We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products The 12 Best Gym Bags, Duffels, and Totes of 2024 Don’t let your carry capacity limit your gains. By Rena Behar Rena Behar Rena Behar is a freelance journalist and editor focusing on tech, travel, and gender. She has contributed to Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on February 16, 2024 In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsTips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / David Hattan Much like how the best workout is the one that you do, the best gym bag is the one you actually carry. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your regular workout or start a new exercise habit, a new gym bag is a great way to give yourself that little extra push out the door. And these bags don’t need to just travel to the gym with you — many of them are road-worthy as well. Technically, any bag can be a gym bag if it holds your exercise gear. But to find the best ones, we looked specifically for workout-ready features like designated compartments and durable or even waterproof materials to make sure you’re getting the most out of your tote. Plus, being able to keep all of your accessories gym-ready at a moment’s notice will make it that much easier for you to get out the door. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag at Nordstrom ($185) Jump to Review Best Organization: Aer Duffel Pack 3 at Aersf.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best With Shoe Compartment: Under Armour UA Undeniable Small Duffel Bag at Underarmour.com ($45) Jump to Review Most Durable: L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Cordura Duffel at L.L.Bean ($99) Jump to Review Best for Lifting: KNKG Core Duffel at Knkg.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Yoga: Caraa Yoga Tote at Caraa.co (See Price) Jump to Review Most Versatile: Calpak Luka Duffel Bag at Nordstrom ($128) Jump to Review Best Oversized: lululemon Wunderlust Duffel Bag at Lululemon ($198) Jump to Review Best Waterproof: Rains Hilo Weekend Bag Small at Amazon ($95) Jump to Review Best Style: Alo Yoga Om the Go Gym Sling Bag at Aloyoga.com ($138) Jump to Review Best Overall Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag PHOTO: Dagne Dover $185 at Nordstrom View on Dagnedover.com $185 at shopbop.com Why We Love It A slew of sizes and colors plus versatile organizational features put this bag ahead of the competition. What to Consider It’s a little more expensive than other options. You’ve been seeing this bag everywhere for a reason. The Landon’s solid build, clever organization, and versatility put it over the top in our search for the best gym bag, especially for travelers who want a bag that’s able to pull double or triple duty. While we personally love a good set of pockets, they don’t necessarily work for everyone’s organizational needs. Rather than designated shoe and accessory pockets, the Landon comes with a shoe bag and mesh zip top pouch, so you can still keep some items separate when you need them without sacrificing the space when you aren’t carrying them. You still get two interior slip pockets as well, plus an exterior slip pocket that’s the perfect size for your phone, and an interior laptop sleeve. The neoprene or mesh construction also means it will be easy to clean and not take too much damage from being thrown around, and can even be fully hand-washed if the whole bag needs a bath. It also comes in five different sizes and up to seven different colors (depending on your fabric choice) so you’re sure to find a configuration that matches both your needs and your favorite sneakers. The Details: 14.5 x 7.5 x 9 inches | 2.5 pounds | 18 liters | Neoprene or mesh Best Organization Aer Duffel Pack 3 PHOTO: Aer View on Aersf.com Why We Love It Pocket fiends will appreciate the many different slots available, along with the style and durability. What to Consider It’s on the heavier side. Aer turns its attention to both your commute and gym time with the Duffel Pack 3. Rather than zipping around the top edge like a traditional backpack, the Duffel Pack zips vertically down the middle, like a duffel bag (hence the name), allowing you to fit bulkier items with less hassle. A slim back compartment holds your tech accessories, while a suspended padded pocket steps your laptop safely. There’s also a ventilated shoe pocket that fits shoes up to a men’s size 13, giving everything plenty of room to breathe, and two external water bottle pockets. Choose between black, gray, and olive to match your favorite gym shoes. You can also upgrade to the X-pac version if you want to add water resistance or go for the smaller Fit Pack if you don’t need quite as much space. The Details: 20.5 x 11.75 x 8 inches | 2.9 pounds | 21.4 liters | 700D cordura nylon Best With Shoe Compartment Under Armour UA Undeniable Small Duffel Bag PHOTO: Under Armour $45 at underarmour.com Why We Love It This classic design, durable build, and athlete-friendly features will support all your workout needs. What to Consider The design is a little logo-heavy. This classic athletic brand clearly knows what it’s doing with the Undeniable duffel series. You get a water-repellent finish and coated bottom that can easily be thrown around anywhere from poolside to studio, with a foam-lined bottom and side panels to help create structure. A vented pocket can hold shoes or sweaty clothes, while a zippered front pocket keeps smaller items easily accessible and separate water bottle pocket keeps your beverages within reach (and from spilling all over the interior). The Undeniable series comes in sizes from a 18-liter XXS to 144-liter XL, so there’s a bag out there for whatever you have to carry, even if it’s an entire practice dummy. Or for a slightly more stylish but still durable upgrade, we also love the Women’s UA Essentials Duffel. The Details: 10.6 x 10.1 x 21.7 inches | Weight | 40 liters | Polyester The Best Portable Exercise Equipment