Whether you're an athlete, someone just starting their fitness journey or a weekend warrior, one essential gym item you're bound to need is the best men's gym bag. A great holdall will not only keep your activewear organised but will also add a touch of style to your fitness routine.
A gym bag is more than just a fashion accessory. Its primary purpose is to transport your workout essentials, but it's also a hygienic way of bring your kit to and from the gym. Gym bags typically feature separate compartments and pockets that allow individuals to neatly organise and store their items: from towels and water bottles to workout trainers and toiletries. Such bags are designed with durability, practicality and ease of use in mind, making them a key accessory for active individuals.
The best men's gym bag at a glance:
• Best overall men's gym bag: Under Armour Undeniable Duffel 4.0 - View on Amazon
• Best men's gym bag for handy compartments: Nike Brasilia 9.5 Training Duffel Bag - View on Nike
• Best small men's gym bag: Adidas Diablo Small Duffle Bag - View on Amazon
Whether it's hitting the gym, braving the outside and heading on a jog or taking part in team sports, the best gym bag ensures that your fitness gear and personal items are safely and handily transported to wherever your active endeavours take you.
Get your hands on the best men's gym bag:
Best overall men's gym bag
The Under Armour Undeniable Duffel 4.0 is the top choice for men who value durability and ample storage space. Made from polyester and nylon, this bag is built to withstand the rigors of the gym. With various compartments and pockets, it offers great organisation for your workout essentials. The additional UA Storm technology is also there to make sure your kit remains dry throughout all weather conditions.
Pros
- UA Storm technology means the bag is weather-resistant
- Highly abrasion-resistant bottom and side panels to protect the bag from damage
- Vented pocket for dirty shoes or gear
Cons
- One reviewer found the shoe compartment was too small for any shoes that are size nine or above
Best men's gym bag for handy compartments
www.nike.com
We know what you're thinking, Nike's quality does in fact extend to their gym bags. This bag has a large zipped main compartment and outer pockets for easy-access items like water bottles. On top of this, there's also a separate compartment to keep your trainers in so they're not all muddled up with your clean clothes. The durable fabric and comfortable shoulder strap make this a great addition to your fitness gear for the active man.
Pros
- Made from at least 65% recycled polyester fibres
- Zipped inner compartment to keep clothing and toiletries separate
- Side compartment to store shoes separately
Cons
- One reviewer found the inside and end pockets to be too tight
Best small men's gym bag
Adidas is synonymous with sportswear, and its Diablo Small Duffle bag is testament to their commitment to quality. It's the ideal size for a night staycation away, or for a football match, meaning all your items are transported with ease. Emblazoned on the front of the bag is a logo screen print, and the webbing handles are there for comfort when carrying your necessities. The bag's polyester construction ensures it can withstand the demands of daily gym sessions.
Pros
- Adjustable shoulder strap for comfort
- One large compartment for easy accessibility
- Great colour selection
Cons
- Small size is not ideal for individuals who tend to carry around more items
Best high-end men's gym bag
herschelsupplyco.co.uk
Herschel's Novel Duffle is a great option for the man who wants a gym bag that doubles as a stylish weekender. With its recognisable and classic design, durable materials and spacious interior, it easily fits gym gear, clothing and more. The signature shoe compartment and interior mesh pocket act to keep things organised, while the iconic Herschel look makes sure you travel in style.
Pros
- Ecosystem 600D Fabric is made from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles for the more environmentally-minded gym-goer
- Sturdy vegan leather handles
- Removable webbing shoulder strap with EVA padding for comfort when carrying items
Cons
- The material of the bag means it doesn't have a lot of stretch
Best budget men's gym bag
www.decathlon.co.uk
If you're looking for a no-nonsense gym bag, the DOMYOS Fitness bag might be the tote for you. It's designed to meet the needs of fitness enthusiasts who prioritise things like simplicity and functionality in their workout routines. With its 20-litre capacity, it strikes the perfect balance between easy portability and ample storage space. Although there's only one main compartment for your items, there is a smaller zipped inner pocket that provides convenient storage for your keys, phone or gym pass.
Pros
- Easy transport with two handle options: shoulder strap or main handles
- Very affordable
- Separate shoe pocket to keep your dirty trainers away from your clean clothes
Cons
- One reviewer found the shoulder strap wasn't easy to adjust
Best men's gym bag for design
uk.puma.com
The PUMA Fit Duffel bag has been designed with a spacious main compartment, where you can put your workout clothes, shoes and gear. Meanwhile, the zipped front pocket allows for easy organisation of smaller essentials. The bag's Polyester design, made with at least 30 per cent recycled materials, ensures it can be used gym session after gym session and the adjustable shoulder strap ensures easy travel. What sets PUMA's Duffel bag apart is its fashion-forward design, making it a statement piece that blends seamlessly into both gym and casual settings.
Pros
- Made with Dope Dye technology to remove the yarn dying process in a move towards a sustainable future
- Can be wiped clean with a damp cloth if dirtied
- Zipped compartment on the front to hold small necessities, like a wallet, phone etc
Cons
- No separate shoe compartment
FAQs
What size gym bag is best for men?
A massive gym bag isn't for everyone, but neither is a small one. The ideal size of a gym bag will vary depending on your individual needs and workout routine - do you need to bring additional equipment to the gym?
Small gym bags (15-30 litres): Smaller gym bags are suitable for individuals who prefer to carry just the essentials, such as athleisurewear, trainers and water bottle. This type of gym bag is great for those quick workouts, and they are easy to carry and store when not in use.
Medium gym bags (30-50 litres): Medium-sized bags will accommodate a larger amount of tuff, whether that be your workout attire, trainers, a towel and toiletries. For fitness enthusiasts who go the gym regularly, or attend fitness classes, this size bag will provide enough space for your belongings without feeling exceptionally bulky.
Large gym bags (50 litres and above): Large gym bags are the perfect size for those who engage in more extensive workouts and need to bring additional equipment to the gym, like wrist weights or Pilates bands. As well as use in the gym setting, larger gym bags can also be suitable for travel bag, like when heading off on a weekend trip away.
What can I put in my gym bag?
A well-packed gym bag will ensure your workout routine goes smoothly. We've put together a list of items you can consider packing your gym bag with:
• Workout clothing: including leggings, t-shirts, shorts, underwear and gym socks
• Trainers
• Accessories like a foam roller, resistance bands or ankle weights
• Water bottle
• Protein shake and shaker
• Towel
• Toiletries including shampoo and conditioner for that post-workout cool down
• Plastic bag for sweaty workout clothes or dirty shoes
• Gym pass
• Wallet
• Keys
• Padlock for a locker
• Headphones
• Swimwear
• Yoga or exercise mat
What is the difference between a gym bag and a duffel bag?
A gym bag tends to be designed to cater to the needs of fitness enthusiasts. Typically, a gym bag will feature individual compartments for workout gear and trainers, as well as being made from materials that are easy to clean and moisture-repelling. Alternatively, a duffel bag is more of a general-purpose bag, known for its spacious interior. Duffel bags are versatile and are suitable for pretty much anything; travel, sports, or everyday use. The key difference between the two types of bag is that gym bags are tailored for fitness needs, while duffel bags are multipurpose (can still be used for the gym) and cater to a wider range of uses.
Gemma Lavers is a fitness writer for What's The Best. When she’s not travelling or writing, Gemma loves spending her weekend completing home workouts, or attending yoga, Pilates or Zumba classes.
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