Starting your workout by packing one of the best men’s gym bags is one easy way to make exercise less of a chore and more of a treat.
A good gym bag is not just a practical hold-all for carrying sweaty gear around town. The best gym bags are designed to make your workouts easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re on the journey to becoming a professional bodybuilder, on a Couch-To-5k training plan, or preparing for your fifth triathlon of the year, a good workout bag can make the difference between an average and exceptional workout session.
After all, you’re far less likely to forget those all-important protein bars if you’ve got a special pocket, especially for them. Or a compartment for towels and a padlock—so you don’t have to pay extra when you arrive.
And the best way to maintain that post-workout high is with a nice hot shower and a fresh outfit. So you need a bag with a section for keeping clean clothes separate from your tracksuit.
The 17 best gym bags for men
| Rank | Brand | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monarc | Best overall |
| 2 | Harber London | Best high-end |
| 3 | Nike Brasilia | Best value |
| 4 | Alpha Industries Crew Duffle | Best small |
| 5 | WolfWarriorX | Best large |
| 6 | Montblanc Sartorial | Most stylish |
| 7 | Bellroy Transit | Best modern design |
| 8 | Adidas 4ATHLTS | Best duffel |
| 9 | Herschel Sutton | Best luxury |
| 10 | Speedo Teamster | Best gym backpack |
| 11 | Adidas Alliance II | Best for school |
| 12 | Álvaro 47 | Best for the office |
| 13 | Tom Ford | Best leather |
| 14 | Nike RPM | Best for sports gear |
| 15 | Under Armour Hustle | Most durable |
| 16 | AmazonBasics Sports | Best budget |
| 17 | Berluti Jour Off | Most expensive |
Check our buyers’ guide after the list to see exactly what you should pay attention to before purchasing a woman’ gym bag.
Here are the 17 best gym bags for men, from the rugged and hard-wearing to the high-end and luxurious. Plus, some budget-friendly options, and the best for taking to school or work.
Monarc: Overall best men’s gym bag
Stylish design, super functional, and best of all, the Monarc Settra Duffel Backpack is made with 50 recycled plastic bottles per bag. This duffle gym bag can convert into a backpack if you prefer to carry it on your back. It’s fully water-resistant and includes a dedicated shoe compartment if you prefer to store your trainers separately.
The Monarc Settra wins the best overall men’s gym bag thanks to its functional design and versatility. The bag is TSA approved, so you can use it as a carry-on duffle bag when traveling if you want to. There’s a dedicated 17” laptop pocket and extra padding and anti-static materials, so you can go straight from the gym to the office if you want.
Monarc also offers special bundle discounts if you want to use custom-made compression packs, laundry bags, and pouches to keep your daily essentials tidily organized.
Best for: all-around great gym bag at a great price that can be used in a broad range of situations.
| Capacity: | 40L |
| Colors: | Black and grey |
Harber London: Best high-end sports bag for men
If you thought gym bags couldn’t be classy, think again. This high-end leather gym bag by Harber London is a masterful lesson in how to make a functional accessory stylish and luxurious. With this over your shoulder, you’re sure to have ninety percent of the gym looking at you as you sweep through the door.
Available in chestnut brown and black, this luxury gym bag will have your endorphins racing even before you start exercising. Inside, you’ll find a zipped pocket and a large double pocket. The bag is crafted in Spain with the same premium full-grain leather that the brand is known for. Check Harber London’s gorgeous premium men’s wallets or Apple Watch straps if you want matching accessories.
At 27 liters, it’s the perfect size for your workout clothes and grooming essentials. Unobtrusive in size, it can accompany you to work or to out-of-office client meetings without cramping your style. The bag is also cabin-friendly, so you can take it for a getaway weekend if you want on rest days.
Best for: looking impeccably stylish as you swan into the gym.
| Capacity: | 27L |
| Colors: | Chestnut and black |
Nike Brasilia: Best value gym bag
One of the top-rated men’s gym bags for value is Nike’s Brasilia Duffle Bag. This champion of the workout hold-alls outperforms all other gym bags thanks to its ample size, durability, and carry comfort.
Available in medium and large sizes, this gym bag has space for all your gear, whether that’s a swimsuit and goggles or an extensive toiletries selection for freshening up after an intense gym session.
It’s made of machine-washable and durable polyester with a weather-resistant finish that stops both wind and rain. So even if the weather lets you down, this bag won’t.
On the outside, you’ve got several zippered pockets for quick access to essentials while inside is a large compartment for your clothes, gear, and shoes, as well as two other pockets for additional organization. As every all-star athlete knows, you’ll get nowhere without organization. The bag is available in a range of colors, including black, navy, and grey.
