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The 11 Best Gym Bags of 2024

Don’t let your carry capacity limit your gains.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Over the years, I have learned what makes a great gym bag thanks to the particular set of cycling gear I travel with in addition to typical gym items. I’ve learned that a roomy bag that can withstand tough travel conditions is a must. The Calpak Compakt Duffel Bag is well designed and durable enough to be used as an everyday gym bag, but also includes travel-specific features like a compression storage bag and a luggage sleeve.

Rather than stuffing your gym bag full before your trip, I’ve found packing your gear into a suitcase and reorganizing your things after you reach your destination makes traveling easier. It also frees up your gym bag to become a personal item or even a bag for last-minute shopping. A sturdy, packable gym bag is the perfect solution for active day trips, hotel sweat sessions, and busy travel days.

Best Overall

Calpak compakt duffel bag.

It's an ideal choice for those looking for a versatile and simple option.

If you appreciate lots of separate compartments, this likely isn't the best travel gym bag for you.

This compact duffel is the best overall choice because of its water-resistant nylon material and foldable design. Its shoulder strap and short handles make it easy to carry to the gym, whether at home or at a hotel or resort. The added luggage sleeve is also great for securing the duffel to your suitcase, if you choose to use your gym bag as a last-minute personal item. In addition to the front zippered pocket, the side elastic sleeve keeps your water bottle in place while on the go. Inside, you'll find plenty of room for all of your gear, but note that you might want to use a separate laundry bag if you plan to change after your workout. 

The Details: 18 x 12 x 8 inches | 12 ounces | 28.3 liters | Nylon

Best Organization

Patagonia black hole mini mlc 30l.

It offers versatile options for carrying and organization.

It's not the most packable because of the stiff laminate coating.

If you’re looking for top-notch organization, look no further than the travel-friendly Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC. The mesh interior pockets are useful for stashing a wide array of gym essentials. Whether tucking away a change of clothes or products for post-sweat touch-ups, the convenient interior pockets keeps items dry, away from odors, and from spilling inside the bag. The main compartment has plenty of room for shoes, and it's perfect for bulky items such as a towel. There’s also a dedicated laptop sleeve to keep your tech protected. Whether you're using this pack as a carry-on backpack or messenger bag, the stowable shoulder straps, hip belt (which doubles as a shoulder strap), and trolley sleeve will ensure it stays secure.

The Details: 20 x 12 x 7 inches | 2.13 pounds | 30 liters | TPU laminate-coated polyester

Most Compact

Sea to summit ultra-sil dry day backpack.

It folds into the size of your palm, making it the ultimate ultralight gym bag to travel with.

It is not the most stylish choice for a luxury retreat or resort.

This day pack makes our list thanks to its ultralight, travel-friendly design. Apart from its compact size when stowed in the accompanying compression bag, the durable siliconized nylon used to make this bag allows it to hold heavy items without the risk of ripping. This means it can handle not only your heaviest water bottle, but is ideal for packing up last-minute souvenirs. Not to mention the compressive lacing system on the backpack’s exterior is useful for toting sweaty sneakers after your workout. Topped with a roll-top instead of a traditional zip closure, this gym backpack can handle the wettest weather no matter where you take it.

The Details: 18.9 x 11.8 x 8.7 inches | 3.9 ounces | 22 liters | Siliconized nylon

Best Waterproof

L.l.bean waterproof duffle 40 l.

The compression tabs and flip-top lid allow you to get creative with how you carry items inside and outside of the bag.

While it does fold down more easily than other TPU-coated bags, this choice might be too large for some travelers.

In addition to its water-resistant TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) coating and waterproof materials, the L.L. Bean Adventure Pro Waterproof Duffle has a roll-top closure under its flip-top lid. This means water won't seep through the material or exposed zippers, so you can count on everything inside to be bone-dry when you arrive at the gym or back at your hotel room. Paired with the exterior compression tabs, this bag can pack down enough to fit inside a suitcase, in case you prefer not to use it as a carry-on item. Get creative with the compression system and UTX buckles to carry excess gear (like your water bottle) that doesn't have to stay dry.

The Details: 10" x 20" x 9.75" | 2.75 lbs | 40L | TPU-coated nylon

Antler Chelsea Overnight Bag

This bag is sleek and elegant with eye-catching clean lines suitable for the most luxurious resorts. 

The short handles, however, mean this isn't the best gym bag for carrying a long distance.

Presenting more like a cute purse rather than a hefty duffel, Antler's Chelsea Overnight Bag is a great choice for a carry-on item that can double as a gym bag. The luggage sleeve and short handles make it ideal for securing it on top of your roller bag, and the interior sleeves make storing your laptop — and removing it for TSA — a breeze. Inside, the primary compartment is roomy, but you will want to place shoes or sweaty clothes in a separate bag to keep everything clean and fresh. If you're on your way to the gym, tuck your change of clothes inside the laptop sleeve to keep them neat.

The Details: 16.34 x 10.24 x 7.09 inches | 1.76 pounds | 20 liters | Nylon

Best Budget

Veagia weekender duffle.

The ventilation and easy-to-clean material make this bag a dream for sweaty gear on the go.

The shoulder strap is not padded, which could make it uncomfortable for carrying heavy gear.

For the price, this is an excellent, thoughtfully-designed option. Sweaty clothes, shoes, wet swimsuits , and towels need a space to air out to prevent odors. The built-in shoe compartment has a small ventilation hole that allows just enough air in for items to breathe. A dedicated pocket for wet items is also helpful for ensuring everything else stays dry. The internal water bottle pocket is not only a nice touch, but prevents any spills or leaks from happening should your precious H2O experience a leak. With carabiner snaps on the shoulder strap and zippered pockets, you can rest assured everything is secure as you move through a new city or airport.

The Details: 18 x 9.25 x 11 inches | 1.37 pounds | Nylon

Best Splurge

Alo yoga sheer duffle.

The sheer nylon material is light enough for a quick jaunt to your resort's yoga class or the pool. 

While it is fashion-forward, the sheer material and lack of closed compartments does mean your bag's contents will be on display. 

Think of this sheer duffel as resort wear —  stylish with plenty of attention to detail. From the feet on the bottom of the bag to keep it off the ground to the padded handles for comfortable carry, this duffel, with a classic gym bag design, is as useful as it is pretty. An added shoulder strap makes long-distance trips to the gym easier, while the zipper ensures nothing will fall out. Ideal for minimalists or those with a mind for added organization, this bag works well with additional packing cubes or bags for both the gym and the beach.

The Details: 18 x 6.5 x 10.5 inches | Nylon

Best with Shoe Compartment

Lululemon city adventurer large duffle bag.

In addition to the shoe compartment on the bottom of the bag, we love the expandable interior pocket.

It could use a sturdy water bottle pocket.

Lululemon's City Adventurer Duffle Bag is designed to be the perfect everyday gym bag, as well as the one you take with you. The luggage sleeve ensures it stays atop your suitcase throughout the airport while the padded handles and shoulder strap allow you to comfortably carry it from your room to class. The exterior zipper pocket is perfect for stashing your hotel room key, phone, and earbuds. Inside, you'll find ample room for a change of clothes and a towel. The expandable pocket is ideal for storing dirty clothes after your workout, but you can also use it to store your laptop or a book if you have multiple stops to make. The shoe compartment is roomy enough to store sweaty clothes alongside your sneakers.

The Details: 18.1 x 9.3 x 11.6 inches | 29 liters | Polyester

Best With Laptop Compartment

State grove rucksack.

Side access and a buckled flip-top lid provide extra security when toting your laptop between home, the gym, and the airport. 

The large mesh holes of the water bottle pocket can get snagged on loose items like keys.

The State Grove Rucksack is designed with two access points to the interior of the bag: the buckled flip-top and a side zipper. Paired with a padded laptop sleeve, the design ensures your computer will be protected and secure inside your bag as you move through high-traffic areas, be it the Pilates studio or the subway. The colored zippers are neurodivergent-friendly and provide easily recognizable organization. Stash small items like your hotel room key and lip balm at the top of the bag and larger items like headphones or swim gear in the lower exterior pocket. 

The Details: 17 x 11.8 x 6.3 inches | 2.21 pounds | 20.6 liters | Nylon

Best Gym Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 28l travel pack - del día.

The wrapped zipper and clamshell opening allows for easy access to everything inside the backpack for a quick change. 

The lack of exterior pockets means you’ll need a separate bag to contain your wet or used items.

This backpack has the capacity to carry all of your essentials and gym equipment with ease. The mesh compartments inside allow you to tuck a change of clothes and shoes away while your laptop can slide into the shallow outer compartment. Its sleek zippers and straps can be tucked away, which is ideal for crowded commutes — both at home and between hotels. The lack of exterior pockets and pull tabs ensures the bag won't get caught. The primary drawback to the Allpa Travel Pack is that you will need an extra laundry bag to prevent dirty clothes from passing odors to other items inside.

The Details: 19 x 12 x 9 inches | 2.10 pounds | 28 liters | TPU-coated polyester

Best Specialty

Tumi sport tennis bag.

The exterior pockets are large enough to hold not only cans of tennis balls but your water bottle, too. 

This isn't the most utilitarian option for travelers who do not frequently play tennis on vacation.

The Tumi Tennis Backpack is an optimal, do-it-all gym bag for avid players. While the bag is designed to easily transport your racket, the exterior pocket has a long enough zipper that you can easily tuck away a towel or bathing suit instead for a post-match dip. Equipped with long handles and backpack straps for easy wear, the bag opens with a large zipper and is designed similarly to a tote bag. Inside, you will find plenty of room for a change of clothes, shoes, and even your laptop if you need to bring it along.

The Details: 16.3 x 16.5 x 5.1 inches | 2.2 pounds | Nylon

Tips for Buying a Gym Bag

Make sure its versatile enough to use at home and away.

To get the most bang for your buck, you’ll want a gym bag that’s good for both everyday use and travel. Look for one that can easily fold or compress into a smaller size to pack into your suitcase or personal item. In addition to being portable, the best kinds of gym bags come with convenient organizational features like water bottle pockets, mesh compartments, and comfortable carrying straps. Some gym bags on this list even include trolley sleeves, making them a versatile travel-friendly companion.

Look for helpful organizational features

Think about what items you typically bring to the gym, and then make sure your travel bag has corresponding compartments that make toting them along a little bit easier. Helpful organizational features include side pockets, a separate shoe compartment, a laptop compartment to protect your computer, or a mesh compartment to keep sweaty clothing separate from your other belongings. An ideal combination is a separate compartment with mesh or ventilation for dirty items and a main compartment to keep personal items like your phone or room key clean and dry.

Prioritize durable materials

Nylon and polyester are both durable materials that are ideal for gym bags, especially if they have been reinforced with durable stitching or a protective coating. To prevent odors from being trapped, look for bags with an antimicrobial lining.

A few items to always include in your gym bag are a quick-drying towel, a water bottle, and electrolyte tablets to stay hydrated and refreshed throughout your workout and during your travels. It’s also a good idea to include a change of clothes and a just-in-case bathing suit for the pool or sauna.

If you like to stay active on vacation, or are going to a destination where you plan to be working up a sweat, a gym bag can be a helpful addition to your packing list. They allow you to keep your suitcase organized, separating your travel wardrobe from your gym outfits, and can help keep your belongings fresh and clean, acting as an impromptu laundry bag. It's also the perfect solution if you ever decide to check a bag and need a last-minute personal item to stash extra stuff.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

As a certified fitness instructor who frequently exercises while traveling, Molly Harris brings a travel gym bag with her on practically every trip. She loves using a larger, everyday gym bag as her personal item and a compact duffel that compresses into a small square for last-minute souvenir shopping. 

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Related Articles

Best Gym Bags For Travelers: Fitness On The Go

Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Best Gym Bags for Travelers! As an avid gym-goer who loves to travel, having the perfect gym bag can make or break your fitness routine on the go.

If you are anything like me and love to work out when away from home, you can benefit from a gym bag that is versatile for travel and perfect to take to the gym. In addition, having a gym bag that is TSA compliant and meets all the carry on requirements is a must.

Quick Overview Of The Best Gym Bags With The Traveler In Mind(Updated List)

Benefits of using the best gym bags for travelers.

Investing in one of the Best Gym Bags for Travelers is more than just a purchase; it’s a game-changer for your fitness and travel lifestyle. These bags offer numerous advantages that make your journey smoother and your workouts more effective.

Seamless Transition From Travel To Workout

One of the primary benefits of having a quality travel gym bag is the seamless transition it offers from travel mode to workout mode.

The Best Gym Bags for Travelers provide enough space for not only your travel essentials but also your workout gear. This means you can step off your flight and head straight to the gym without missing a beat. No more skipping workouts because your gear didn’t fit into your standard luggage!

Durability And Longevity

Quality travel gym bags are designed to withstand the rigors of travel and frequent use. Made from durable materials, these bags can handle being tossed into overhead compartments, stowed under seats, and lugged around from place to place. This durability ensures your gym bag remains functional and stylish, even after numerous trips.

In the long run, investing in one of the Best Gym Bags for Travelers can save you money, as it’s likely to outlast cheaper, less durable options.

These are just a few of the ways a top-notch travel gym bag can enhance your travel and fitness experience. So why wait? Start exploring the Best Gym Bags for Travelers today!

Best Gym Bags For Travelers Product Reviews

Now, onto the main event. Here’s our rundown of the Best Gym Bags for Travelers.

Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag

The first choice in our Best Gym Bags for Travelers roundup is the Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag. This gym bag is designed with the serious fitness enthusiast in mind, and it shows in every feature.

• Dedicated Compartment: The bag has a large, ventilated pocket designed to hold shoes or sweaty gym clothes, keeping them separate from your clean items.
• Durability: Constructed with high-quality, water-resistant material, this bag can handle heavy loads and resist wear and tear from frequent use.
• Compact Design: Despite its spacious interior, the bag maintains a compact exterior that fits comfortably in most gym lockers and complies with airline carry-on requirements.
• Versatile Storage: The bag’s multiple pockets, including a water bottle holder, ensure all your gym essentials have a designated place.
• Dimensions – 22″ x 12″ x 11″
• Weight – 3.5 lbs
• Limited Style Options: If you’re looking for a variety of colors or designs, you might be disappointed as this bag comes in a singular, straightforward design.
• Lack of Padding: The shoulder strap doesn’t have a lot of padding, which could cause discomfort when the bag is heavily loaded.
• Zipper Quality: While the bag itself is durable, some users have reported issues with the zipper quality over time.

In summary, the Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag is a well-designed bag that caters specifically to fitness enthusiasts. Its robust build and thought-out features make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize gym-readiness in their travel gear. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it holds its own in our list of the Best Gym Bags for Travelers.

Although this traveling gym bag is 2 inches wider than the TSA guidelines, it will fit in the overhead bin. The most important dimension is the 22-inch length. When it is 22 inches or less, the overhead bin door will close properly.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT 30L

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler offers a perfect blend of compact size, robust construction, and intelligent design that makes it an ideal companion for the fitness-oriented traveler.

• Compact Size: With a 30-liter capacity, it’s the perfect size to use as a carry-on or personal item on most airlines, ensuring you can keep your workout gear close at hand.
• Durable Construction: Made from water-resistant Bi-Tech Armor Lite fabric, this bag is designed to withstand the rigors of travel.
• Versatility: The removable backpack straps and multiple haul handles offer various carrying options to suit your comfort and convenience.
• Organization: Features a large main compartment with a U-shaped opening for easy access, along with end pockets for smaller items.
• Dimensions – 8.2″ x 8.2″ x 8.2″ 
• Weight – 5.4 lbs
• Limited Space: While its compact size is an advantage for airline travel , those with larger gym equipment or for extended trips might find the space restrictive.
• No Dedicated Shoe Compartment: Although the end pockets can potentially hold shoes, a dedicated shoe compartment would have been a welcome addition for gym-goers.
• Soft-Sided Design: The flexibility of the bag can make it a bit more challenging to pack neatly compared to a bag with a more rigid structure.

In conclusion, the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT 30L is a standout choice for those prioritizing carry-on compatibility and durability. Its thoughtful design ensures your travel and gym essentials are well-protected and accessible, making it a worthy contender in our Best Gym Bags for Travelers list.

Vooray 32L Boost XL Duffel Bag

The Vooray 32L Boost XL Duffel Bag is our next entrant in the Best Gym Bags for Travelers list. A blend of style and functionality, this bag is perfect for those who don’t want to compromise on either aspect.

• Stylish and Versatile: Available in multiple designs and colors, this bag is a perfect blend of style and substance. It’s versatile enough for the gym, travel, or even a weekend getaway.
• Size and Capacity: With a 32-liter capacity, it offers ample space for your gym gear while still fitting within most airlines’ carry-on guidelines.
• Dedicated Shoe Compartment: The bag features a ventilated shoe compartment that can hold up to men’s size 13 shoes, keeping your shoes separate from the rest of your gear.
• Quality Material: The bag is made from water-resistant polyester, ensuring your gear stays dry, even in adverse weather.
• Dimensions – 20′ x 10′ x 10″
• Weight – 1.5 lbs
• Lack of Structure: The bag’s soft-sided design can make it harder to pack and maintain organization.
• Limited Padding: The shoulder strap could use a bit more padding for comfort, especially when the bag is fully loaded.
• No Water Bottle Pocket: While the bag has multiple compartments, it lacks a dedicated space for a water bottle, which could be a downside for some fitness enthusiasts.

In summary, the Vooray 32L Boost XL Duffel Bag scores high on style and functionality. It’s an excellent pick for those who want a gym bag that looks good and performs well. With its robust construction and thoughtful design, it’s a worthy contender in our Best Gym Bags for Travelers compilation.

Ubon Large Duffel Bag Weekender 45L

Rounding out our list of the Best Gym Bags for Travelers is the Ubon Large Duffel Bag Weekender 45L. This bag strikes a balance between capacity and portability, making it a great option for those weekend warrior workouts or short business trips.

• Size and Capacity: At 45 liters, this bag offers a generous amount of space for your gym gear, clothes, and personal items, while still adhering to many airlines’ carry-on size restrictions.
• Dedicated Shoe Compartment: The Ubon Duffel features a built-in shoe compartment with ventilation, keeping your shoes separate and your bag fresh.
• Quality Construction: Made from water and tear-resistant nylon, this bag is built to withstand the rigors of travel and frequent gym use.
• Versatility: The bag includes a detachable shoulder strap and dual handles, providing multiple carrying options for your convenience.
• Dimensions – 19″ x 14.7″ x 11″
• Weight – 2.3 lbs
• Design: Some users might find the bag’s design a bit plain, especially when compared to more stylish options on the market.
• Lack of Small Pockets: While the bag excels in large storage space, it lacks smaller pockets for items like keys, wallets, or smartphones.
• Zippers: Some users have reported that the zippers can be a bit finicky, especially when the bag is packed full.

Overall, the Ubon Large Duffel Bag Weekender 45L is a reliable and practical option for travelers who need ample space for their gym gear. It’s robustly built and thoughtfully designed, making it a solid choice in our Best Gym Bags for Travelers list.

Again the width is a bit longer than TSA guidelines, but with a length of 19 inches, it will fit in the overhead bin with room to spare.

adidas Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag

Last but certainly not least, in our lineup of the Best Gym Bags for Travelers is the Adidas Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag. Known for its sportswear, Adidas doesn’t disappoint with this versatile and sturdy gym bag.

• Brand Reputation: Adidas is a well-known name in the sports industry, renowned for its quality and durable products. This bag is no exception.
• Size: This medium-sized duffel offers ample space for your gym essentials while fitting within most airlines’ carry-on size limits.
• Durability: The bag is made from reinforced ripstop material, making it both water-resistant and long-lasting.
• Organization: The bag features a spacious main compartment, an internal zippered pocket for small items, and a ventilated side pocket for shoes or gym clothes.
• Dimensions – 20.5″ X 11″ x 11.75″
• Weight – 1.45 lbs
• Design: The bag’s design is fairly basic, which may not appeal to those looking for a more stylish option.
• Lack of Padding: The bag’s straps lack padding, which could cause discomfort when carrying heavy loads.
• No Water Bottle Holder: Unlike some of the other bags on our list, this one doesn’t feature a dedicated water bottle pocket.

In conclusion, the Adidas Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag is a reliable choice for those who value durability and brand reputation. While it might lack some of the design flair of other options, its functionality and quality construction earn it a well-deserved spot in our Best Gym Bags for Travelers selection.

Understanding Your Needs: What Makes a Great Travel Gym Bag?

Before we delve into our top picks for the Best Gym Bags for Travelers, let’s understand the elements that make a gym bag great for travel.

Size And Capacity

When it comes to gym bags, size does matter! You’ll need something compact enough to fit in overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you. Make sure it is spacious enough to hold your gym gear and travel essentials.

Keep in mind that most airlines have specific size limits for carry-on luggage and personal items. While these limits can vary between airlines. The size of carry-on is different from the size of a personal bag.

A common carry-on size limit is 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (including handles and wheels), and the limit for personal items (like a gym bag) is often 18″ x 14″ x 8″. Always be sure to check the specific restrictions of the airline you’re flying with to avoid any surprises at the gate.

The Best Gym Bags for Travelers are those that maximize usage of the allowed dimensions, providing the most packing space possible while still being airline-friendly. They’ll often feature clever design solutions, like expandable compartments or multiple pockets, to help you organize your items and make the most of the space available.

Material And Durability

Next up, material and durability. A good gym bag for travelers should have a weather-resistant exterior and should be made of long-lasting materials to withstand the rigors of travel.

Compartments And Organization

The Best Gym Bags for Travelers are those that boast a good number of compartments for easy organization. Look for bags that offer separate areas for clean and dirty clothes, plus pockets for small items like keys, wallets, or headphones.

Comfort And Portability

Finally, consider comfort and portability. The bag should feature quality straps and handles, and it shouldn’t be too heavy when empty, making it easier to carry around.

What Gym Equipment Can I Take In My Carry On?

