20 Best Gym Bags For Men
So, you’ve spent time putting together what you’ll wear to work tomorrow (and maybe even the day after that), and gym prep is next up. Meal planning aside, there are some small details most guys tend to forget when packing up for the gym. Specifically, the bag being used to haul around your gym gear.
It stands to reason that if you put thought into your gym gear, your workout routine and what you’re going to eat (and wear) afterward, the same logic should follow for how you get that gear from point A to point B — right? In fact, in addition to being a tremendous style upgrade, a great gym bag can motivate you to put that much more care into your approach before you even set foot in the gym — and in that case, you’re already winning.
Plus, the best men’s gym bags do more than just carry your gear — they’re stylish, effective and versatile, with more than enough room for your everyday carry and the ability to go to the office afterward. Still not sold? Pick out one of our best gym bags for men and hit the squat rack.
Jack + Mulligan Ali Duffel
Named for perhaps the greatest fighter in the history of boxing, it’s fitting that the Ali Duffel is the first pick on this list. It comes from the fine folks at Jack + Mulligan, who mix a bit of irreverent prep (note the red, white and blue color combo in the bag seen above) with the functionality and space you need to carry everything from gym shorts and sneakers to your dopp kit. The agreeable price is a bonus, and the water-repellent canvas exterior and water-resistant nylon lining are positives when you consider your trek to and from the gym. – $115
GoRuck 20L Gym Bag
Simple, effective, durable and very affordable — that’s the name of the game for GoRuck and its 20-Liter Black Gym Bag. Make use of the three zippered pockets — one interior, two exterior — and the straightforward design to get to your workout in a minimal, clean fashion. It’s the rare gym bag that eschews gaudy athletic logos in favor of an American flag patch — fitting given that it’s made in America. On top of that, it can be worn as a messenger bag when accessorized with a shoulder strap — that’s two for the very low price of one. – $59
Taylor Stitch The Transit Duffel in Oak Waxed Canvas
If you’re looking for a “gym bag” that defies convention, the Transit Duffel is exactly what you want. Part of Taylor Stitch’s partnership with Mission Workshop, this beastly bag is made from 10oz. Weatherproof canvas and features weatherproof construction and 31 liters of internal carrying space — it’s one badass gym bag, to put it simply. It’s going to break in over time, and it’ll be especially sturdy trudging through the snow to those early or late workout sessions. It’s made right here in America, and it can hold a 15-inch laptop. Get it while it’s here, as it’s a limited-quantity piece that might not be available for too long. – $265
Owen & Fred Army Green “Work Hard, Play Hard” Duffel
It stands to reason that a brand renowned for its crisp, clean and effective approach to design would make a heck of a functional duffel that doubles as a gym bag and an everyday workhorse. The “Work Hard, Play Hard” Duffel more than lives up to its name, featuring a rugged and durable 18oz. Duck canvas body and Denier Nylon touches on both the interior and exterior. A large zipper pocket and two non-zipper pockets provide space for any odds and ends you need to throw in your bag, and the versatile Army Green color will look as great on a weekend trip as it will at the gym. – $115
Flowfold 40-Liter Stormproof Duffel
It’s not often that you’ll find a gym bag made with a lifetime warranty, but not every bag comes from the team at Flowfold. Featuring ridiculously durable weather-resistant DiamondFiber sailcloth fabric construction and additional design touches like YKK coated waterproof zippers, it’s tough right down to the strap handles. Throw in just about anything you want — this made-in-the-USA bag can handle trips to the gym or weekend getaways, but it’ll stand out for the right reasons as you pack up after your workout. For such high quality, the price is shockingly low, and the 40-liter capacity is more than up to the challenges of your daily gym-going. – $88
SWIMS Boston Duffel
For a brand that produces gear that’s focused on nautical pursuits, SWIMS can transition to dry land pretty easily. In this instance, that means its Boston Duffel is going to be functional, dependable and durable heading to the gym in the rain, sleet, snow, hail … you name it. It’s water-resistant and features a cotton twill lining that’s exclusive to the brand — plus, it’s splash-proof and should reliably be able to hold everything you need for the gym, then the office after … and maybe a quick weekend trip once 5 o’clock hits. The navy-and-black colorway is particularly sharp, so it’s a definite gym bag upgrade. – $250
