The Best Gym Bags for Every Workout (and Budget) 2025

Looking for a budget swim bag? The Speedo Duffel earned a 7/10 in our testing for its lightweight 30L build and swim-savvy features: a 3-compartment layout including an internal waterproof section for wet gear, a ventilated pocket to help items dry, water-resistant polyester, and adjustable straps. During our review, the shallow, open end pouch proved too insecure for valuables, so keep keys and wallets in a zip pocket or an organizer. It's not our highest scorer, but at $40.49 it's a workhorse value for pool days and light gym sessions.

$40.49

at Tradeinn

The Fila Drone Duffel Bag is a budget-friendly option for gym-goers needing ample space for their gear. Despite its affordable price, some users experience durability issues with the material, suggesting it may not withstand strenuous use. However, the spacious main compartment and additional features like the ventilated pocket and water bottle holder make it a practical choice for light usage. While not the highest scorer in our review, it offers decent organization for its price.

$40.00

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The Adidas Alliance Sackpack earns a high score of 8.5/10, noted for its simplicity and functionality despite its compact size. Its durable material and dual water bottle holders provide great value, enhancing versatility for gym essentials. Users might find the drawstring a bit tedious, but its affordability and space efficiency make it a smart choice for those who pack light. The stylish design and robust build help this sackpack stand out among budget options.

$20.00

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For maximum capacity on a budget, the Evo Deluxe 45L earned a 7/10 in our testing thanks to its tough 900D ripstop polyester with TPU lamination and stowable backpack straps. We found the dedicated wet storage end pocket useful for shoes or sweaty gear, while seven compartments and a laptop sleeve make gym to office carry easy at $35.99. It's only water resistant, not fully waterproof, and it carries a Proposition 65 PFAS warning, but it feels sturdier than many ultra budget duffels and better value than the FocusGear.

$35.99

at Evo

If durability and functionality are your priorities, the Nike Brasilia 9.5 Duffel Bag is worth considering. Earning a solid 7/10 in our review, it provides ample storage with reliable water resistance, though it lacks an eye-catching design and laptop compartment. While the medium size may be too big for some, it's perfect for those carrying a lot of gym gear. Multiple external pockets add convenience, keeping essentials within easy reach.

$47.00

at Nike

The Venture Pal 35L Backpack is a lightweight and affordable option, scoring 6/10 in our experience. It's ideal for budget-conscious gym-goers seeking a versatile solution. Despite offering efficient organization with multiple compartments, it misses the mark on hydration compatibility and padding comfort. The foldable design and water resistance make it a good choice for light use, but durability under heavy use remains a concern.

$24.99

at Venturepal

The FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0 impressed us with organization: ten compartments, a dedicated shoe bay, a water bottle holder, and a hidden wet pocket, yet it only scored 5/10 in our review. During testing, reports of zipper failure and occasional stitching or material rips made it feel unreliable for heavy daily use, and the unventilated shoe compartment traps odor. If you pack light and want pockets galore under $50, it's fine for occasional workouts, but the Evo Deluxe's tougher build and 7/10 score proved the better value.

$42.00

at Walmart

While the adidas Defender 5.0 Duffel Bag doesn't top our charts with a 5.5/10, its lightweight design is commendable. It's a functional choice for light gym gear despite needing sturdier material and zipper reliability. The ventilated pocket is perfect for keeping shoes separate, while adjustable straps enhance comfort. However, the bag's durability leaves much to be desired over extended use.

$40.00

at Dickssportinggoods

The PLUS Duffel is a powerhouse of durability and utility with its hardy 1000D nylon and YKK zippers, scoring 7.5/10 in our reviews. It's an ideal pick for those who need a robust carrying option, though its high price and tricky shoe compartment could deter some. We found the six compartments versatile, catering to diverse gear needs, but accessing the dual internal shoe compartments without unloading can be a hassle. Perfect for heavy-duty gym goers, it's built to last even the toughest workouts.

$32.00

at Artistshot

The PUMA Evercat Contender Duffel Bag offers great value with ample storage space at a wallet-friendly price of just $16.64. Scoring 6.5/10, our testing shows it's a practical choice for budget-conscious gym enthusiasts. However, some users have highlighted durability concerns, with reports of zippers failing and fabric tearing. Despite lacking a dedicated water bottle holder, its ventilated shoe compartment keeps gear fresh, making it a reliable, economical gym companion for light use.