The answer to this question is trickier than it might initially seem. While your favorite dumbbells might be a no-go, there are plenty of compact and TSA-friendly gym equipment options you can fit in your carry-on luggage.

Let’s discuss some of the fitness gear you can conveniently pack in your gym bag to keep your workouts on track, no matter where your travels take you:

• Resistance Bands: Lightweight and incredibly versatile, resistance bands are a traveler’s best friend. They can be used for a whole host of workouts, from strength training to flexibility exercises, and they take up virtually no space in your bag.
• Jump Rope: This classic piece of cardio equipment can easily be packed into your gym bag. However, remember that the handles could potentially be seen as a weapon during security checks. Although most airports will allow it, it’s always a good idea to check in advance.
• Sliders: Sliders are fantastic for a total body workout, particularly core exercises. The best part? They’re light, flat, and easy to slip into your bag.
• Travel Yoga Mat: Specially designed to be lightweight and foldable, travel yoga mats are an excellent addition to your carry-on luggage. They will enable you to continue your yoga routine no matter where you find yourself.
• In addition to the above list, you can take lifting gloves, shoes, and workout clothing, then use the facilities gym room.

Remember, the goal is to pack smart, lightweight, and non-threatening equipment that won’t raise any eyebrows during a security screening. Being prepared is a vital part of every journey, especially when it involves maintaining your fitness routine while traveling.

Stay fit on the go, my fellow travelers! Your workout routine doesn’t have to take a backseat just because you’re away from your home gym. With these handy and TSA-compliant items in your gym bag, you’ll be all set for fitness wherever your travels take you!

Frequently Asked Questions For Best Gym Bags For Travelers

We know that choosing the perfect gym bag for your travels can be a complex task, and you might have a few more queries before you make your final decision. In this section, we’ll address some of the most common questions we get from our readers on the topic of the Best Gym Bags for Travelers.

Can I use gym bag for travel?

Absolutely! Many gym bags, especially those we’ve reviewed in this article, are designed with dimensions that fall within most airlines’ carry-on luggage guidelines. However, if the width is a bit larger than TSA guidelines, it will still fit in the overhead bin as long as the length is 22 inches or less.

What should I look for in a gym bag for traveling?

Key features to look for in a gym bag for traveling include size and weight, durability, compartments for organization (including a shoe compartment), and comfortable carrying options. The bag should also be versatile enough to accommodate your gym gear and travel essentials while complying with airline carry-on restrictions.

Can I fit a pair of shoes in these gym bags?

Yes, most gym bags come with dedicated shoe compartments or enough space in the main compartment to accommodate a pair of shoes. Some even feature ventilated shoe compartments to keep your shoes separate and your bag fresh. Just remember to consider your shoe size and check the bag’s specifications to make sure they will fit.

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Best Gym Bags For Travelers – Conclusion

Finding the Best Gym Bags for Travelers might seem like a daunting task, but armed with this guide, you’re ready to make an informed choice. Remember, the best bag is one that caters to your specific needs and makes your travel and fitness journey smoother.

Like what you read? Share this guide with your fellow fitness enthusiasts and travelers! And don’t forget to drop a comment below with your favorite gym bag for traveling.

Happy Travels, my friends.

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• Health and fitness

The Best Gym Bag

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

Here’s the secret: There is no perfect gym bag.

Many bags sold as “gym bags” are indistinguishable from any duffle bag or tote. And almost any kind of bag will work as a gym bag in a pinch.

A good gym bag, however, brings fresh clothes to a workout and takes wet gear home again without making everything a fragrant swamp.

After researching hundreds of gym bags—traditional gym bags and others—and testing more than 40, we’ve found six bags for a range of gym goers and situations.

We found two picks, one over-organized and one simply built , that will last a lifetime. We also chose a backpack for commuters , a casual water-resistant duffle , a simple tote organized for a gym , and a cheap pick for team gear , plus a roll-top dry bag for separating out sweaty gear within your gym bag.

If these choices aren’t what you’re looking for, check out our picks for duffle bags , laptop backpacks , and totes .

The research

Why you should trust us, best organization and durability: knkg plus duffel, a lighter, but less organized, bag: goruck gym bag ripstop robic, best backpack: aer duffel pack 3, best gym tote: aer gym tote, a recycled option: bellroy lite duffel, for team gear: adidas team issue duffel bag medium, an optional dry bag: ortlieb dry-bag, how we picked and tested, other good gym bags, the competition.

I’ve written about many aspects of travel luggage and bag design for Wirecutter for a decade now. In that time I’ve used everything from plastic shopping bags to backpacks to overly designed gym bags to carry my gear around. For 20 years I’ve practiced (among many things) Muay Thai, boxing, Pilates, interval training, and barbell training, in all manner of gyms around the world, including church basements in Scotland, garages in California, fitness clubs in New York, and home gyms on the North Shore of Hawaii.

For this guide:

• We spoke with several professional personal trainers, the owner and clientele of a well-respected bodybuilding gym, and a couple of high school coaches about their experiences with kit bags. Among them were Larry Pollock, owner of KO Gym in Ventura, California (now closed), and one-time world-record holder for the dead lift in his weight division. We also consulted Danielle Wommack , fitness director of the Ojai Valley Athletic Club in Ojai, California, who has more than 10 years of experience in health and fitness.

KNKG Plus Duffel

A buy-it-for-life gym bag.

Made to withstand a lifetime of abuse, this bag was the toughest we tested. Its many compartments let you keep clean clothing separate from sweaty towels and sneakers, and it has a lifetime warranty.

Buying Options

The KNKG Plus Duffel is best for a dedicated gym goer or heavy lifter who needs a bag to stand up to years of being shoved in and out of lockers without breaking.

It’s tough. This bag has been our top pick for five years running. During our testing, the competitive lifters we interviewed all gravitated to the KNKG Plus Duffel, drawn by its durability and strength. Just holding this bag, we felt a noticeable difference in quality compared with every other bag we tested. The 1,000-denier nylon is thicker and more robust than the nylon used in other sport bags: It’s like the difference between a school knapsack and a thick canvas duffle bag. (The term denier refers to the thickness of the fibers in a fabric; the higher the denier number, the stronger the fabric.) The sturdiness of the bag is evident in the details, as well, from its double-stitched seams to its all-metal fasteners.

It’s well organized. Most gym bags are made to be somewhat disposable—inevitably, odors, stains, and the weird abuse they sustain wears them out. Before we tested the KNKG Plus Duffel, we wouldn’t have considered spending three figures on a gym bag, but it won us over not only with its durable materials and strong construction but also with its clever organization options. In addition to its main compartment, the Plus Duffel, which has an overall capacity of just over 30 liters, comes with four accessory pockets (one button-sealed for clumsy hands), a stretch catchall, and a shoe compartment. KNKG also makes internal dividers if you want to keep things even more separated. If you’re a powerlifter, the similar KNKG Core Duffel comes with an integrated weight-belt attachment.

It’s tough. (Did we mention that?) In our destructive testing, squat world-record holder Roy Glenn took one look at the original model of this bag, threw up his hands, and emphatically declared that there was no way he could tear it apart. Every corner of this bag is built to last, from the zipper points to the seams, and it should stand up to years of abuse. The Plus Duffel comes with a practical lifetime warranty as long as the original purchaser is still in possession of the bag, which should be plenty of coverage for even the most dedicated gym buff.

It comes in multiple sizes. KNKG also makes the same bag in larger, 45-liter and 63-liter models.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s pricey. The cost may raise a few eyebrows, but considering the Plus Duffel’s durability and quality, it’s worth the investment. And the truth is, after years of testing and comparing bags of all types and prices, we have found many, many cheaper gym bags that are just that: cheap and not worth even their low price. But you’ll probably want to pair the Plus Duffel with a plastic shopping bag or a dry bag to protect its nylon against your dirty gear or wet post-workout towel.

• Dimensions: 11 by 18 by 11 inches (LWD)
• Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Capacity: 33 liters
• Warranty: “ practical lifetime ”

Goruck Gym Bag Ripstop Robic

A lighter option for a lifetime of use.

This is a lighter-weight, buy-it-for-life bag with a shoe compartment. But it offers less organization than the KNKG Plus Duffel.

The Goruck Gym Bag Ripstop Robic is a slightly less organized bag than the KNKG Plus Duffel, but it’s nearly as tough.

It will last a lifetime—and it’s priced accordingly. Goruck has a reputation for making well-made, tough bags, as well as for charging a premium for its gear based on that reputation. This bag is no different. For this guide, we purposely chose plenty of bags carrying lifetime warranties and made from tough materials, because you need a bag that you can buy once and wrestle in and out of gym lockers without worry. The 30-liter Goruck Gym Bag Ripstop Robic, made from lightweight and water-resistant 420-denier ripstop nylon with a lifetime repair-and-replace warranty and all-metal hardware, fits that description very well.

It keeps things simple. Some people may prefer a ton of organization, as you can find in the KNKG Plus Duffel, but for others plentiful pockets are just additional places to lose your car keys. Goruck chooses the path of simplicity with this bag, giving it one vented shoe pocket, one main compartment with one closed zipped pocket for valuables, and one vented zipped pocket. You can carry the bag by the handles or sling it across your shoulder with a provided, removable strap. The outside of the bag has an open pocket for quick access—a place to drop a loose bandana or sweatband, say—and a rain-protected zippered side pocket with an internal zippered mesh pocket. It offers everything you need from a gym bag and nothing you don’t.

It comes in a larger size, too. Goruck makes a 45-liter version of this bag, as well. Unless you work out with extra gear, such as boxing gloves or a gi, you’re unlikely to need the 45-liter bag, which is very large. Most people, who need at most a T-shirt and change of shorts, will appreciate the smaller, 30-liter version.

It offers less organization than our top pick. Some people, however, may prefer a simple bag without many frills; for them, the extra pockets and organization of the KNKG Plus Duffel may be more a nuisance than a perk. But we’ve tested the KNKG bag for over five years now, and we’re only starting to build a comparable track record with the Goruck gym bag.

• Dimensions: 17.5 by 11.5 by 9 inches (LWD)
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Capacity: 30 liters
• Warranty: lifetime repair and replace

Aer Duffel Pack 3

An office-friendly gym backpack.

This backpack offers plenty of ways to separate your computer, your clean clothing, and your sweaty workout clothes or gym shoes. However, because it’s a daily-carry backpack, not a basic gym bag, it’s pricey.

The Aer Duffel Pack 3 is best for anyone who commutes to both work and the gym and wants a laptop pocket in their bag—or who just prefers to carry a backpack instead of a shoulder bag.

It’s adaptable. Sometimes, carrying a separate gym bag and laptop bag to the office isn’t ideal. In that case, the Aer Duffel Pack 3 is the best option. Its sleek, minimal look allows it to blend into nearly any setting. The bag is made of a tough, 1,680-denier Cordura ballistic nylon that’s similar in strength to the material used in the KNKG Plus Duffel but with a finer texture. With a capacity of 21 liters, the Duffel Pack 3 holds less than the Plus Duffel, but we still found that it had room for what we needed to transition from work to working out. The Aer Duffel Pack 3 comfortably carries a 16-inch laptop in its back pocket, as well as a full change of clothes within its main compartment and a pair of shoes (up to men’s size 13) in a ventilated compartment at the bottom of the bag.

It carries what you need and then some. As a gym bag, it swallows a full change of gym clothes or assorted gear, while the expandable water-bottle pocket on the side can fit even a large Nalgene bottle. As a laptop backpack, the Aer Duffel Pack 3 can carry a few books or slim items along with that 16-inch laptop. Optionally, you can buy the same design made from X-Pac sailcloth , which is extremely durable and waterproof, but most people don’t need to spend the extra money for that level of technical fiber; the regular model’s nylon and sealing zippers are plenty tough and water-resistant for a trip to the gym.

It’s well organized as a backpack. You access the waterproof, cavernous main section of the bag via a convenient duffle-style zipper on the outside. Because the shoe compartment at the base of the bag unfurls internally, anything you tuck into it takes up space in the bag’s main section. The laptop compartment has several small accessory pockets, including a zippered mesh one for small items. A quick-access pocket at the top of the bag can hold sunglasses, a smartphone, and gym and transit passes. And just above the water-bottle holder is a small, zippered pocket for keys and a wallet or other small items.

It comes in a smaller version, too. If you have a smaller torso, you might prefer the Aer Fit Pack 3 , which is essentially a smaller version of the Duffel Pack 3. It has the same overall design, with a rear compartment for your laptop and other gear, a clothes area in the front, and a dedicated shoe compartment on the bottom. But the Fit Pack 3 is several inches shorter and holds about 25% less (almost 19 liters in total capacity versus the Duffel Pack 3’s roughly 25 liters), so it looks and feels quite a bit smaller on your back. Aer’s bags all have a lifetime warranty.

• It’s expensive for a gym bag. But it isn’t overly expensive for a good backpack. If you need a good backpack that’s excellent as a gym bag, the Aer Duffel Pack 3 is a great choice. If you’re looking for a secondary bag to bring to the gym, consider our other options.
• Its external water-bottle holder is a bit insecure. As with most external water-bottle pockets, holding a bottle in a side pocket like this is somewhat unreliable. Admittedly, the Aer design is deep enough that a large bottle stays more or less secure, but I don’t know how much I’d trust it if I were riding a bike or swinging the bag around.
• Dimensions: 20.5 by 11.75 by 8 inches (LWD)
• Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Capacity: 21.4 liters
• Warranty: lifetime

Aer Gym Tote

A casual tote.

This tote keeps everything separated, including work gear, while maintaining a casual profile.

With more pockets than it seems like it should have, as well as a luggage loop, the Aer Gym Tote is great for well-organized travelers and daily commuters.

It’s understated. Admittedly, many of the other picks in this guide have a robust, somewhat chunky look, which might not appeal to everyone—to call it plainly, they’re a bit bro-ey. The Aer Gym Tote avoids looking like a gym bag while keeping the organizational details we expect, such as a separate ventilated shoe pocket. All black with only a single obvious zipper, the Aer Gym Tote maintains Aer’s adherence to strict minimalist design.

It’s capable of carrying more than it seems. Although almost any tote is suitable for a trip to the gym, very few have the extra details that make the Aer Gym Tote stand out—beginning with the ventilated shoe pocket (a rare thing to find in a tote-style bag), which holds up to a size 12 men’s shoe. Externally, the Gym Tote has a large side pocket for accessories with a self-sealing zipper for added water resistance and a smaller pocket for items such as keys or a wallet. Internally, the bag has a water-bottle holder and a laptop sleeve for a 13-inch laptop.

It’s good for the gym, but it can double for travel. Made from a 1,680-denier Cordura ballistic nylon exterior, this gym bag is as tough as any of our other picks, but it’s the only pick with a luggage loop for slipping over the handle of your carry-on suitcase. With that, plus the laptop sleeve and thoughtful organization, there’s very little separating this bag from any number of personal items we recommend for travelers.

We wish it came in larger sizes. Although the Aer Gym Tote holds far more than you might expect, its less-than-20-liters capacity is still somewhat limiting. That’s about a liter less than the capacity of our backpack pick, the Aer Duffel Pack 3 , and more than 10 liters less than the capacity of the KNKG Plus Duffel .

• Dimensions: 15.4 by 14.2 by 6 inches (LWD)
• Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Capacity: 19.4 liters

Bellroy Lite Duffel

A lightweight, water-resistant duffel.

This durable, lightweight bag made of recycled plastic bottles has self-sealing, water-resistant zippers, plus a wide opening. However, it gives you no way to separate wet and dry gear or shoes.

The Bellroy Lite Duffel is a lightweight and simple bag made from recycled and reclaimed materials, and it’s great for carrying light gym gear or spare clothes.

It’s lightweight but tough. The Bellroy Lite Duffel’s ripstop nylon is made of recycled PET plastic bottles and industrial offcuts. Its plain layout and minimalist charm nearly mask Bellroy’s consistent attention to technical details and overall construction. That’s a nice way to say that this is a well-built bag for doing simple, day-to-day things. The result is a lightweight bag—at least, lighter than most bags of this size and strength—that’s tear-resistant and reassuringly durable.

It’s produced by a certified B Corp company. Plenty of companies claim to use recycled materials or sustainable designs. It’s beyond our scope to verify every supply chain, but we do trust the certification process that B Corp brands, such as Bellroy, have to go through, as it is meant to demonstrate their accountability and transparency for things such as charitable giving, labor practices, and supply-chain practices.

It’s simply laid out. The Lite Duffel has two compartments: a main compartment with a wide-mouth design for easy access, plus a side pocket. Both access points are protected by self-sealing water-resistant zippers. Inside, the bag has four separators and two carabiner loops. Farther inside the side pocket are two more pockets and a key loop. Thoughtfully, Bellroy also includes a diminutive slip pocket (video) for an Apple AirTag—handy if you like keeping close track of your stuff. The Bellroy Lite Duffel comes with a detachable shoulder strap and has a three-year warranty.

• It lacks a large internal pocket for separating wet gear from dry items, unlike our other picks. You may want to include our dry-sack pick if you often carry clothes that are wet or heavy with perspiration.
• It isn’t fully sealed. Because the wide-mouth opening tucks over the main compartment like a cap, the cover of the bag folds over the edges of the main compartment but never seals it in completely. For a gym bag or for running daily errands, this design is likely to be fine. But some people may find it a touch insecure.
• The warranty is lacking compared with those of our other picks, especially for the price. Bellroy backs this bag with a three-year warranty.
• Dimensions: 15.75 by 13 by 9 inches (LWD)
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Warranty: three years

Adidas Team Issue Duffel Bag Medium

Best for team sports.

Despite being made with lighter-weight materials, this affordable duffle can stand up to heavy use. It’s also the biggest of our picks, good for anyone who needs extra space for their sports gear.

The Adidas Team Issue Duffel Bag Medium is best for anyone who carries a lot of gear or pads and needs an inexpensive option for keeping their equipment organized.

It holds a lot but doesn’t cost a lot. Some sports require more gear than others. For the price, we couldn’t find anything better for carrying all that gear than the Adidas Team Issue Duffel Bag. It’s equipped with four outside zippered pockets and an internal small pocket.

It’s well organized and ventilated. Like the KNKG Plus Duffel, the Adidas Team Issue Duffel Bag has a shoe/laundry pocket, and the one in this bag is even better ventilated. However, this bag does not have metal shoulder-strap fasteners; instead, it uses somewhat thin plastic clasps.

It’s well built, considering the lightweight materials. This bag is made of 600-denier polyester. Surprisingly, despite the thinner material and plastic hardware, this bag stood up to more abuse than we expected. Roy Glenn, our destructive tester, took several turns trying to find a way to break this bag. While he ripped out the shoe pocket easily enough, the reinforced seams stopped him from breaking down the bag completely, although he was able to bust the zippers from their tracks. We don’t think anyone is likely to put their gym bag through those kinds of stresses.

It’s easy to carry. If you’re lugging a lot of gear, the extra-wide, padded shoulder strap should relieve some strain from carrying all that weight. The bag has a classic look that’s not dominated by its logo—a nice change from some of the other designs we saw during our research.

It’s covered for life. Adidas backs the bag with a lifetime warranty.

It might not be around forever. Adidas used to make the same design in other sizes, one larger and one smaller. The company now has similar bags in the Defender series ( small and large ), but neither of those has a separate shoe compartment.

• Dimensions: 24 by 11.5 by 12 inches (LWD)
• Weight: 1.66 pounds
• Capacity: 55 liters

Ortlieb Dry-Bag

For storing wet gear.

For swimmers or anyone trying to separate their wet gear from their dry, this model’s paper-bag shape helps it stay upright when you’re packing and unpacking it.

The Ortlieb Dry-Bag is a bag for your bag. If you tend to carry out excessively wet or sweaty gear from the gym, such as swimsuits or clothes after hot yoga, a dry bag can keep your stuff separated. This model is currently the top pick in our dry bag guide .

It keeps the dry stuff dry and the wet stuff wet. The Ortlieb Dry-Bag has a shape similar to that of a paper grocery bag, so it stands upright when you place it on the ground. Thanks to that simple design, you can load your wet gear more easily. Like all dry bags, the Ortlieb Dry-Bag is waterproof and durable, with a roll-top closure. There’s not much more to it. This bag is designed to keep wet things from seeping out—or the wet from seeping in—and it does that very well.

It comes in multiple sizes. We tested the 10-liter version of this bag; it’s currently out of stock in that size, and we suggest the 13-liter version for most people. But it also comes in sizes ranging from 5 to 109 liters. Choose whichever size best suits your bag.

This simple bag has no apparent flaws, if you need to separate wet items from dry. But if you don’t need that feature, you don’t need this bag.

• Dimensions: 13 by 6 by 7 inches (LWD)
• Weight: 2.7 ounces
• Capacity: 13 liters
• Warranty: five years

Everyone has specific ideas of what a gym bag should be, depending on their needs, and you can find thousands of bags that would work. To clarify our search, we conducted a public survey to see what most people wanted from a gym bag.

We looked for:

• bags that were simple and cheap but still able to carry a lot of stuff
• if possible, bags with a dedicated shoe or laundry pocket, as well as some small pockets for miscellaneous gear
• bags without elements that could easily snag, such as loose mesh pockets, when being shoved in and dragged out of a locker

We also looked for some comfort features that make small but significant differences when you’re using a gym bag three times a week, including: reinforced sides to help the bag stand up during packing, reinforced seams (especially where the shoulder strap attaches to the bag), easy-to-pull zippers on small pockets, and an easy-to-clean interior.

If you need an organized bag under $100: Take a look at the Nike Utility Power Training Duffel Bag, which is a good bag at a very good price. It’s organized in a similar fashion to the KNKG Plus Duffel, but it’s made from less robust materials. We’ve had problems with budget gym bags in the past not lasting long enough—they just couldn’t take being yanked around incessantly in and out of gym lockers. One could say we’re being a touch too cautious in insisting on doing extra testing before we fully recommend this bag, but Nike’s warranty is a mere two years.

