If you’re shopping for a gym bag and don’t want to spend too much money, the FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag is the best budget gym bag I’ve ever used. I’ve been using this bag for about a month, and I still can’t believe how affordable it is.
Is this the most durable, high-end gym bag I’ve ever used? No. But it also costs less than $30, while plenty of other gym bags cost between $100 and $300, if not more, earning 5 out of 5 stars for the value.
For the organization, I give this bag a solid 4 out of 5. It fully unzips, has plenty of compartments and storage areas, and even has a dedicated shoe area as well as a bag for wet clothing. However, I dock a point because it doesn’t have a laptop sleeve, and accessing some of the hidden compartments is a little confusing due to the zipper location. The main compartment is decently sized, but it’s not as big as other options on our list.
The bag feels pretty good, though it’s not as heavy-duty as some other gym bags I’ve tried. I’d give this a 4 out of 5 for the construction and durability. I could see this bag lasting a few years before the zippers and seams start to wear out. That said, though, for $29, I think that’s pretty solid.
Compared to other gym bags, this one is a little smaller, but I prefer that. I typically only bring lifting shoes, lifting straps, a belt, and a shaker bottle to the gym, and this fits everything with no issues. If you want to bring multiple pairs of shoes, a change of clothes, or anything bulky, it might be a tight fit.
Overall, I wouldn’t say this is the best gym bag I’ve ever used, and if you want to buy a product that’s going to last for life, this isn’t the one. However, if you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars, this bag is a no-brainer, and I’d gladly pay $50 to $60 for the same bag.
If you do want something that’s built to last but still portable, the GoRuck GR1 is a fantastic option.
What our tester says:
“This bag is a little bit big for me, especially in backpack mode. The bag itself, without anything inside, is also relatively heavy, which I don’t love and makes it a ton heavier. The straps, though, are plenty comfortable and padded.”
If you can’t decide whether you need a duffel bag or backpack, the lululemon 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack can do both. It’s spacious, versatile, and an especially great choice for anyone who frequently travels.
Our tester, Bojana Galic, NASM-CNC, says this is an amazing bag for travel, but it may be a little too big for a daily gym bag.
“I’ve used this bag on a weekend trip, and it easily held everything I needed,” says Bojana. “As a travel bag, I would give it a 5 out of 5, overall. However, for me, it’s a bit too big to use for a daily gym trip. I just don’t have a ton of stuff I’m taking to the gym with me each day.”
This 45-liter bag is made of water-resistant, 100% recycled polyester and earns a 5 out of 5 for durability. Bojana said, “I haven’t had this bag for an incredibly long time, but my daily gym bag is also lululemon and made of the same material. The fabric is durable and doesn’t snag at all, even when it’s been tossed onto the gym floor many, many times.”
Despite the bag’s excellent construction and storage capability, Bojana only gave it 4 out of 5 stars for feel and comfort due to its large size.
“This bag is a little bit big for me, for sure, especially in backpack mode,” Bojana explained. “I’m 5’7,” and it feels a bit long. The bag itself, without anything inside, is also relatively heavy, which I don’t love and makes it a ton heavier. The straps, though, are plenty comfortable and padded.”
While this may not be ideal for carrying just a few things to the gym, it’s a good bag for those who carry a lot of items or those who simply want a new weekender bag.
If you’re looking for another duffel bag/backpack hybrid that’s a bit smaller, we recommend the NOBULL Waxed Canvas Duffelback.
| Price | $198 |
| Dimensions | 20.5″ W x 12.6″ H x 9.3″ D |
| Material | Water-repellant polyester |
| Compartments | Exterior zipper pocket, water bottle, laptop compartment, interior pockets |
Other Gym Bags We Researched
We narrowed this list down to our top eight choices, but these aren’t the only bags we considered.
- Nike Utility Power 2.0 Duffel Bag – I personally own this bag, and while I love the style and look, the budget-friendly FocusGear bag I tested was significantly better for my needs thanks to the better storage compartments. The Nike bag feels more durable, but it doesn’t have quite as many organization compartments.
- Alo Mini Sheer Duffle – Alo is another premium yoga brand similar to lululemon, but we didn’t like this bag as much as the lululemon Travel Duffle Backpack.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Gym Bags
For this review, we considered a variety of needs and preferences to build our guide. Not everyone needs the biggest bag or the most storage compartments, and with such a wide variety of available bags, we made sure to pick something for everyone.
We’ve owned and tested most of these bags ourselves, some of which have been owned for several years, so we’re familiar with the ins and outs of the bags and what features to look for.
In addition to choosing based on the design and size, we also tested the bags using our fitness testing methodology. This helps us objectively rate the bags for a variety of features, including:
- Construction and durability
- Appearance and colorways
- Organization
- Size and capacity
Following this methodology allowed us to calculate a final score for each product by rating the most important features to look for in a gym bag.