That'll Fit in Your Carry-on Most Durable L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Cordura Duffel PHOTO: L.L.Bean $99 at L.L.Bean Why We Love It This classic duffel has practically the perfect arrangement of pockets and solid build. What to Consider It might be a little large depending on your gym needs and there’s no designated water bottle holder. It’s not quite designed specifically for the gym, but that doesn’t mean it can’t fit in just as well there as in an airplane overhead bin. L.L.Bean’s duffel is made from 1,000-denier cordura nylon, which is known for being tough, water-repellent, and abrasion-resistant. There are two end pockets where you can easily slip in shoes and small accessories, along with internal mesh compartments to keep the main cavity organized and a small zippered external pocket perfect for stashing your phone. Carry it by the two shorter handles or one long cross-body strap with a shoulder pad for extra comfort. It also comes in five different color combinations, including black, gold, and teal. The Details: 9.5 x 21 x 10.5 inches | 1.7 pounds | 34 liters | Nylon Best for Lifting KNKG Core Duffel PHOTO: KNKG View on Knkg.com Why We Love It This tough bag put extra thought into its lifting-focused construction. What to Consider The shoe pocket doesn’t have a lot of stretch, so may be tricky for those with larger feet. For those who throw around a barbell the same way they throw around a gym bag, opt for the extremely popular King Kong Core Duffel. You can choose between two sizes and three colors, all of which come packed with features. There’s a weightlifting belt attachment so your belt will wrap around the outside of the bag rather than taking up space in the interior, where you’ll find a laptop sleeve for days when you’re going between work and the gym. There’s also a sealed internal shoe compartment on one end, two exterior water bottle pockets so you can stash both your water and a protein shake, plus a smaller zipped exterior pocket and multiple lash points for anything else you want to hook on. The Details: 35 or 51 liters | 500D nylon Best for Yoga Caraa Yoga Tote PHOTO: Caraa View on Caraa.co Why We Love It This stylish tote can be carried multiple ways and in multiple scenarios. What to Consider It’s on the expensive side. If you’re spending most of your workouts at the yoga studio, go for Caraa’s Yoga Tote. And despite what you may assume from the name, it’s not only a tote bag; you can also carry it like a backpack thanks to an included set of removable straps. There are also built-in straps to carry your mat and a total of seven pockets, including an expandable shoe compartment to keep dirty footwear off your matched outfit. The tote is made with fully vegan materials (key for yogis), with a recycled water-repellent exterior and water-resistant antimicrobial lining, and also has a luggage sleeve so you can switch into carry-on mode when it’s time to take your practice on the road. We prefer black for its versatility and stain-hiding abilities, but the tote is also available in ivory if you prefer a lighter palette. The Details: 14 x 21.5 x 8 inches | 2.2 pounds | 29 liters | Nylon Most Versatile Calpak Luka Duffel Bag PHOTO: Calpak $128 at Nordstrom View on Calpaktravel.com $128 at The Container Store Why We Love It Calpak keeps it light, easy, and organized. What to Consider There’s no laptop or bottle-specific pocket. For a gym bag that can also be your daily carry, weekender, or personal item, your best option is Calpak’s Luka Duffel. The material is designed to be lightweight, water-resistant, and scratch-resistant so you can shove it into a locker or under the seat in front of you with equal ease. A shoe compartment keeps your footwear quarantined, while multiple interior slip pockets and external smaller zip pockets for a cumulative nine pockets total keep your belongings organized. (Though none are laptop- or water-bottle-specific, so you’ll have to find homes for those in one of the existing slides.) There are also a whopping 18 color options currently available (some limited edition) so you’ll always be correctly coordinated, and you can upgrade to the larger model if you're doing some serious gear hauling. The Details: 12 x 16 x 7 inches | 2.1 pounds | 22 liters | Polyester Best Oversized lululemon Wunderlust Duffel Bag PHOTO: lululemon $198 at Lululemon Why We Love It This classic weekender comes with so many pockets plus multiple extra attachment straps and carrying styles. What to Consider It’s only available in one color. If you’re more into a weekend retreat than an hour in the studio, give the Wunderlust a try. At 48 liters, it’s got plenty of capacity for outfit changes, extra equipment, or whatever else you may need. Two large pockets at either end are great for stashing shoes, along with a padded pocket for your laptop and smaller organizational pockets. Use the external straps to hold your yoga mat or an extra layer, and if you’re bringing it as a carry-on, you can use the additional trolley strap to throw it over your luggage handle. Or carry it yourself, using either the two drop handles or detachable shoulder strap. The fabric is even water-repellent so you don’t need to worry about any stray splashing or sweat. It does only come in black, but at least it will go with everything. The Details: 21.7 x 10.6 x 13 inches | 48 liters Best Waterproof Rains Hilo Weekend Bag Small PHOTO: Rains $75 at Amazon View on Rains.com Why We Love It This lightweight bag looks sleek while keeping your gear dry. What to Consider It only has one main compartment, with no accessory pockets. This compact bag will keep your gym gear contained and also safe from rain and splashing, thanks to its waterproof polyurethane construction. Though it has just one main pocket, it’s sealed with a coated zip so water won’t sneak in. Side compression straps help you keep things tucked in tightly, then just throw it over your shoulder with the detachable shoulder