BAD Bags No 2 Duffel Bag Side Pocket: The KNKG Plus Duffel edged out this model, but if you don’t mind its leather accents and blunt construction, it should be worth the money.

Calpak Luka Duffel: This travel bag could make a decent gym bag, but the material choice lets the overall design down. We prefer more robust fabrics for our picks.

Nike Brasilia 9.5 Training Duffel Bag: We were attracted to the eye-catching low price and compartmentalized design of the Brasilia. It’s an okay bag for the price, but the slightly more expensive (but still under $100) Nike Utility Power is a better choice with a more intuitive layout.

Nike Gym Club Duffel Bag: This simple duffle bag, made partly from recycled materials, falls into that liminal category that plagues so many gym-bag designs: Is it a gym bag or a basic duffle? Is there a difference? We’ve built this entire guide around the idea that there is, and even then the line gets blurry. But if you want a basic duffle, we have better options in our duffle-bag guide .

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

This Excellent Reusable Grocery Bag Fits in Your Pocket

by Elissa Sanci

Baggu’s range of tote bags (including a reusable grocery bag that holds 50 pounds) are seemingly indestructible, incredibly spacious, easy to clean, and even easier to carry.

The Best Laptop Tote Bags

by Kaitlyn Wells

Our favorite laptop bags are not only a stylish step up from utilitarian messenger bags but also more refined and work-appropriate than classic canvas totes.

The Best Roll-Top Dry Bag

by Nicole Gull McElroy

After we tested 15 models on land and water, the durable and watertight Ortlieb Dry-Bag emerged as the standout winner.

Best gym bags 2024 for all workouts and weather

These are the best gym bags for yoga, workouts and more.

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best fashion
• Best recreational
• Best for swimmers
• Best hardcore
• Best sustainable
• Best colorways and price
• Best for athletes and travel
• How we test

If you're on the hunt for one of the best gym bags on the market, we can help you choose the right one for your lifestyle and workout needs. We've got our hands on the best brands in the market and personally tested them over several months to ensure we only recommend the best.

At Tom's Guide, our writers live and breathe training, and some of us are also personal trainers, which means we know what to look for and avoid when testing gym bags. We've included leading brands, and to help you find the best gym bag for you, we've considered various budgets, workout styles and desirables like waterproof lining, pockets, or extra storage space. 

Before we get stuck in, we pride ourselves on testing as many of our products as we can, and when we can't, we'll always be transparent about it, listing what we've learned from extensive research. 

Our favorite is the MZ Wallace gym bag, a top choice amongst New Yorkers and upscale gym boutique users. With plenty of pockets (10), this bag gives you lots of places to stash your stuff. There is also a padded slot secured by a snappable leather strap that will fit a 16-inch computer.

The quick list

Here are the best gym bags you can buy right now based on our testing. Scroll down for in-depth reviews.

There is no question it's an investment. But the MZ Wallace gym bag is a top choice amongst New Yorkers and is flying off the shelves at upscale gym boutiques. This bag has all the bells and whistles, or at least all the pockets.

Read more below

This bag is the least expensive bag on the list, but also one of the best. Considering the minimal price tag, it’s amazing how many top-end features this bag manages to squeeze in.

This Lululemon City Adventurer duffle doesn't scream “I’m a gym bag,” which is why we love it. You could also use it as an excellent small carry-on or even overnight bag.

The simple Adidas tote-style bag gets the job done. There is nothing super fancy about it, but it's sleek and sporty with a mesh overlay to add texture to the exterior.

If “going to the gym” for you includes a CrossFit sesh or maybe softball practice, you might really dig this bag. It feels more industrial strength than the other bags on this list.

Best gym bag overall

1. MZ Wallace – Nik Bag

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

There is no question this bag is an investment. However, there is also a reason why it’s a top choice among New York gym-goers and is flying off the shelves at upscale gym boutiques. This bag has all the bells and whistles, or at least all the pockets!

With seven exterior and nine interior pockets (10 if you count the business card/credit card holder as a pocket), this bag gives you lots of places to stash your stuff. It comes with a separate detachable pouch as well, attached to an interior key strap. There is also a padded slot secured by a snappable leather strap that will fit a 16-inch computer (when testing, a MacBook Air slid in there with ease) along with whatever paperwork/folders/magazines you’re lugging with you. 

The exterior pockets are also ingenious. Not only are there two open side pockets perfect for water bottles, two spacious zippered pockets for valuables, and two phone-sized slots, but there is a large pocket with a zipper on the bottom. Though this was ostensibly created so you could securely slip it on the handle of a rolling suitcase if you were traveling with this bag (it’s called a “luggage sleeve”), it took only a minute to realize you could also slide a yoga mat through there. The versatility here is just fantastic. 

The exterior material is REC Oxford which is a sustainable “recreational” water-resistant nylon fabric that feels sort of like a parachute. The whole bag is quilted but only subtly padded with “PowerPuff” fill (made from recycled water bottles), which gives it some structure. Basically, it’s pillow soft but light as a feather. The only “weight” probably comes from the minimal and tasteful Italian leather trim (which is also responsibly sourced).

The downside to this REC Oxford material, however, is that it’s also super slippery. So, when you put the 11-inch drop handles on your shoulder, they slide off unless you hold the bag. These handles could have benefitted from a snap to hold them together like the powerful magnetic ones on some of the bag’s other pockets. For that reason, it’s good this bag also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap.

The bag even has “feet” so if you set it down it has four leather dots that help protect the bottom of the bag from wear and tear. On the whole, this bag is a multipurpose winner if you’re willing to lay out the cash.

Best budget gym bag

2. Y.U.M.C.

This bag was an absolute surprise. It’s the least expensive bag on the list, but also one of the best.

Considering the minimal price tag, it’s amazing how many top-end features this bag manages to squeeze into its construction. Built a little like a cross between a bucket bag and a tote, it’s spacious while still managing to be compact. 

Made of super lightweight polyester, this bag still has structure even though it’s simultaneously collapsible down to nothing (i.e. shoves in any size locker with ease). The only downside of the exterior material is that it feels a little cheap. However, the black camo also reads urban sexy in an almost latex way. If that’s not your thing, however, there are several other colors including gray, orange, and a flat black, which may have a different texture. It also apparently comes in a large size (we ordered a medium and it was perfect for everyday gym use, but for those who need to cart more gear, there is an even bigger option available).

Overall, the bag could do with a few more pockets that zip. There is one pocket inside that zips shut, but it’s a wet/dry pouch—which is great, but the whole bag is wet/dry as it’s totally waterproof! Point being, you could use the wet/dry pocket for valuables and such, but the other two interior pockets are small and only good for dropping in like a lipstick or smartphone.  

The bag’s clever design does include four additional pockets, however, that are “sort of inside, sort of outside” as they’re located next to each drop strap. Running the whole height of the bag, they hold a lot! They also account for the unique ruching detail on the outside of the bag. But they’re not zippered, so once again, be wary of what you store there.

A nicely hidden side zipper on one side of the bag opens to become shoe storage away from your other items. It even has two ingenious “vents” on that side to prevent sweaty, stinky shoe funk from happening. Beware, however, that if you use the shoe pocket, it will take up some of the space in the main compartment, but that is typical of most bags with this feature.

Even with shoes in the bag, however, there was still plenty of room to fit in gym clothes and toiletries. While there is no dedicated water bottle slot, one of the “four corner” pockets could easily be used for that purpose, and it would keep a bottle upright without spilling.

A “built-in” elastic yoga strap is the finishing touch to the whole thing. This bag offers a lot of bang for the buck and at this inexpensive price point, you could afford to wear it out and then just buy a new one. But, if it happens before a year, there is even a one-year warranty. Like we said, this was the surprise bag of the bunch.

Best fashion gym bag

3. Lululemon City Adventurer Large Duffle

If you want a gym bag that doesn’t scream “I’m a gym bag,” this is it. This bag looks classy and stylish, while still being gym appropriate—if that’s what you decide to use it for. This bag could also make an excellent small carry-on or even overnight bag.

The pocket situation could be stronger, but you do have some options here. There is a slip pocket on one side (with a luggage sleeve in case you decide to take this on the road), and a small zip pocket on the front. Inside there is one zip pocket and two mesh pockets. 

However, even without tons of pockets, there are some major construction wins. The unobtrusive, sightly-padded exterior section that fits a 16” computer quickly turns this bag into something multipurpose. And the shoe compartment design is the best of any bag we reviewed. Instead of taking up extra space in the main compartment, the shoe storage is zipped into the base of the bag. This smart design allows you to keep your shoes or sweaty clothes separate from your main items, but it also keeps the main compartment open for your other gear. Brilliant.

The exterior is 100% polyester, but it looks like black satin. Though it’s not machine washable, it is water-repellent and can be spot cleaned if necessary. The silver hardware used is high quality and adds to the city chic look. The drop handles are long enough and snap together well such that you don’t need a shoulder strap, but if you want to use one, it’s included.

The only questionable design feature here was the grab handles on each side. They seemed like a relatively bulky and useless addition at first, and are only needed when opening the bottom shoe compartment. Still, they don’t really seem necessary, especially since the bag feels slightly heavy while empty. However, part of that weight is probably reflective of the fact that this feels like a solid bag made of quality materials that will really hold up.

Bottom line, this is a sleek and expensive-looking bag with many potential uses. It will look great on your arm at the gym and everywhere in between.

Best tote style gym bag

4. Adidas Women’s All Me Tote

If you’re not looking for a bag that will hold everything but the kitchen sink, this simple Adidas tote-style bag gets it done. There is nothing super fancy about this bag and yet at the same time, it looks sleek and sporty. A mesh overlay adds texture to the exterior, and the subtle Adidas logo lets people know you’re serious about your gym game without blatantly advertising your after-work plans.

The downside to this is that it’s not a dual-purpose bag. Meaning, it will happily house your gym gear, or perhaps some books and an iPad , but it’s not set up to do both at the same time. However, if you’re looking for a bag just to take to the gym, you can easily get in a pair of shoes, a water bottle and some workout gloves in this tote, with room to spare. There aren’t a lot of separate pockets though, and the ones that are inside are deep so you’ll again likely be digging to find stuff. However, the open-mouthed tote design and long top zipper (which is super solid hardware and zips in both directions) make it easier to get in this bag if you do find yourself in a frantic search for your phone, air pods or keys that you dropped down within its depths.

The polyester material makes this bag very easy to spot clean, but at the same time makes it more likely that anything you spill on it will just roll right off (unless you dump your afternoon latte on it and then we can’t help you).

Speaking of liquids, there are two water bottle pockets on the sides. There is also a big fleece-lined front pocket. The straps are very sturdy and wide enough that they don’t dig into your shoulder if that’s what you use to carry the bag (though it does come with a separate shoulder strap if you prefer to carry the bag crossbody). The vertical design also makes it fit in gym lockers much easier than a class duffle.

All-in-all, this is a cute, functional gym tote for a great price.

Best recreational gym bag

5. Athleta Kinetic Gym Duffle

If “going to the gym” for you includes a CrossFit sesh or maybe softball practice, you might really dig this bag. It feels more industrial strength than the other bags on this list. But along with this more heavy-duty feel also comes well, a heavier feel. In other words, this bag is not lightweight when empty. So, once you pack all your gear inside, hauling it around may become part of your workout. 

That being said, you can get a lot in it! You could easily fit sneakers and cleats in there along with a pair of flip flops for the shower. The only problem with it being so cavernous, however, is that you can lose things inside the bag, even with the six interior pockets. One thing you won’t lose, however, is your face mask thanks to the fact that this bag actually has a “mask case” attached. If that’s not a sign of the times, well? 

One big drawback with this bag, however, is that the top opening is too small for the size of the bag, so you could find yourself rummaging through what feels like a black hole of your stuff through the tiny opening.

Thankfully there are two side pockets and one front pocket as well, but again, these aren’t problem free. The side ones really add bulk to the bag — while the brand’s measurements suggest the bag is 17” long, if you measure the actual dimensions, it’s more like 25” long because the side pockets stick out in a triangular shape making the bag feel much bigger. 

One of the side zip pockets has a couple mesh compartments inside, making it useful for storing toiletries and such. The other one has a unique design where you can unsnap it to make it big enough to slide in a pair of dirty shoes or wet/soiled clothes. However, when you do that, the pocket extends into the interior compartment of the bag taking up a good chunk of the interior storage area.

Another unique feature of this bag is that it has two sets of drop handles of varying lengths to accommodate different ways of carrying it. It also includes a detachable shoulder strap, but the strap attaches diagonally across the bag which makes it a little harder to get into the already tough to open top zipper. However, it certainly does give you lots of options for how you want to carry your bag. But, the extra handles do add more bulk again to the overall aesthetic.

Though the material is said to be recycled nylon, it has a more canvas feel and at least with the black version, it attracts literally everything to it (lint, hair, etc…). It’s treated with a durable water repellent to make sure it is resistant, but the good news with this bag is that it’s completely machine washable and dryable. In fact, that’s probably one of the biggest selling points about it.

Overall, this one is really best for people participating in sports. It would be perfect tossed on the grass next to the soccer field, or in a dugout.

Best gym bag for swimmers

6. Vera Bradley Small Reactive Gym Bag

If you’re looking for a very classic small gym bag with a conscience, this could be it. While the Vera Bradley line usually conjures up visions of florals (and there are some very flowery versions of this bag available, as well as flowers on the interior lining), this is definitely not your mom’s quilted Vera Bradley bag. 

Made from 16 recycled PET bottles in each bag, the exterior material feels like a very durable nylon and is highly water resistant. The interior is also a nylon blend but of a thinner variety. The bag is very lightweight, which is fantastic if you don’t want to be carrying a bag that’s heavy before you put anything in it. However, it also doesn’t have much structure at all. It pretty much collapses the minute you put it down unless you have items in it to fill it out. That being said, the u-shaped top zipper entry makes it easy to get to your things.

The lack of many pockets on the interior is a drawback if you are an organizer and like to keep things separate. There are two small plastic zip pockets on the inside “lid” that you could put maybe some jewelry or a few hairbands in, but they don’t hold a lot. Additionally, there are three open mesh pockets, but items can fall out of these and into the main section fairly easily. There is also a mesh water bottle holder on the interior, but it only holds a small water bottle—we’re talking 16 ounces. It seemed a little odd to have it on the inside, but it would probably ruin the aesthetic of the design if they’d tried to attach it to the outside. So, at least there is an option to keep it from spilling in your bag.

There are also two large Zippered pockets on either side of the bag separate from the main compartment. One of these side pockets is completely lined with plastic and is highly waterproof, making it perfect for sweaty or wet clothes after a workout. If you’re a swimmer, this bag is a winner — it’s ideal for holding a wet swimsuit, swim cap, and goggles.

The materials and waterproof pockets really are the standout features. Plus, it’s very easy to carry thanks to the light weight and the sturdy drop handles on either side (which snap together as well if desired). For those who prefer a shoulder strap, that is also included.

This bag is a little pricey for the small size, but the Vera Bradley name is part of the deal. And the environmentally friendly aspect definitely adds to the allure.

Best hardcore gym bag

7. Under Armour Women’s Project Rock Gym Bag

Unless you’ve been living under one, you’ve probably heard of “The Rock” (aka movie star and hard body Dwayne Johnson). This bag is part of his “Project Rock” line for Under Armour, and it is as serious about your workout as you are. But it also assumes you’re carrying your own equipment…or lots of gear!

This bag will hold a ton of stuff and yet interestingly, it doesn’t feel as big or bulky as some of the other bags that are almost the same size. But part of the reason may be that this bag also doesn’t sport a lot of special features. It’s literally a hardcore bag — you could easily put a soccer or basketball in there, maybe both, as well as some workout wear and possibly a pair of shoes. Plus, you could carry a yoga mat or biofoam roller at the same time as all of that thanks to the external elastic straps (which work great).

But what’s missing? Pockets. There are two pockets inside (that thankfully have zippers or your stuff would be all over the interior of the bag), and an unzipped slip pocket on the outside of the bag, but that’s about it. Yes, there are four mesh pockets on each side, but really those only seem appropriate for holding water bottles, sports drinks, and maybe chalk or athletic tape. 

That being said, the women’s bag does have a very pleasing color scheme—it’s stone and khaki gray (though that might get quite dirty with use, it’s very pretty when brand new). And the material feels expensive and smooth, though it’s supposedly 100% polyester.

One of the best kitschy features about this bag is that the zipper pulls are also hair ties — for someone who consistently forgets to bring those to the gym, this was a really awesome touch!

If you’re looking for a bag without a lot of bells and whistles, but that will carry a lot, this bag will fit the bill. “The Rock” said he made this line for the “hardest worker in the room.” If that’s you, then it might make sense you want to carry this bag which is emblazoned with the words “Blood. Sweat. Respect.”

Best gym bag for sustainability

8. Nike One Club Women’s Training Duffel Bag

Earthy types, listen up. This bag feels like you should be out among the trees. Plus, not only is it outdoorsy looking, but this training duffel is also made from recycled polyester. In fact, Nike diverts an average of one billion plastic bottles annually from landfills and waterways and turns them into sustainable materials to be used in their products.

Beyond that, this is a pretty standard gym duffel. The style is very similar to the Lululemon City Adventurer bag, but it’s not as high end in quality.  

The unique yoga strap situation is one of the things that sets this bag apart. Its crisscross elastic pattern on the side not only gives it a cool look, but it’s also highly functional. This is thanks to a clasp that allows you to tighten or loosen the elastic to fit the size of whatever mat you’re carrying. 

On the not-so-great spectrum, though, the shoulder strap has plastic hardware that feels a little cheesy in comparison to the rest of the metal hardware on the bag. 

Like many of the bags on this list, it could stand to have a few more pockets as well. On the exterior there is a front zip pocket by the yoga mat holder, a small side pocket with a snap, and a slip pocket with a magnetic closure on the back. On the inside, there is only one zip pocket and one mesh slip pocket. None of them feel like they would really allow you to get super organized, but at least they would help keep a few things separate.

There is a shoe compartment, but this is of the variety where if you use the feature, it takes up a lot of space in the main compartment. It can be manageable if you plan for it, but this isn’t a huge bag so you have to know that you either put shoes in the side pouch or the main area, but you won’t have room for both.

Because there is no structure in the bottom of the bag as well (i.e. no padded or plastic base), the bag will sag if you carry a lot of heavy stuff in the main compartment. Still, this bag is definitely usable and the relaxed khaki feel really gives off a “Just Do It” vibe.

Best gym bag for colorways and price

9. Kuston Sports Gym Bag

If you’re picturing a classic duffel in your mind, it probably looks something like this bag. Longer than it is wide and sort of rectangular in shape, this bag is kind of no frills, while also still having some decent “extras.”

To begin with, there are many colors from which to choose. We’re talking not only the lovely light pink we tested, but also green, denim blue, black, gray, and purple. Basically, whatever your gym bag personality, you have an option here.

Made from the Oxford nylon, it’s highly water resistant, but this bag has the bonus of sporting a completely waterproof gray base. It’s like a plastic guard between your bag and the world around it. But speaking of plastic, there is a bit of a plastic smell when you open it. Not sure if it comes from the heavy-duty bottom, or the wet/dry pouch (which is clear and looks like a giant goldfish bowl for your wet things), but there is definitely a strong odor. Hopefully that will abate with time, but it’s slightly off-putting.

And about the pockets. In addition to the plastic wet/dry pouch (which oddly is accessed from the outside of the bag), there is a very small pocket inside that wouldn’t hold much more than a couple tiny items like lip balm and a few hairbands. There is also a somewhat flimsy key strap (the connector is plastic and doesn’t look like it would hold up well). 

However, it does sport a decent number of exterior pockets. There are two pockets on the front with sturdy zippers, as well as a valuables pocket (which is also a luggage sleeve if you’re attaching it to a wheeled suitcase). The side pockets are different, though both are zippered — one gives extra storage, the other has two air holes, which lets you know that’s the side with the separate shoe compartment (but like other bags with this feature, if you use it for shoes, it will take up room in the interior of the bag). All these exterior pockets are handy for organizing, however, which is good since there aren’t many interior pocket options.

The drop handles are short, so unless you’re petite, if you’re planning to wear this over your shoulder, you’ll probably end up wanting to attach the adjustable and padded separate shoulder strap to the bag. However, the hardware is sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about it damaging the bag. There is also a side handle if you need another way to hold onto things.

In other words, this is a get-it-done basic grab-and-go gym bag, however you decide to carry it.

Best gym bag for athletes and travel

10. Built for Athletes gym backpack

The brand promises that this backpack is 'built by athletes, for athletes,' and we believe them. This is one of the comfiest and most convenient gym bags around, made for everyday and elite athletes to power workouts, travel and day-to-day life. 

I've been testing this gym bag for months, and it has fast become one of the best gym bags I've used. It's made from premium, durable and waterproof materials and adjustable sternum and waist straps, which is ideal for runners, hikers and long haul trips. 

I tested the 45L bag, but there's a small (25L) option to choose from. I could easily pack gym essentials, water bottles, work equipment, sneakers and food with space to spare, and it's incredibly spacious and convenient, unfolding to 180 degrees for easy storage when you don't need it.

Despite its bulk, the bag is super comfortable and doesn't rub or wear on the shoulders or hips. It's easy to adjust, with laser cut Molle construction for a cleaner aesthetic and YKK Japanese zips and extra-durable plastic hardware. You've also got multiple compartments, zip pockets and pouches to play with, two side bottle holders and the bag can carry up to 15kg/ 33lb loads. 

It's like Transformers for gym bags; you've got two-way openings, storm flaps, pull tabs, changeable patches and more, becoming whatever you need it to be. The Hero 2.0 backpack will see you through any challenge and adventures and it has already accompanied me on plenty of mine.

How to buy the best gym bag

When deciding what kind of bag you want, here are some things you might wish to think about:

What activities will you be using this bag for? In other words, are you going to take it to the swimming pool? Or are you using this for cross training? Will you be carrying it to work first? This might change the requirements of the bag.