Benefits of Gym Bags
For those who still aren’t sold on why you may need a gym bag, here are the most important benefits a bag can offer, specifically, when compared to something like a regular backpack or duffel bag.
Organization
While you can always use any sort of bag to carry your gear, gym bags are often designed specifically for lifters. Many of the best gym bags include things like separate shoe compartments, waterproof areas for sweaty clothes, pockets to hold your smaller accessories, multiple water bottle holders, dedicated lifting belt areas, and more.
The longer you lift, the more likely you are to build a collection of training gear, and keeping it organized can make everything so much easier.
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“Just like any job, you need to have the right tools and be organized to stay on top of your game,” says GGR Senior Staff Writer Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC. “When it comes time to work out, I like knowing I have everything I need to succeed. I can keep my weight belt, wrist wraps, shaker cup, supplements, headphones, and anything else in exactly the right place so I don’t have to waste time in the gym.”
Transportation
A gym bag is also the easiest way to bring everything you might need to the gym, especially accessories.
If you regularly use things like lifting straps, a belt, a lacrosse ball, earbuds, smelling salts, chalk, or anything else, you want to make sure you have it with you during your training session. Few things in the gym are more frustrating than reaching for your favorite tool or accessory, only to realize you left it at home.
A gym bag offers a convenient way to keep all of your training gear in one place, making it significantly easier to transport everything to and from the gym.
Cleanliness
For those who change their clothes after a workout, whether to shower before work or simply stash away a sweaty workout shirt, many gym bags offer separate, waterproof storage compartments.
You only need to leave sweaty clothes in your bag one time to learn a valuable lesson about how quickly they can cause everything else in the bag to develop a funky smell. Many gym bags have separate compartments to keep everything separated, which can help avoid this problem.
Whether you need a shoe compartment to store your running shoes or a waterproof compartment to store wet clothing, many of the gym bags on our list are specifically designed to keep your dirty items separated from the clean stuff.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Gym Bags
If you’re still trying to decide which bag is the best fit, here are the most important factors to consider.
Size and Portability
This may seem obvious, but you don’t want to buy a gym bag that’s too big or too small for your needs. If you only need to bring a few things to the gym, a smaller bag will be much easier to carry around, and you don’t want to deal with a large bag if you don’t need it.
However, if you’ve got a lot of accessories you plan to carry with you, choosing a larger backpack or duffel-style bag may make more sense.
Storage Compartments
Once you’ve decided what size bag you need, you’ll want to consider the kind of organizational compartments you’ll likely use. In particular, laptop compartments and separate shoe compartments are found in many, but not all, gym bags, but you may not need either of those features.
Before you spend extra for upgraded compartments and functionality, make sure those features are things you’ll actually use on a regular basis. Think about which sort of personal items and training accessories you want to have with you, and how those items need to be stored.
Backpack vs. Duffel Bag
Gym bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the most common bags being duffel bags, backpacks, or a hybrid pack that can function as both.
Backpacks are often more compact and easy to carry without using your hands, while duffel bags are more spacious and can even function as a weekend getaway bag.
If you’re still not sure which to choose, think about your commute. If you live in a city and commute to the gym on foot or via public transportation, a backpack may be the better option. They’re usually smaller, and research shows1 that using a bag with only one strap (like a duffel bag or crossbody bag) can put excess strain on one side of your body, which may increase the risk of developing back pain.
Experts Who Contributed To This Article
FAQs About the Best Gym Bags
How much should a gym bag cost?
While gym bags can be expensive, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a gym bag. Some of the best gym bags on the market cost $200-$300, but you can also get a high-quality bag for as little as $30, like the FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag.
What’s the best material for a gym bag?
When shopping for a gym bag, you’ll want to choose a durable material that can withstand wear and tear, like polyester or ripstop nylon.
Is a backpack or duffel better for the gym?
Both options can work very well, and it depends on your needs. Gym duffles are ideal for those who bring lots of equipment and need more storage space, while backpacks can be better for anyone who prefers a more compact, portable option and hands-free transportation.
References
- Hardie, R., Haskew, R., Harris, J., & Hughes, G. (2015). The effects of bag style on muscle activity of the trapezius, erector spinae and latissimus dorsi during walking in female university students. Journal of human kinetics, 45, 39–47. https://doi.org/10.1515/hukin-2015-0005
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Here at Garage Gym Reviews, we could spend all day talking about the best weightlifting shoes, resistance bands, lifting belts, and more, but without a good gym bag, you’ll inevitably end up struggling to bring all that stuff with you. As many gym-goers know, there is nothing worse than realizing you’ve left something important at home as you’re halfway through your workout, and a gym bag solves this problem. » Read more about: The 8 Best Gym Bags of 2025: Tested and Chosen by Fitness Experts » Read more