This men’s workout bag ticks all the boxes for a great workout companion, lessening the load so you can stay active, healthy, and happy. It will have you waltzing into the 5 am workout class like it’s the easiest thing in the world.
Best for: all-round great gym bag, purpose-built for the task
| Capacity: | 95L |
| Colors: | Black, grey and blue |
Alpha Industries Crew Duffle: Best small gym bag for men
This nylon duffle bag by Alpha Industries is setting the pace in the world of small gym bags. The minimalist gym bag is the ideal workout buddy for those who want something that won’t cause any problems on public transport.
From the brand best known for making some of the best bomber jackets for men, this bag can seamlessly transition from a classic duffle bag to a backpack without breaking stride.
The Alpha Industries Crew Duffle streamlined and pared-back but despite its small size, you can still fit a small laptop inside, as well as your workout wear. Gym and ID cards—plus any other essentials—can be put in the external zipped pocket for easy access.
The bag is made from 100% nylon, a hard-wearing material that’s also lightweight, so the bag can be packed away neatly for storage at home.
Best for: style-conscious gym-goers seeking something sleek and low-profile
| Dimensions: | 46 x 26 x 27 cm |
| Colors: | Black |
WolfWarriorX: Best large gym bag for men
If you’re someone who takes their workouts seriously, you need a bag with the same kind of no-messing-around attitude.
Stepping up to the challenge is the WolfWarriorX Gym Bag. A brand with a name like WolfWarriorX can definitely be relied upon for a rugged and no-nonsense carry item. No surprise, then, that this is one of the top-rated men’s workout bags.
It’s also the best large gym bag on our list, ideal for those who have a lot of extras to haul around, such as jump ropes or resistance bands.
There are two zippered side pockets where you can put phones, keys, or even an iPad.
Then there are four main storage spaces for all your exercise apparel, as well as a separate side compartment that expands to store dirty clothes or shoes. Perfect if your exercise of choice involves a lot of mud and dirt.
It’s a pretty badass bag to look at, especially in Tan or Camouflage. The kind of bag designed for guys who race through endurance training without even breaking into a sweat.
Up your game with the WolfWarriorX and get ready to feel the burn. And when you go on weekends away fishing or camping, it will serve perfectly as a travel bag.
Best for: storing and transporting a lot of gym kit
| Capacity: | 30L |
| Colors: | A range of colors including tan, green, black, grey, etc. |
Montblanc Sartorial Duffle Bag: Most stylish gym bag for men
Style-conscious individuals should be able to work out without compromising on fashion-forward design. Montblanc’s Sartorial Duffle, one of the best luxury gym bags, makes it all possible.
With its jet-black exterior and cross-grain leather corners, this bag will flatter your look, fit neatly into your exercise routine, and maybe even get you eager to work out more frequently.
Like all Montblanc produces, it conveys a level of quality and craftsmanship that has few equals. Team with a pair of high-end headphones, and you’ll actually find yourself getting excited about getting sweaty. Yes, we didn’t think it was possible, either.
This handsome duffle bag is ideal for carrying a heavy load, while the fabric is water and scratch-resistant, so you can be sure it will last a long time.
Finished working out and ready to hit the cocktail bar? Pair the bag with a casual roll-neck, jeans, and luxury sneakers—plus maybe your favorite bomber jacket. No one will ever know you spent the last hour panting on a treadmill.
Easily one of the most stylish gym bags, the Sartorial is aptly named. And you would be remiss not to use the opportunity of a business trip or last-minute holiday to give it another outing.
Best for: a gym bag that wouldn’t look out of place at New York Fashion Week
| Dimensions: | 47 x 22 x 28 cm |
| Colors: | Grey, dark grey, light grey |
Bellroy Transit: Best modern design gym bag
The modern gym-goer needs an equally future-focused backpack to help them to keep their eye on the finish line. Bellroy’s Transit Workpack is a backpack that perfectly nails 21st-century cool.
Featuring a front zipped pocket and internal zipped pocket, as well as two pouch pockets, the bag has plenty of space for all your workout gear, as well as for a dopp kit and your laptop. It also comes with a dedicated soft-lined sunglasses pouch up top, out of the crush zone.
The main compartment can be opened fully to allow easy access to your gym clothes and gear. You’ll find inside additional meshed pockets to keep your stuff organized. The backpack is available in three different sizes, so you can pick the one most convenient to your training routine.