How much room do you need? Are you carrying shoes? Actual sport equipment? Just a change of clothes? Toiletries? All of this adds up to what size bag you should choose.

What special features would you like? Do you want a separate shoe compartment? How about a waterproof pouch? Do you want lots of pockets? Does it need a shoulder strap? How about a secret zippered compartment?

What kind of materials and colors do you prefer? Are you into black? Something wild? Something girlie but tough? Nylon? Leather? Canvas?

How much are you willing to spend? Are you fine with cheap and expendable? Are you willing to spend more for a name brand? 

Once you know what your “must-haves” are, you can start narrowing down the field.

How we tested the best gym bags

To find the best gym bags on the market, we put them through their paces going back and forth to the gym. We’d carry different equipment, wet kit, shoes, and a change of clothes to see how each bag performed, and how easy it was to use on the go. We’d look for extras such as waterproof compartments for sweaty kit, tech compartments, pockets to keep us organized, and straps to hold yoga mats, water bottles, and more. 

What's the best backpack for gym and work?

You'll want to choose a gym bag based on the available room and what equipment you will take with you.

If you carry equipment like resistance bands or an ab wheel roller, you'll need a functional bag with a bit more space and a handy ziplock to keep your belongings secure. You might also want to consider separate compartments for sweaty workout gear post-sweat and enough room for a spare change of clothes. 

However, you might need to fit your bag in a locker depending on the gym, so make sure your bag is flexible and can not too big for the changing room lockers. 

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Kimberly Dawn Neumann is a multi-published writer whose work has appeared in such outlets as Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Fitness, Women’s Health, Prevention, Redbook, Real Simple and more. A Summa cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland’s College of Journalism, she is also a life coach and fitness professional with certifications from the Coach Training Alliance, the American Council on Exercise, and Yoga Alliance. This NYC-based overachiever has also published two books and performed on Broadway. She meditates twice daily to keep everything in balance. 

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We Tested the Best Gym Backpacks to Help You Transport Your Gear Hands-Free

Our top picks are comfortable to wear, look good, and have lots of storage

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• What to Look For
• How We Tested

Our Experts

Frequently asked questions, why trust verywell fit.

Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh

Carrying your water bottle , change of clothes, and other essentials between your workout space and workplace can be a hassle. The best gym backpacks provide a hands-free solution for storing and organizing your gear wherever you need to go. Certified yoga teacher Tamara Teragawa prefers backpacks over single-shoulder duffels since they evenly distribute the weight of your items, placing less strain on one shoulder. Gym backpacks should be comfortable, durable, and spacious, equipped with ample compartments to accommodate all your gear. They should also have an adjustable design that can be tailored to your body size to ensure minimal back strain when fully loaded.

To find the best gym backpacks, we first consulted experts to learn which key features to look for. We then tested 12 gym backpacks in the real world during our daily routines. We evaluated each backpack based on storage, comfort, stability, fit and adjustability, chafing protection, and value . We had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review the contents of this article for accuracy around the benefits of gym backpacks and how to safely wear them. 

Best Men’s Overall

Nike utility speed training backpack.

Large main compartment

Sternum strap for added support

Comfortable straps

Interior mesh sleeve isn’t as secure

Dimensions: 18 x 11 x 6 inches | Storage Capacity: 27 liters | Materials: Polyester | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps: Adjustable shoulder straps, top handles, adjustable sternum strap | Care: Wipe and spot clean | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It's For

Best for exercisers of all fitness levels who need lots of storage and sturdy straps for carrying.

Why We Love It

Nike's Utility Speed Training Backpack is our top overall men’s pick because it’s comfortable, spacious, and durable. The bag opens flat, so you can easily access your essentials from the roomy main compartment . It also has multiple pockets throughout to keep you organized. Thanks to the large size and organized interior, we were even able to use it as a weekend bag. Although it’s roomy, it didn’t feel bulky, oversized, or uncomfortable (even when fully stuffed).

During testing, we noticed that the air-cushioned straps helped relieve pressure on our shoulders, making the pack comfortable to carry. The haul handle on top is easy to pick up, and the sternum strap feels balanced and secure, even when the bag is full. An interior mesh sleeve can store items like books, resistance bands , or a 15-inch laptop. We also like the cargo loops across the top, which are handy for clipping additional gear like keys, shoes, bottles, or gloves. 

Potential Flaws

• The interior mesh sleeve is convenient for holding several items, but it's not very secure during rigorous movement.

Most Valuable Insight

“This backpack is nice and has lots of sections for all the various equipment that is needed to work out. It gives a sporty vibe and seems to fit a lot of stuff inside.” — Tamara Teragawa, 500 RYT-trained yoga instructor

Best Women’s Overall

The north face never stop utility pack.

Shoe compartment

Protective compartments for electronics

Sternum strap not as supportive

Dimensions: 12.5 x 6 x 19 inches | Storage Capacity: 26 liters | Materials: Recycled nylon, polyester | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps: Adjustable shoulder straps, top handles, sternum strap | Care: Wipe and spot clean | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Best if you need a versatile backpack for gym sessions, travel adventures, and daily commutes.

Our top women’s pick is The North Face’s Never Stop Utility Pack because it has impressive storage, a sleek design, and plenty of thoughtful features. Lined interior pockets, large exterior pockets, and an included accessory bag let us easily store all of our gym bag essentials. The pack also has a designated shoe compartment to store workout sneakers and a sunglass pocket to keep shades safe.

Adding even more versatility, two tech storage spots —exterior and interior laptop sleeves—make it convenient to go straight to the office from the gym. We found the adjustable shoulder straps to be soft and supportive, and we appreciate the top carry straps that allow you to carry the pack like a tote. Additionally, the bag features exterior loops and snaps for attaching items like keys, water bottles, or a yoga mat . It's also crafted from recycled materials that are water- and sweat-resistant.

• We felt the sternum strap was not as supportive as the ones on some other backpacks we tested.

“I love the top handles that can be used to carry it like a tote, the felt-lined electronics and sunglasses pockets, and the bottom shoe compartment, something that I found is rarer than you’d think in a gym backpack. It looks and feels great, too—I get so many compliments on this bag!” — Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT and CNC, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Budget

Under armour adult hustle 5.0 backpack.

Lightweight

Ergonomic shoulder straps

Waterproof pockets for electronics

Straps may be too wide for some

Dimensions: 6.3 x 20 x 12.6 inches | Storage Capacity: 29 liters | Materials: Polyester | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps: Adjustable shoulder straps, top handle | Care: Wipe and spot clean | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Best if you need a lightweight, versatile backpack at a budget-friendly price point.

If you're in search of a budget-friendly gym backpack, we recommend Under Armour's Adult Hustle 5.0 Backpack. It has ample storage space and designated compartments for shoes, clothes, electronics, and more. It also includes a protective, felt-lined interior sleeve for a laptop and a waterproof front pocket for your phone, sunglasses, or wallet. Plus, it comes in tons of fun colors and patterns.

Multiple attachment points on the front of the pack let us easily secure additional gear, like lifting gloves or straps . And we found that the ergonomic shoulder straps are comfortably padded and feature attachment loops, keeping items within easy reach. We also appreciate the abrasion-resistant fabric on the bottom of the backpack that makes it tear- and snag-free regardless of where you place it.

• The straps are wide, which distributes weight well but may not be comfortable for smaller-framed wearers.

“I would recommend this bag as a good basic gym bag on a budget. It’s solidly constructed and great for carrying a good amount of bulky stuff, including boxing gloves, gym shoes, and large towels.” —Patrick Tamisiea, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Convertible

Béis the sport duffle.

Water-resistant interior

Multifunctional pockets

Luggage strap

Items may shift when converting

Dimensions: 10 x 17 x 8.5 inches | Storage Capacity: 24 liters | Materials: Nylon, recycled polyester | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps: Convertible, adjustable shoulder and duffle straps, top handle | Care: Wipe and spot clean | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Best if you want a gym backpack that doubles as a duffle bag for travel.

Looking for a gym backpack that doubles as a travel duffle? Beis' The Sport Duffle easily converts between the two: Just slide the straps out of the bottom zipper compartment and buckle them into two concealed clips. We found both the backpack and duffle straps to be plush, padded, and comfy. Plus, a luggage trolley sleeve, which can be zipped up to become an exterior pocket when not in use, adds to its convenience for travel.

In addition to its versatility, this bag offers ample storage. The interior boasts a total of five large pockets, allowing us to organize all of our essentials, along with a small garment bag to store sweaty clothes after a tough workout. We also appreciate the multiple zippered exterior pockets for easy access to items. But our favorite feature is the interior key fob clip, which eliminates the hassle of rummaging through our bag to find keys.

• We recommend removing your items before converting the bag so they don't spill out.

“This is a really lovely bag that is so versatile. It has way more storage than I expected and even came with a garment bag for a clean or dirty clothes change. The material feels soft and elegant. This would make a great overnight bag!” — Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT and CNC, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Yoga Mat

Aurorae yoga multi-purpose yoga backpack.

Carries mat vertically

Comfortable shoulder straps

Padded laptop compartment

Bag can feel off-balance

Straps may not tighten enough for some

Dimensions: 21.2 x 12.6 x 5.1 inches | Storage Capacity : 23 liters | Materials: Polyester and nylon | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps: Adjustable shoulder straps, top handle | Care: Wipe and spot clean | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Best for yogis who need designated space for a yoga mat, yoga clothes, and other yoga accessories .

Designed with yogis in mind, Aurorae Yoga's Multi-Purpose Yoga Backpack offers a convenient way to store your yoga gear (no need for yoga slings here). Unlike traditional yoga mat bags, this one carries your mat vertically in a separate pocket with straps, so it’s easier for you to move around. During testing, our 6-millimeter mat slid in effortlessly. A spacious main compartment can hold a block, yoga towel , and more. There's also a padded laptop sleeve designed to accommodate a 17-inch computer.

Two padded, adjustable shoulder straps help evenly distribute the weight of your gear, letting us stuff the bag without causing discomfort. We love using the two zippered pockets, one on the inside and one on the outside, for storing keys, a wallet, a phone, and more. Side mesh pockets also hold two water bottles , while exterior attachment loops offer even more ways to carry your essentials. 

• To maintain balance while wearing the bag with a mat, make sure to fully tighten the outer straps.
• If you have a smaller frame, this backpack may not tighten enough to be comfortable to wear.

“Unlike many bags for yoga mats, which are usually duffel-style, totes, or cross-body slings, I like that this backpack has two shoulder straps to balance weight upon your body. It also holds the mat vertically, so you can walk through doors easier.” — Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT and CNC, Verywell Fit product tester

Elite Convertible Boxing Gear Gym Bag and Backpack

Converts into a duffel

Water-resistant

Insulated cooler pocket

Only comes in one color

Dimensions: 9 x 16 x 19, expands to 9 x 16 x 27.5 inches | Storage Capacity: 44.8 to 64.9 liters | Materials: Polyester | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps: Convertible and adjustable shoulder and duffel straps, top handle | Care: Wipe and spot clean | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Best for exercisers who have bulky gear to carry to and from the gym.

Looking for a spacious backpack to carry hefty or bulky gear? Look no further than Elite Sports' Convertible Bag. With its generous storage capacity, versatile two-in-one design, and heavy-duty construction, it's a reliable choice. The padded, quick-release backpack straps can easily be stowed away to seamlessly transition this pack to a duffel. And despite stuffing it full, our petite tester found it comfortable to wear.

Great for a variety of activities, like mixed martial arts , boxing, field and court sports, and more, this durable backpack boasts a water-resistant coating to protect belongings. During our test, it kept our items completely dry. We also appreciate the bag's multiple entry points and drop-out bottom, which expands to hold even more stuff. Exterior pockets help us stay organized: An insulated cooler slot keeps our protein shakes cold, while a laptop sleeve keeps our tech protected.

• This backpack has several versatile features but it only comes in black.

“This is a clever, versatile bag that would make a great pick for anyone who wants options. It’s so easy to expand or switch from duffel to backpack. And the insulated pocket is really handy, too.” — Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT and CNC, Verywell Fit product tester

The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack

Compression bungees can hold extra gear

Wide range of colors

Made with recycled materials

External water bottle pockets are small

Dimensions: 8.65 x 4.15 x 13.5 inches | Storage Capacity: 10 liters | Materials: Recycled polyester | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps: Adjustable shoulder straps, top handle | Care: Wipe and spot clean | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Best for petite users who don't need a ton of storage.

While compact, The North Face’s Borealis Mini Backpack still holds an impressive amount of stuff. We love using this bag to store small essentials on walks , hikes, and trips to the gym. During testing, we noticed that while tiny, this pack is quite mighty, with a spacious interior and reliable durability. We also like that it's made with recycled materials and is available in a wide range of bright colors. 

The ergonomic, adjustable straps are comfortable to wear. And external loops and compression bungees make it easy to carry all of your must-haves with you. The pack also has two external water bottle pockets and one internal pocket large enough to fit a tablet, in case you need to bring your tech with you. If you like the design but aren’t sure about the size, the brand also makes a larger version .

• The water bottle pockets are small and can only hold 12-ounce drinks.

“I really like this mini backpack for light trips to the gym, when all I need is a pair of gym shoes or minimal essentials. It’s great for walks, hikes, or other times you don’t want to be weighed down with a full-on pack.” — Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT and CNC , Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Commuting

Aer fit pack 3.

Streamlined design

Antimicrobial interior

Shoes take up main compartment space

Dimensions: 17.5 x 12.5 x 8 inches | Storage Capacity: 18.7 liters | Materials: Ballistic nylon | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps: Adjustable shoulder straps, top handle | Care: Wipe and spot clean | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Best for on-the-go users who want one backpack to store essentials for their busy days.

Transitioning seamlessly from the gym to the office (or vice versa) is a breeze with Aer's Fit Pack 3. It offers a sleek solution for organizing your change of clothes, shoes, and other essentials. Plus, we think its aesthetic blends effortlessly into most settings. For comfy and convenient commuting, the bag also boasts ergonomic straps and a durable, water-resistant outer shell.

As for storage, the front zipper opens vertically to reveal a spacious interior. We used the rear compartment to store a laptop and the top quick-access, felt-lined pocket for our phone and sunglasses. The shoe compartment has an antimicrobial-coated lining that keeps dirty or wet items separate while preventing odors.

• The shoe compartment is a nice feature, but when it's full, it takes up a lot of room.

“Not only is it a solid bag with great storage, but it also doesn’t look like your typical gym bag. It’s a stylish, cool, and clean look. I love the forest green color, and the quality of the material, as well as the storage space and unexpected pockets.” —Patrick Tamisiea, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Swimming

Tyr backpack.

Adjustable straps

Budget-friendly

Not supportive enough for heavy gear

Dimensions: 19 x 25.25 inches | Storage Capacity: 40 liters | Materials: Polyester | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps: Adjustable backpack straps and top handle | Care: Wipe clean | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Best for swimmers and athletes who need to air out sweaty, wet gear.

For swimmers or athletes who frequently carry sweaty or wet gear, we recommend TYR’s Big Mesh Mummy Backpack . This lightweight bag’s breathable meshing allows wet items, like swim goggles or caps, to air out and dry quickly. During our test, we found that the bag's spacious interior holds an impressive amount of equipment.

With handy features like a mesh zippered front pocket and mesh water bottle holder, staying organized is a breeze. We found adjusting the shoulder straps to be easy, and the convenient drawstring closure makes accessing items a snap. This pack offers a mess-free way to take your wet gear on the go, all at a wallet-friendly price and in various vibrant hues.

• The straps on this backpack aren't padded, so it's not as comfortable as other options on our list (especially for carrying heavy items).

“This bag was so spacious! It kept gear aired out for quicker drying. It would be great for activities with large gear that gets wet and needs extra ventilation, like swimming, martial arts, or sweaty gym workouts.” — Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT and CNC, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Waterproof

Rei co-op ruckpack 28 recycled daypack.

Sternum strap buckle doubles as a whistle

Thick foam padding throughout

Back can warp if not stored correctly

Doesn’t stand up on its own

Dimensions: 19.5 x 11 x 9 inches | Storage Capacity: 28 liters | Materials: Recycled ripstop nylon | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps : Adjustable shoulder and sternum straps, top handle | Care: Wipe and spot clean | Our Overall Rating: 4.75/5

Best if you live in wet weather zones, hike on soggy terrain, or travel to diverse destinations.

REI Co-op’s Ruckpack is a multi-functional pick for rainy commutes, outdoor activities in wet weather , and more. Made from recycled, heavy-duty nylon and treated with a durable water-repellent finish, the bag also comes with a rain cover in case conditions get torrential. We appreciate the ventilated mesh back panel that keeps us comfy and dry. The sternum strap is also easy to use and adjust, and we like that the buckle even doubles as a whistle (a unique safety feature).

Inside, the bag has a large main compartment with a deep mesh pocket for storing small items. There’s also a tall waterproof sleeve for your laptop or a hydration reservoir. The exterior features a tiny top pocket and several side pockets (one large enough to hold our 32-ounce water bottle). Plus, you can lock the zippers to keep your gear safe when you can’t be next to your bag. 

• To prevent the foam back panel from warping over time, we found we had to store the bag either completely flat or hanging vertically.

“I’ve taken my REI Ruckpack everywhere from the gym to camping trips. It has a ton of storage without being too huge to manage, and it doesn’t look out of place in the office or the gym. It does a fantastic job keeping the contents dry and protected.” — Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT and CNC, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Kids

Rei co-op tarn 18 pack.

Seven pockets

Easy to clean

Sternum strap may be uncomfortable

Dimensions: 16.5 x 9 x 4.5 inches | Storage Capacity: 18 liters | Materials: Recycled nylon, cotton, elastic | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps: Adjustable shoulder and sternum straps, adjustable waist belt, top handle | Care: Wipe clean | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Best for active kids who need a versatile backpack for sports and school.

Whether it's for soccer games, karate class , or gymnastics meets, active kids (and their parents) will love REI Co-op's Tarn 18 Pack for its lightweight yet durable construction. Crafted from water-resistant materials, it effortlessly withstands wet weather and offers easy cleaning with a simple wipe-down. This pack boasts seven pockets, which include easy-access hip belt pockets, space for a water bottle, and plenty of zippered compartments. 

During testing, the nylon material proved resilient against water bottle spills and outdoor excursions. The padded shoulder straps were easy to adjust , while the waist belt ensured the pack stayed securely in place. Noteworthy for its durability and contemporary design, this backpack is an investment that can be passed down to siblings or friends for years to come.

• During testing, we found the sternum strap to be uncomfortable and unnecessary.

“Loved the color and size—it’s durable and has good storage space.” —Jack T., Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Court Sports

Mier large sports backpack.

Wide, supportive straps

Easy-access ball pocket

Dimensions: 12.6 x 9.8 x 19.7 inches | Storage Capacity: 40 liters | Materials: Polyester | Water-Resistant: Yes | Straps: Adjustable shoulder straps, top handle | Care: Wipe and spot clean | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Best if you participate in court sports like basketball, volleyball, and more.

If court sports dominate your workout routine, consider Mier's Large Sports Backpack for its ample space and organization. One of the first things we noticed was how large the 40-liter main compartment is, with a separate mesh section perfectly sized for a basketball or volleyball. The bag boasts numerous pockets for stashing smaller essentials: a plush velvet-lined pocket for your phone or sunglasses, an insulated side pocket for healthy snacks , and a dedicated slot for your water bottle. 

During testing, this backpack proved to be comfortable, thanks to its wide, supportive, and adjustable straps that ensure stability. The breathable mesh details and water-resistant bottom are particularly appreciated for use during outdoor games or on wet locker room floors. We also found that it's easy to access the ball compartment without needing to rummage through the bag or remove other items.

• The straps are very wide, which distributes weight well, but they may be too wide for smaller users.

“It's spacious and well thought out, with great, clever storage. I was also impressed by the huge capacity!” — Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT and CNC, Verywell Fit product tester

What to Look for When Shopping for a Gym Backpack

• Material: Gym backpacks can be made from a variety of materials, but no matter what, you'll want to make sure the bag is comfortable (to prevent chafing) and that it’s durable and easy to maintain. Nylon and polyester are durable, easy to clean, and water-resistant. Leather is stylish and stands up to wear and tear over time, but can fall apart when exposed to water. While canvas is often water-resistant, it can shrink when it’s not washed properly.
• Size: Choose an appropriately sized backpack for your body to avoid overloading, which can harm your back. To avoid back pain , weight should always be evenly distributed, never overloaded, and adjusted properly, says chiropractor Brad Hochstein , DC, ART. For most wearers, a medium-sized backpack (around 30 liters or less) is large enough to hold your gym essentials. Also, consider how big your gym lockers are to ensure your bag will fit.
• Fit: Your gym backpack should feel comfortable but snug. Adjustability is key, says Hochstein. When adjusted correctly, the best gym backpack should be form-fitting, without feeling too tight or painful, and it should never restrict your range of motion. The shoulder straps should also have enough padding and support for the weight you plan to carry, adds Hochstein. 
• Storage: A gym backpack with plenty of storage can help you stay organized. Smaller pockets for things like a phone, keys, wallet, or headphones are important so you don't lose them inside your bag, Teragawa says. Larger pockets help separate your workout clothes and accessories from the rest of your essentials. And don’t forget storage that supports your hydration goals: you'll definitely want at least one water bottle holder, Teragawa adds.
• Additional Features: You might need a pack with special features, like a shoe compartment, multiple interior slots, exterior ties or bungees, or a padded electronics sleeve. Teragawa prefers a backpack that has a designated area for dirty clothes or workout towels , and a separate area for clean items.

