I’ve packed and picked the best gym bags for workouts, work and weekends away

For the sessions when travelling light just isn’t an option, my pick of the best gym bags in 2026 has got your back.

Do you spend hours searching for the best workout clothes, only to carry your new kit in a plastic carrier bag? Do you have a regular after-work workout regime? Are you a fitness fanatic who’s partial to planning occasional weekend city breaks or rural escapes? If any of those sound familiar, it might be time to invest in a high-quality gym bag.

Gym bags need to do a lot more than regular backpacks. They need to be robust, large enough to store a day’s worth of gym gear, have plenty of pocket options and offer waterproof or breathable compartments to separate wet and dry gear. They should also spread loads evenly across your back, be comfortable to wear for extended periods and, ideally, look the business too.

If you’re looking for a versatile gym bag that can also double-up as cabin luggage for weekends away, you’re in luck. Because all my picks here conform to most airlines’ overhead luggage dimensions.

Combining style with practicality, longevity and versatility, these are the best gym bags I’ve tested in 2026.

The best gym bags at a glance

Best gym bag overall	In my opinion the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack steals the show. Beyond its striking looks, it’s a well-thought-out bag with almost every feature you could possibly want. It has a lifetime warranty, too, which gives a clue to its impressive robustness.
Best gym bag for traithlons	Three main zipped compartments and a separate shoe stash make the Bloxx Backpack a great pick for multisport competition. Its expandable side pockets are a useful addition too.
Best MOLLE System gym bag	The KNKG Everyday Tactical Backpack is a beast of a pack and its 1000D nylon body will withstand a proper beating. It’s no surprise that KNKG stands for King Kong. If this was waterproof it may have given our winner a run for its money.
Best gym bag for travel	If you’re as partial to a weekend escape as you are to a weekday gym sesh, the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag will be up your street. Use its full 45L capacity or just a fraction – and use those compression straps so everything stays put.
Best gym bag for comfort	My previous best-gym-bag crown wearer may have been knocked off its thrown, but the Built For Athletes Pro Series Backpack still clinches it in the comfort stakes, spreading its load evenly across your bag when you’re on your feet for a while.
Best holdall-style gym bag	It may be a bit of a misnomer, but the ASRV Utility Gym Duffle Bag is more holdall style than army-style duffle bag. Still, it boasts a 38L capacity and MOLLE compatibility to boot.
Best gym bag for sustainability	Certified B Corp company Red Equipment takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. It makes kit like the Adventure Waterproof Backpack to last, and built from recycled, recyclable and biodegradable materials.
Best gym bag for versatility	It might look fair compact, but the Mous Active Backpack and expand from 25L to 35L, making it a very versatile pick. Robust waterproof construction and a padded laptop compact expand its usefulness further.

1. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

I have to say I was getting a little bored of all the glossy black gym bags on the market. So when I received this strikingly colorful Allpa bag from Cotopaxi I knew it would stand out at the gym (or luggage carousel). Each one is made with deadstock fabric so no two bags are the same. The design is well thought through too, with a suitcase-style main compartment divided into three zippable ones. There are plenty of external ones too, included a side-access padded 15in laptop compartment.

I liked the lockable main compartment, and security zippers, as well as the fact that you can fit most hip packs inside the top pocket. With three grab handles and stowable straps, this is a bag ready for all occasions. The 42L bag I tested was actually a little too voluminous for all my gym gear – but that’s no bad thing. The 35L version may be better suited for fitness sessions. But as a weekend travel bag, it’s not far from perfect.

2. Built For Athletes Pro Series Backpack

One of the toughest gym bags we’ve tested, the Pro Series 45L bag has plenty of space for all your gear and an indestructible design that will last for years. It may be pricey but we think it’s worth every penny.

Featuring military-spec rip-proof fabric and dedicated laptop and shoe compartments, the Pro Series has more zips and pockets than we’ve had protein shakes. Its load-spreading design means it’ll go easy on your back too.

• Read our full Built For Athletes Pro Series Backpack review

3. Stubble & Co Adventure Bag

The Adventure Bag is an ideal choice for those who spend as much time jet setting as they do bench pressing. It’s a 42L waterproof bag with all the compartments you could ever need, as well as horizontal and vertical handles.

Look beyond the bombproof Ripstop fabric and you’ll find neat touches like detachable waist strap with bum bag and a trolley sleeve that lets you slip it securely onto your trolley handle. We appreciate its compact dimensions, which make it carry-on compatible too.