The Transit Workpack is made from premium, environmentally certified leather, and durable, water-resistant woven fabric, made from recycled materials. So you’ll feel good about your purchase too.
Best of all, this backpack can double as your carry-on bag when traveling and it wouldn’t look out of place at social gatherings either. The perfect day-to-night backpack.
Best for: exercising some effortless contemporary cool
| Capacity: | 20L |
| Colors: | Midnight, nightsky, and ranger green |
Adidas 4ATHLTS Duffel: Best men’s duffel bag for the gym
Available in small and medium sizes, the Adidas 4ATHLTS converts from a duffel gym bag to a backpack. The medium size shown here offers plenty of space to pack all the gear you’ll need for a game of baseball. The small version is plenty enough for your clothes and shoes when training at the gym.
Its roomy inside keeps your equipment organized, and your valuables secure. The Adidas 4ATHLTS is made with the brand’s Primegreen material, a high-performance recycled fabric that’s friendly with the environment.
Best for: guys who want the convenience of a duffle in various sizes with the simplicity of a backpack when needed.
| Capacity: | 44.75L |
| Colors: | Black |
Herschel Sutton: Best luxury gym bag for men
Who says you can’t channel a bit of luxe factor when you rock up for a workout? Herschel’s Sutton Duffle is all the proof you need that you can look classy while burning calories.
No one does old-school cool quite like Herschel, and the Sutton duffle is evidence in point. Made from herringbone canvas, not only is it durable, but the army-green color has a cool vintage vibe.
The bag is also water-resistant, which means rain is no longer an excuse for skipping a workout. It features a front zippered pocket where you can put valuables like your watch or wireless earbuds. And, for carrying, the handles can be converted to backpack straps—nifty.
Whether you’re a semi-professional athlete or just someone trying to get that beach body for summer, this is the ideal luxury gym bag. It’s functional, fashionable, and won’t fall apart unexpectedly.
Plus, with a capacity of 50 liters, this is also a great travel bag. We can imagine it being thrown in the back of an SUV for a camping trip or a weekend in a remote cabin somewhere.
Best for: a high-end and high-quality gym bag to help you hit those fitness targets
| Capacity: | 50L |
| Colors: | Green |
Speedo Teamster: Best gym backpack for men
Whether it’s traveling to and from work, whizzing around the city for meetings, or trying to squeeze in a gym session before your dinner date, if you’re on your feet all day, you need a bag that’s comfortable to carry.
With the Speedo Teamster Backpack, you’ll feel immediately energized and ready to raise your heart rate.
Speedo is known for its swimwear and this is the ideal backpack for swimmers. Inside you can fit everything from trunks and goggles to a snorkel if you’re hitting the beach—plus towels and toiletries for afterward.
But it doesn’t have to be swimming. Whether it’s calisthenics, spinning, or even yoga, this rucksack could be perfect.
Made from polyester and nylon—durable and abrasion-resistant—it also has a water-repellent bottom. And, with multiple pockets, you can keep everything organized and protected. That includes your laptop, which can fit into the specially designed-laptop sleeve. There’s also a removable bag for dirty or wet gear.
Our favorite feature? A pull-out bleacher seat that can be removed from behind the laptop compartment to provide you with a comfortable cushioned seat. Perfect if you consider yourself more of a sports spectator than a sportsman.
Best for: a bag that’s always ready to go
| Capacity: | 35L |
| Colors: | A range of colors including black, black wrap checkers, bright marigold/black, etc. |
Adidas Alliance II Sackpack: Best men’s gym bag for school
If you’re looking for a gym bag for school, you need something budget-friendly and not too big. The Adidas Alliance II can fit under a desk during class but still has enough room for all your exercise gear and a water bottle.
Admittedly, we were first drawn to this bag for its aesthetics. It’s an iconic gym bag—one of the originals. Plus, there’s a whole range of color schemes to choose from.
This bag also fulfills all practical considerations. It’s got a mesh water bottle pocket, is easy to open with durable cord straps, and there’s a zippered exterior pocket where you can store your phones, keys, and ID cards.
Whether you plan to use it for football gear, cycling, or just to transport a pair of cool kicks for after school, this bag will do the job nicely. It’s small enough to fit easily inside a locker, as well as under the seat in front on a plane.
The Alliance II is the ideal low-maintenance gym bag, and one regularly sported by world-class athletes. Time to channel a bit of top-league energy.