How We Tested the Gym Backpacks

To choose the best gym backpacks, we first consulted a chiropractor and fitness professional to find out which features set good bags apart. Then, we tested 12 backpacks during our daily routines around town, to the gym, and to the office over several weeks. When testing, we evaluate the backpacks based on the following criteria:

• Storage: To evaluate the storage capacity, we first stuff the bag with all of our gym bag essentials . We then consider: Is there enough room for everything we need? How many zippered pockets are there? How many exterior pockets are there? Are there specialized compartments for shoes or dirty clothes? Are there easy-access pockets for things like phones or keys? We also note if the weight is evenly distributed and if our items stay dry in rainy conditions.
• Comfort: We wear the stuffed backpacks for at least two walks of 30 minutes each to evaluate comfort. We note whether the straps are adequately padded, how breathable the pack is, and if the weight stays evenly distributed. We also consider if the backpack feels bulky or awkward to carry.
• Stability/Bounce Prevention: A backpack that bounces or shifts can be uncomfortable and cause strain. To determine how stable each full backpack is, we note how snug and secure it feels on our walks and commutes. Are there extra straps, like a waist or chest strap, to keep it in place? Do the pockets keep items from bouncing or shifting while we move?
• Fit/Adjustability: The more adjustability a backpack has, the better it will fit and prevent bouncing and discomfort. We prioritize backpacks that have adjustable shoulder, waist, and sternum straps. We also consider how easy or difficult it is to adjust the straps and if they come loose or stay snug while wearing the backpack.
• Chafing Protection: While wearing the full backpacks, we pay attention to whether we feel any irritation or rubbing from the straps or the back of the pack. We also carefully check for any rough seams or scratchy fabric that can cause chafing. Finally, we consider how breathable the fabric feels.
• Overall Value: To give each backpack a value rating, we look at its cost after we're done evaluating each of the other key attributes. We consider whether the price is fair based on the performance of the backpack. We only include backpacks we would recommend to a friend.

To curate our list of the best gym backpacks, we also consulted two experts for their input on what to look for when shopping. A chiropractor helped us understand features that support stability and reduce strain, and a fitness professional suggested specific, helpful features to look for. Although we choose and test products independently, advice from experts influences our decisions.

• Tamara Teragawa, 500 RYT-trained yoga instructor and YogaSix XPRO for Xponential+ in San Dimas, California
• Brad Hochstein, DC, ART, a chiropractor at Provision Chiropractic and Wellness in Lincoln, Nebraska

What is the benefit of having a gym backpack?

Besides the convenience of hands-free hauling, a gym backpack can be better for you than a cross-body or duffel bag, Hochstein says. Backpacks distribute the weight of your items evenly across your shoulders, decreasing the pressure on one side that an over-the-shoulder bag creates.

How big should a gym backpack be?

The size of your gym backpack largely depends on how much you’ll be carrying around. Most packs have a capacity of 30 to 40 liters, but you should always make sure the bag you purchase isn’t too big for your frame.

How much should a gym backpack cost?

The price range for gym backpacks generally falls between $25 and $100. Larger, more feature-packed, and branded options typically cost more. As you shop, it's important to align your purchase with your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

A lifelong athlete and certified personal trainer, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT knows her way around the gym and regularly researches the latest and best options in fitness gear. She understands how beneficial an organized and durable gym backpack can be. Jessica often relies on The North Face’s Never Stop Utility Pack for its excellent storage and comfort, whether she’s commuting with it to the gym or using it as an overnight or carry-on bag. 

Drzaƚ-Grabiec J, Truszczyńska A, Rykaƚa J, Rachwaƚ M, Snela S, Podgórska J. Effect of asymmetrical backpack load on spinal curvature in school children . Work . 2015;51(2):383-388. doi:10.3233/WOR-141981

By Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT Jessica has been writing for Verywell Fit since June 2021. She is a certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach, copywriter, and marketing consultant in Los Angeles, CA. Jessica earned her BS from the University of Nebraska and became certified in personal training through the National Academy of Sports Medicine in April 2021, followed by her nutrition coaching certification in November 2021.

The 13 Best Gym Bags for Men, Tested by Gym Goers

For work, workouts, and everywhere in between.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

NOT EVERY BACKPACK or duffel bag is qualified to be a gym bag. Hitting the gym is a gear-driven activity that requires more than just packing a bottle of water and deodorant . Your most foolproof bet for preparing daily fitness routines requires a carryall that can hold your workout clothes and fitness gear, which is why a supermarket tote or a JanSport backpack won't suffice.

The best gym bags for men are designed to accommodate fitness essentials, like backpacks with odor-concealing properties for sweaty gym shorts and workout shirts , or duffels with multiple large compartments to organize your gear. The best gym bags for men should also be able to keep your dirty workout shoes separate from your button-downs and workout headphones —because let’s face it, that’s just gnarly if everything is mixed together.

Best Overall Gym Bag

Ua undeniable 5.0 small duffle bag.

Best 2-in-1 Gym Bag

Lululemon 2-in-1 travel duffle backpack 45l.

Most Versatile Gym Bag

Mack weldon atlas 2-in-1 backpack duffle.

Read more: How Men's Health Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

But that doesn’t mean the best gym bags can’t look easy on the eyes while you carry them out and about. After speaking with over 30 customers and regular users of men's gym bags, as well as testing more than 40 men’s gym bags ourselves, we found that The North Face's Base Camp Voyager Duffel and Gym Shark's Medium Everyday Gym Bag are the best gym bags for men who want to pack all sorts of clothes, shoes, and fitness gear in one carryall; additionally, our testers found that Arc'teryx’s Grandville 25 Backpack and Ten Thousand’s A—L Pack 30L are the best gym backpacks for those who pack light (i.e, just some clothes and shoes).

Beyond what meets the eye, Under Armour’s small duffle bag is designed to hold a great deal and last for a long time. It comes with a large vented pocket to stuff sweaty clothes, towels or shoes, as well as other internal pockets for extra organization. Also, the bag is coated with a polyurethane foam to provide extra durability and a water-repellent shell to keep your gear dry on rainy days.

We’ve owned this bag for a few years and the fabric’s tough structure has withstood the wear and tear better than the more expensive options on the market. Plus, the main compartment is super spacious and contains a dual water bottle slip pocket, so you’ll never be short on H2O at the gym. In terms of transportation, there’s an adjustable shoulder strap to use when you get tired of carrying the bag by the handles.

What Do Buyers Do? " The UA Undeniable bag is just great, it is lightweight and durable. It is for everyday training. I do not like to carry much so I take this bag on those days with just essentials. It does have water repellent finish, it has vents to keep odor out and a nice pocket inside to keep my things organized," says one underarmour.com customer.

Lululemon’s offering can transition from a duffle bag to a backpack by simply clipping the hidden straps onto the base of the bag, which allows you to wear on your shoulders. We also love that its vast amount of pockets offer enough space for your shoes, a change of clothes and workout equipment.

Given its water-repellent fabric that dries in seconds, it’s a great bag to carry during snowy commutes. One more thing to know about this gym backpack is that its shoulder straps are very tough, and made with nylon and elastane, which will not tear or fray a bit.

What Do Buyer Say? " Great size, lots of little outside pockets. Super easy to carry with the option for handle, cross body or backpack carry, " says one lululemon.com customer.

A gym bag that can convert into a work bag is a winner. Example: Mack Weldon’s 2-in-1 backpack duffle, which has plenty of storage, so you can easily store your training sneakers and swap for your comfortable dress shoes. Plus, it features a padded sleeve to protect and secure your laptop.

During our testing, we were able to separate our sweaty training sneakers and work essentials, thanks to the dedicated shoe compartment and accessible pockets. Also neat: the side pockets are deep enough to hold your coffee or water bottle.

What Do Buyers Say? " Looks and feels like a great duffle bag with pockets for just about anything you’d need to carry to the gym, " says one mackweldon.com customer.

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel—42L

This gym bag has a volume of 42 liters, which means tons of storage. It’s great for a weekend getaway that involves a trip to the hotel gym, thanks to the garment divider that lets you separate your casual wear from performance apparel. Not to mention, it’s super lightweight and can be carried as a backpack or duffel, which is perfect for hikers and frequent travelers.

In our testing, we learned there was also space to fit our chargers, protein shakes and post-workout snacks. Plus, a 15” laptop can fit into the external compartment, so you can get work done on the road. Whether you’re heading to the gym, going camping or hopping on a flight, The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel is equipped to support anyone on an adventure, hence the name.

What Do Buyers Say? " Very durable, the pockets make sense, love the color and fit. The main reason i bought this was that it fits in the overhead carry onboard commercial flights and fits a ton of stuff, " says one thenorthface.com customer.

Gymshark Medium Everyday Gym Bag

A Gymshark gym bag is the kind of men’s gym bag that says "I'm the biggest guy in the room!—or at least I want to be." Nothing wrong with that. With a wet pocket for gym gear and slip pockets for work essentials, our tester loved carrying it as his go-to office-to-gym duffel. The main entry is large and has quite a few pockets/compartments within to help you organize your stuff. And it does have a shoe compartment that you can also use to store your fresh-off-the-bench-press clothes.

Overall, we love the functionality and versatility of Gymshark’s gym bag. But the affordability is the nicest touch: at only $54, it’ll take you from the office to the gym every day and carry all your essentials in it.

What Do Buyers Say? " T his is the bag I use, I love it has a good amount of pockets and I love the color, it’s also not too pricey compared to other gym bags, " says one customer on Reddit.

Reebox Aleph Duffel Bag

If you’re going to carry a duffel bag to the gym, then you’ll need one that can handle sweat. Take Reebox’s gym-ready option. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also made with moisture-wicking fabric, which is perfect for sealing in odor from damp workout clothes. Best of all: the main compartment has the capacity to hold your gym equipment; think: cables, handles, ropes, belts, and wrist wraps.

Our testers love that this duffle is big enough for us to haul our office gear and workout clothes to the gym as soon as we get off work. On top of that, you can easily sling it over the shoulder or hold onto the padded handles.

Herschel Novel Duffel Bag

Herschel's all-time favorite Novel is a versatile gym bag, not that it can do many things beyond holding your odds and ends, but because it looks versatile. It might not have a ton of features to it, sure, but its friendly appearance doesn't scream "Look at me! I'm a gym bag!" Rest assured, it does work as a gym bag, given its functional side-access shoe compartment and main storage space.

If you don’t need the extra toughness or too complex of an interior organization, the Novel is fit for a casual gym goer, with one main compartment, a classic look, two top handles, and a removable shoulder strap. Our tester also found that since its capacity is perfect for a full option of attire for the whole weekend, you can pack all your gym gear—from ropes to handles—in it too. At this price, it’s not as durable, but it does the job well.

What Do Buyers Say? " This is a quality duffel bag that is a big upgrade from the small gym bag I was trying to use for weekend and minor trips. It’s big enough to hold bulkier warmer clothes and I like the separate shoe compartment ," says one amazon.com customer.

Arc'teryx Grandville 25 Backpack

Like a duffle bag, the right backpack can have all the bells and whistles needed to get you from point A to point B. Enter Arc’teryx’s versatile version. It has a stretchy mesh laptop sleeve, zippered security pockets, a hidden pocket for small essentials, internal dividers and a light colored interior to easily spot whatever you’re digging for. In other words, it’s a two-in-one bag that works for the gym and the office.

Thanks to the internal dividers, organizing our workout duds was simple and easy, saving us more time to get ready for our morning commute. We also love that the shoulder straps and back panel are designed with airflow ventilation, which is comfortable on our shoulders and helps fight post-workout funk. Another bonus: the water-repellent finish that repels moisture, making it ideal to carry in wet conditions.

What Do Buyers Say? " My go-to companion for short trips and travels around town. Super spacious interior, this backpack can easily accommodate all the essentials for a couple of days or a quick getaway. Whether it's a change of clothes, toiletries, or even a compact camera, this bag has got me covered without feeling bulky or cumbersome, " says one arcteryx.com customer.

Troubadour Embark Compact Duffle

On the smaller side and can only pack up to 18L, Troubadour’s gym bag is for people who just need to pack clothes, towels, snacks, grooming products like deodorants, and shoes. We love that even at its small size, it still has a separate shoe compartment made with waterproof, breathable, and antimicrobial lining to keep the rest of the stuff in the bag fresh. Our tester also found that it could easily fit into a locker even when full, and is also super easy and lightweight to carry anytime, anywhere (especially with the non-slip shoulder strap that really gives our hands a break).

In addition, we love that the shell of this duffel is waterproof, and despite its mini size, it still has many compartments like mesh pockets and a bottle holder to let us access our gear easily.

What Do Buyers Say? " Fantastic bag, I'm using it for the gym - it's exactly the right size, great selection of pockets (also use it for laptop sometimes) and the separate aired compartment for shoes is a well thought out feature. Very premium quality as well, " says one troubadourgoods.com customer.

Bellroy Lite Duffel

Don't let a duffel carry you! Bellroy's duffel option is lightweight and compact, but roomy enough for carrying around all of your bits and bobs deftly. Whether it's gear like ropes and lifting belts, workout clothes, or fitness gadgets like a Theragun, the Lite duffel can handle them while letting you move free like a bird. And we love that it doesn't look too gym-ish so you can carry it to your office as well.

What Do Buyers Say? " This bag is perfect for the gym or a quick weekend trip. Very light, maternal feels high quality, right amount of pockets, and looks better in person, " says one amazon.com customer.

Alo Yoga Large Traverse Duffle

Alo Yoga’s gym duffel bag is large and in charge. The water-repellent fabric feels amazing and it comes in just the right size for a weekend getaway or storing all your gym essentials. There are two mesh pockets, one zipper pocket inside, and one big zipper pocket outside for shoes, towels, or clothes. Our tester loves that the opening is so big, so you can just stash and go.

What Do Buyers Say? " The fabric of the bag is water repellent. Strongly recommends. Good for travel, vacation, or the gym, " says one aloyoga.com customer.

FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0

This gym bag has pockets galore: a total of 10 compartments will make organizing your gym clothes, fitness gear, and personal gadgets a breeze. We love that its shoe pocket is very spacious and that in addition, it has its own wet pocket for storing wet towels, sweaty clothes, or swim trunks. There are two bottle holders as well, one for your pre-workout drink, and another for your post-workout drink.

What Do Buyers Say? " Best gym bag for the money. Great zippers, all the compartments easy to use and plenty, " says one amazon.com customer.

Ten Thousand A—L Pack 30L

So what if it's a backpack? Not everyone has the luxury of carrying a backpack for work stuff and a duffel for gym stuff to the office every day. Thankfully, Ten Thousand’s gym bag, at 30L, condenses that way of life into a roomy backpack with a shoe pocket, a big opening, and many padded pockets. It's a gym bag you can literally carry from your cubicle to the gym in your office building if you're not packing too much—just the essentials.

One more thing to know about this gym backpack is that it’s very tough, and made with a rugged ballistic nylon shell that will not tear or fray a bit. The bottom compartment is nicely ventilated to help eliminate the odor of your workout shoes and clothes. Additionally, the compression-molded back panel felt easy on our spine even after hours of carrying.

What Do Buyers Say? " There are pockets for everything and I keep finding more! It fits my shoes from the top down or a second access pocket from the bottom. It's semi-rigid and stands up for easy access in the gym, " says one tenthousand.cc customer.

How to Choose the Best Gym Bags

Type: Backpacks and duffel bags are the most basic types of carry options gym bags derive from. Even weekenders can work as a gym bag if they come with neat qualities like a compartment to keep filthy stuff away from clean stuff, or an abrasion-resistant sleeve for your electronic devices.

Size: It depends on what you'll bring to your daily session. Packing light with clothes to change into and out of along with some other small bits and bobs? Then 30 liters or below in capacity—mostly in the form of versatile backpacks—will do you just fine. If you're packing heavy with shoes, water bottles, resistance bands as well as work stuff—i.e., using your gym bag as a work bag too—then a roomy duffel is what the doctor ordered.

Compartments: Carryalls dedicated to workout activities often come with a separate shoe compartment, an insulated/waterproof pocket for sweaty stuff, protective sleeves for fitness gadgets, and, of course, pockets for protein shakes or water bottles.

Shell Materials: The exterior is just as important. Your gym bag should be made with durable fabric that can handle the heaviest load or water-resistant/waterproof fabric for unpredictable weather. Either way, the fabric should be tough enough to protect the workout clothes and gear within.

Versatility: Some gym bags, especially those made with separate compartments for shoes, insulation, and even ventilation, are dedicated to a life at the gym. But for those that aren't so exclusive, they should have a stylish, easy look to double as a weekender or duffel bag that you can bring to the office.

How We Selected

To find the best gym bags for men, our fitness editors and writers have personally tried 40 options since 2020 and tested each of them for at least two weeks by carrying them to the gym at least four to five times a week, such as carrying in Mack Weldon’s Atlas duffel from the office to the gym, stashing gear and clothes in Lululemon’s gym bag at home before heading to the nearby fitness center, or taking Under Armour’s gym backpack on a trip that involves a stop to the gym.

To get a feel for how these gym bags for men really felt and how they held up, we vetted our tested options by taking notes of their style, price point, versatility, compartments, organization, size, and performance features such as water resistance. We examined whether they could fit enough gym clothes and gear, whether they have enough compartments for organization, and whether they are easy to carry to the gym and store in the locker. This article was updated in October 2023.

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

Why Trust Us

At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here .

In addition, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. As style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—and real-life buyers whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

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The 10 Best Gym Bags That Double As Carry-Ons

Carol McPherson

Carol is an editor with SmarterTravel Media, specializing in travel writing, multimedia production, and trying every local cuisine she can find. You can follow her journeys @cj_mcpherson on Instagram.

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Travelers and gym-goers alike need a bag that will keep their gear fresh and organized while still being able to squeeze into tiny gym lockers and overhead bins. These bags all have double-duty features that make them perfect for the airplane cabin and the locker room, with some small enough to skate by as personal items. 

PopFlex Delilah Duffel

Thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of every workout, the PopFlex Delilah Duffel maxes out convenience with its shoulder and handle straps, designated cell phone and water bottle pockets, and built-in yoga mat straps. Bonus: it comes equipped with a luggage sleeve that slides easily over the handle of your rolling suitcase.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This travel gym bag is roomy enough that an efficient packer could use it for a weekend trip but small enough to pass as a personal item. 

Size: 16.73” x 12.59” x 8.07”

Gymshark Medium Everyday Gym Bag

A major player on the fitness scene since its founding in 2012, Gymshark doesn’t disappoint with its Medium Everyday Gym Bag . Outfitted with a shoe compartment, exterior organizational pockets, and a spacious interior, this 40L duffel can easily hold everything you need for a weekend trip.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: The wet pocket, designed to hold your used gym clothes after a workout, is a great place to store your plastic bag of TSA-compliant liquids in case of spillage.

Size:   21.6” x 11.4” x 9.8”

Cotopaxi Ligera Duffel Bag

If the lightweight design, removable straps, and whimsical color combos don’t sell you on the Cotopaxi Ligera Duffel Bag , the fact that it folds down into its own self-contained carrying case definitely will. Weighing just over 1lb, this bag has a separate side pocket for gym shoes, exterior zipper pockets for personal items, and can hold up to 45L at its max capacity.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: Able to compress into its own carrying case, this duffel stores away easily between gym sessions and can be packed away within larger luggage.

Size: 25” x 13” x 13” 

Haven Athletic Large Duffel

If you value organization above all, the Haven Athletic Large Duffel is the only option for your gym routine and in-flight needs. The subdivided interior features seven varying-sized sections, with a structured shoe tunnel at the bottom, two interior mesh pockets, and several exterior pockets. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: The patented interior organization system was designed for the gym but can be easily used to keep travel gear separated and organized.

Size: 23” x 12” x 11”

The Beis Sport Duffel

Already known for their stylish and functional travel gear, it’s a guarantee that Beis’s take on the sport duffel is the perfect gym bag for travel. Its small size can easily pass as a personal item, and the stow-away backpack straps, removable shoulder strap, and built-in luggage sleeve make it a breeze to carry through the airport. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: A bonus ‘dirt bag’ is included, perfect for storing dirty gym shoes or organizing small items for easy in-flight access.

Size: 10″ x 17″ x 8.5″

10 Ultralight Rolling Carry-on Bags Under 6 Pounds

Herschel Classic Gym Bag

This gym bag is all about the elevated vintage vibes, with its classic barrel shape, simple color scheme, and minimal branding. The fabric and lining are made from 100% post-consumer water bottles, perfect for the eco-conscious traveler, and the bag has an interior storage space of about 27L.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This bag can be carried by the handles or removable shoulder straps. 

Size: Not stated

UA Undeniable 5.0 XS Duffel Bag

Under Armour is notorious for its long-lasting and sturdy athletic gear, so it makes sense that an Underarmour Duffel Bag would also stand up to the test of travel. The characteristics that make it a top-performing gym bag—like the water-resistant finish, vented laundry pocket, and multi-carry straps—make it the ideal carry-on. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: The vented laundry pocket is the perfect place to store gym clothes after a workout or a change of clothes on your flight.

Size: 8.7″ x 8.9″ x 17.6″

Alo Yoga Large Traverse Duffel

It’s back to basics with this studio bag from Alo , but that doesn’t make it any less functional. This bag is ideal for those who prefer spacious, open interiors rather than pre-determined organizational systems. The sleek black handles, piping around the edge, and silver accents are perfect for the minimalist traveler.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This oversized gym duffel bag is perfect for packing large or uniquely shaped items or fitness gear.

Size: 22″ x 10.25″ x 13″

Tumi McCoy Gym Bag

The McCoy Gym Bag condenses the dependability of Tumi luggage into a reliable gym bag. The sturdy structure of this bag is reminiscent of soft-side rolling luggage, keeping its shape while allowing for flexibility when packing. Add a custom monogram for a flare of individuality and to prevent any baggage mix-ups. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This bag comes with a built-in TSA-approved lock, keeping your items safe while traveling and secure while working out.

