We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products The 11 Best Gym Bags of 2024 Don’t let your carry capacity limit your gains. By Molly Harris Molly Harris Molly Harris is a freelance travel writer and former design editor. With nearly a decade of experience in travel and more in outdoor adventure, she is mindful of the best qualities to look for in a range of products. You can read her work in Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 23, 2024 Comments In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Tips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L Photo: 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. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Calpak Compakt Duffel Bag at Calpaktravel.com Jump to Review Best Organization: Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L at REI $199 Jump to Review Most Compact: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Day Backpack at Amazon $65 Jump to Review Best Waterproof: L.L.Bean Waterproof Duffle 40 L at L.L. Bean $139 Jump to Review Best Style: Antler Chelsea Overnight Bag at Antler.com $195 Jump to Review Best Budget: Veagia Weekender Duffle at Amazon $24 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Alo Yoga Sheer Duffle at Aloyoga.com $228 Jump to Review Best with Shoe Compartment: lululemon City Adventurer Duffle Bag at Lululemon $168 Jump to Review Best With Laptop Compartment: State Grove Rucksack at Statebags.com Jump to Review Best Gym Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack - Del Día at Cotopaxi.com Jump to Review Best Overall Calpak Compakt Duffel Bag PHOTO: Calpak View on Calpaktravel.com Why We Love It It's an ideal choice for those looking for a versatile and simple option. What to Consider 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 PHOTO: REI $199 at REI $199 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Patagonia.com Why We Love It It offers versatile options for carrying and organization. What to Consider 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 PHOTO: Sea to Summit $65 at Amazon View on Seatosummit.com Why We Love It It folds into the size of your palm, making it the ultimate ultralight gym bag to travel with. What to Consider 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 The 14 Most Stylish Travel Backpacks of 2024 Best Waterproof L.L.Bean Waterproof Duffle 40 L PHOTO: L.L.Bean $139 at L.L. Bean View on Mainesport.com Why We Love It The compression tabs and flip-top lid allow you to get creative with how you carry items inside and outside of the bag. What to Consider 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 Best Style Antler Chelsea Overnight Bag PHOTO: Antler $195 at Antler.com Why We Love It This bag is sleek and elegant with eye-catching clean lines suitable for the most luxurious resorts. What to Consider 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 PHOTO: Amazon $24 at Amazon Why We Love It The ventilation and easy-to-clean material make this bag a dream for sweaty gear on the go. What to Consider 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 The 10 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Splurge Alo Yoga Sheer Duffle PHOTO: Alo Yoga $228 at Aloyoga.com Why We Love It The sheer nylon material is light enough for a quick jaunt to your resort's yoga class or the pool. What to Consider 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 Duffle Bag PHOTO: lululemon $168 at Lululemon Why We Love It In addition to the shoe compartment on the bottom of the bag, we love the expandable interior pocket. What to Consider 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 PHOTO: State View on Statebags.com Why We Love It Side access and a buckled flip-top lid provide extra security when toting your laptop between home, the gym, and the airport. What to Consider 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 The 11 Best Weekender Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Gym Backpack Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack - Del Día PHOTO: Cotopaxi View on Cotopaxi.com Why We Love It The wrapped zipper and clamshell opening allows for easy access to everything inside the backpack for a quick change. What to Consider 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 PHOTO: Tumi View on Tumi.com Why We Love It The exterior pockets are large enough to hold not only cans of tennis balls but your water bottle, too. What to Consider 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. Frequently Asked Questions What should I carry in my gym bag? 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. Are gym bags really necessary to bring on a trip? 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. The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Jasmine Grant Jasmine Grant Jasmine is a senior commerce editor at Travel + Leisure, specializing in luggage and travel accessories. Jasmine has over a decade of experience as a writer and editor in lifestyle and travel media. In her spare time, she's probably planning her next voyage to a nearby Caribbean island. learn more