strap or carry it by the drop handles. It’s available in five colors, and you can also upgrade to the medium or large versions if you want more room, or add in the matching toiletry kit for a little more organization. The Details: 9.1 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches | 1.4 pounds | 18 liters | Waterproof polyurethane Best Style Alo Yoga Om the Go Gym Sling Bag PHOTO: Alo Yoga $138 at aloyoga.com Why We Love It A swooping shape paired with smooth fabric gives this bag a level up. What to Consider It’s a little short on organizational features. A good bag is still an accessory, even if you’re taking it to the gym. This sling bag from Alo Yoga adds an extra element to your workout look with soft fabric and slouchy, curved silhouette. There’s just one large main compartment with a smaller interior pocket to help you organize its contents, so most of your things will be rattling around together, but you can always use a shoe bag or some travel pouches if you need extra organization. The strap is adjustable so you can wear it crossbody or over one shoulder, and it comes in classic black or a smooth brown to go with your preferred palette. The Details: Polyester and nylon Best Budget Nike Brasilia Training Duffel Bag Small PHOTO: Amazon $37 at nike.com View on Shoecarnival.com Why We Love It Nike didn’t skimp on style or features with this bag. What to Consider It’s made of 100 percent polyester, so it’s not as breathable as other options. Save your money for your gym membership with this bag from Nike, which provides plenty of features and performance for a manageable price tag. In addition to the main compartment, you get an interior valuables zip pocket, ventilated side pocket to keep shoes separate, and second side pocket for your water bottle or accessories. The bottom is even coated to protect against scrapes and other gym floor hazards. Even at the “small” size, it’s still got a 41-liter capacity, which should be plenty for your regular gym needs or for short trips. It also comes in five different colors, from black to a dusty mauve, though the 100 percent polyester construction may be a little less breathable than some other bags. The Details: 20 x 11 x 11 inches | 1.1 pound | 41 liters | Polyester Best Tote Nike One Women's Training Tote Bag PHOTO: Nike $53 at nike.com Why We Love It This tote packs some excellent organizational features and can even hold your yoga mat. What to Consider It only comes in one color. For those who prefer an overarm carry, the Nike Women’s Training Tote is the best gym bag option. This tote keeps most of its organizational features tucked inside its main compartment, including a water bottle holder, padded laptop sleeve, and mesh pocket. The external bungee lets you slide in a yoga mat or extra layer, while an external zip pocket on one side and magnetic one on the other let you drop in small items easily. The polyester fabric is made partially of recycled fibers and should stand up to whatever you throw at it, though we do wish it were available in a few more colors. The Details: 15 x 21 x 5 inches | 18 liters | Polyester The 12 Best Sports Bras of 2024 Tips for Buying a Gym Bag Be realistic about your capacity needs The next time you’re at the gym, take note of what you’re actually using. It may end up being less than you thought you needed. Conversely, you may keep forgetting things you wish you had mid-workout, in which case you may want a larger bag so you can keep more in there rather than having to take it in and out. If you’re regularly showering at the gym, for example, you’ll want extra room for some flip-flops and a towel. Look for built-in organizational features Gym-specific add-ons like water bottle holders and shoe compartments will make your exercising life easier, especially if you’re coming from work or on the road rather than straight from home. And some workouts require more unwieldy gear than others; if you’re a regular yogi, for example, a bag with a larger mat-holding pocket or strap may be useful for you. Consider materials If you’re regularly stuffing your bag into a too-small locker, it’s going to take a beating, so you’ll want to look for durable materials like cordura nylon or canvas. Meanwhile, if you’re a swimmer or you tend to sweat a good bit, you may want something waterproof. All of our picks for best gym bag can be spot-cleaned, but few (and few bags in general) can be thrown in the washing machine, so if you’re planning to get mud-race-level dirty, make sure your bag can handle it. Frequently Asked Questions What should I put in my gym bag? Think about what you need both for your workout and for your own comfort. Start with your workout clothes and shoes, if you aren’t already wearing them. Add any accessories you may need, like grippy socks for barre, chalk for climbing, or hand wraps for boxing. A water bottle is also crucial for making sure you stay hydrated. You can also add in extras to make things a little smoother for yourself, like a good pair of headphones, deodorant and dry shampoo for your post-workout cleanup, extra hair ties, or a dry bag for your sweaty clothes post-workout if you’re planning to change. Do gym bags make good carry-ons? They can. It depends on the bag and your carry-on needs, but a good bag is a good bag, no matter the name. If you’re carrying a laptop, for example, your gym bag may not have the right configuration to accommodate it (though some of our picks can). But if you’re mainly carrying clothes and want a separate shoe pocket, or if you prioritize waterproofing and durability, then a gym bag may be the right move. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this story, T+L contributor Rena Behar utilized her many years of experience as a gear reviewer and gym-goer to burrow through pages of product reviews, catalogs, message boards, and more to curate a list of the very best gym bags on the market. The 8 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.