Size: 11.0″ X 19.0″ X 9.5″

The North Face 42L Base Camp Duffel

This gym bag from The North Face that doubles as a backpack is a winner whether you’re saving your sore arms after a few reps or running through the airport to make your connection. The shoe compartment is on the side of the bag rather than at the bottom, freeing up valuable internal storage space.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This gym bag backpack comes with a 15” padded laptop sleeve, perfect for protecting your tech while traveling or stowing your laptop during a post-work gym session.

Size: 20.5″ x 8″ x 12.5″

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11 Gym Bags That Make Holding Your Workout Essentials and Commuting to Work a Breeze

These top-rated gym bags are Shape editor tested and approved.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• What to Know

Why Trust Shape

Shape / David Hattan

Any bag can be a gym bag if you take it to the gym...right? Sure, you can get by using the same tote bag you use for work or that backpack you've had since college. But if you're forcing your other bags that are just bags to do double duty and hold your favorite sneakers , hair-growth serums , and supplements , chances are, you're struggling on the commute and may or may not be a disorganized mess.

"The best gym bags have as many pockets possible, typically are made with waterproof or water-resistant materials, and are compact enough to fit into a gym locker and under your desk at work," says Summer Cartwright, Shape's senior commerce editor, and a certified cycling instructor. "You can find a good gym bag for under $100, but the shockingly fabulous, incredibly durable, attractive ones are usually close to $150. It's important to figure out what matters most to you — budget, functionality, or aesthetics."

With these key factors in mind, the Shape team set out to find the best gym bags through extensive research , expert recommendations, and rigorous reviewing to bring you our top picks. Read on below for our critical and honest findings.

Best Gym Bag Overall

Calpak fit gym bag.

Lots of pockets inside and outside

Luggage trolley sleeve

Shoe compartment

Yoga mat strap

No slot for laptops

Weight: 1.5 lbs | Volume: 25L | Dimensions: 19.25" x 12.75" x 8"

If you're looking for a high-quality gym bag that'll fit a lot without feeling incredibly uncomfortable during a commute, this is the one for you. Calpak's new gym bag is constructed with so many pockets inside (some are mesh and zippered, others are open) and outside for toiletries, wallets, keys, sweaty clothes, etc. The brand thought of everything in making this bag — it has a water bottle pocket, yoga strap, separated shoe compartment, and luggage trolley sleeve, and it's made with water-resistant material and lined with an anti-microbial finish.

"I fit four pairs of shoes, a protein shake, my keys and personal items, dry shampoo, hair spray, two pairs of shorts, and a sports bra in here with ease," says Cartwright. "The adjustable strap is thinner than other gym bags I've used, but somehow this made it more comfortable during the commute to our downtown office."

• IMAGE: SHAPE.

Best Budget Gym Bag

Focusgear ultimate gym bag 2.0 duffel bag.

Two bottle holders

Large opening

Wet pockets

Not super aesthetic

Weight: 1.65 lbs. | Volume: Unlisted | Dimensions: 15" x 11" x 10.5"

This duffle bag from FocusGear features everything you could ever need in a gym bag — and nothing you don't. The oversized shoe compartment is big enough to stash any size gym sneaker . This gym bag features two outer mesh pockets to hold your water bottle and your post-workout beverage of choice. No matter what else you need to stash in this bag, you'll have no trouble finding space in any of the ten total compartments. 

Best Lightweight Gym Bag

Sportsnew sports gym bag.

Waterproof lining

Material isn't as durable as others listed

Weight: 1.1 lbs. | Volume: Unlisted | Dimensions: 18" x 12" x 10"

This gym bag has so much more to appreciate than its shockingly affordable price. Featuring a spacious shoe compartment, this interior lining of the gym bag is made from waterproof PVC to protect the interior from the dampness and odor of post-workout clothes . Plus, the outer compartment is perfect for easy access to your phone or keys. 

Best Gym Bag With Shoe Compartment

Iceivy gym duffle bag.

Can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag

Eight color options

Comes with drawstring for sweaty clothes

Shoe pocket might be too small for larger sneakers (above size W9)

Weight: 1.18 lbs. | Volume: Unlisted | Dimensions: 19" x 8.7" x 10.2"

ICEIVY's ventilated shoe compartment is just one of many things to love about this gym bag. The main compartment has storage for wet clothes and dry items. The extra storage capacity on this bag means you can fit almost anything you want to take. Headed to yoga? No problem — the outer straps on this bag will keep your yoga mat secured!

Best Gym Bag For Travel

Calpak luka duffel bag.

Plush material

Lots of fun color options

A whopping nine pockets

Not waterproof

Weight: 2 lbs. | Volume: 25L | Dimensions: 12" x 16" x 8"

This lightweight duffel is just the right size for gym essentials but can also double as a travel bag for overnight trips. With 20 different color options, finding the right shade to pair with your favorite workout looks is easy. This bag features a separate shoe compartment with a trolley sleeve option. 

"I use this for weekends away and days when I'm going from the gym to the office to an event to post-event drinks, and back home," says Cartwright. "I can fit a lot of stuff in here. In fact, I might be able to fit too much, because I often find myself overpacking this baby and struggling to carry it more than 10 blocks."

Best Gym Bag Backpack

Away the outdoor backpack 26l.

Ideal bag for commuters

Water- and abrasion-resistant

Laptop pocket

Not as roomy as others

Weight: 1.74 lbs. | Volume: 26L | Dimensions: 19" x 12.6" x 7.7"

If a backpack is your ideal type of gym bag, this option from Away is durable and stylish. It features two side pocket water bottle holders, a laptop compartment, an interior pocket, plus a front pocket for easy access to any items you need to keep handy (like your heart rate monitor or favorite antiperspirant ). We love that the exterior is abrasion-resistant, making it ideal for hiking and braving the elements.

Best Gym Bag That Doesn't Look Like A Gym Bag

Lululemon go getter bag 2.0.

Supremely stylish

Water bottle pocket

Padded handles for comfort

No separate shoe compartment

Weight: Unlisted | Volume: 25L | Dimensions: 18.5" x 8.9" x 12.6"

If you're looking for a gym bag that doesn't necessarily scream "gym bag," this chic black bag from Lululemon is a fashion-forward pick. You can easily go from a day at the office to your workout of choice thanks to its sleek design and interior padded pocket to safely store your work laptop. 

Best Gym Bag Splurge

Mz wallace nik.

16 (!!!!) pockets

Fits large 16-inch laptop

Natural, durable nylon and leather materials

Strap is a bit uncomfortable to wear

Weight: 2.1 lbs. | Volume: Unlisted | Dimensions: 16.93" × 7.09" × 12.20"

MZ Wallace bags are an investment — but we think this model is worth the splurge. The bag features a whopping nine interior pockets, including one for your laptop, and seven exterior pockets for anything you need to grab while you're on the go. Though the bag is lightweight, it's also incredibly durable and will look good as new through the years. 

Best Compact Gym Bag

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Five size options

Vegan materials used

Can fit tablets to large laptops, depending on size chosen

Bigger size options have more features

Weight: 1 lb. | Volume: 5L | Dimensions: 9” x 4.75” x 6.25”

Breathable compartments, water-resistant lining, and a versatile strap. What more could you want in a gym bag? The Landon Carryall comes in extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large sizes, but we think the medium is just right. The snaps on the outer sides of this bag can make it even more compact if you prefer!

Best Gym Bag For Commuting

Athleta all about duffle.

Trolley sleeve

Yoga mat straps

Bottom of this bag isn't as sturdy as others on the list

Weight: Unlisted | Volume: Unlisted | Dimensions: 18" x 12" x 8"

Whether you're commuting by train, bus, or even on a work trip, the All About Duffle features have you covered. Secure it to your luggage using the trolley strap, stash it in the overhead bin on your work flight, or take it to the gym. Made from recycled polyester, this bag is also water-repellent.

Best Extra Large Gym Bag

Knkg plus duffel.

Comes with a 25-year warranty

Supremely durable

Heaviest model on the list

Weight: 2.8 lb. | Volume: 33L | Dimensions: 1 1" x 16" x 11"

Imagine buying a gym bag and not having to replace it for another 25 years. The folks at KNKG are so sure this gym bag will stand the test of time that it comes with a warranty. We love it for that reason, but we also can't get over how big this bag is without being too cumbersome. With four accessory compartments, a shoe compartment, and the capacity to hold over 30 liters, this gym bag is an overpacker's dream. 

What to Know About Gym Bags

• Material: Gym bags come in various materials, with polyester, canvas, nylon and vinyl being popular choices. "Polyester is lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean, but may not be as durable as other materials," says Mansour. Canvas is a sturdier option, but Mansour says this can be difficult to clean and not always water-resistant. Nylon is a lightweight, water-resistant and easy-to-clean option, but Mansour says this may show wear over time. Vinyl is another water-resistant, easy-to-clean and affordable choice — but may peel or crack over time.
• Size: The ideal size gym bag depends on what you plan to carry to your workouts. "If you're planning on carrying training shoes , workout clothes, a change of towels, skincare essentials , and other accessories, a larger bag with multiple compartments can be more practical," says Mansour. "Some specifics to look for when choosing the perfect size would be portability, comfort, and storage capacity."
• Features: Some essential features to look for in a gym bag include adjustable straps, proper ventilation, durability, and compartments. "Multiple compartments help you stay organized by providing designated spaces for your water bottle, phone, keys, and other smaller items," says Mansour. "A separate shoe compartment feature allows you to keep your dirty shoes separate from your clean clothes, preventing any odor or dirt transfer."

Danielle Page has spent the past 13 years writing about health, fitness, and products that help readers look and feel their best. Analyzing research and data and compiling expert commentary to find the best product for the job is what she does best. As a chronic over-packer, she's happy to help others find the best gym bag to carry all the essentials — and a few non-essentials, just in case.

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25 Best Gym Bags for Women to Store All Your Workout Essentials

These top-rated gym bags are stylish, spacious, and easy to carry.

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?

We updated this article in April 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

Everyone knows that a good workout requires the best running shoes , a great reusable water bottle , and all the best workout gear—but what about something to hold all those essentials in? The best gym bags for women will make it easy to carry everything you need for a sweaty workout or yoga session, making trips to and from the gym more seamless and organized.

The good news is, no matter your style or sport, there’s a gym bag out there for you. You might prefer a handy duffel bag or a stylish tote—or maybe you’re devoted to a good old-fashioned backpack. You’ll want to consider all the specific features you’ll need, too—like a dedicated compartment for your sneakers, waterproof pockets for sweaty unmentionables (you know the ones), and even a handy sleeve for your laptop (if you’re heading to the office afterwards). And of course, you’ll want enough space for multiple sets of clothes—including your best pair of workout leggings .

Luckily, we’ve done the leg work for you by scouring reviews to find the best of the best. Below, shop the best gym bags for women that are durable, stylish, and will sweating it out in the gym so much easier.

Our top picks

Best Women’s Gym Bag Overall

Herschel supply co. strand duffel bag.

Best Value Women’s Gym Bag

Leolake sports gym bag.

Best Women's Gym Bag Backpack

Lululemon crew backpack 22l.

Best Classic Women’s Gym Bag

Nike women’s gym club.

Most Versatile Women’s Gym Bag

Calpak stevyn duffle bag.

Best Women’s Gym Bag for Yoga

Y.u.m.c. travel yoga gym bag for women.

Athleta Excursion Backpack

Best Women’s Gym Duffel Bag

Béis the sport duffle.

Best Women’s Gym Tote Bag

Longchamp le pliage tote.

Best Convertible Women’s Gym Bag

Thule thule subterra convertible carry on 40l, best overall: herschel supply co. strand duffel bag.

Canadian bag company Herschel gives you the ability to release the s nap-down sides for a few more inches of room when you need to squeeze in shoes or other bulky items. A convenient pocket makes organizing all your stuff super easy.

“I bought this bag as a carry-on for a European trip. It was perfect: lightweight, big enough to carry all the things I needed for a long flight, and easy to fit in an overhead bin,” wrote one satisfied reviewer. “The outside pockets allow you to stash things you need at the ready.”

Best Value: LeoLake Gym Bag

This duffel has everything you need in a gym bag with a simple construction and affordable price point . Enjoy its independent shoe compartment and a wet towel pouch for sweaty stuff. Carry it using tote handles or an adjustable shoulder strap. With over 5,000 5-star global ratings, it’s an Amazon customer favorite. Now that’s impressive.

Best Backpack: Lululemon New Crew Backpack 22L

If you’re looking for the perfect backpack that easily transitions from the office to the gym, look no further than this pick from Lululemon. It features everything from an interior padded pocket for your laptop and an exterior pocket for your water bottle—not to mention, it’s also designed with water-repellent fabric.

“This backpack was EXACTLY what I was looking for!” writes one reviewer. “The backpack has a lot of compartments and holds all items I would need for the gym including shoes, outfits and plenty of space for items like deodorant, dry shampoo etc...The material is so nice and I feel it will be easy to clean! Don’t hesitate to buy the backpack!”

Best Classic: Nike Women’s Gym Club

You can’t get any more classic than this simple, no-fuss Nike gym duffel bag. Reviewers rave that it’s the perfect size, being spacious enough to hold all your gym essentials, and is also durable while also being lightweight. The black color way is a classic, of course, but there are also four other colorful options to choose from, too.

“Absolutely love this. Nice and spacey inside and super breathable material. The straps are comfortable and the long strap is detachable,” writes one reviewer on Amazon.

Most Versatile: Calpak Stevyn Duffel

A duffel bag never looked so chic—or more functional. This sleek pick has plenty of interior and exterior pockets, but the real winning feature is a handy bottom zip-up compartment at the base that holds multiple pairs of shoes, which reviewers rave is super-spacious and convenient. Plus, it comes with a removable and adjustable crossbody strap in addition to its sturdy top carry handles, making it perfectly versatile for the gym as well as for travel.

“I am so happy with this duffel bag. It is cute, a great size, and a great price,” writes one shopper. “I think the real winner is the bottom compartment—it is SO much bigger than it looks. This looks so sleek and feels gym and travel ready!”

Best for Yoga: Y.U.M.C. Travel Yoga Gym Bag

Looking for a reliable—and stylish—gym bag to take to your yoga classes? Made of a waterproof fabric, this top-rated Amazon pick has a built-in strap designed to hold a full-size yoga mat, as well as plenty of pockets and compartments to store all your other yoga essentials—including a separate compartment to store your shoes. Plus, it comes in two different size options and six different colors to choose from.

Raves one Amazon reviewer: “I am OBSESSED with this bag. It’s perfect and is everything I was looking for in a gym bag. All the little details, like the plastic lined pocket inside and the two vents for the shoe compartment. Holds everything, so much room. 5 stars!”

Best Outdoor Workout Gym Bag: Athleta Excursion Bag

If you need a gym bag that you can also take on outdoor excursions—whether that’s long walks, hikes, or everything in between—the Athleta Excursion Bag is a great option. It has plenty of pockets to store all your essentials—including exterior pockets for easy access—and is also made of a lightweight, tear-resistant fabric.

“This is the perfect backpack for all different types of occasions/sports,” says one reviewer on Athleta’s website. “It is small, lightweight and yet durable. It has enough pockets that are easy to access when on a hike, going to the gym or just running around town. Perfect, color, shape, size and fabric. It’s become my everyday go-to bag.”

Best Duffel: Béis Travel The Sport Duffel

If you’re looking for a stylish duffel that can hold all your essentials in one place, this sport bag is it. While many gym bags tend to be on the larger side, this pick was designed to fit perfectly into a gym locker, features padded backpack straps, and comes with a dirt bag to store messy shoes . It also has two carrying handles as well as a convenient removable strap just in case it gets a little heavy.

One reviewer noted: “This bag is a game-changer! I love the space of the bag and how much storage there is! I can hold all my gym things and look fashionable doing so.”

Best Tote: Longchamp Le Pliage Tote

Longchamp’s Le Pliage tote is one of Kate Middleton ’s favorite gym bags (the Duchess of Cambridge has been photographed carrying it many times). But the tote has acquired a cult following of its own with more than 1.7K reviews on Nordstrom. Made with water-resistant nylon , this sophisticated gym bag—which disguises as a regular purse—is perfect for running errands around town. And of course, the interior has plenty of space for storing all of your essentials.

“I honestly first started looking for this tote because I am royal-struck enough to want to buy something that Kate Middleton has been photographed with—and I could afford!” one Nordstrom reviewer admitted. “It’s good-sized, very attractive, and sturdy.”

Best Convertible: Thule Subterra Convertible Carry On 40L

This versatile nylon bag is easily convertible from a shoulder bag to a backpack and vice versa, and offers a generous 40-liter-capacity that can hold all your essentials—including your bike clothes and helmet, a towel, and toiletries. Plus, there’s a removable laptop sleeve, a zippered mesh divider, and even a multi-purpose compartment you can keep your shoes.

“While obviously designed as a weekend or carry-on bag, this could double as a daily gym-bag for those of us that may travel with a lot of gear on a daily basis,” writes one Amazon shopper. “I particularly like the several pockets and sections that allows me to organize my clothes and travel gear and the quality of the manufacturing...The hide-away straps that allow you to convert the bag into a backpack are well-padded, strong and reinforced with a connecting strap that helps stabilize it if you decide to use it way.”

Best Size: Lululemon Go Getter 2.0 Gym Bag

Lululemon go getter tote 2.0.

Laptop pocket, check. Discreet, smell-proof pocket for sweaty gear, check. Big hauling capacity, double-check. The 18.5 x 8.9 x 12.6-inch dimensions let you pack everything you’ll need for a weekend destination race and still carry the bag comfortably over your shoulder.

One Lululemon customer wrote, “Life-changing bag! I was able to combine my work backpack and my gym tote bag all in this sleek stunner. Can honestly say this bag makes me want to go to the gym.”

Top-Rated: Dagne Dover Large Landon Carryall Gym Bag

Dagne dover medium landon neoprene carryall duffle bag.

This travel-savvy duffel (with nearly a five-star Nordstrom rating) is made for active people. While it looks sleek and compact on the outside, the roomy inside features a padded laptop sleeve, a key leash, and a small nylon bag for dirty workout clothes or sneakers. It also has two pockets big enough to hold water bottles, and an external compartment to store your phone and wallet. With two handles and a removable cross-body strap, this bag offers multiple carrying options to switch it up. Oh, and it comes in five vibrant colors. What’s not to love?

Best Splurge: Mz Wallace Medium Metro Tote

Mz wallace medium metro deluxe tote.

This lightweight, water- and stain-resistant bag holds nearly everything. There are two interior cell pockets, a card slot, and a laptop compartment . The bottom has little leather feet to protect the bag from dirt and moisture, and the handles taper for a good-sized grip.

Alo Yoga Tote Bag

Alo yoga utility tote bag.

This Alo Yoga pick isn’t your typical tote bag—it features a unique bungee closure for a stylish and functional look, and also has three different types of straps that you can choose from depending on your preference: backpack style straps, short handles, or long adjustable over-the-shoulder straps. Made of a lightweight fabric, it also has multiple pockets and a middle divider for easy organization.

“This bag was such a worthwhile purchase,” writes one reviewer. “It’s roomy yet not bulky. It holds my set of foam blocks, boxing gloves and other gym stuff. I really like the 3 handle/carrying options! This is a great bag!”

Under Armour Women’s Undeniable Signature Duffel Bag

Under armour women's undeniable signature duffle bag.

Stylish and functional, this duffel bag from Under Armour is perfect for the gym: It’s made of water-resistant nylon, has an adjustable strap, and features handy side panels —including a spacious vented pocket for storing your shoes or your dirty gym clothes, as well as a mesh pocket on the other.

“I absolutely love this gym bag, from the color to the size,” writes one reviewer on Amazon. “It can carry everything necessary for the gym and after. The material seems very durable and sturdy yet it looks finely made.”

BEULPTN Small Gym Bag

This cute, stylish bag from Amazon is not only made of water-resistant nylon material and has multiple interior and exterior pockets (including a shoe, it also comes with a handy matching toiletry bag that you can store the items you need for post-workout showers. Its sling strap is also detachable and adjustable—not to mention, there’s a whopping 15 total colors to choose from.

Raves one reviewer: “It is perfect! The front pockets are perfect for my personal belongings and snacks (easy access!). The shoe compartment on the side is great because now my shoes won’t stink up my clothes. The colors are beautiful (pink and green) and I’ve already gotten so many compliments on it! Definitely recommend.”

Vera Bradley Sport Bag

Vera bradley reactive sport gym travel bag.

Wear this innovative design as a backpack or a tote thanks to its adjustable straps. Its material is made of recycled PET water bottles, which makes it durable and water-resistant, and its bottom zipper compartment is perfect for storing shoes separate from everything else.

“I was so happy to discover this bag because it is exactly what I wanted!” one reviewer wrote. “The straps are perfect for hanging it in my locker or shower. I love the drawstring top to easily access my gear. It’s the perfect size and the zipper compartment is great for storing items I do not need every day but want to have with me.”

Adidas Squad Duffel Bag

Adidas squad 5 duffel bag.

Some gym bags don’t pretend to be anything else, and the Squad Duffel is one such honest broker. It looks exactly like what it is: an awesome locker-room valet. A side-accessible pocket will swallow your muddy shoes, a mesh pocket on the other side holds your drink, and the spacious inner area takes care of everything else.

One Amazon reviewer wrote, “There are multiple compartments for your small items, dirty clothes, sneakers, and clean clothes. There is also ventilation on the side pocket for your sneakers and dirty clothes.”

Aurorae Gym Cross Body Sling Bag

Aurorae yoga mat/gym cross-body travel sling backpack.

This bag is definitely cute enough to carry around all day. The outer zippered compartments keep your keys at the ready, while the inner pockets hold your toiletries and wallet, so you can grab them easily. The inner space is devoted to your gear with a designated area for your kicks. Plus, the shoulder straps are adjustable. The best part? It has a specialized mat-locker system that secures yoga mats that are five pounds and under .

“It’s a great sling backpack and I love that it has lots of pockets,” added one reviewer. “It feels and carries like it’s very durable. I can throw my yoga clothes in the main pocket with toiletries in the others.”

