The 10 Best Gym Bags for Stashing Your Kit in 2026

If you've ever been to a CrossFit gym or Hyrox event, you'll be familiar with Built For Athletes. At this stage, rocking up to the function with one of these in tow is virtually a rite of passage. Why? For one, it's durable. There aren't many bags that are so big, strong and sturdy that simply dragging one onto your back feels like a workout in itself. But it's also highly practical.

Even with my gym shoes, a change of clothes for the office, a laptop, lunchbox and protein shaker stashed inside, I still had room to spare. With a capacity of 45L, two side pockets capable of holding a 750ml protein shaker and a 750ml water bottle, plus two external pockets for additional storage, I had no trouble fitting all my kit and anything else into it.

It also doubles as a piece of equipment. Thanks to the heavyweight polyester outer and adjustable sternum and waist straps, it's ideal for resistance training – just slide in a weight plate in the padded laptop sleeve and you're rucking!

Verdict: This bag looks cool; it looks like you mean business. You can pack it heavy and never have to worry about it getting knocked about. But if you have to travel by train, tube or bus after your workout, I've found that it can be a little impractical.

Read More: Built For Athletes Pro Series Backpack Review

I've included this Bulldog Gear backpack because it's the best value gym bag I've come across.

There are few rucksacks of this quality at this price. It's made from a rip-resistant, heavy-duty polyester, so it feels super durable. Inside, there's a main compartment for storing the bulk of your kit, as well as a smaller, full-length sleeve with internal organisers – both of which open flat, which makes locating specific items easy.

There's also a padded laptop sleeve at the back, where you can slot in a plate for rucking. At the front, I found the two external organisers to be the ideal place to stash keys, a wallet, headphones and other essentials.

Verdict: This bag is my go-to gym bag for the working week. It fits heaps of stuff without it being too bulky – and the choice of pockets means I can still keep my kit well organised. When packed full, the adjustable straps on the exterior prevent it from becoming overly bulky – which is ideal on busy trains. The durable exterior also means it can be chucked into a car boot or overhead compartment and I don't have to worry about rips or scratches. My only gripe? The lack of water bottle holders.

This new active backpack from Stubble & Co stood out during testing as the best gym bag for wearing on the move.

Designed with runners and cyclists in mind, it sat securely against my back when I was travelling, with no bounce. It’s impressively comfortable, even over longer efforts, and has plenty of ventilation through the shoulder straps and back panel for breathability.

With a 20L capacity, there’s enough room here to fit a change of clothes, shoes, toiletries and a laptop, while an external kangaroo pouch, shoulder pocket and top pocket make it easy to grab essentials on the go. It also performed well in bad weather: when I went out for a run with it in torrential rain, the inside stayed dry and water beaded off the exterior.

Verdict: This is a commuter bag – it’s not something you'd want to wear for trail races or ultras, as there’s no storage for soft flasks. But for anyone who runs or cycles to work or the gym, or in fact anyone who's simply after a practical, lightweight and waterproof backpack that works just as well for commuting as it does for hiking, this is the best gym bag for the job.

Read More: Stubble & Co Motion Backpack Review

This weight-defying rucksack can be packed heavy without holding you back. Utilising Under Armour’s in-house Suspension™ technology, the shoulder straps absorbed impact and reduced pressure on my upper body when the bag was full by balancing the load evenly across my back. For extra comfort, the back panel and straps are padded in a ribbed pattern to promote breathability.

Verdict: It may be light, but don’t be fooled – this bag is roomy. I found that the sleeve at the back is big enough to stash up to a 16” laptop. The main compartment has a handy separate kit pocket, while three spacious, easy-access pockets on the exterior – along with two extra-long, 1L bottle carriers, which sit on either side – provide plenty of choice for organising your kit.

The Elite version of Built For Athletes’ popular gym bag is the perfect companion for race day. Three large compartments sit on the front: a hard case for stashing valuables, a wet pocket for dirty kit, and a thermo-lined compartment for storing meal prep and shakes.

The MH Verdict: This 35L Elite version is more refined and practical than the larger, more rugged OG Built For Athletes Pro Series Backpack. It’s still big, strong and durable. It still looks cool and give the impression you mean business. But with those new, thoughtfully placed compartments on the exterior, it’s even better placed to support your nutrition goals and organise your gym gear day-to-day.

You might not think something like the Dirtykit antibacterial bag is necessary – after all, most good gym bags now feature a wet pocket. But in my experience, it always pays to have something like this on hand. As a heavy sweater, I've lost count of the times I've used said compartment to store my gym shoes and been left needing somewhere to carry my sweaty gym wear.

Verdict: In my opinion, this is an essential piece of kit that everyone should own. It'll keep your gym bag cleaner and free of bad odours from dirty kit. It's also just a smart decision from a hygiene standpoint – one study found that 96% of shoes carry traces of faecal matter. Do you really want that rubbing against your favourite tee?

Duffle bags don't need to be flashy. After all, there's only one reason I'm reaching for one of these over a rucksack for the gym, and that's to fit lots of kit inside.

This budget version from Adidas is no-frills, but does exactly what I want it to. The main compartment opens up flat, revealing a spacious area for throwing in the bulk of my gear. External pockets on each end are handy for keeping gym shoes and water bottles, while a side pocket was where I put my keys and earbuds during testing.

A small detail, but one that shouldn't be underestimated: it has both short carry handles for carrying in one hand, plus a shoulder strap for wearing on either one shoulder or cross-body.

Verdict: This duffel bag is something I always like to have around whenever my go-to rucksack is a little too small or I want to keep my gym gear separate from my work stuff. I particularly like that it packs down small and can be folded into another bag when empty.

This bag opens flat, with three zipped compartments that help to keep your gear neatly organised and easily accessible. The bottom pocket is waterproof – I used to store sweaty gym wear and outdoor shoes. Up top, there's a zipped, weatherproof pocket, great for stashing your wallet, keys and headphones – and there's extra padding on the back panel to protect laptops and other tech. On each side, spacious compartments are handy for carrying a water bottle and shaker.

The MH Verdict: If you're prone to misplacing your kit, this backpack from BLOXX is a game-changer. With eight thoughtfully located compartments that make arranging and finding your belongings quick and effortless, it’s ideal for training around the 9-5. But if you plan on using this as a weekend bag or carry a lot of kit, consider getting the larger version, as the 28L option is a little on the small side.

This commuter-friendly gym bag is reserved for those who take the scenic route. Whether you journey to work on two feet or two wheels, it has a water-resistant outer, power stitching and high-quality zips to ensure it holds up to repeated wear and tear, while also keeping your stuff dry when you get caught in a downpour.

The MH Verdict: The Alpha Backpack hits the sweet spot between comfort and storage. Despite its 20L capacity, it was perfect for running, sitting flush against my back without bouncing or riding up when I was on the move. The hideaway waist straps also provided extra support and a secure fit under heavier loads. It opens up flat and fits everything you need for a day in the office – including a laptop, a change of shoes and even your gym kit. It's not the best-looking bag, but it's smart enough for the office.