• Read our full Stubble & Co Adventure Bag review

4. Red Equipment Adventure Waterproof Backpack

While not an out-and-out gym bag, the Red Equipment Adventure Waterproof Backpack can easily do workout duties. However, its reliably waterproof rolltop design, as well as details like reflective strips and emergency whistle, point to a more outdoor-focused design.

A padded and comfortable back with airflow panels and adjustable straps mean you could walk, hike or fastpack all day. Its 30L volume will cope with almost all your equipment needs on the trail or in the gym while MOLLE webbing is ideal for attaching climbing equipment for epic adventures.

Back in the gym and a removeable padded laptop bag and plenty of zipped compartments will be enough for your post-gym work and nutrition needs too. The best thing about the Adventure Waterproof Backpack? It’s almost half the price of its competitors.

5. Mous Active Backpack

The Active Backpack is a sleek looking bag that wouldn’t look out of place in an office, gym or airport carousel. Its rolltop design means it can expand from 25L to 35L depending on your requirements. In my days at the gym I never had a problem getting all my gear in, and it’s the perfect size for weekend escapes too.

I appreciated its rugged, waterproof construction, separate shoe compartment and AiroFoam padded laptop compartment, but the thing I loved most about the Mous Active Backpack was the unprecedented comfort even when fully loaded, thanks to those wide, adjustable straps and plush inside padding. I can see me using this for gym sessions and overnight stops for years to come.

6. Bloxx Backpack

As a triathlete I hugely appreciated the Bloxx Backpack’s compartmental design. Its three main mesh zipped compartments are great for separating wet and dry clothes, or ordering gear by each of the swim-bike-run disciplines. I was a little worried at first as the bag feels a bit flimsy but after a rigorous testing period it’s shown no signs of faltering. It’s a lighter bag than most 35-litre offerings, but no worse the wear for it.

There are plenty of nice touches too: a padded laptop compartment, sternum strap, stretchy side bottle pockets, hidden keyring loop and a choice of handles. Its expanding pockets mean you can pack over 35-litres and the wipeable waterproof base compartment is ideal for slimy running shoes.

7. ASRV Utility Gym Duffle Bag

Okay, so it’s fairly pricey, but the ASVR Utility Gym Duffle Bag just oozes quality. Despite its 38L capacity and simple design, the ASRV Utility Gym Duffle Bag will accommodate everything you need for regular gym trips, but it’s probably missing the 10L or so you’d want to make it a useful weekend-away bag.

If that’s not a dealbreaker, and you just want a sleek-looking design that you know will last, this ASRV is a great option for US shoppers. The MOLLE compatibility gives you some flexibility too. It looks like UK gym goers may have to wait a while for this one though.

• Read our full ASRV Utility Gym Duffle Bag review

8. KNKG Everyday Tactical Backpack

The KNKG Everyday Tactical Backpack (EDT) stands out as a robust and stylish option, and it offers good value compared to its competitors. Despite the absence of a hip strap, it shines with features like MOLLE webbing and expandable bottle pockets, ensuring versatility and convenience.

With a dedicated laptop sleeve and multiple compartments for organization, it proves its worth for daily use. While the shoulder straps could be more ergonomic, they still provide adequate comfort. The 18.2L capacity, although modest, can be added to with attachments, enhancing its utility.

The EDT represents a solid investment for those seeking a reliable and enduring gym bag. While it may not suit those with extensive gear, its durability and functionality make it a good choice for both the gym and more adventurous outings.

• Read our full KNKG Everyday Tactical Backpack review

Frequently asked questions

How I tested the best gym bags

I’m an experienced product tester of all manner of fitness kit. I’m also a fitness enthusiast and keen triathlete – a sport where carting a large amount of kit around transition has become something of a science. While testing out these backpacks, I used each one for at least a month, testing them on weekends abroad as well as regular gym workouts and multi-sport brick sessions. I assessed them in terms of style, storage and comfort, paying close attention to the durability of the design and whether they were worth the price tag. My testing process involved packing the backpack with a range of items – from workout clothes and gym shoes to a laptop and headphones – to assess the storage capabilities, before wearing it for hour-long walks to assess the comfort factor.

• October 2025: Bag availability and affiliate prices checked; Bloxx Backpack added; how-we-test section expanded; best-for headers added
• January 2026: Built for Athletes downgraded to summary box and best for comfort. Cotopaxi added to the main guide as best bag overall. Copy updated to 2026.
• April 2026: ASRV Utility Gym Duffle bag added to main guide and summary. New design and layout including schema tables and comparison table added.
• May 2026: Frequently asked questions added, and star ratings added to comparison table.