Quiksilver Cottage Duffel Bag
Quiksilver is another brand that gets it right on land as well as in the water, especially when it comes to a piece like the Cottage Duffel Bag. For just $45, you get a bag that can nearly do it all, thanks to one main zip-up compartment, two side-zip compartments, a durable carrying handle and an adjustable shoulder strap that should make it easy to pick up and put down when you transition from car (or bike) to the gym and onto the rest of your day. Additionally, it doubles as a handy and effective beach bag for quick day trips. – $45
Mission Workshop HT Transit Duffle
As the brand so effectively says, Mission Workshop’s bags are “meant to get a little beat-up.” The 31-Liter HT Transit Duffle is made for commutes of all kinds, and that means it can more than handle the challenge of a trip to the gym — and a trip around town to start your work day thereafter. In addition to your gym gear, it can hold a portfolio and a laptop, and the four exterior cargo pockets are just what you need to round up your everyday carry. The lifetime warranty and made-in-the-USA construction justify the price, so you should get a heck of a lot of use out of it. – $245
Filson Medium Tin Cloth Duffel Bag
Filson might not be a brand that comes to mind when one thinks of “gym bags,” per se, but they’re absolutely a brand that comes to mind when it comes to the best quality that money can buy. That goes for nearly every product they produce, and it’s particularly true in regards to the Tin Cloth Duffel Bag, a certified classic that you should definitely repurpose as a gym bag. The combination of rain-resistant twill and durable Bridle leather is effective and handsome, and it’s very likely that not many others will think to get the most out of this bag — so what are you waiting for? – $195
United By Blue 55-Liter Arc Duffle
55 liters is a heck of a lot of carrying space for $128, and that’s good news for those of us who need to carry a lot around — a lot of the time.This bag is carry-on friendly and made with 100 percent recycled polyester for a lightweight look and feel that should prove exceptionally useful for carrying to and from the gym. It can also accommodate up to a 13-inch laptop, so consider it your work bag in a pinch, too. Lastly, the fact that United By Blue removes a pound of trash from oceans and waterways with your purchase is nearly enough to justify picking it up. – $128
Nixon F-14 Duffel Bag
Minimal, functional and durable often describes watches made by Nixon, and it’s fitting that it describes the brand’s F-14 Duffel Bag, too. Made from a tough coated nylon weave and featuring a roomy interior compartment, this slick black bag is the perfect complement to a simple, sharp, monochromatic outfit ready for the gym — again, putting more effort into your gym gear pays off. The price is fairly agreeable given the fact that you’re getting a long-lasting bag in a neutral, versatile black color, and the durability reflects the brand’s action sports roots — so it’s especially fitting that you should use it as a gym bag. – Buy It
J.Crew Harwick Duffel Bag
Whereas an action sports-based brand like Nixon might seem like an obvious fit in terms of producing a durable and functional gym bag, an everyman brand like J. Crew seems like a less obvious pick. However, J. Crew has crafted a bag in the Harwick Duffel that can do a little bit of everything — we’re talking a weekend trip and the gym on Monday morning, followed by a commute to the office. The leather handles add a handsome touch to the bag’s nylon construction, and the navy color ensures it’ll stand out for the right reasons in a sea of athletic logo bags. – $98
Herschel Supply Co. Sutton Duffle
For all the brands out on the market making durable bags for daily use, Herschel Supply Co. just might have them beat in regards to quality for the price. The Sutton Duffle is a rather sleek, minimal take on the everyday gym bag, yet still features the quality and durability one has come to expect from the brand. In addition to handy touches like the external storage sleeves, it features a fully drainable base with metal grommets — that makes it a bag that’s just as useful for an outdoor excursion as it is for a gym trip. The streamlined grey color is refined and effective at keeping your gear safe. – $70