Best for: a classic gym bag from one of the world’s most famous sportswear brands
| Capacity: | 19L |
| Colors: | A range of colors, including black, dawn blue/grey/silver metallic, silver/white, etc. |
Álvaro 47 Hold-all: Best gym bag for the office
For a gym bag that will make you look professional, you want something smart and minimalist with a bit of high-end panache. Basically, you want the Álvaro 47 Hold-all—one of the best men’s gym bags for taking to and from work.
After all, the corporate environment calls for sophisticated business attire. Álvaro’s bags are made by Florentine artisans in Italy, which is basically all you need to know.
Created from vegetable-tanned calf leather, this bag has timeless appeal. There’s a side slip pocket and internal zipped and patch pockets, but if you find you need more organizational compartments, you could always invest in some packing cubes.
With a capacity of around 31 liters, this bag is ideal for holding both office supplies and your gym kit, as well as a snack to get you from one to the other.
And it will double up nicely as an overnight bag. We can already picture you swinging this into your Bugatti before whizzing off for a weekend in the country.
Best for: breezing from work straight from the gym without skipping a beat
| Capacity: | 31L |
| Colors: | Brown and navy |
Tom Ford: Best leather sports bag for men
We can always count on the American luxury brand Tom Ford for the perfect balance between chic design and bold statement pieces. This Buckley Holdall leather duffle bag makes for a gorgeous leather gym bag with high-quality zip closures, double leather top handles, and a detachable shoulder strap. The bag is made in Italy with genuine premium leather.
Best for: durable and stylish gym bag that people in the know will appreciate.
| Dimensions: | 48 x 28 x 22 cm |
| Colors: | Black |
Nike RPM: Best athletic bag to carry sports gear
Sometimes you need a gym bag to carry sports gear beyond just your shorts and a pair of trainers. If you’re looking for a larger athletic bag with plenty of pockets and compartments to keep your gear organized, look no further than the Nike RPM sports bag.
The Nike RPM duffel bag is made to hold it all. With its large main compartment and adjustable strap system, it’s ideal for all your on-the-go needs. Additional zipper compartments and the unique daisy-chain design let you secure your stuff on your way to your training session or your next game.
Best for: the guy who needs to carry large sports gear for a game or training.
| Capacity: | 49L |
| Colors: | Black |
Under Armour Hustle Backpack: Most durable men’s gym bag
Under Armour’s Hustle Backpack is a durable carrier that definitely won’t let you down.
Made from long-lasting polyester, the Hustle Backpack features UA Storm technology, a water and wind-resistant finish that allows you to withstand all the elements.
Meanwhile, the shoulder straps are adjustable with HeatGear technology to help you stay cool and dry. Ideal if you plan to take the rucksack on runs or cycle rides.
It may look small from the outside, but the Hustle packs a lot in. Inside, you’ll find a large pocket for dirty laundry and shoes. There are also two pockets at the front for valuables and two water bottle pockets at the sides. One for pre-workout coffee and one for a post-workout protein shake.
For regular gym runs, the Hustle backpack offers an unobtrusive carry. And it could double as an EDC backpack on rest and recovery days.
Best for: pushing yourself to your limits with a hard-wearing battle-ready backpack
| Capacity: | 26L |
| Colors: | A range of colors, including black, ash grey, blue/silver, etc |
AmazonBasics Sports Duffel: Best budget gym bag for men
It’s no secret that gym memberships can cost a pretty penny. Do you really want to spend more money on a fancy gym bag? If you’re looking for a budget workout bag, this AmazonBasics Men’s Gym Bag is just the thing.
This wallet-friendly gym bag offers a no-fuss carrier to transport your workout gear to and from the gym. As well as your standard exercise gear, there’s plenty of space for street apparel. You can stick sweaty clothes in the vented laundry pocket—or use it to hold your gym shoes.
There’s room for a water bottle to replenish post-workout, plus an interior zippered pocket for phones and keys. An adjustable padded shoulder strap makes for speedy and streamlined carrying. And with tough and abrasion-resistant bottom and side panels, the bag will survive traveling around town.
Whether it’s weekly sessions on the treadmill or training for an IronMan, this could be one of the best sports duffels—and one that’s also versatile enough to function as a weekender bag.
And, at a price like that, even if you skip a workout, you won’t feel too guilty.
Best for: financially-friendly and versatile gym bag
| Capacity: | 60L |
| Colors: | Black |
Berluti Jour Off Hold-all: Most expensive men’s gym bag
Working out is tough. We need all the motivation we can get. What if that motivation came in the form of an ultra-deluxe leather hold-all, or the Jour Off Hold-all by Berluti?
The Jour Off is made by master artisans. With its black leather exterior featuring signature Venezia trims and mahogany calf leather handles, it’s quite a sight to behold.