$35.00

at Imaxfashions

The PRO Divider Backpack shines with its abrasion-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon, earning it a 7/10. Its removable dividers and padded laptop compartment offer customizable organization ideal for balancing gym and work needs. Despite its limited 32L capacity and higher price, the water repellency assures quality and durability. Those demanding high-quality materials and customization in their gym bag will appreciate the thoughtful design, though at a premium.

$99.99

at Serioussteel

Earning a high 9/10, the UA Undeniable 5.0 Medium is the top value gym bag with durability and spacious storage. It excels in housing gym gear with robust construction and water resistance. Despite the base folding under less load and limited small pockets for organization, its size and vented shoe pocket keep essentials tidy. Ideal for hardcore gym-goers, it’s reliable for intense sessions and sports events alike.

$55.00

at Underarmour

During our review, the Caraa Quilted Tennis Sling became our go-to on court days. The insulated dedicated compartment fits up to two racquets, and the water-repellent quilted nylon with vegan leather trims looks premium yet stays lightweight as a crossbody with adjustable straps. While its compact two-compartment sackpack design keeps you nimble, it limits room for shoes or a towel and there's no dedicated shoe pocket. Still, at $98 and an 8/10 score in our rankings, it's a stylish, purpose-built pick for quick hits and practice sessions.

$98.00

at Lyst

The Jordan Sport Duffel Bag earns a 6.5/10 in our testing for its sturdy 100% polyester feel, roomy main compartment, and useful vented shoe garage that keeps sweaty sneakers separate. Our experience shows it's fine for regular gym days or short trips, but there's no waterproofing, buyers saw seam or material rips, and the size can appear smaller than expected. If you're set on the Jumpman look under $70, this works, though the Evo's 7/10 rating and water resistance make it a more practical pick when bad weather rolls in.

$68.97

at Nike

The City Essentials Duffle Bag commands attention with its high-quality, water-repellent fabric and sophisticated aesthetic, though its high $168 price may deter some. Despite a score of 6.5/10, this bag stands out for its stylish design and practical compartments, including one for laptops. It's perfect for those who prioritize appearance and versatility in their athletic accessories, though it's on the higher end of the price scale.

$99.00

at Editorialist

Equal parts style and function, the Herschel Novel Duffle scored 6.5/10 in our testing for its four-compartment layout, signature shoe compartment, and waterproof zip that shrugs off light rain and spills. At $65.37, it’s pricier than budget picks like the PUMA Evercat but still reasonable, and the removable padded strap makes commuting comfortable. We did encounter limited internal organization—just a mesh zip pocket—so small items can disappear, and recurring reports of peeling faux-leather handles and squeaky hardware make it less durable than sturdier options like Nike’s Brasilia.

$65.37

at Prfo

For gym to office commuters, the Dagne Dover Landon Carryall was our top performer in this batch, earning 9/10 thanks to a padded laptop sleeve, interior mesh pouches, and a detachable zip pouch. During our review, we found its water resistant build and tidy layout make transitions from workouts to meetings seamless, though some sizes lack an external bottle holder. Neoprene can crease or show wear over time, but at $90 it still feels more polished and versatile than the Evo and Jordan options, justifying the premium for daily commuting.

$90.00

at Dagnedover

The City Essentials Small Backpack scores 6.5/10, offering versatility with its adjustable straps and detached shoulder option, perfect for daily transitions. The water-resistant material adds durability, though its slick texture contrasts the stylish appearance. While it serves well for yoga classes and errands, the higher price may deter budget-minded buyers. Overall, the backpack is great for those prioritizing style and versatility in their gym companion over cost.

$98.00

at Lululemon

The Drawstring Backpack from Gymshark offers a lightweight, comfortable carry for its 6/10 scoring. The adjustable air mesh straps and quick-access drawstring opening are appealing, but its limited compartments and lack of water resistance may not suit those with diverse storage needs. For studio-focused users prioritizing easy transport, this bag offers practical ease, though it could benefit from additional features for broader utility.

$43.40

at Gymshark

The Vera Bradley XL Duffel Backpack offers versatility, functioning as both a backpack and a duffel, yet it scores a modest 6/10. Lightweight and water-repellent with a colorful print option, it's suited for gym sessions on a budget. Nevertheless, it suffers from strap buckle issues and occasional flaws with reused items. For those seeking practicality over perfection, it remains a cheerful and spacious option.

$67.50

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