Nixon Transit Duffle
For just a bit more than the other Nixon bag that made this list, you can get a gym bag that’s as premium as any out there — and you can do so for under $100. The Transit Duffle blends nylon and leather in one sleek black bag that makes use several internal zipper pockets to ensure everything from your keys to your wallet to your cell phone stays safe. And an additional interior zipper pocket lined in super-soft fabric helps protect your electronics and other valuables. The striped red shoulder strap also sets it apart visually — in addition to the sharp design. It’s nearly the perfect gym bag. – $90
Owen & Fred Silver “Stay Sharp” Duffel
Just like Nixon, Owen & Fred is a brand that can excel in the same product category more than once. Whereas the brand’s “Work Hard, Play Hard” Duffel takes a slightly preppier approach to your classic gym bag, the “Stay Sharp” Duffel makes use of a ton of functionality, including Denier nylon on both the interior and exterior for maximum protection against the elements. The sharp color combo is futuristic yet surprisingly current at the same time, and the variety of internal pockets — including a pocket for your phone — are handy and helpful in the fight against gym bag clutter. – $115
Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle
Herschel Supply Co. is back again with the Novel Duffle, a functional, stylish and easily recognizable gym bag that plays off all the brand’s defining (and positive) characteristics. From the signature striped fabric liner to the brand’s classic and well-designed woven logo patch, the Novel Duffle does more than just look super-stylish. The internal storage sleeve and Herschel’s signature shoe compartment make it easy to haul two pairs of shoes to the gym, and the blend of Grey and Brown on the bag itself looks handsome and refined. A bonus: You get all this for under $100. Now, that can’t be beat. – Buy It
Topo Designs 22” Duffel Bag
Topo Designs is nearly as distinctive in its approach as Herschel, Filson or any of the other brands on this list, and this navy bag featuring some of the brand’s signature accents is no exception. Crafted from exceptionally durable Cordura nylon — designed to prevent rips, breaks and tears — this super-lightweight bag is easy to pick up and carry or throw on over your shoulder thanks to the adjustable strap. It should have just enough room for gym gear and extra everyday essentials; that’s only a positive when locker-room space is at a premium. The cool colorway is a plus for carrying it around outside your workout, too. – $129
Finisterre Waterproof Duffel
Building off its expertise in the surfing category, Finisterre teamed up with Ortlieb on this waterproof duffel that draws inspiration from the need for a functional bag when heading to the beach. This straightforward waterproof duffel features all the necessary bells and whistles, from a 40-liter carrying capacity to a high-frequency welded construction, an abrasion-resistant and reinforced base and the ability to carry everything you need to gym — even the heavier items (OK, not that heavy). The minimal look and feel, plus the fact that it can also be worn as a backpack, are big bonuses for the price, as well. – $193
Nixon Pipes Duffle
Sometimes, toning things down when heading to the gym isn’t a bad thing. Featuring a low-key all-black look yet the type of durability one would expect from Nixon, the Pipes Duffle is globally tested and practically guaranteed to get the job done — and then some. The padded shoulder strap offers some necessary comfort, and the outside zipper pocket allows for easy access to everything from your wallet to your cell phone and other parts of your everyday carry. And with the cash left over from buying this thing, you can splurge just a bit more on that gym membership. – $49
BAD Bags #4 Duffel Bag
Although the brand name might indicate otherwise, BAD Bags are anything but some of the best quality out there. It’s made with double-stitching and taped seams throughout the bag for exceptional durability and the fortitude to stand up to anything, and the nickel-plated, welded hardware is rust-proof, a rarity on bags these days. Box-stitched handles and stress points add another layer of durability, and the interior organizational pockets help keep everything organized — that goes for a quick trip to the gym, or a globetrotting exploration. Additionally, the lifetime guarantee really does seem to hold up when it comes to this bag — there’s simply no messing with it. – $108
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