What is a Gym Bag?

This may seem like a simple question, but a “bag” can mean just about anything. The worst part of a day is to find out that the bag you grabbed won’t actually fit all of your stuff, or it is too impractical for your needs. A gym bag is different than a backpack, which is different from a grocery bag, which is different than a travel bag. Sure, lots of these bags can be used for different situations, but what you really want is the right tool for the job. It is worth it.

Wander With Wonder contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. We thank you for your help — it is what keeps Wander With Wonder bringing you great content.

Woman preparing gym bag. Photo by gpointstudio via iStock by Getty Images

A gym bag is simply a bag used for transitioning between the gym or other workout facility and home/work. These bags have specific requirements for use in a workout environment. Would you feel odd rolling in a roller airplane carry-on through the gym lobby? This is because a gym bag’s features are built for rough, sweaty, and wet conditions, unlike most other bags.

Where Should I Buy a Gym Bag?

You could buy a gym back from a big box store. However, those are retailers that don’t have the options available that you want at the prices you need. Instead, you should take your business to a wholesaler site that can offer you wholesale pricing for purchases with no minimum. That means you could buy 1 or 100 gym bags and still get the same great deal.

What are the Best Features of a Gym Bag?

Think about what you are going to use the bag for. Are you a swimmer? Are you a lifter? Are you a runner or cardio athlete? Will it be inside or outside? What about rain or weather issues? All of these conditions matter when you are deciding on which gym bag to buy.

A sports bag and sports equipment. Photo by LightFieldStudios via iStock by Getty Images

Small in Size

Gym bags are great because they are just the right size for the job. There is no need for an oversized duffle. Taking a bag that is oversized and just too big is not only awkward but may not be practical when your gym locker—if you have one—is the size of a microwave. Further, these bags tend to be slightly larger than a grocery bag. This allows you to carry multiple things at once easier.

Find a gym bag that is versatile, but small enough to go in your gym locker. Photo by Liderina via iStock by Getty Images

Heavy Vinyl Backing

These gym bags need to hold up under high wear. You will be throwing the bag around, dropping it, hitting it, and using it constantly. It won’t stay in the back of your closet. Instead, it will travel with you constantly and hold items that be heavy or wear excessively on the bag’s material.

Canvas or a thick vinyl backing will protect the bag from constant wear. Any other type of bag won’t last as long. You need to make sure that the bag you buy will last longer than a month of use. Holes will start to grow, and the thread will start to rip. Don’t let this happen.

Shoe Compartment

Often you either carry your workout shoes in your bag or you carry your work shoes and switch them out when you change. Either way, sweaty, greasy, and potentially dirty workout shoes should be kept separate from the rest of your packed stuff. If you are carrying work shoes, they should be protected from the dirt, grime, and sweat of the rest of the bag. A gym bag with a shoe compartment is a great way to ensure that your belongings will be kept separate and safe.

What about the foot smell? A shoe compartment protects against the unwanted odors from shoes as well. Keep those odors in a separate compartment to ensure that your bag, itself, doesn’t start to stink up the place.

Other Features: Shape, Material, Waterproof

There are a lot of other features that are included in gym bags. These include a specific shape for the sport, unique material that protects against mold, mildew, and smells, and waterproof pouches for gym items like swim goggles or a wet bathing suit. All of the options need to be reviewed for your specific application. This means that you should buy what you need, not what you want.

Think about what you are going to be doing with the gym bag and what specific features would be useful for you and your sport. The most basic gym bag will be sturdy, roomy, light, and allow for multiple pockets for all types of gym necessities. These are a great start for any basic application and can be used in more situations outside the gym. Be sure to check out more items for your on-the-go lifestyle on Wander.