There’s a front zippered pocket for valuables, sunglasses, or cologne so you can speed out of the gym looking and smelling fresh, ready for the evening ahead.
For carrying, choose between the brown leather handles and the optional suede shoulder strap. The latter is ideal for in-flight luggage.
Whether it’s intense cardio or slow and steady muscle-building, you need a bag that will help you to break through that pain barrier. Knowing this bag is waiting for you in the changing rooms will keep you going even when your body is crying out for a break.
Best for: fitness fanatics seeking the best of the best
| Dimensions: | 30 x 54 x 21 cm |
| Colors: | Nero grigio, cacao |
Buyers guide: what to look for when buying a gym bag for men
When choosing a man’s gym bag, there are a few different things to consider with different options on the market to suit different preferences.
Size and shape
You need to be able to fit all your gym kit inside your gym bag. What your gym kit consists of will depend on your workout of choice.
Swimmers, for example, will carry different things to weight-lifters or track runners. Make a list of your essential gym kit, then work out how much space it requires.
Beyond gym equipment, you might also want to carry toiletries for freshening up in the shower, plus a change of clothes and shoes. Maybe you need space for a laptop if you’re heading straight to the gym from work.
Size-wise, bigger is generally better. The more stuff your bag can accommodate, the more versatile it is. Then it can double up as a weekend bag, for example, if necessary.
However, if you frequently travel on public transport, you may want something better suited to crowded spaces. Plus, if your bag is too big, it may not fit in a standard gym locker.
Most gym bags are duffel-style bags. However, backpacks, shoulder bags, messenger bags, as well as classic totes can all function as gym bags. Backpacks, in particular, are incredibly comfortable to carry.
Material
Most gym bags are either made of heavy-duty nylon or cotton canvas. Both afford long-lasting durability, and both are reasonably priced.
Leather looks great but is more high-maintenance and might start to smell after carrying around sweaty gym clothes. Plus it can’t be thrown in the washing machine.
Look out for material that is water-resistant, especially if you walk or cycle to the gym. Arriving for a workout with your clothes already wet is not a good start. Plus, if you also plan to store your laptop or iPad inside, it’s even more important to choose water-repellent materials.
Abrasion resistance is another thing to consider. Keep an eye open for rip-stop fabric, which is specially designed to prevent tears. These more rugged hold-alls are ideal for those who also want an outdoor adventure bag.
Cost
The cost of your gym bag will likely depend on the quality of materials and construction, the brand, and how many additional features it has.
A gym bag needn’t cost a lot of money. We’ve included some great budget-friendly options in our list—as well as some high-end offerings.
A few other key features to pay attention to when choosing a gym bag:
- Lining – for swimmers or anyone engaging in watersports, look for a water-resistant lining to transport wet clothes back to the washing machine.
- Pockets and compartments – organize your gear and keep your fresh clothes separate from your dirties. Plus, you also want secure pockets for valuables like your wallet or phone. Mesh pockets are particularly useful as you can see what’s inside without having to open them.
- Shoe compartment – you don’t want your shoes rubbing up alongside your smart workwear.
- Interior laundry sack – useful for storing sweaty clothes or swimwear.
- Straps – adjustable and padded straps make for comfortable carrying. Some duffel-style gym bags have the option to carry them as a backpack.
Frequently asked questions about men’s gym bags
The best gym bag on the market is at the moment is Monarc’s Settra duffel bag. This bag is the perfect size for transporting all your workout gear. It’s durable and hard-wearing and is comfortable to carry around. It’s environmentally friendly and has plenty of pockets for organization too. Check out our list for more of the best gym bags for men.
A good gym bag is one that combines high functionality with a sleek aesthetic. You want a bag that is durable, spacious enough to hold all your workout gear, and with compartments and pockets for organizing. Good gym bags can also double up as a hold-all for overnight or weekend trips away.
Inside most men’s gym bags, you should keep workout clothes, a water bottle, a pair of trainers, toiletries, and towels. Other things you might want to consider storing in your gym bag include energy bars and supplements. Headphones are also important for working out, and flip-flops are useful for the showers.
An average gym bag is between 30 and 40 liters. This is a good size for storing most workout gear but small enough to comply with airline carry-on restrictions in case you want to take your bag on trips away.
For gym bags for school, you should pack your exercise clothing, a water bottle, a towel for freshening up in the showers afterward, and any toiletries you might need. A plastic bag for storing dirty clothes is also useful, and a few snacks like energy bars is a smart idea.
