The best bags for the gym
A gym bag earns its place by what it keeps apart: shoes from clothes, the wet towel from your laptop, the things you need on the floor from the things that stay in the locker.
We picked duffels from 40 to 58 liters, each with its own answer to sweaty shoes, and a neoprene carryall that doesn't look like gym gear at the office.
- 1
Nike Brasilia Training Duffel Bag (Small, 40L)
The no-nonsense default: 40 liters (20 × 11 × 11 inches) with a ventilated side pocket for the things that get smelly and a mesh pocket for a water bottle.
Typical price: Under $50
Shop at Nike → - 2
Under Armour Undeniable 5.0 Medium Duffle Bag
A large vented pocket for laundry or shoes, a water-repellent finish and a coated, foam-lined bottom; 58 liters for the days you pack a lot.
Typical price: $40–$60
Shop at Under Armour → - 3
Herschel Novel Duffle
A separate shoe compartment keeps sneakers away from clean clothes in a 43-liter duffel, with a zippered mesh pocket inside for the small things.
Typical price: $75–$125
Shop at Herschel → - 4
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall
Water-resistant neoprene in four sizes; from the 18-liter medium up it comes with a shoe bag and a laptop sleeve (13 inches in the medium), so one bag does the gym and the office.
Typical price: $150–$300, by size
Shop at Dagne Dover →
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Try on a lookFAQ
What size gym bag do I need?
For a change of clothes, shoes and a towel, a small or medium duffel of about 30 to 40 liters is enough. Go larger only if you pack for swimming, boxing or a whole day.
How do I keep my gym bag from smelling?
Keep shoes in their own compartment or bag, take wet clothes out right after training and let the bag air out open. Neoprene and coated fabrics wipe clean more easily than canvas.
Can one bag do the gym and work?
Yes, if it keeps the two apart: look for a shoe compartment, a laptop sleeve and a plain look. A neoprene carryall or a dark duffel works in most offices.