plenty of space and a wide opening for easy packing. These bags typically have a cylindrical or rectangular shape and come in various sizes. They're ideal for people who carry a lot of gear or need flexibility in what they pack.
Backpack Gym Bags
Backpacks distribute weight evenly across both shoulders, making them comfortable for longer commutes. They often include padded laptop compartments, making them a solid choice for people who head straight from work to the gym.
Tote Gym Bags
Totes offer a more casual, open-top design that's easy to access. They work well for lighter loads and shorter trips, though they may lack the security and organization features of other styles.
Hybrid Gym/Work Bags
Hybrid bags feature separate compartments for work essentials and gym gear. They're perfect for professionals who need to carry a laptop, documents, and workout clothes in one organized package.
Essential Features to Look For
Beyond the basics, certain features can significantly improve your gym bag experience.
Water Resistance
Spills happen. Whether it's a leaky water bottle or an unexpected rainstorm, water-resistant materials and waterproof zippers protect your belongings from moisture damage.
Ventilation
Wet gym clothes and sweaty shoes need airflow to prevent odors from building up. Look for bags with ventilated compartments, especially for shoes. Mesh panels allow air to circulate while keeping smells contained.
Shoe Compartment
A dedicated shoe compartment keeps your dirty sneakers separated from clean clothes and other gear. The best shoe compartments are ventilated and collapsible, so you can tuck them away when not in use.
Padded Straps
Padded shoulder straps and handles make carrying a loaded gym bag more comfortable. Look for adjustable straps that let you customize the fit to your body.
Easy Access Pockets
Quick-access pockets on the exterior of your bag let you grab essentials like keys, phones, and cards without opening the main compartment. This feature saves time and keeps you organized.
Locker and Cubby Storage
If your gym has small lockers or cubbies, make sure your bag fits. Compact designs that can be compressed or hung vertically are ideal for tight storage spaces.
Our Top Gym Bag Recommendations
At WaterField Designs, we're no strangers to great bags that stand the test of time; below are our best gym bag recommendations.
Flex Lite Gym Bag
The Flex Lite Gym Bag is a straightforward, no-nonsense option for people who value simplicity. It comes in two sizes: a compact 19-liter version and a larger 35-liter model. Both feature an integrated and ventilated shoe compartment to keep your sneakers separate from the rest of your gear.
This bag's clean design makes it easy to pack and access your belongings quickly. It's a solid choice for minimalists who want a reliable gym bag without unnecessary complications.
Flex Travel Gym Bag
The Flex Travel Gym Bag is built for versatility. With a 25-liter capacity and three separate compartments, it offers plenty of organization for gym gear or travel essentials. The large main compartment includes five interior pockets, while a front pocket and rear zippered compartment provide additional storage.
One standout feature is the ventilated shoe compartment, which uses Monolite™ mesh to keep your sneakers fresh. When you don't need it, the shoe compartment tucks away neatly. The bag also includes a wheeled-suitcase passthrough slot, making it easy to attach to your luggage during travel.
Made from 1680 denier black ballistic nylon or 14.7 oz. waxed canvas, this bag is built to last. It includes hooks for hanging vertically in lockers, a removable drawstring bag, and a built-in key tether.
Bootcamp Gym Bag
The Bootcamp Gym Bag is a compact alternative to larger duffel bags. At just 14.5 liters, it's designed to fit in small lockers and cubbies, making it perfect for gyms with limited storage space.
Despite its compact size, this bag is highly organized. It features two interior zipper pockets, a magnetic front pocket with additional internal pockets, and two expandable water bottle pockets that fit standard bottles and protein shakers. A back zipper provides access to the interior pocket even when the bag is stored in a locker.
Made from 1680 denier black ballistic nylon or waxed canvas with full-grain leather accents, the Bootcamp Gym Bag combines durability with style. It weighs just 1.9 lbs. (ballistic nylon) or 2.3 lbs. (waxed canvas).
Atlas Executive Athletic Holdall
The Atlas Executive Athletic Holdall is the ultimate hybrid bag for professionals who need to carry both work and workout gear. With three separate compartments—a briefcase section, an athletic workout section, and a collapsible shoe pouch—this bag keeps everything organized and accessible.
The briefcase compartment includes padded pockets for a laptop (up to 14.25" x 10") and a tablet (up to 13" x 8.75"), along with space for cords, cables, and office documents. The athletic workout compartment has room for gym clothes, a towel, a water bottle, and supplements. The separate shoe pouch keeps your sneakers or work shoes away from everything else.
Additional features include a back slot for slipping onto suitcase handles, waterproof zippers, leather accents, and a removable Supreme Suspension Shoulder Strap for comfortable carrying. At 24.5 liters and weighing just 3.1 lbs. (ballistic nylon) or 3.4 lbs. (waxed canvas), it fits the "personal item" requirements of most airlines, making it perfect for business travelers.
Make the Right Choice for Your Routine
Each WaterField Designs gym bag is specially tailored to a certain use case. The needs and priorities of different gym-going archetypes can all be accommodated by the WaterFiled Gym Bag Collection.
The Minimalist
For those who value simplicity and carry only the essentials, the Flex Lite Gym Bag is the ideal choice. Designed with a sleek and compact form, it’s perfect for the minimalist who only needs space for gym gear, a phone, and a wallet. Its lightweight design and lack of unnecessary features make it easy to grab and go, all while ensuring durability and functionality.
The Multi-Tasker
If staying organized and maximizing functionality is your priority, the Flex Travel Gym Bag is a game-changer. This versatile option combines ample storage compartments with a design geared for both gym and travel. Whether you're sorting out your workout essentials, keeping your clean and dirty items separate, or packing for an overnight trip, this bag meets all your needs seamlessly.
The Space-Saver
For gym-goers who are limited to small cubbies or tight lockers, the Bootcamp Gym Bag is the perfect partner. Its compact size ensures it fits easily where larger bags cannot, while still providing just enough storage for your workout essentials. This bag is proof that great things come in small packages, offering practicality without sacrificing quality.
The Professional Gym-Goer
For those who hit the gym directly after work, the Atlas Gym Bag offers the ultimate solution. Designed to carry both work and gym gear, the Atlas eliminates the need for multiple bags or midday detours. Its professional, understated aesthetic is suited for the office, ensuring you transition seamlessly from the boardroom to the weight room in style. With its smart compartments and premium build, the Atlas is as practical as it is polished.
Explore Our Gym Bag Collection and find the perfect bag for your workout needs.