Sweaty Betty Convertible Tote Bag

A two-for-one special, this versatile, compact bag can be worn as a tote or backpack. The features include two external tote bag straps, a bungee cord, branded keyring, two scuba side pockets, and internal slip pockets . It’s also made of recycled plastic and comes in two colorways, black and white.

“My new favorite bag,” wrote one satisfied Sweaty Betty shopper. “Great pockets in the right places, easy zips, and computer internal pocket as well. The best part is it can be a backpack, too!”

Wandf Foldable Travel Duffel Bag

This affordable option folds into a slim square , perfect for stowing away in your purse for an after-work bag change, or in your car for emergencies. It’s made of moisture-wicking fabric, has an outside pocket for your phone. And for travel, it can conveniently slide over the handle of your rolling suitcase.

Away The Packable Carryall

This lightweight tote is the perfect gym bag for those who aren’t fans of cross-body bags. Easy to tote on your commute, this bag is made of 100% recycled nylon, has interior zip closures with plastic pulls, and a pocket at the back that can secure it to any suitcase for a hassle-free ride.

One reviewer wrote, “It’s huge, it fits SO much. I used it as a travel bag and then on arrival, it became a perfect beach bag. It’s lightweight and comfy to carry.”

Nike Brasilia Medium Training Backpack

Sportsnew Sports Gym Bag

Sportsnew sports gym bag.

Whether you’re going out for a hike or running errands, this lightweight gym bag is ideal for storing all of your essentials in one compact spot. It features one large compartment, separated by a shoe spot and two slip-in mesh pockets . There’s also a designated space to store up to two water bottles.

“This bag is well put together and has everything I need,” wrote one satisfied Amazon customer. “I love the area to put my wet clothes and the bottom area for my shoes. The outside pocket is a plus.”

Adidas Unisex Alliance II Sackpack

Adidas alliance ii sackpack.

Prefer something lightweight and easy to carry? Opt for this affordable pick. Featuring adjustable drawstring cords, dual mesh water bottle pockets, and front zip pockets , you can use it for the gym, but also on a trip to the beach.

“Fantastic tote!” one shopper wrote. “Great size for running errands or if you just don’t want to carry a bunch of things loose in your hands. Great pockets, love that it can be a backpack and a tote back. Strongly recommend!”

How to choose the best gym bag

✔️ Consider the durability. If you’re constantly heading to the gym during the week and on weekends, you may want to consider spending a bit more for a quality bag crafted from heavy-duty fabrics and materials. But if you prefer going once or twice a week, you can opt for something more affordable and relaxed.

✔️ Look for unique features. The best gym bags are the ones you can store as many things as possible in. Check for picks that have shoe compartments, water bottle pouches, zippers, removable straps, and more.

✔️ Consider versatility. Gym bags can be both functional and stylish. We recommend finding a bag that can double as a carry-on, hold enough clothes for a few days, and still be a reasonable size to fit into your gym locker.

How we chose the best gym bags for women

To find the best gym bags for women, we poured through through countless customer reviews to find picks that can carry everything you need for a successful sweat sesh, but also have multi-functional usages, too.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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10 Best Gym Bags of 2024, According to Fitness Gear Experts

Stylish and durable picks that you'll want to carry everywhere — not just to the gym.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Sure, you can shove your workout gear into any old bag and head out the door, but once you get to your gym , your things might just end up being a jumbled mess — and forget about afterward when everything smells like sweat!

If you're using a disorganized, worn-out gym bag, consider upgrading to a bag that's full of functional features like an open compartment for workout tops and leggings , zippered pockets for your phone and keys, a holder for your favorite water bottle and a separate space for your go-to running shoes . Whether you prefer an oversized duffel, a convenient backpack , a lightweight drawstring bag or a trendy tote , we've found the best gym bags out there.

Best Overall Gym Bag

Nike brasilia 9.5 training duffel bag.

Best Value Gym Bag

Puma evercat candidate duffel bag.

Best Simple Gym Bag

Herschel novel duffel bag.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests all kinds of fitness gear, including gym bags. We evaluate bags in the Lab using our specialized equipment to determine durability and performance properties like abrasion resistance, packability, ease of use and more. We also share them with consumer testers who have a chance to use the bags and provide us with feedback. We've recently evaluated more than 70 duffels, backpacks and totes, collecting over 1,700 data points for analysis . For this article, we assessed our data, searched the internet to find popular gym bags from top-tested brands and asked GH analysts and editors for their personal favorites.

Keep reading for a helpful shopping guide and for insight into how we evaluate bags in the Lab, but first, here are our top gym bag picks.

An iconic bag from an iconic brand, the Nike Brasilia duffel has been popular with gym-goers for years . This newer version is made with at least 65% recycled polyester and features a coated bottom that the brand says helps to protect your belongings from spills or scrapes. The handles and removable shoulder strap are padded for comfortable carrying, and it features three enclosed zippered pockets and an easy-access mesh pocket. A zippered shoe compartment keeps sweaty sneakers and dirty gym clothes separate from your other gear.

Some reviewers wish the pockets were deeper to organize larger belongings, but with 60 L of storage space, you'll still be able to fit everything you need inside. One user who carried this bag regularly for nearly a decade told us, "It was a great size to fit everything I needed — my shoes, workout clothes, a water bottle and even a basketball."

This duffel from Puma is priced under $30, has more than 34,000 reviews and has earned an impressive 4.7-star rating on Amazon. It's loved by users who say i t 's surprisingly spacious and stylish to boot.

Despite its more compact size, the bag is full of features to help you pack everything you need for your next trip to the gym. Inside, you'll find one main compartment for larger items, and on the outside, there are two large zip pockets with breathable mesh panels (one that can be used as shoe storage) and a smaller zip pocket for essentials like keys or an ID.

A removable shoulder strap and carrying handles allow for easy transport, and it comes in 18 fun color combos including blacks and grays with pops of pink. Plus, it's machine washable — a must to get rid of sweaty gym odors. Most reviewers are happy with the sturdy polyester material, but some noted fraying at the seams and even tearing with extended use; however, we still think the duffel is worth it for the low price tag.

If you're looking for a high-quality gym bag but don't need all of the bells and whistles , consider this pick from Herschel. The N0vel Duffel is a top-tested duffel bag that looks great and aced our GH Textiles Lab tests. The polyester material showed no signs of wear in our abrasion tests, and we found that it was easy to pack with a full load of items including clothing, shoes and toiletries.

There's one large compartment with a small mesh zipper pocket inside, and on the outside of the bag, you'll find an open side pocket and separate zippered storage to stash a pair of tennis shoes. We and our testers alike are fans of the sturdy faux leather carrying handles that are comfortable to grip, and we appreciate the thick padding on the shoulder strap. However, one tester shared that the shoulder strap clips aren't very sturdy, adding that one of the plastic hooks broke with extended use.

Under Armour Undeniable 5.0 Duffle

According to thousands of Amazon reviewers, this $40 duffel from Under Armour makes for a perfect gym bag. U sers say it holds way more than they expected, adding that they can fit all of their sports equipment and apparel inside with room to spare. The featured bag offers 58 L of storage space for your gym gear, but if you need more or less space, the bag also comes in extra small, small, large and even extra large sizing.

Some of the bag's organizational features include two outer mesh pockets with elastic openings to secure a water bottle and a vented compartment for sweaty shoes or gym clothes. Know that some online reviewers with larger shoe sizes and bulkier shoes couldn't fit their sneakers inside. We appreciate the foam-padded bottom and the water-repellent finish to keep your things safe inside. The bag has a set of carrying handles and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap with padding for maximum convenience and comfort.

Adidas Alliance 2 Sackpack

You don't always need to bring every piece of equipment to the gym, so when you just want a change of clothes, opt for a drawstring bag. While most drawstring bags are simple with only one opening to stow away your things, this one from Adidas features additional pockets for better organization, and it's only $15 — a total steal. Store larger items inside, and use the zippered pocket on the outside to stash your keys or a pair of earbuds . It's even got a mesh bottle holder for a shaker bottle or your water.

Online reviewers say the polyester bag feels sturdy and that the drawstrings are easy to use. One GH analyst who has this bag says it has held up to years of regular use and added that it's comfy to wear. It comes in tons of different color combinations including basic blacks and grays and bolder pinks and greens, but the price may vary depending on the color you choose. The brand also only recommends spot-cleaning the bag with soap and water when it gets dirty.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 40L

Our best overall duffel bag pick, the Patagonia Black Hole is a great option to carry all of your gym gear and is built to last. The durable duffel is made with a recycled polyester ripstop material that's coated in a laminate film and a durable water-repellent finish , so it's tough and easy to clean. Unlike most duffels with a shoulder strap, this one comes with carrying handles and removable padded backpack straps for easy toting.

The lid of the bag unzips to reveal an open space for your things, and a small zippered pocket contains a key clip so you won't have to fumble through your bag to find them. There's also a mesh pocket for breathable storage in the lid of the duffel, and the front of the bag is lined with daisy chains to attach anything that won't fit inside. We love that the bag compresses down into its own pocket for compact storage. The rigid material can make it difficult to fold down, though, so you might experience some difficulty when compressing it.

Gymshark Sleek Backpack

This thoughtfully designed backpack from Gymshark is functional enough to bring to the gym but sleek enough to carry to work. It unzips to reveal one spacious compartment with a thin fabric sleeve to hold a notepad or an iPad, and there's a separate structured, padded sleeve on the back of the bag to stow your laptop.

A wet compartment on the bottom of the bag can be used to hold sweaty towels or tennis shoes, and the brand even recommends using it to store your meal prep. There are also two external zippered pockets with lots of room for small items like a pair of headphones or your wallet, as well as a stretch water bottle holder on each side of the bag.

We appreciate that the backpack stays standing up when you set it on the ground, thanks to the structured flat bottom. We were also impressed by the smooth waterproof polyurethane material to keep your belongings safe from wet weather or protein shake spills. Padded shoulder straps allow for comfortable carrying, and there's a chest clip for a better fit and feel. Know that we struggled a bit when pulling the zippers open and closed.

Calpak Compakt Duffel Bag

Sure to stand out, this bag from Calpak comes in fun options like this cheetah print, along with a rotating selection of vibrant shades and funky patterns like bright pink or checkerboard.

The Compakt collection is a favorite of GH Textiles Lab analysts who love the coordinating duffels, trendy totes and organizational pouches. The duffel bag is more compact than other picks but still has plenty of room in its large main compartment, plus it's super lightweight at less than a pound. It completely folds into its own zippered pocket, which means it's guaranteed to easily fit in your gym locker or car trunk.

The bag opens into one storage compartment and features two zipper pockets to stash away smaller items. There's even a luggage sleeve on the outside so you can slide it over the handle of a carry-on bag when you travel. We also love that it's made with thin yet durable nylon ripstop material. And it's water-resistant, so it can be easily wiped clean of any messes or spills.

Popflex Ella Duffel

Ideal for a dedicated yogi or someone who brings their own workout mat to the gym, the "Studio Edition" of the Ella duffel bag from Popflex features a built-in yoga mat sleeve .

The soft neoprene gym bag is a favorite of GH Institute Nutrition Lab Director Stefani Sassos who says it's "thoughtfully made" and "has held up well" over time. It's on the smaller side but is filled with plenty of pockets and straps to keep you organized, including an inner zippered pocket, two inner mesh pockets, three pen pockets, two water bottle straps, a laptop pocket and a key ring. Plus, there are two additional easy-access outer pockets and a shoe compartment.

You can carry the bag either with its attached handles or a detachable shoulder strap. Some online reviewers say the shoulder strap could be improved, adding that it doesn't feature any padding and that the plastic strap clips sometimes squeak. According to some reviewers, the color you receive may vary slightly from the color depicted online.

Lululemon City Adventurer Tote Bag 27L

This tote from Lululemon is compact and easy to carry but boasts up to 27 liters of space to hold all of your workout clothes and small accessories. It's designed with a unique expansion system: if you need more space, unzip the body of the bag to expose a gusset to increase its packing capacity. There are also two zippered pockets to hold smaller items — one inside and one outside — and the interior of the bag is lined with tons of elastic pockets for more organization, too.

Our testers who tried the duffel version were wowed by the smooth outer material, sharing that it felt durable and lightweight. We appreciate that it's water-repellent, so it's easy to wipe away spills or messes, but it's spot clean only, which means you can't put the tote in the washer for a deeper clean. The stylish tote is a versatile option that you can carry to the gym or work or even travel with, thanks to the convenient, subtle luggage sleeve.

How we choose the best gym bags

At Good Housekeeping Institute , we regularly test fitness gear and bags of all kids. As part of our testing, we evaluate duffels, totes and backpacks that can be worn as gym bags using our specialized Textiles Lab equipment.

We also share the bags with consumer testers who try them on their own and provide us with real-user feedback about their experiences. In recent years, we've tested more than 70 different styles, amassing over 1,700 data points for analysis. To choose the best gym bags, we reviewed our data to find picks that performed well in Textiles Lab tests and asked GH analysts and editors to share their go-to styles.

Not all of our picks has been formally tested in the Textiles Lab, but when we do test bags in the Lab, we evaluate performance and durability properties. To assess abrasion, we cut a swatch of the material from each bag and place it in our abrasion machine, which rubs the fabric back and forth 15,000 times before we rate it for signs of wear. We also pack each bag with a standard load of items including clothing, shoes, accessories and toiletries to ensure it's roomy enough to fit your things. And while we pack the bags, we analyze features like pockets, zippers and straps for characteristics like ease of use and comfort.

Our consumer testers bring their bags everywhere from the office to a vacation destination or the gym. They share their thoughts on aspects like appearance, ease of packing, organizational features, comfort of the straps and handles and more. Testers have the opportunity to share what they like and dislike about the bags.

What to look for when shopping for a gym bag

When you're searching for a new gym bag, here are a few things to consider:

✔️ Type: The type of gym bag that's best for you will largely come down to how much and what type of gear you carry with you on a regular basis. These are the most popular:

• Duffel: Most gym bags are duffels because they're spacious and full of organizational pockets to fit larger gym gear or equipment. They typically come with a shoulder strap and carrying handles for easy transport, but they're often bulkier than other styles. Duffels tend to offer between 30 and 60 L of storage space.
• Backpack: A backpack is a good pick for someone who needs to hit the gym before or after work. Smaller than a duffel but still packed with organizational features, a backpack is able to accommodate your gym clothes and your work computer. Most gym backpacks have a capacity between 20 and 30 L.
• Drawstring bag: If you travel light and only bring a change of clothes or a few gym accessories, you might prefer a drawstring bag. They're super lightweight, easy to store when you're not using them and affordable. However, they often lack organizational features and may not hold everything you need for your workout. Most have a capacity of around 15 L.
• Tote: A trendier style, a gym tote bag is a great option if you don't want to sacrifice fashion for function. With a capacity between 20 and 30 L, totes are smaller than a duffel but roomier and sturdier than a drawstring bag. A tote is a practical solution for someone who doesn't carry tons of equipment but needs secure pockets and organizational features. Plus, they are versatile, so you can use yours to run errands or hit the gym.

✔️ Material: Gym bags are typically made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. Nylon is a popular fiber that's durable and water-resistant so it's able to withstand regular wear. Polyester is another option that tends to be more affordable and lightweight but is slightly less durable than nylon.

✔️ Organization: Check for organizational features like smaller zippered pockets to hold your essential items, breathable mesh or vented pockets and stretch water bottle holders. Our testers especially love bags with separate zippered compartments for shoes or dirty workout clothes.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She has tested and written about different types of bags and luggage including soft and hardside luggage, carry-ons, backpacks, checked bags and more. Amanda has also tested workout apparel and gear for Good Housekeeping's Fitness Awards .

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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What’s the Best Personal-Item Bag for Flying?

Between finding a carry-on that will fit in most overhead compartments, a toiletry bag or Dopp kit for your tiny bottles of shampoo, and an under-the-seat personal item to hold everything you’ll need for in-flight comfort and entertainment, solving the packing equation isn’t easy. To make things even more complicated, there aren’t even standard regulations for what counts as a “personal item” — as my fellow writer Rachael Griffiths explains here , each airline has its own particular requirements. If you’ve purchased a basic fare on a no-frills carrier like Frontier or Spirit, you’ll generally want to stick with a bag measuring 8 x 18 x 14 inches or smaller (and if you’ve purchased a personal-item-only fare, I’ve written a minimalist packing guide to help you figure out how to travel with just one small bag). On most other airlines, there’s a lot more you can get away with. Below, find advice from stylish frequent fliers (and Strategist staffers) about the totes, duffels, and backpacks they slip over the handles of their suitcases.

Update on August 15, 2024: Added the Baggu Small Cloud Carry on; added restock information for the Timbuk2 Never Check; added testing notes to the Dagne Dover Ace fanny pack; updated prices and checked stock for all other products.

The best personal-item tote bags

Yolo Journal ’s Yolanda Edwards likes travel bags that don’t look like travel bags and can therefore be used for everyday sightseeing and shopping upon reaching your destination. Parker Thatch’s roomy totes fit the bill, and while they don’t have a luggage sleeve, Edwards has no problem slipping the handles of this one over her Rimowa suitcase. “And it’s great for going to the farmers’ market once I arrive where I’m going,” she adds.

“I look for a bag that can sit on top of my carry-on, fit a lot of items, and be easily stored when not in use,” says Daniela Velasco, the creative director of Drift magazine. That bag, for her, is Longchamp’s forever classic Le Pliage tote, which flattens and folds up for storage. Strategist senior editor Hilary Reid owns one in orange and is also “always surprised by how much fits inside.”

Is there a more quintessential carry-all than the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote? Writer and influencer Harry Hill doesn’t think so. “As someone who is usually drawn to more uppity travel bags, this trusty tote is a delight because of how unfussy it is,” Hill tells us. “It fits a ton, it’s super-lightweight, and I don’t have to worry about spilling coffee on the vachetta or putting it on the ground.” Hill suggests monogramming your name — or a crude joke, depending on personal preference. For additional customization, “the colorways are constantly changing, so keep an eye out if you have a specific vision for your tote.” While Hill adds that it’s impossible to go wrong, because any L.L.Bean “will make you look like a Kennedy skipping town,” the zip-up version of the bag will give more peace of mind at the airport.

Strategist contributing writer Mya Gelber spent a day asking stylish strangers on the subway about their work bags, and Cuyana’s Classic Easy Zipper Tote was the one she ended up purchasing for herself. So when the brand announced this larger travel-friendly version of the popular bag, I immediately ordered one to test out. Made from soft and slouchy leather, it’s a big bag that can definitely fit an outfit or two alongside your laptop, passport, and other essentials. While it can’t be worn as a cross-body, the tote’s shoulder straps are long and thick enough to be comfortable for long periods of time. There’s no luggage sleeve, either, but this means that the bag can be used more seamlessly in everyday life — it would be an excellent investment for anyone who is commuting gym-to-office.

Sewn in California from leftover sailing canvas, Pacific Tote Company’s bags are similar to L.L. Bean boat totes, except more brightly colored. The company is co-owned by director Roman Coppola (brother to Sofia, who carries Pacific Tote bags on set ) and beloved by bi-coastal film industry insiders. If you work in film and fly between L.A. and New York every other week, you carry your laptop in this pleasingly sturdy bag . Strategist style columnist Chris Black is also a fan .

When she’s not traveling with her Parker Thatch bag, Edwards also likes to use Kule’s roomy totes as personal items. Saturday Night Live ’s Chloe Fineman travels with one of these too, and says it fits both a laptop and extra outfit inside. She adds that the New York brand’s designs are “a little cheeky and a little funny,” as well as a nice reminder of home when she’s on the road.

Here’s another professional-looking, multi-purpose travel tote, as recommended by Strategist writer Lauren Ro. She says it makes a great carry-on personal item because it’s lightweight and custom-designed for air travel, with a luggage sleeve and exterior pockets for stashing chargers and tidbits, as well as a removable crossbody strap.

At least two friends that I know of ended up immediately purchasing a Baggu Cloud Carry-on after I flaunted mine at a destination wedding last year. Made from weightless but durable nylon, the airplane-friendly version of the brand’s original Cloud Bag can hold a lot of stuff, and the bright colorways stand out in a sea of boring navy duffels at the airport. Puffy shoulder straps make standing in line at security a bit more tolerable, and generous external pockets are handy for stashing a book or water bottle. The original bag’s dimensions are actually rather large (14 × 20 × 8 inches) for a personal item, although its bulkiness really depends on how much stuff you pack inside. I’ve taken mine on a personal-item-only Spirit flight with no issues at all, and on longer trips I have also slipped it over the handle of a Samsonite carry-on suitcase using the attached luggage sleeve. If you’re looking for something more compact that’ll definitely squish under the seat in front of you, Baggu recently launched a smaller size (16.5 by 12.5 by 6.5 inches) with the same comfortable padded straps and removable zipper pouch inside.

The best personal-item duffel bags

Former Strategist associate editor Louis Cheslaw calls this Patagonia duffel his “ secret second suitcase ,” because its unassuming-yet-roomy interior lets him pack heavy without checking a bag. The Black Hole’s 30-liter capacity is about as large as a bag can be while still qualifying as the “personal item” you can bring onboard with your main carry-on suitcase and slide under the seat in front of you, Cheslaw notes. “Within that capacity, I can easily fit two pairs of shoes as well as a week’s worth of underwear, socks, and thin shirts, relieving a ton of pressure on my suitcase.”

This new-school garment bag, which made our Travel 100 list of the best products to take on the road, can keep a suit or gown unwrinkled while also cleverly storing several other outfits. My fellow Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths loves taking hers on weekend trips with friends, especially when packing satin dresses and pleated shirts for nights out. It’s ideal for destination weddings, and Moonflower wine bar co-owner Rebecca Johnson even took one all the way to Tasmania for a romantic antipodean getaway with her husband. Going ’s travel spokesperson, Katy Nastro, told me that it’s very popular among her exceedingly well-traveled colleagues.

