You’re busy, and you don’t have time to fuss with all your various accessories while you’re coming and going to the gym. From gym gear to clothes to shoes to water bottles to personal items, you need storage that can stand up to your busy and active lifestyle.
Athletic backpacks are structurally designed for the active person, giving you plenty of comfortable storage space so that you can carry all your gym accessories without fretting over any items becoming lost. Carry your basketball, your shoes, your wallet, your keys, all with the added security of a backpack and the lightweight design of athletic gear. But how do you find the best athletic backpack when there are so many out there? We’ve put together this list of our favorites, the athletic backpacks that stood up to repeated use and could be utilized both indoors and outdoors.
Read on to see why our experts love these athletic backpacks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Athletic Backpacks Alike?
Athletics backpacks are specialized and are purposefully designed for active lifestyles. They have roomy space to carry more items, and are durable enough to stand the normal wear and tear of sports activities. Many athletic backpacks are designed to be used indoors and outdoors, and are waterproof to protect your gear from the elements. They include additional exterior pockets for personal items and zippered pockets for extra storage.
What Features Should I Look For In Athletic Backpacks?
Even the smallest features matter with athletic backpacks, because tiny additional pockets or hanging loops can make or break the versatility of your bag. Keep an eye out for reinforced stitching, waterproof or weather-proof material, improved fit, additional zippers and fasteners, accessible pockets, additional shoulder and back padding, and storage space for accessories such as water bottle holders and cell phone holders.
Buying Guide
We’ve put together this essential Buying Guide so that you can make the best choice of athletic backpack with none of the stress. Check it out!
- Space: First and foremost, you want to ensure your backpack can carry everything you need. Do you need room for a sports ball, for extra shoes, for multiple pairs of clothes?
- Durability: Is this bag designed for the gym or the trailer? Can it stand up to water? What’s the bag made from, and how long do the zippers, cinches, and straps last?
- Safety: Does this bag come with any additional safety features such as a reflective strip or anti-theft zippers? Ensure that your bag is sturdy and safe if you plan on using it while on public transit.
BeeGreen Drawstring Backpack
Best Overall
More Convenient Compartments
The BeeGreen Drawstring Backpack has more room so that you can hold your gym clothing, basketball, towels, textbooks, supplies, swim gear, and more! Take this drawstring backpack along on camping trips, to sporting events, or just to the gym. Can also be used as a school backpack with its convenient compartments that can hold a pair of shoes and plenty of small items.
Why We Love It:
- Features a larger space that measures 16-inches by 19.5-inches, big enough to hold a basketball and all your sports clothing.
- Convenient side compartments that can hold a pair of shoes, an iPad, sunglasses, and more.
- Smart reflective strip ensures night safety, and additional carry handles let you hang this backpack anywhere.
- Adjustable drawstrings accommodate your items, and the comfortable straps reduce the burden on your shoulders.
Something To Consider:
- Water bottle compartments only hold small bottles.
- Shoe pocket has no additional thickness.
BeeGreen Drawstring Backpack is comfortable and convenient, and holds all your gym items including your shoes and basketball.
ZOORON Waterproof Drawstring Gym Backpack
Most Lightweight
Ideal For Overnights
The ZOORON Waterproof Drawstring Gym Backpack has a huge main pocket with an easy drawstring opening that allows you to carry all your items, such as your gym clothes, gear, water bottle, and more. Front zippered bags and side pockets let you safely carry your keys, phone, and sunglasses. Lightweight and durable, this water-resistant drawstring bag is made of sturdy nylon and stays comfy no matter how you adjust it.
Why We Love It:
- Carry more items in this large capacity bag that can hold all your gym gear plus smaller accessories.
- Lightweight at only 0.72 lbs, this bag is made from durable nylon and can be carried anywhere.
- Water-resistant design so that you can carry this backpack both indoors and outdoors.
- Ideal for camping, day trips, sporting events, overnights, vacations, running, and more.
Something To Consider:
- The outer pockets can only support skinny water bottles.
- Straps can twist when the bag is full.
ZOORON Waterproof Drawstring Gym Backpack is built tough so that you can take all your gym gear anywhere you need, and waterproof so that you can take this bag camping or running.
Nike Brasilia Training Gymsack
Best Protection
Secure Zipper Pockets
Made for minimalists, the Nike Brasilia Training Gymsack is easy to fill so that you can toss your workout gear in and go about your day. Designed with a sturdy reinforced bottom that protects all your gear from jostling and scrapes, the secure string cord closure gives you quick access to all your stored items. Features an extra zipper pocket on the exterior for small items and valuables.
Why We Love It:
- Super minimalist drawstring design so that you can toss in your gym items, cinch the string, and head out.
- Reinforced and protected bottom that keeps your items secure from any tossing or bumps.
- Exterior zipper pockets to safely hold all your small personal items such as your wallet, keys, or sunglasses.
- Cinch-cord shoulder straps that are comfortable and lightweight—use this as both a bag and backpack.
Something To Consider:
- Not as sturdy as comparable gym backpacks.
- Does not fit a basketball.
Nike Brasilia Training Gymsack is the easy option for quick gym gear storage when you’re on the go. Toss in your items and head out with this minimalist athletic backpack.
Mouteenoo Sport Gym Backpack
Best Design
Additional Shoe Gear Compartment
The Mouteenoo Sport Gym Backpack is perfectly sized for the gym, sporting events, outdoor excursions, overnights, and weekend trips. Sturdy enough to hold all your items but compact enough to store in a locker or under a seat. Lightweight design without too much fuss or bulky features, with supportive shoulder padding that keeps your neck and shoulders comfortable.
Why We Love It:
- Sized 20-inches by 14-inches by 4.5-inches—large enough to carry all your gym gear but compact enough to store anywhere.
- Lightweight athletic design with comfortable shoulder pads and reinforced padding that doesn’t wear on you.
- Additional shoe gear compartment that’s ventilated so that you can separate dirty and clean clothes.
- Made from water-resistant nylon that’s resistant to rips and tears.
Something To Consider:
- Bag has a “floppiness” that lacks structure.
- No firm protective base.
Mouteenoo Sport Gym Backpack is sturdy and made for sporting events, gym sessions, and weekend trips. Designed to hold all your items under a bus seat or in an overhead compartment.
Vooray 23L Ultra-Durable Flex Cinch Backpack
Most Convenient
Multiple Pockets For Additional Items
Upgrade your workout with the Vooray 23L Ultra-Durable Flex Cinch Backpack, the perfect gym bag that carries everything you need! Carry your extra clothes, shoes, wallet, water bottle, and more. Made from weather-resistant material and is extra durable for outdoor excursions and jogging. Pull the cinches tight and find comfort with the adjustable straps.
Why We Love It:
- The perfect go bag that lets you store all your gym accessories, such as clothes and shoes.
- Durable enough to stand up to wear and tear indoors and outdoors—made from polyester.
- Convenient cinch closure and lightweight sturdy shoulder straps.
- Carry capacity of 23 liters, with ergonomic measurements that features plenty of internal and external storage.
Something To Consider:
- Straps need continual adjustment.
- Not as functional as some comparable athletic backpacks.
Vooray 23L Ultra-Durable Flex Cinch Backpack cinches tight and keeps all your gym accessories safe, made from weather-resistant polyester so that you can use it indoors and outdoors.
