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.
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.
Best Men&#;s Overall
Nike Utility Speed Training Backpack
PHOTO: Amazon
$77 at Dicks Sporting Goods
$77 at Nike.com
View on Jdsports.com
Pros
Cons
Key Specs
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
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
Best Women&#;s Overall
The North Face Never Stop Utility Pack
PHOTO: The North Face
$139
$111 at Dicks Sporting Goods
View on The North Face
$139 at Macy's
Pros
Cons
Key Specs
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
Who It's For
Best if you need a versatile backpack for gym sessions, travel adventures, and daily commutes.
Why We Love It
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.
Potential Flaws
- We felt the sternum strap was not as supportive as the ones on some other backpacks we tested.
Most Valuable Insight
&#;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
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
Best Budget
Under Armour Adult Hustle 5.0 Backpack
PHOTO: Amazon
$53 at Amazon
$55 at Zappos
$55 at Dicks Sporting Goods
Pros
Cons
Key Specs
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
Who It's For
Best if you need a lightweight, versatile backpack at a budget-friendly price point.
Why We Love It
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 , 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.
Potential Flaws
- The straps are wide, which distributes weight well but may not be comfortable for smaller-framed wearers.
Most Valuable Insight
&#;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
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
Best Convertible
Béis The Sport Duffle
PHOTO: Béis
View on Beistravel.com
$88 at Revolve
Pros
Water-resistant interior
Multifunctional pockets
Luggage strap
Cons
Key Specs
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
Who It's For
Best if you want a gym backpack that doubles as a duffle bag for travel.
Why We Love It
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.
Potential Flaws
- We recommend removing your items before converting the bag so they don't spill out.
Most Valuable Insight
&#;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
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
Best for Yoga Mat
Aurorae Yoga Multi-Purpose Yoga Backpack
PHOTO: Amazon
$55 at Amazon
Pros
Cons
Key Specs
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
Who It's For
Best for yogis who need designated space for a yoga mat, yoga clothes, and other yoga accessories.
Why We Love It
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 , and more. Side mesh pockets also hold two water bottles, while exterior attachment loops offer even more ways to carry your essentials.
Potential Flaws
- 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.
Most Valuable Insight
&#;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
Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
Best Large
Elite Convertible Boxing Gear Gym Bag and Backpack
PHOTO: Amazon
$48 at Amazon
View on Elitesports.com
Pros
Converts into a duffel
Water-resistant
Insulated cooler pocket
Cons
Key Specs
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
LAMGOYl supply professional and honest service.
Who It's For
Best for exercisers who have bulky gear to carry to and from the gym.
Why We Love It
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.
Potential Flaws
- This backpack has several versatile features but it only comes in black.
Most Valuable Insight
&#;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
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
Best Small
The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack
PHOTO: Amazon
$59 at Amazon
View on Zappos
$59 at Dicks Sporting Goods
Pros
Cons
Key Specs
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
Who It's For
Best for petite users who don't need a ton of storage.
Why We Love It
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.
Potential Flaws
- The water bottle pockets are small and can only hold 12-ounce drinks.
Most Valuable Insight
&#;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
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
Best for Commuting
Aer Fit Pack 3
PHOTO: Aer
View on Aersf.com
Pros
Streamlined design
Antimicrobial interior
Luggage strap
Cons
Key Specs
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
Who It's For
Best for on-the-go users who want one backpack to store essentials for their busy days.
Why We Love It
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 and sunglasses. The shoe compartment has an antimicrobial-coated lining that keeps dirty or wet items separate while preventing odors.
Potential Flaws
- The shoe compartment is a nice feature, but when it's full, it takes up a lot of room.
Most Valuable Insight
&#;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
Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
Best for Swimming
TYR Backpack
PHOTO: Amazon
$30
$19 at Amazon
$21 at Walmart
$10 at REI
Pros
Adjustable straps
Budget-friendly
Wide range of colors
Cons
Key Specs
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
Who It's For
Best for swimmers and athletes who need to air out sweaty, wet gear.
Why We Love It
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.
Potential Flaws
- 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).
Most Valuable Insight
&#;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
PHOTO: REI
$90 at REI
Pros
Sternum strap buckle doubles as a whistle
Made with recycled materials
Thick foam padding throughout
Cons
Key Specs
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
Who It's For
Best if you live in wet weather zones, hike on soggy terrain, or travel to diverse destinations.
Why We Love It
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.
Potential Flaws
- To prevent the foam back panel from warping over time, we found we had to store the bag either completely flat or hanging vertically.
Most Valuable Insight
&#;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
Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
Best for Kids
REI Co-op Tarn 18 Pack
PHOTO: REI
$35 at REI
Pros
Lightweight
Seven pockets
Easy to clean
Cons
Key Specs
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
Who It's For
Best for active kids who need a versatile backpack for sports and school.
Why We Love It
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.
Potential Flaws
- During testing, we found the sternum strap to be uncomfortable and unnecessary.
Most Valuable Insight
&#;Loved the color and size&#;it&#;s durable and has good storage space.&#; &#;Jack T., Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
Best for Court Sports
MIER Large Sports Backpack
PHOTO: Amazon
$36 at Amazon
View on Miersports.com
Pros
Wide, supportive straps
Large main compartment
Easy-access ball pocket
Cons
Key Specs
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
Who It's For
Best if you participate in court sports like basketball, volleyball, and more.
Why We Love It
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 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.
Potential Flaws
- The straps are very wide, which distributes weight well, but they may be too wide for smaller users.
Most Valuable Insight
&#;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
Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Rip Proof Gym Backpack. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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