These 9 Gym Bags Will Make You Miss Going to the Gym

Let’s break this down: your gym bag needs to be able to carry a lot of stuff. Between athletic clothing, sneakers, supplements, perhaps a gym towel, your favorite water bottle, and whatever else you need for your workout regimen, going to the gym isn’t a small trip. Plus, it would be ideal if your gym bag didn’t start to smell bad after a matter of weeks.

When looking for the best gym bags for men, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. You need to find the right bag that fits your gym-going needs. Whether it be a large duffel or a small backpack-style bag, your new bag should be tailored to how you’re going to use it.

That means it’s time to ditch your smelly old gym bag and start thinking about an upgrade. In general, the best gym bags have a few things in common:

• Ventilation to protect against gym bag smell
• Separate compartment for gym shoes
• Convenient carrying handles and/or straps
• Durable, long-lasting design
• Water-resistant material

From legacy athletic brands, including adidas, Puma and Under Armour, to some you may not have heard of, here are nine of the best gym bags for men.

1. Under Armour Storm Undeniable Duffel Bag

BEST GYM BAG OVERALL 

Attention all gym rats: this extra-large bag measures out to 9.8″ W x 20.9″ L x 9.8″ H and has a volume of 37.2L. That’s a ton of room, man. Constructed from Under Armour Storm fabric technology, the highly water-resistant bag is made to withstand the elements and has two large vented pockets on either end, so you won’t be hit with a world of stink the second you open up the bag. There is also a side pocket to stash your water bottle as well as an expandable compartment that you can use to throw your shoes into or store your dirty laundry.

With size, comfort and construction considered, this is one of the best gym bags for men. The bag is available in graphite/black or black/lime. And let’s not forget to mention, there are adjustable padded heat gear shoulder straps to make transporting your gear a breeze.

2. Puma Men’s Contender Duffel

BEST BARGAIN GYM BAG

If you want the best gym bag under $25, this Puma Men’s Contender Duffel offers all the basics at an affordable price. The 100% polyester bag features three exterior pockets (one on either end and one in the front) with a 10.5″ x 19″ main compartment to store all your workout essentials. You also have five color combinations to choose from, including black/red (as pictured), navy/neon lime, grey/navy, black/grey and black/white.

2. Adidas Team Issue II

BEST CLASSIC GYM BAG

The Adidas Team Issue II bag comes with a lot of options. You can snag the bag in three different sizes: small, medium or large, and choose from an array of color options, including Onyx Jersey (as pictured), team power red or team navy blue. The 100% polyester bag with a water-resistant base has several different pockets, including a ventilated front pocket with extra zippered chambers inside. It also comes with a detachable, adjustable padded shoulder strap. Prices do differ depending on the size and color, but they tend to hover between the $35-$50 range.

Buy: Adidas Team Issue II $37.50

4. Herschel Supply Co. Sutton Duffel Bag

BEST GYM BAG FOR ACCESSIBILITY

The durable 12″ H x 24″ W x 12″ D black canvas bag is the perfect compact duffel to fit snug into your gym locker. The carrying handles drop 11-inches and have the option to adjust into shoulder straps, so you can go from duffel to backpack with ease. And when it comes to retrieving your goodies on the inside, top-loading and side-loading zippered flaps provide plenty of easy access. Herschel Supply Co. makes some of the best bags for men in any category, and their duffle bags and backpacks are especially popular. While this is definitely a premium option, you can trust a Herschell bag to last for many years to come.

Right now, this gym bag is 40% off at Nordstrom.

5. Rains Waterproof Gym Bag

BEST MINIMALIST GYM BAG

This one’s perfect for the guys who head straight to the office after sweating it out during an early morning gym sesh. The bag provides function without sacrificing refined style, so you won’t be ashamed of leaving this tucked next to your desk. The duffel bag is available in black or beige and is constructed out of a durable waterproof textile, so it’ll keep your valuables safe and dry. Plus, you can carry the bag however you’re most comfortable because it comes with two carrying handles and a removable shoulder strap that adjusts between 13-25 inches.

6. AER Small Gym Duffel Bag

BEST COMMUTER GYM BAG

If you live in a city where your gym is a couple of subway stops away from your pad, then you probably don’t want to lug around a massive duffel bag. This small yet effective gym bag measures 17″ W x 11″ L x 6″ D. Constructed out of durable black nylon material, the bag by AER offers water-resistant protection. Two-way zipper closures make accessing your gear a breeze, and an attachable convertible strap gives you to option to sling the bag over your shoulder or carry it like a briefcase, the choice is yours. This bag is very similar to the Herschel duffle in terms of price and features, but AER offers more rain protection in a more compact package.

7. Under Armour Undeniable 2.0 Sackpack

BEST DRAWSTRING GYM BAG

If you’re already dressed for the gym, then there is really no need to use a large duffel bag — a smaller drawstring bag that’s big enough for your sneakers, water bottle and deodorant should do just the trick. The Under Armour Undeniable 2.0 Sackpack features two large front pockets, both lined with fleece to keep your phone and earbuds protected. You can also attach your keys or hook your water bottle onto the D-ring located on the front of the bag. It’s available in 10 different colors and also comes with a sternum clip to keep the strings tightly secured, and the bag closed as you carry it on your back.

8. EA7 by Emporio Armani Black Duffel Bag

BEST PREMIUM GYM BAG

If you want to go with a designer duffel to store your workout gear, this black bag hails from Armani’s sports and athletics fashion label, EA7. The sporty and stylish bag measures 21.9 L” x 7.9 W” x 9.8 H” and includes several different zipper compartments, which all feature EA7-branded black metallic hardware. The polyester gym bag also comes with an adjustable padded shoulder strap that can be attached at your discretion. And at $69.75, you’re getting a premium designer name at a very reasonable price.

9. Crowd Designz Duffel Gym Bag

BEST GYM BAG FOR ORGANIZATION

Are you someone who likes to have a dedicated space for every item in your gym bag? Then you’ll understand why this bag by Crowd Designz is so loved. It’s got everything you could possibly need: a separate side-loading shoe compartment, bungee straps to hold your yoga mat, a charging port, two mesh water bottle holders, a built-in charcoal deodorizer pocket and interior mesh dividers to help you keep organized. Plus, the duffel bag also includes backpack straps, so you could bring it from the gym to the nearest mountain peak for all your hiking adventures. Even better, you can get this gym bag for under $40, which is a great price for a bag with so many great features.

These Are the Best Fitbit Products to Help You Become the Best You in the New Decade