9 Best Compact Gym Bags For All Needs: Expert Picks Of 2024
These durable, compact, and waterproof bags are indispensable for every gym addict.
Emily Higgins is a nationally certified personal trainer and nutrition coach who specializes in helping women become their best selves through evidence-based fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle. She has over 8 years of experience and founded Girl Let’s Glow, a health and wellness blog for women, after overcoming her own health struggles and body image issues to help other women do the same.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Are you looking for a gym bag that is small yet carries all your workout gear and other knick-knacks? Well, the wait is over. Our list of the best small gym bags will guide you to select the one that is conveniently portable, yet highly useful. These are light and can hold all your workout items. If you haven’t yet bought one, check out our list below.
In This Article
The 9 Best Small Gym Bags
1. Best Overall:PUMA Women’s Evercat Cambridge Tote Bag
The Puma Women’s Evercat Cambridge Tote comes from a brand that is a pioneer in sports accessories. This tote bag is made of 100% polyester and features a dramatic evercat branding image at the front. The minimalist exercise bag has a top zip closure opening to the main compartment that is very spacious to hold most of your gym belongings. It has a flat base and a lined interior that includes one drop-in pocket. Reviewers love the product as it is long-lasting, and the soft material makes it comfortable to carry.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
- Material – Polyester
- Water-resistant – No
- Shoe compartment – No
Pros
- Sturdy
- Lightweight
- Flat base
- Includes one zip pocket
- Lined interiors
- Durable
Cons
- None
Pro Tip2. Best Affordable:Holy Luck Drawstring Backpack Bag
The HolyLuck Backpack is a drawstring backpack. It is made from polyester that makes it easy to wash and recycle. The backpack has drawcord closures made from high quality cords. These make the backpack comfortable and long-lasting. It also makes you store things quickly and carry them around easily. It helps reduce your shoulder burden as well. The bag includes a zippered pocket inside. This zipper pocket can accommodate mobile phones, wallets, cups, umbrellas, and other items. The backpack is perfect for gym, sport, yoga, and dance classes. It comes in 21 colors. Still not sure about the product? Check out the multiple rave reviews that boast of its quality and durability.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 5 x 13.4 inches
- Material – Polyester
- Water-resistant – Yes
- Shoe compartment – Yes
Pros
- Sturdy
- Washable
- Drawstring closure for easy access
- Inside zipper pocket to store valuable items
- Available in 21 colors
Cons
- None
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 9,895 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
3. Best Multi – Purpose:Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Bag
The Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Bag is a quick-drying backpack. This backpack is great to stash swim and gym essentials. The mesh pockets and ventilated compartments provide breathability and strength. They also allow items to dry quickly. The backpack has a drawstring closure that keeps the items together and secure. It also has a compartment for dirty shoes. The shoulder strap in the backpack is sturdy and comfortable. This makes the backpack easier to carry around without putting any strain on your shoulders. The multi-purpose gym backpack comes in 22 colors.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 23 x 12 inches
- Material – Polyester
- Water-resistant – Yes
- Shoe compartment – Yes
Pros
- Mesh compartment allows ventilation
- Sturdy and comfortable shoulder straps
- Lightweight and durable
- Available in 22 colors
Cons
- None
4. Best Sturdy:Adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag
The Adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag is a perfect size bag made from 100% polyester. The bag is easy to wash. It has a zippered main compartment that opens wide to store your belongings easily. It is a convenient and stylish compact gym gear carrier. The shoulder straps of the bag are adjustable. They are sturdy and padded to offer comfort. The bag comes in 19 colors. Check this video detailing a tester’s experience of using this bag for more details.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 5 x 17.5 inches
- Material – Polyester
- Water-resistant – Yes
- Shoe compartment – Yes
Pros
- Easy to wash
- Padded shoulder strap for comfort
- Wide zipper pockets to store things easily
- Available in 19 colors
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 14,491 reviews claiming its efficacy.
5. Best Anti – Theft:Kuston Sports Gym Bag
The Kuston Sports Gym Bag is made from high-quality Oxford fabric. This versatile gym duffel bag is lightweight, durable, wear-resistant, and waterproof. It comes with multifunctional pockets for sweaty gear and dirty shoes. It has one main compartment that has enough room to keep the essentials. It also has one inner zipper pocket that will keep your wallet and cellphone safe. The bag is great for workouts and travel. It is made from high-quality waterproof material and features separate dry and wet pockets or compartments. The duffel bag also comes with a shoe compartment. Reviewers on Amazon have noted that it has a comfortable and detachable shoulder strap. The shoulder straps have cotton pads for improved comfort. The bag comes in 10 colors.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 69 x 10.24 inches
- Material – Oxford fabric
- Water-resistant – Yes
- Shoe compartment – Yes
Pros
- Spacious main compartment
- Waterproof inner pocket to store wet items
- Padded shoulder straps for improved comfort
- Available in 10 colors
Cons
- Faulty zipper
6. Best Lightweight:Forest fish Women’s Lightweight Gym Tote Bag
This Forestfish Gym Bag is catered for women. The bag is made from nylon and is waterproof. It has a back zipper pocket that can be used to store a 10-inch tablet/PC. The bag also contains a key hook that makes it easier to store your keys. The bag has detachable and adjustable straps that offer comfort to the shoulders. The bag also has water bottle pockets and side pockets meant to store other belongings. The stylish gym tote bag comes in two sizes – medium and large and features a dedicated show compartment.
