6 Best Gym Bags for Men

A gym bag is an indispensable item for athletes and fitness buffs. There are numerous gym bags on the market. They come in all shapes, sizes, and prices with an array of features that can make one gym bag more appropriate for a particular sport over another. A great gym bag should suit your sport, fitness activity, and lifestyle. Here are some things to consider when choosing your next gym bag. 

MATERIAL 

The most common materials for gym bags are polyester and nylon. Polyester is sturdy and prevents swimsuits and sweaty clothing from seeping through the fabric. Nylon is just as robust but it doesn’t have the same water-resistance as polyester. Canvas and leather are also popular fabrics for gym bags, though they’re likely to be heftier and more costly. 

Aside from the material, more reputable brands will also state the denier of the material. Much like a thread count for cotton, a denier is unit of weight to measure the thickness of polyester, nylon, and other fabrics. The higher the denier, the better. Most good quality gym bags have a 600-denier rating. 

WATER-RESISTANT BOTTOM 

It keeps the contents dry and safe from water seepage through the bag’s base or bottom. It’s especially beneficial if you often change in swimming pool changing rooms or play pick-up basketball in the park during a downpour. Some gym bags have feet for added protection; this elevates the bag off the floor for lesser chances of water infiltration. 

Some gym bag manufacturers go the whole nine yards by extending the water-resistance to the entire bag. These gym bags are perfect if you live in a state that gets more than its share of rain or if you engage in swimming or water sports. 

If water-proofing is a necessary feature for you, remember that water-resistance isn’t the same as water-proof. Make sure the bag you’re purchasing is water-proof and not merely water-resistant. Not knowing the difference can lead to very costly consequences. 

There are gym bags that provide a water-proof compartment to place your wet clothes and towel in addition to a water-resistant bottom. For most people, these features are sufficient. 

Remember that the bottom of your gym bag is the most abused part. That’s why it’s crucial to pick a bag with a water-proof, resilient bottom, preferably with feet. Also, try to find a bag with a scuff-resistant bottom for extra assurance. 

SHOULDER STRAP 

Depending on your lifestyle and how much you plan to haul your bag, a shoulder strap feature may be more important than you think. If you need to walk a considerable distance to the gym or sports club, you’ll be glad you chose a gym bag with a shoulder strap. A shoulder strap could significantly ease the load and cause less strain on your arms by evenly distributing the weight when worn across your body. 

When choosing a shoulder strap, check if it’s detachable and adjustable. Removable shoulder straps are useful if you don’t have to carry your bag for long distances; it will be less cumbersome as a non-removable strap may or tangle. An adjustable strap can be lengthened or shortened to conform to your height, putting less strain on your back. 

SHOULDER PAD 

A shoulder strap that isn’t outfitted with any padding may cause welts and bruises. It can also lead to shoulder and arm strain. Pick a shoulder pad that doesn’t slip off while you’re walking. It should be wide enough to rest snugly over the curve of your shoulder to avoid chafing. The actual padding needs to be thick all throughout the pad. 

EXTERIOR POCKETS 

With designated spaces for everything, exterior pockets are an excellent way to organize your stuff. You’ll be able to access them quickly and conveniently without digging through the bag’s main compartment. 

Exterior pockets may have generic or specialized designs. A water bottle holder on the outside of a gym bag is very common. It makes the water bottle readily accessible and prevents spillage over the contents in the primary compartment. These external pockets also provide space for items such as shoes or sweaty sportswear so they don’t have to be placed alongside your fresh clothes. 

Buying a gym bag that has more pockets than you’ll use can make the bag too big to fit inside a locker. Find a bag with the ideal number of exterior pockets for your individual needs. 

INTERIOR POCKETS 

These inside pockets are an excellent way to organize your belongings, from small items like your wallet, keys, and phone, to larger pieces like a pair of shoes or even a laptop. Go for a gym bag with several small interior pockets and one large central compartment.  

A pocket with a transparent cover lets you see the contents at a glance for fast and simple access. There are gym bag models that have detachable interior pockets. This feature allows you to alter the storage space according to your preference. 

SIZES 

A gym bag that’s too small is a waste of money and will deliver more frustration than convenience. Trying to stuff your equipment in a small bag will certainly damage your expensive gear. On the other hand, a gym bag that’s too big may not fit inside a locker, and more importantly, it won’t properly pack its contents to keep them secure and safe from damage. 

Gym bags come in several styles and sizes. There are models that come in small, medium, and large sizes. When buying a gym bag, be aware of what gear, clothing, and other items you usually bring and pick your bag size accordingly. 

CLOSURE SYSTEM 

Your gym bag’s closure mechanism should be stable and dependable to ensure that the contents are protected, but shouldn’t be too stiff or difficult to open. The draw-string system is one of the most reliable closure designs which is most commonly used for smaller gym bags.  

Larger gym bags use various closure systems. Nothing beats the classic zipper for simplicity and efficiency. Do check out the quality of the zipper as low-quality zippers often get stuck, come undone, or break apart easily. A broken zipper will require professional repair or replacement. 

A buckle clip can further safeguard your gym bag’s contents when tightened. It guarantees that everything stays in place without falling out or shifting inside the bag which may cause damage. If you’re in a rush, buckle clips can be unwieldy and bothersome. 

A few models employ magnetic closure systems to their designs. Generally used for messenger bags, magnetic fasteners are a stylish method of keeping your sports gear steady. Keep in mind that they aren’t as stable as buckle clips. 

Whichever closure system you choose, scrutinize the quality of the build and materials, and how well they’re stitched or connected to the bag. 

VENTILATED COMPARTMENTS 

Most gym bags include mesh pockets and compartments that allow fresh air to circulate in and around the bag. This feature is extremely helpful if you exercise in the morning but have to spend the day at the office before coming home at night to unpack your sweaty workout clothes. 

These ventilated compartments air out your clothes and prevent any trace of unpleasant odor to persist once you’ve unpacked. That being said, it’s still a wise option to get a deodorizer for your gym bag. These deodorizers typically come in bags and pouches which release fragrances like peppermint, lavender, and peppermint, among others. Some just contain activated charcoal that absorb odors. 

DIRTY SHOES COMPARTMENT 

Large or extra-large gym bags have pockets along the sides for storing dirty sneakers or mud-covered football kits. This separate compartment insulates your other belongings from mud, dirt, or sweat. Check for added insulation and a solid plastic lining on the bottom. Make sure that the dirty shoe compartment is easy to clean with a wet or damp towel. Some fabrics absorb mud through their fibers and aren’t suitable materials for a dirty shoe pocket. These materials develop stains and odors with each use. So, you’ll probably spend more time washing the bag than using it. 

GYM EQUIPMENT 

Carrying gym equipment requires a bag that’s fit for the purpose. Heavy sports equipment should have a bag that has sufficient strength for heavy-duty lifting. The material, straps, handles, stitching, and the closures must be able to handle stress and abuse on a regular basis. 

Some gym equipment will demand a lot of extra space. While they may not be heavy, they’re large or long. Gym mats are lightweight and roll up quite easily but you’ll still need an extra-long gym bag. See to it that the you purchase can handle all your equipment and other essentials like towels, a change of clothes, shoes, and toiletries. 

If you’re going to be carrying large or heavy sports equipment, don’t scrimp on your choice of gym bag. A lot of gym equipment can damage a cheaply made gym bag so save yourself the trouble and the wasted cash by choosing a high-quality, heavy-duty gym bag that’s specially designed to carry heavy loads.