best gym backpacks

There are many gym backpacks on the market that work well as everyday bags for when you’re not heading for a workout.

The best gym backpacks tend to be easy to carry and offer a great deal of comfort.

You’re particularly likely to get a great deal of use from a backpack if you regularly go to the gym and take several items with you when you do.

But if you're taking it to work, then you need a backpack that also looks professional.

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Room for Gym Essentials

A gym backpack might be used to transport items like drinks, gloves, shoes, a change of clothes and various other kinds of training supplies. They can be worth their weight in gold if you go to the gym before or after work – or even if your gym is your workplace.

Placing a gym backpack in a locker and retrieving it should be a simple process. Some backpacks even have separate compartments for shoes. You can use most of these products as normal backpacks if you wish to do so, and some people use them to transport their laptops and accessories to coffee shops, for when they want to work away from their homes or at the office.

There is no need to use most of these backpacks exclusively for the gym, but they can make your trips to the gymnasium easier.

Gym Backpack vs Gym Duffle Bag

The main difference between gym backpacks and gym duffels is that they are carried differently and have different kinds of storage compartments. Most people agree that gym backpacks are the more comfortable to carry. You can add a liberal number of items to your backpack before distributing the weight across your shoulders.

Backpacks tend to have a large number of small zippered pockets. They also usually have outer pockets where you can store water and protein shakes. You can also expect to see one or two main compartments for other items. However, duffels only normally have a single large internal compartment and a few smaller pockets. Backpacks and duffel bags can both be great for the gym, but if you need a bag that will serve you well in various other situations too, it may be best to opt for a gym backpack.

Should I purchase a leather gym bag?

Leather gym bags are rather popular due to the way they are very durable.

They can withstand a substantial amount of wear and tear.

Their elegant appearance is another reason so many people opt for leather gym bags.

They are great for people who regularly go straight to the gym from the office.

Best Gym Backpacks 2022

Here are our top picks for a gym backpack in 2022, by type and style:

Best Leather Gym Backpack for Work

prime large brown leather backpack

Winner: Prime Leather Backpack

Pros:

  • Full grain leather
  • 14 inch laptop sleeve.
  • Multiple front zipped compartments.
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Durable cotton lining and YKK zippers.
  • Handmade in Italy
  • Can be personalized

Click here to check the price

Best Large Laptop Gym Backpack

10x leather laptop travel backpack

Winner: 10X Leather Laptop Backpack

Pros:

  • Full grain leather
  • Dedicated compartments, perfect for the gym.
  • Can convert from backpack to shoulder bag for ease of access.
  • Top and side handles.
  • Fits up to 15.6 inch laptop or tablet.
  • Handmade in Italy
  • Can be personalized
  • Available in brown, tan, black, or red leather.
  • Unisex.

Click here to check the price

Best Small Gym Backpack

liberty leather backpack

Winner: Liberty Leather Backpack

Pros:

  • Full grain leather
  • 14 inch laptop sleeve.
  • Multiple front zipped compartments.
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Durable cotton lining and YKK zippers.
  • Handmade in Italy
  • Can be personalized

Click here to check the price

Best Leather Gym Duffel Bag

leather weekender bag

Winner: Weekender Leather Bag

Pros:

  • Full grain leather
  • 16 inch internal padded laptop sleeve.
  • Plenty of space for all your gear.
  • Adjustable shoulder strap.
  • Durable cotton lining and YKK zippers.
  • The perfect work gym bag.
  • Handmade in Italy
  • Can be personalized

Click here to check the price

How can I remove unpleasant odors from a gym backpack?

Once your gym clothes have been in your backpack for a day or two, you might spot an unpleasant aroma. An effective way to prevent these kinds of aromas is to take sweaty gym gear out of your backpack as soon as you have finished with it. Some people keep deodorizing balls, sprays and dryer sheets inside their backpacks so odors can be absorbed or masked.

If you want to remove odors from your backpack without washing the item, you can sprinkle baking soda into the bottom of it. Leave it wide open and allow it to sit overnight. It’s possible to wash some backpacks in a washing machine or by hand. If you do want to do this, read the care instructions on the label first. Don’t use harsh soaps or detergents as these could damage your backpack

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What’s the best way to keep a gym backpack clean?

Gym backpacks can get dirty not just because they are used to store sweaty gear but because they are often left on dirty gym floors too. It’s wise to follow your manufacturer’s care instructions and to wash the backpack at least once each month. The internal part of your backpack can be cleaned on a weekly basis. Remove your worn gym clothes as soon as you can after each visit to the gymnasium.

How large does my gym backpack need to be?

There are many shapes and sizes to choose from when it comes to gym backpacks.  The size that you should opt for will depend on how much you wish to store inside your backpack. The vast majority of people are satisfied with a medium-sized gym backpack. Medium-sized backpacks tend to offer around 30-40 liters of space. There should be enough space to carry a change of clothes, sneakers, a water bottle, a small number of toiletries and accessories including wristbands and gloves.

What should I avoid wearing at the gym?

It’s best to avoid wearing clothes made from 100% cotton at the gym. This is because cotton dries very slowly and absorbs moisture. The excess moisture can cause you many problems including chafing, skin breakouts and chills. The best kind of clothes to opt for include quick-drying synthetics as well as moisture-wicking fabrics. These tend to draw water away from the skin and speed up evaporation times.

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Final Thoughts

That's the end of our best gym backpacks post! We hope you found it useful. If you ever need any help with anything to do with bags or fashion, feel free to contact the Von Baer team, at info@vonbaer.com.

Browse all of our Work posts here, and our Style posts here.

Author: Albert Varkki
Albert Varkki is the co-founder of Von Baer. He understands leather products as a consumer, supplier, and a manufacturer, helping you with the inside knowledge you need, to choose the perfect leather product for you. Connect on Linkedin

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