3 days ago
- Health
- Condé Nast Traveler
9 Best Gym Bags for Workouts On the Go
Carving out time to work out just might be one of the greatest challenges of traveling. But when it comes to logistics, having the right gym bag just might be the jumpstart needed for a dose of motivation. Whether you prefer a tote, a duffel, or a crossbody bag to hold your workout essentials, there's a wide range of lightweight, packable options to choose from. Some of our top picks are convertible and even double as carry-ons, personal items, or weekender bags, making them ideal for travelers.
The best gym bags have thoughtful features, like a water bottle pocket, a separate compartment for post-workout clothes and shoes, and zippered pockets to keep small items easy to reach on the go. Many also have luggage sleeves so you can easily sit them up on top of your suitcase, while several have straps or compartments to tote around yoga mats or pickleball paddles.
To find our favorites, we prioritized durability, giving preference to those made of recycled materials, as well as comfort, whether it's padded straps or reinforced handles. Here are our picks of the best travel-friendly gym bags, primed for fitness enthusiasts.
Top picks:
Calpak
Fit gym bag $140
$119
Calpak
Dimensions: 19.25"L x 8"W x 12.75"H
Weight: 1.5 lb.
Capacity: 25L
Warranty: Return coverage for a small fee
Best of all worlds! Every convenient gym bag feature imaginable is rolled into this Calpak Fit Gym Bag, a favorite of Traveler's commerce editor Meaghan Kenny for pilates classes and hotel gym sessions. The sling-style curvature makes it easy to carry, whether as a crossbody or shoulder bag, plus it has a water bottle exterior pocket, an interior strap for another water bottle, a shoe compartment, key clip, trolley sleeve, zippered phone pocket, and a yoga mat strap. This gym bag really does it all—and it's just the right size to double as a weekender for quick getaways.
Pros: Functional storage pockets, adjustable padded straps, antimicrobial lining
Cons: Length may be tough to store in smaller lockers and under plane seats
Lululemon
3-in-1 gym duffle bag
$158
Lululemon
Dimensions: 18.5"L x 7.7"W x 10.6"H
Weight: 2.5lb.
Capacity: 30L
Warranty: One-year limited warranty
Lululemon's attention to functionality shines in this roomy duffel, available in black or gray, with a large main compartment for flexibility of use, as well as a separate zipper shoe storage space that fits men's shoes up to size 14, and the zipper pocket on the side fits water bottles up to 24 ounces. A drawstring pouch is also included to keep sweaty workout clothes separate.
Pros: Water-repellent, recycled nylon, shoulder strap doubles as stretching strap or yoga mat carrier
Cons: Super casual style, must spot clean
Béis
The Sport Duffle backpack
$108
Béis
Dimensions: 17.3"L x 8.8"W x 9.8"H
Weight: 2.13 lb.
Capacity: 23.5L
Warranty: 45-day return or exchange
When it comes to functionality, Béis rises to the top, with details that make a difference. Think: a trolley sleeve with a zippered bottom so it can double as a pocket and a key leash. But the thing this sports duffel has going for it the most is that the style and silhouette is simple yet chic, making it elevated enough to double as a carry-on for business travel. (Plus it has a sense of humor: Its drawstring bag for laundry is labeled 'Dirt Bag.')
Pros: Sleek design, convertible to backpack, travel-friendly colorways
Cons: Limited return policy
Athleta
All About sling bag $65
$39
Athleta
Dimensions: 8"L x 3"W x 13.5"H
Weight: 8 oz.
Capacity: 4.3L
Warranty: 30-day returns only
Sometimes all you need are a few essentials on deck. This travel-friendly sling holds a water bottle, keys, wallet, phone, and a few other must-haves like sunscreen or lip balm. The all-weather bag has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and an adjustable strap for a more comfortable fit.
Pros: Compact, water repellent, recycled materials
Cons: Limited storage, no warranty
Oliver Thomas
Mega Fluff convertible pickleball tote
$275
Oliver Thomas
Dimensions: 15"L x 6.5"W x 14"H
Weight: 2.15 lb.
Capacity: 16.7L
Warranty: 30-day returns only
Pickleball lovers will revel in this tote with an integrated sling that fits two racquets. With stash and zip pockets galore on the inside and out, the lightweight bag is vegan certified and water resistant, and even fade-proof for outdoor players. A zipper expands the tote for three extra inches of storage.
Pros: Backpack straps, detachable sling for two racquets, padded laptop compartment, RFID-blocking pocket
Cons: Limited return policy
Dagne Dover
Landon carryall bag
$200
Dagne Dover
$200
Nordstrom
Dimensions: 14.5"L x 7.5"W x 9"H
Weight: 2.5 lb.
Capacity: 18L
Warranty: Two-year limited warranty
Dagne Dover's bags are known for their polished look, and this mini duffel is no exception, made of high-tech water-resistant fabric. Specifically designed for a work-to-gym lifestyle, the bag has thoughtful touches, like an exterior phone slip pocket, a detachable key leash, an air mesh zip top pouch, and a zippered shoe bag. Available in 10 fun colors, including a creamy hot pink rhubarb and a refreshing pine green, the bag is also sustainably sourced and made of 16 water bottles, with a recycled polyester lining.
Pros: Adjustable sizing with a snap, padded laptop sleeve, 100% vegan, generous warranty policy
Cons: Compact size, limited capacity, heavier weight
Nike
Brasilia small duffel $45
$42
Amazon
$42
Nike
Dimensions: 20"L x 11"W x 11"H
Capacity: 41L
Warranty: 60-day returns only
For those who prefer a traditional duffel for the gym, look no further. Nike combines strength and durability with an easy-to-access side compartment to toss in post-workout gear, plus a zipper front pocket for a wallet and keys. This workout bag can also lay completely flat when empty, making it easy to pack or store away when not in use.
Pros: Simple design, coated bottom for durability, ventilated side compartment for shoes or laundry
Cons: Can feel bulky, only one color available
Away
Featherlight crossbody
$78
Away
Dimensions: 15.7"L x 6.3"W x 13"H
Weight: 12.8 oz.
Capacity: 18L
Warranty: Limited one-year warranty, plus 100-day return policy
From the moment Away introduced its Featherlight collection, I've been a fan of its uber-light products that offer Away's trademark dependability and durability—and trust me, I'm all about stuffing my bags to the max. The 16-inch laptop pocket makes this crossbody work-friendly, while hidden exterior pockets (one zippered and one slip) make it easy to access essentials while traveling. As a germaphobe, one of my favorite aspects is that this bag is machine washable.
Pros: Lightweight, machine washable, large laptop pocket, water repellant
Cons: Limited capacity
