The 10 Best Gym Backpacks
Special Honors
Aer Duffel Pack 2 The Aer Duffel Pack 2 does double duty, as it holds both your office and gym essentials so you don't need to carry two bags. But even if you stuff it to capacity, it remains comfortable to carry thanks to a padded mesh back panel, sturdy handles, and a robust sternum strap. aersf.com
Yeti Panga 28 If you have a difficult commute to the gym, the Yeti Panga 28 might just be the way to go. It is entirely waterproof, which means you don't need to worry about rainy or poor weather. Not only that, but the strong nylon exterior stands up to abrasions and tears for long-lasting durability. yeti.com
Shinola Runwell The Shinola Runwell costs a pretty penny, but if you demand style that stands out, it may be more than worth it. Crafted from leather with silver-toned hardware, it has a sleek but rugged design and a cotton lining to protect the interior. shinola.com
Editor's Notes
April 28, 2020:
Due to concerns about long-term durability, we have opted to remove the Teamoy Cinch Sack and the Soccerware Legendary. And even though the Amatory Drawstring is a useful choice, some users may be offended by the name and branding, so we've elected to remove it, as well. There are plenty of classic string-style bags to select from, however, including the Nike Brasilia Training Gymsack. It offers an excellent price-to-quality ratio, comes in several colors, and boasts polyester fabric that is largely water-resistant. There's also the Adidas Alliance II, which comes in an even wider array of colors, and the Holyluck Sport, for those who would prefer an option without a large logo. The Holyluck model isn't quite as strong as the former two, though.
For a gym bag with bigger, stronger backpack straps, there's the Under Armour Hustle 3.0, a tough choice for all types of athletes. You'll find a water-bottle pocket on each side, as well as a gusseted shoe pocket for your kicks. If you've got a little more cash to spend, the King Kong II is also a great choice, especially for those with smelly shoes, as the open front storage area allows your sneakers to dry. Plus, it's crafted from Mil-Spec nylon, so it can handle some abuse.
Finally, we've added the Speedo Unisex Teamster, a useful model for swimmers. The bottom is waterproof, and the backpack has open-weave mesh that dries quickly, so it can handle wet environments. It even has a pull-out foam stadium seat, so long hours in the bleachers are no problem. It topples over more easily than some, though.