Specifications
- Dimensions – Medium: 13.8 x 5.5 inches, Large: 16 x 6.3 inches
- Material – Nylon
- Water-resistant – Yes
- Shoe compartment – Yes
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Can store 11-inch PC/tablet
- Detachable and adjustable shoulder straps
- Side pockets to store personal belongings
- Available in 2 sizes
Cons
- None
7. Best Durable:Nike Brasilia Training Duffel Bag
The Nike Brasilia Training Duffel Bag features a spacious main compartment that will store all your training gear. The bag has padded shoulder straps that make it comfortable to carry. It has an external pocket that can easily store your personal belongings, while the hanging internal pocket can secure small belongings. In addition, the water-resistant bottom keeps your essentials dry. Take a look at this video to gain a better understanding of the product from the reviewer’s experience of using it.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 19.5 x 9 x 2.3 inches
- Material – Polyester
- Water-resistant – Yes
- Shoe compartment – Yes
Pros
- Spacious
- Padded straps for comfortable carrying
- Water-resistant bottom
- Multiple pockets
Cons
- None
8. Best Versatile:NuFazes Gym Duffel Bag
The NuFazes Gym Duffel Bag features a shoulder strap with a soft padding. This makes it easier and comfortable to be carried around. The duffel gym bag with comfortable handles also features a handle clasp closure on top. It has a front zipper compartment that is ideal for storing small accessories, such as keys, cards, hand sanitizer, and more. It also has a small side handle that is available for extra support.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 14 x 8.5 inches
- Material – Polyester
- Water-resistant – Yes
- Shoe compartment – Yes
Pros
- Padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Front zipper compartment to store small accessories
- Small side handle for extra support
Cons
- May not last long
9. Best For Multi Compartment:Xiung·Louis Sports Gym Bag
The sports gym bag from Xiung Louis is a premium gym bag. It is made from waterproof material that makes it suitable for storing wet towels and sweaty clothes. The bag has a separate compartment to store your pair of shoes and dirty clothes. It also has a pocket in the front that makes it easier to store small belongings. It has a removable shoulder strap that allows you to use the bag as a handbag or a messenger bag. The shoulder straps are padded and give you improved comfort. The functional athletic bag comes in five colors.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 2 x 10.23 inches
- Material – Oxford fabric
- Water-resistant – Yes
- Shoe compartment – Yes
Pros
- Made from waterproof material
- Padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Available in 5 colors
Cons
- None
These are the top small gym bags available on the market. But before you purchase one, you need to keep certain points in mind.
How Do I Choose A Gym Bag?
says that “When choosing a gym bag, you should select one that simplifies the process of getting you to the gym. If you are going straight from the office to the gym or vice-versa, you may need some additional room to store your work clothes, shoes and cosmetics (if applicable). Also be sure to pack it in advance, keep all of your gym essentials in the bag at all times (pre-workout, lifting straps, sneakers, headphones, etc.) so that you eliminate the risk of getting there and missing something you need.”
The following are the factors and insider tips you need to look for in a gym bag.
- Breathable Or Sweat-wicking Fabric – A bag made from breathable or sweat-wicking fabric will not trap odors. It will be good to carry around sweaty clothes too. You can also store your dirty belongings without any worry.
- Separate Shoe Compartment – A gym bag with compartments makes organized storage easy. A separate shoe compartment in a gym bag is an added advantage. This will allow you to carry your gym pair of shoes throughout the day and will also help you become more organized.
- Water-resistant Fabric – A bag made from water-resistant fabric will keep your belongings from getting wet.
Infographic: Pros & Cons Of Various Fabrics Used In Small Gym Bags
Small gym bags are lightweight, easy to carry, and specifically designed for holding gym essentials. These bags are usually made from fabrics like polyester, nylon, and Oxford fabric, each of which has its set of advantages and disadvantages. Check out the infographic below for the pros and cons of fabrics used in small gym bags.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you are a fitness enthusiast, a new gym bag becomes essential quite frequently. A compact gym bag with a space-saving design can accommodate all your gear and equipment. The Holy Luck Drawstring Backpack Bag is a versatile option, perfect for all occasions, while the Nike Brasilia Training Duffel Bag is a great option for those looking for some extra storage space. But if you are someone who wants a durable material bag, try the Adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag. These bags are made of best quality fabrics that are waterproof and come in a wide range of options that are convenient and travel-friendly. These bags are lightweight, durable, and washable. Check out the buying guide and product reviews to choose the right bag that fulfills your needs.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Aditi Naskar, the author, has a diploma in health and wellness. As a sports enthusiast, she understands the importance as well as the challenges of finding the perfect small gym bag. On her quest to curate the top options, she checked out numerous gym bags taking into consideration the specifications, material, durability, and user feedback of the products. The handpicked and reviewed products are designed to be spacious yet small and fashionable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better – backpack or shoulder bag?
Both a backpack and a shoulder bag have their advantages. A backpack will not strain your shoulders easily, while a shoulder bag will be closer to you while carrying. What you use depends on your requirements.
What is the best size gym bag?
A small or medium-sized gym bag would cover all the basic essentials you require while going to a gym. It can easily hold your water bottle, towel, and other gym accessories.
What is the difference between a gym bag and a duffel bag?
A duffel bag can conveniently be used as a travel-friendly gym bag. On the other hand, a gym bag is known for its sturdy base and less storage space than a travel-centric duffel bag.
Can I use a tote bag for the gym?
Yes, you can bring a tote bag to your gym as long as it serves you the storage requirements.
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