The Best Gym Bags Under $50

If you spend a lot of time at the gym, a good bag is a significant investment. Being able to easily carry a change of clothes, shoes, and towels is necessary. But a good bag doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive.

What is Important to Look for in a Gym Bag?

Before deciding on your new gym bag, you should consider what makes one suitable and what you want your bag to do for you.

• Durability:  A good gym bag needs to be made out of durable material. These bags are made to carry a lot of stuff, so the straps shouldn’t be easily torn, and the bag should be able to take a small beating. Some bags are made of a stiffer material that holds its shape even when empty, whereas others are thinner and will collapse in on themselves.
• Size: Your gym bag should be able to carry everything you’re going to need for your trip to the gym. This will vary depending on the person. Most gym bags should be able to fit a change of clothes, shoes, a towel, and small miscellaneous objects like deodorant and your phone. However, if you need to stuff basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, and so on in your bag, you might want a larger size.
• Separated Storage: For many people, separate storage compartments are a must-have option. They allow you to keep your shoes, dirty clothes, clean clothes, and other items separated from each other. This is very helpful in not only keeping your stuff clean but also keeps the bag clean by limiting wet and dirty things to side compartments and shoe garages.
• Cleaning Access: It’s also essential to be able to easily clean out the bag to prevent mold and get rid of bacteria. If you’re stuffing your bag with dirty clothes and shoes, or if you have something spill, you’ll want an accessible way to clean your bag out regularly.

The Best for Most People: NEWHEY Gym Duffel Bag

The NEWHEY gym duffel bag is an excellent choice that does it all. This model has two water-proof pockets for your shoes and wet clothes, so you can keep your stuff separated. The bag has 13 different pockets to organize your belongings. And if you bring a lot with you to the gym, its 40-liter capacity will let you carry multiple changes of clothes, towels, and even basketballs.

The Most Compact Gym Duffel: Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0

Gym bags are built to fit a great deal of stuff, but sometimes they can be larger than you need—especially if you’re a smaller person. The Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0 is a compact option that still has everything you will need in a duffel bag. There are a large shoe compartment and another smaller water-resistant pocket underneath to keep your stuff separated and clean. This bag is only 15-inches long, so it won’t take up too much space, and you’ll have an easier time fitting it in a locker. Even for its smaller size, it still has ten total compartments and will be able to hold all your workout essentials. If you’re looking for a smaller gym bag, but still want the organizational abilities of a large duffel, check-out the Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0.

The Best Premium Pick: Adidas Team Issue Duffel Bag

Adidas makes some quality workout products, and the Team Issue Duffel is no exception. If you’re looking for a more premium bag—even at the $50 and under price point—this option is made to last. It’s incredibly durable and water-resistant, protecting your belongings from all kinds of weather. There’s a ventilated side pocket for your shoes and other dirty items, along with plenty of zippered pockets on the outside of the bag. The main compartment can fit almost anything inside; if you need to carry lots of equipment and workout gear with you, this 26-inch bag will fit it all and more.

The Best Drawstring Gym Bag: Adidas Alliance II Sackpack

Another fantastic product from Adidas, the Alliance II Sackpack is the best drawstring bag to bring with you to the gym. The Sackpack has three exterior pockets and the main compartment that will let you carry your workout gear with you everywhere. Not everyone needs a huge duffel bag that can carry enough clothes for a weekend trip. A small drawstring bag like this is perfect for anyone who just needs to bring a quick change of clothes, personal accessories, and a few water bottles with them to the gym.

The Best Gym Tote: Puma Evercat Jane

There are lots of different kinds of bags that people use for the gym, and they aren’t always designed with appearance in mind. If you want something more fashionable than a duffel or drawstring bag, there are still options for you. The Puma Evercat Jane is a wonderful gym tote that will let you inconspicuously carry all your workout essentials with you. There is a quick, easy-to-access pocket on the front for your phone or keys and a zippered main compartment for your clothes and other belongings. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to go to the gym in style.