For both carry-on backpacks and duffels, former Paper fashion editor Mario Abad turns to Dagne Dover’s neoprene travel bags. “They’re the best,” he says. “They’re really lightweight, and they’re made of this scuba material that looks sleek and modern and is nice to the touch.” The bags aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, though. “You can fit a lot of stuff inside — it’s a minimal aesthetic, no busy details or anything, just all the compartments you need.” Jessica Morrobel of  Traveling With Jessica agrees that the Landon is an “absolute lifesaver,” and  Going ’s travel spokesperson, Katy Nastro, is also a fan, especially for quick overnights. The duffel comes in five sizes, but medium is the best option if you know you’ll be flying on budget carriers with strict rules.

The best personal-item backpacks

This is my current personal item backpack of choice. It is designed to slip over the handles of a carry-on suitcase, but over Christmas I took it as my only luggage on a weeklong train trip across Turkey and Georgia and it fit everything I needed, including an extra pair of shoes. The neutral design is as appropriate for day hiking and office commuting as it is flying. But the capacity is the biggest drawcard. Creator Jessica Wright of Bon Traveler is a longtime user and says she is “shocked” by how much it can hold. Great for packers who like to compartmentalize, the interior is separated into various sleeves and sections for a laptop, clothing, and tech items. But you can also remove these compartments and just use it as a black hole bag if needed.

My fellow Strategist travel writer Rachael Griffiths prefers this sleek Timbuk2 backpack with even more sleeves and compartments for organizing items on the move. It, too, can store “a week away’s worth of clothes and a fat beach read if you’re strategic,” she says. Which is ideal if you’re traveling personal-item-only .

[ Editor’s note: Unfortunately this backpack has become so popular that it is currently sold-out everywhere; it’s possible to register for a restock alert email on the Timbuk2 website. ]

The “clown car of personal items” is what writer and film wrangler Maggie Slepian calls this top-loading backpack from hiker-beloved brand Gregory. When she used it as her only luggage item for a four-day trip to the East Coast last fall, it fit a laptop, notebook, sandals, running shoes, rain jacket, jumpsuit, two pairs of leggings, two pairs of shorts, several shirts, toiletries, socks, undergarments, five pairs of headphones (over-ear, noise-canceling earbuds, white-noise only, corded for the plane, and AirPods for Zoom calls), and snacks. Her water bottle was stashed in the stretchy side pocket. I’ll also note that the brand has recently updated this bag with new (and to my eyes more attractive) colorways; the “techno granite” is very sleek.

Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack is “a really good bag,” as Strategist contributing writer Molly Dektar observes . Popular among globe-trotting art world types, it can be carried as either a tote or a backpack, depending on the situation, and it folds into its own internal pocket, for easy storage. It is practical without sacrificing style: “Though it is crafted of black ripstop, it does not scream, ‘I hike!’ and though it has a large number of pockets and adjustable straps, it does not scream, ‘I code!’”

Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens is a fan of Patagonia’s Black Hole bags too — but she uses this more traditional-looking one. “ There are one zillion separate little pockets and perfectly sized compartments for things like chargers and night guards and passports and AirPods,” she explains, “as well as slim sleeves for a laptop and magazines.” The bag opens at the top, which means things won’t come tumbling out when you need to grab something. And while there’s a high level of organization happening on the inside, the bag has a smooth exterior: “ I quite like that the outside doesn’t look all that tricked out. ”

Despite fears of looking like a Scandinavian school child or 2012-era hipster, Strategist writer Dominique Pariso is loyal to her Kanken — and she’s not alone among our staff . “This backpack is so light, so compact, and so durable it really is ideal for stuffing under tiny airplane seats,” she explains. “Plus, you can fit way more stuff inside than seems humanly possible given its petite size.”

The best personal-item cross-bodies and fanny packs

Baggu’s take on the crescent trend is excellent for travel. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and would be lost without it at the airport. It’s comfortable to wear, with a highly adjustable strap and two zippered internal pockets for securing your phone, passport, and wallet. The capacity is huge: I can fit a book and water bottle inside and still have room left over for other items. I’ve machine washed it several times with no issue. And while the bag looks smart, especially in the black colorway, it’s also low-key enough to avoid the attention of pickpockets. Hairstylist Teddi Cranford, who has visited Marrakech five times , says that it’s “essential for the souk,” because you can “just easily grab stuff out and zip it back up.”

Less sporty-looking than the ubiquitous Lululemon belt bag, and constructed from stretchy neoprene fabric that lets you stuff it full if you need to, our favorite fanny pack is perfect for the plane. I’ve got one of these in white and appreciate how minimal it looks. The size also makes it easy to hide under a jacket or sweater.

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Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

READY TO EXPERIENCE KABARDINO-BALKARIA FOR YOURSELF?

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• [email protected]
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• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
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Visiting Russia - Nalchik, Capital of Kabardino-Balkaria

By Koryo Tours

Nalchik, capital of Kabardino-Balkaria

Visiting Russia – Nalchik

Yoshkar-ola | cheboksary  |  astrakhan | elista | stalingrad (volograd)  | abakan  |  nalchik  | validkavkaz  | makhachkala  |  grozny.

Nalchik is a small city of around 240,000 people and serves as the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, one of the lesser-known republics spread across the beautiful North Caucasus area of Russia, the mountain range that separates the former soviet states of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan from the Russian Federation.

This region has incredible diversity in ethnic groups and is a melting pot at the edge of empire. While there have been civilisations in the Caucasus for millennia Nalchik as a city is only a century old, having been a Russian fort since 1724. Today’s Nalchik is a mostly peaceful and relaxing place, being in the foothills of the mountains it has many areas of great beauty and multiple sanatoria for people looking to take the waters, over the last century it has certainly had its share of turbulence though, being occupied by Romanian troops fighting on the side of the Nazis, who embarked on an effort to exterminate the ancient community of Mountain Jews in the area (unsuccessfully), plus a 2005 Islamic militant attack on Russian security forces.

These days Nalchik is known as a clean city, a place for relaxing, and the starting point of expeditions to summit Mt. Elbrus, the tallest mountain in Europe, which lies within Kabardino-Balkaria.

Kabardians make up the largest ethnic group at just under 50% of the city’s population, followed by Russians, Balkars, other Caucasian nationalities as well as Ukrainians, Mountain Jews still live in the area but in very small numbers now, most having emigrated to Israel.

Arriving/Departing

Nalchik Airport (NAL) is a small one but is fully functional for getting in and out, usually the foreigners arriving here will be mountaineers heading for Elbrus.

The Airport is only 3km from the city centre so you could even walk into town from here, otherwise, there are taxis and marshrutkas waiting for arrivals. Flights arrive only from Moscow and St. Petersburg usually, the Caucasus has other larger airports for other international flights (such as those to Sochi). Nalchik has a railway station, dating from 1915, with links to Moscow and across the Caucasus. A good option for travelling around the region in a relaxing manner (usually slower than taking a marshrutka between cities though) For getting around inside Nalchik there are public buses all over the place, easy to use and very cheap. Otherwise most of the centre is very walkable, the main ‘high street’ is Lenin Avenue, which runs for several km through the centre of the city.

Concord Square

The centre of Nalchik and a good place to start a walking tour of the city, with the Kabardino-Balkaria parliament building on one side and Lenin stands at the other, fountains in the middle and Lenin Avenue cutting through the square

Religious Buildings

The central buildings of the main religions practised in Nalchik are both fine examples of their respective architectural styles; the Central Mosque and the Cathedral of Mary Magdalene are both worth visiting. Dress codes apply.

Not actually in Nalchik, but only 50km or so away so the city is the ideal base for starting an expedition. This is Europe’s highest mountain and a dormant volcano. There are cable car/chairlift options to get t the top for those who don’t wish to do it the hard way. It is possible to get up and down this mountain n a single day, making it certainly the simplest of the 7 continental highest peaks to climb.

Museum of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic

Great for explaining where you are and the history of the area. Mostly in Russian only though and does tend to assume some knowledge in advance. Still a good stop to get some intro into the complex history of this city and area in general.

Atazhukin Garden

A large park complex running for more than 2km along the eastern side of the city, alongside the Nalchik River. A very pleasant place with so much to see and do. The basic Nalchik Zoo is here, walking trails, restaurants and cafes, theatres, a very retro funfair, and a rickety but reliable cable car running up to a lovely viewpoint to see over the city and out to Mt. Elbrus.

Topped by a restaurant building built in the shape of a Kabardian warrior. An excellent few hours can be spent exploring this park and mingling with the locals of all ages who do their relaxing here.

Koryo Tours Russia Tours

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9 places in Kabardino-Balkaria every adventurer needs to visit (PHOTOS)

An amazing journey through the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria.

Together with local tour guide Artyem Babaritsky, we show you why this is one of the most underrated regions of Russia. According to Artem, the nature on the territory of Kabardino Balkaria is more “rigid” and “serious” than in the neighboring republics of the Caucasus. This is comparable to a human face: one moment it is kind and smiling (while we are in the Karachay-Cherkessia) and then suddenly this kind face starts to frown and becomes more severe.

The most famous attraction of the republic – and the Caucasus in general – is Mount Elbrus, the highest peak of the European continent. With a mighty height of 5,642 meters above sea level, Elbrus is actually a dormant volcano. Its permanent icecap feeds 22 glaciers, which, in turn, give rise to the Baksan, Kuban and Malka rivers.

Naturally, if you’re into mountain climbing, this is a peak that you will want to conquer at least once in your lifetime. Here are some detailed accounts of what it entails.

And this is what you’ll see along the way.

Not into mountain climbing? Not to worry! In summer, you can still reach an altitude of 3,658 meters from the bottom of the Azau Valley, thanks to a small network of cable cars and ski lifts. This will give you a bird’s eye view of the entire Main Caucasus Ridge – an extremely impressive sight to behold. And, of course, you’ll be right at the foot of the Elbrus glacier.

In winter, skiers and snowboarders can shred some sweet gnar on 23 kilometers of slopes serviced by 6 ski lifts. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,350 and 3,840 meters. There are plenty of accommodation options for a comfortable stay and a good selection of cafes and restaurants to refuel your energy supplies.

2. Dzhily-su

Translated from the local language, “Dzhily-su” means “warm waters”. The Tract is located on the slopes of the heart of the Caucasus at an altitude of about 2,400 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Mount Elbrus on a clear day. On the territory of Dzhily-su, there are many unique mineral springs that aid in healing from various diseases and strengthening the body.

“It’s an amazing sensation when you lie in a warm mineral bath and dozens of small bubbles rise around you. Also, Dzhily-su is the land of waterfalls that bear beautiful male names like Sultan, Emir and Shah. Thanks to the unusual energy, esoterics are particularly fond of this place, because there are natural sand castles, amazing stone mushrooms and the energetic mountains Sirkh and Tuzluk,” Artyem says.

The road to Dzhily-su is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Russia: It’s a serpentine-like asphalt mountain road that follows along a huge cliff, over which you will see many eagles circling. If you decide to do the trip on your own, Artyem warns that you must get hold of an off road vehicle, because many of the roads that you will need to take are dusty gravel roads. 

3. Chegem Canyon, Gorge, Waterfalls and Paragliding 

This is one of the main tourist attractions of Kabardino-Balkaria and it’s not hard to see why.

“The views that stretch along the Chegem gorge are simply amazing. The Chegem gorge is quite big. You will begin your encounter with this area with the beautiful Chegem waterfalls that cascade down the rocky slope. Right at the foot of the rocks, there is a small market where local women sell various hand woven wool products. There is a ‘ladder of happiness’ consisting of two 222 steps, leading to the source of the waterfalls at the top of the cliff. Climbing it is not at all difficult, the views are amazing and there is a cozy cafe at the top, as well as at the bottom, where you can enjoy dishes of national cuisine,” Artyem says.

In winter, the Chegem waterfalls freeze and have a certain wild beauty to them. Some locals say that, perhaps, they are even more beautiful than in the summer. Ice pillars and columns of frozen jets and streams of water, like giant twisted candles, or stalactites, hang down all the way to the river.

There is no more asphalt road beyond the waterfalls, but you can still continue along the gorge on gravel, along the turbulent Chegem River. The road is very dusty, so Artyem advises visitors to drive along it in a car with closed windows and the air conditioning on. After about 30 kilometers, you will arrive at a paragliding station.

According to Artyem, the Chegem paragliding station is famous for its powerful, ascending wind currents. Thanks to them, paragliders can soar in the sky from morning to evening. On the territory of the station, there is also a zip line and a few other adrenaline-filled activities for those looking for some thrills. 

4. El-TyuByu

If time permits, you can continue moving along the Chegem gorge and arrive at the village of El-TuByu, a place with enormous history. This mysterious ancient Balkarian village is the focal point of the history of the entire Balkaria. Ancient watchtowers, remains of Greek temples and anomalous phenomena attract both adventure seekers and connoisseurs of beauty. The main highrise, the Balkarukov Tower, is also dubbed the ‘Tower of Love’. Legend has it that Akhtugan Balkarukov built it to defend against the relatives of the beautiful Kerime, stolen by him from Dagestan.

Not far from the village, two ancient defensive Greek stairs go up a rocky wall. They rise to a height of about 30 meters and lead to a small area surrounded by walls up to two meters high and about half a meter thick. A bit above the Greek stairs are the ancient Balkar mausoleums, where local nobility were buried in the VIII-XVIII centuries. Artyem advises to go with a tour guide, because there is just so much incredible history in this village. 

5. Valley of the Narzans

The Valley of the Narzans is a balneoclimatic resort area. It is located in the foothills of the northern slope of the Skalisty Ridge of the Greater Caucasus, in the Khasaut River valley, at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level (near the border with Karachay-Cherkessia).

What is Narzan water? It takes six years for the water from the melting snow in the mountains to become Narzan water. It needs this time to find its way through the fissures and cracks in the underground rocks, become enriched by more than 20 minerals and salts, congregate in the underground lakes and then appear on the surface as a spring. In the local language, its name sounds like “Nart-san-e”, which means “a drink of brave warriors”.

Visitors can come with empty bottles and fill them with different kinds of mineral water. The territory of the valley also has cafes with local delicacies and plenty of souvenir stands, where the local women sell traditional knitwear, mountain honey and other arts and crafts and delicacies from the region. 

6. Shadkhurei Karst Lakes

The two lakes - Lower and Upper Shadkhuei - are still little researched. Underwater currents, turmoils and a large network of underwater canals prevent scientists from doing deeper research. The estimated depth of each lake is more than 200 meters, though there is no data yet on the actual depth.

“This is a great place to spend some time, especially during the summer months. The water temperature is kept at the same level all year round – about +15 degrees Celsius. The two lakes are located close to each other and fascinate visitors with their magical colors, luring them into their emerald water,” Artyem says.

In Artyem’s experience, only with rare exceptions, no visitor can resist the urge to plunge into the water. Even without bathing accessories, both ladies and gents make it their priority to jump into the turquoise waters. Around the lakes there are a few gazebos so you can easily stay for the whole day, have a picnic and swim in the lakes to your heart’s content.

7. Chateau Erken

A little piece of Europe in the middle of the Caucasus Mountains, Chateau Erken is a majestic pseudo castle in the Romanesque style (it was actually built in the 1990s) surrounded by about 1,000 hectares of vineyards.

“If you want to have a relaxing day, try experiencing the fairy tale that is Chateau Erken. It stands right on the water and is absolutely stunning. There is also the option to do some wine tasting inside,” Artyem says. 

8. Upper Balkaria, Blue Lake and Aushiger Thermal Springs

These three places make for an easy day trip, because of their proximity to one another. Start your journey at the Blue Lake . The deep blue waters of this stunning lake, hidden in Russia’s Caucasus mountains, are shrouded in mystery. It’s uninhabited by fish and avoided by locals, but, in recent years, it’s become a popular site for tourists.

After soaking in the lake’s beauty, continue onwards to Upper Balkaria, which is just several kilometers away along the Cherek gorge. This is a small ancient village that almost seems like it’s hiding from the outside world. Architectural monuments, defensive towers, graves and ground crypts have been preserved there. Upper Balkaria serves as an excellent example of Balkarian life and culture. You’ll learn a lot about the ancient auls (Caucasian mountain or desert settlements) and Balkarian settlements from different historical periods. 

On the left bank of the Cherek River, in the village of Aushiger, there are a few healing hot springs. The territory of the health resort includes a healing lake, an open reservoir and indoor baths.

9. Adyr-su Gorge

“This place can be reached by car, mostly by asphalt road. Then, the car drives into a special lift, together with people and climbs up along the cliff. What a sight this is! There is a border control here, so it’s a good idea to have some ID on you,” Artyem cautions.

After driving along a relatively easy dirt road, you will get to a mountain climbing base. From there, you can take part in some light trekking, 4 kilometers there and back. Adventurers also have the opportunity to make a wish in the Valley of Desires, see waterfalls, go to the glacier and the huge, magical mountain Ulu Tau, which means “Mother Mountain”. Finish up the hike at the Silver Spring.

“Here, you can always encounter wild mustangs, they always come to graze on the beautiful meadows of lush grass and drink the healing water from the spring. The spring is the source of incredible strength - locals say that whoever plunges into it three times will be healed of many diseases,” Artyem boasts.

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Kabardino-Balkaria

• 2 Other destinations
• 3 Understand
• 5.1 By plane
• 5.2 By train
• 6 Get around
• 8.1 Mountain climbing
• 12 Stay safe
• 13.1 Mobile

<a href=\"https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poi2gpx.php?print=gpx&amp;lang=en&amp;name=Kabardino-Balkaria\" title=\"Download GPX file for this article\" data-parsoid=\"{}\"><img alt=\"Download GPX file for this article\" resource=\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" src=\"//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" decoding=\"async\" data-file-width=\"20\" data-file-height=\"20\" data-file-type=\"bitmap\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" class=\"mw-file-element\" data-parsoid='{\"a\":{\"resource\":\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\",\"height\":\"20\",\"width\":\"20\"},\"sa\":{\"resource\":\"File:GPX Document rev3-20x20.png\"}}'/></a></span>"}'/> Kabardino-Balkaria is a region in the Russian Caucasus bordering Karachay-Cherkessia to the west, Stavropol Krai to the north, North Ossetia to the east, and Georgia .

• 43.483333 43.616667 1 Nalchik — the capital and largest city, home to a large Soviet era health spa/sanatorium full of orchards, parks, and hot spring baths
• 43.7575 44.029722 3 Prokhladny — second largest city

Other destinations

• 43.24472 42.52139 4 Cheget ski resort (near Elbrus)

Kabardino-Balkaria, a republic named after its native Kabardin and Balkar people, is one of Russia's poorest regions. Two ethnic territories form Kabardino-Balkaria: one predominantly of Kabardin (who speak a Caucasian language) and the other predominantly Balkar (who speak a Turkic language). There is also a significant Russian population. The Kabardians and the Balkars are Sunni Muslims. In 1944, Stalin accused the Balkars of collaborating with Nazi Germany and deported the entire population, removing their name from the republic's title. They were allowed to return only in 1957.

In 1992, the region was born. The republic felt pray to the instability afflicting other parts of the region and to the contagion of conflict in nearby Chechnya. In 2005, militants attacked security forces in the capital; many people were killed in the incident.

Almost all of the population live on agriculture, the main industrial backbone for the Kabardian economy. The tourism sector is rapidly growing, due to proper capital investment, but has attracted few tourists so far.

The Kabardin speak Kabardian , a northwest Caucasian language of which "Cherkess" is a dialect; the Balkar speak Balkar, a Turkic language virtually identical to "Karachay." Fortunately for the visitor, all are fluent in Russian . No English is understood, and this is not likely to change for a good while.

Virtually all enter via Nalchik NAL   IATA , which is easily reached from the airport at Mineralnye Vody in Stavropol Krai .

Trains from Moscow leave every day.

Mountain climbing

Mountain climbing is the biggest attraction of Kabardino-Balkaria, and here it's a serious sport. The most popular climb is undoubtedly Mount Elbrus , as it is one of the Seven Summits , and is a fairly easy climb in technical terms (Russian Grade: 2B). But bear in mind it's one of the world's deadliest climbs in terms of fatalities per climber — it's a long climb to the top and the mountain often has dangerous and unpredictable weather. Dykhtau and Koshtan-Tau are considerably more technically challenging climbs. Two of Georgia's highest peaks, Shkhara and Ushba , are also climbable from the Russian side. Although these climbs are illegal, since you cross the Russian-Georgian border, border enforcement is lax at 17,000   ft (5,200   m) . The Shkhara climb is a lot easier and safer on the southern face.

Because dealing with Russian officialdom is hellish bordering on impossible, it's best to embark on a mountaineering expedition via guided tour (the tour agencies pick you up from Mineralnye Vody or Nalchik right at the airport and act as your intermediary with all Russian officials. Russia-based tour agencies are much cheaper than Western ones:

• Pilgrim Tours , ☏ +7 495 660-3501 , [email protected] . Pilgrim Tours is a reliable company which specializes in Mount Elbrus climbs.  

Kabardino-Balkarian State University

While not as involved in the general conflict across the North Caucasus, Kabardino-Balkaria, especially Nalchik, has been attacked repeatedly by rebel and terrorist forces. Expect very tight security, realize that this is an unstable and dangerous part of the world, and make your travel plans accordingly.

The North Caucasus is an unstable and potentially dangerous region. Short-term travel restrictions are sometimes applied in relation to ongoing security operations with little or no notice. The border crossings to Georgia and Azerbaijan are subject to frequent, sometimes lengthy closures.

In Kabardino-Balkaria there are three federal GSM operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon) and they often have offers that give you a SIM card for free or at least very cheap. If you are planning to stay a while and to keep in touch with Kabardino-Balkarian or other North-Caucasus people, then you should consider buying a local SIM card instead of going on roaming. If you buy a SIM card from a shop you'll need your passport for identification. It only takes five minutes to do the paperwork and it will cost less than $10.

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