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.
Our top picks:
1 | ![]() | Best for a professional laptop backpack. Prime Men's Leather Backpack |
2 | ![]() | Best for a smart convertible laptop backpack. 10X Laptop Travel Bag |
3 | ![]() | Best for a small, professional leather work backpack. Liberty Men's Leather Backpack |
4 | ![]() | Best for a smart duffle style weekender. Weekender |
Best Gym Backpacks 2023
Prime Leather Backpack
Best for the stylish professional who needs to carry a laptop and documents to business meetings - the Prime Leather Backpack.
Prime Men's Leather Backpack Product Highlights:
Product | Prime Men's Leather Backpack |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Adjustable Straps |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 40 cm (16 in) |
Height | 27 cm (11 in) |
Depth | 12 cm (5 in) |
Weight | 1.2 kg (0.5 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Prime product video below:
Browse more images of the Prime:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Designed for men | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage | |
Stylish design | |
Comfortable to wear as a backpack |
10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag
Best for stylishly carrying your laptop and work essentials on business trips or daily commutes with the 10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag.
10X Laptop Travel Bag Product Highlights:
Product | 10X Laptop Travel Bag |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 15.6 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Backpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 31 cm (12 in) |
Height | 42 cm (17 in) |
Depth | 17 cm (7 in) |
Weight | 2 kg (0.9 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the 10X product video below:
Browse more images of the 10X:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Suitable for both professional and casual use | |
Fits most laptops up to 16 inches | |
Designed for easy travel and convenience | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage |
Liberty Leather Backpack
Best for stylishly carrying work essentials and laptop on daily commute or business trips, Liberty leather backpack is a versatile unisex option.
Liberty Men's Leather Backpack Product Highlights:
Product | Liberty Men's Leather Backpack |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Adjustable Straps |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 40 cm (16 in) |
Height | 33 cm (13 in) |
Depth | 12 cm (5 in) |
Weight | 1.4 kg (0.6 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Liberty product video below:
Browse more images of the Liberty:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Designed for men | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage | |
Stylish design | |
Comfortable to wear as a backpack |
Weekender Leather Weekend Bag
Best for stylish weekend getaways with ample space for clothes and essentials - the perfect companion for any adventure.
Weekender Product Highlights:
Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
Design | Spacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop |
Interior | Durable cotton lining with compartments for organization |
Zipper | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
Compliance | Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage |
Craftsmanship | Handcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen |
Additional Features | Adjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware |
Personalized | Option for custom laser engraving |
Use Cases | Travel, gym, sports, weekend getaways |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices |
Watch the Weekender product video below:
Browse more images of the Weekender:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and sophisticated design | Not completely waterproof |
Ample storage space for essentials | Not ideal for extremely heavy items |
Comfortable to carry and handle | |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Easy to clean and maintain | |
Multiple compartments for organized packing | |
Suitable for weekend trips and overnight stays |
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.
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
Related:
- Best Work Gym Bag
- Briefcase Backpacks
- Travel Backpacks
- Minimalist Travel Bags & Laptop Backpacks
- Women's Leather Work Bags
- Men's Leather Work Bags
- Business Traveler Bags
- Laptop Backpacks
- Women's Leather Backpacks
- Messenger Backpacks
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.
Related:
- Best Work Backpacks
- Best Commuter Backpacks
- Best Travel Backpacks for Women
- Best Backpacks
- Best Laptop Backpacks
- Best Leather Backpack
- Best Backpack Purses
- Best Business Travel Backpacks
- Cute Leather Backpacks for Travel/School
- Best Backpacks for High School
- Leather college backpacks for women & men
- Best Business Backpacks for Men
- Best Travel Laptop Backpacks
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.
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