Work Gym Bags

How to Buy a Gym Bag for Work

There are several factors to consider when you are searching for the perfect gym bag for yourself or for a man in your life.

Size

Consider first what will need to be carried in the gym bag. This will differ depending on the individual and the type of sport they are involved in. For example, a triathlete will need to carry different things in their gym bag than a weightlifter. Begin by making a list of all the items you need to carry.

Don’t forget to include toiletries for after your workouts, a change of clothes, shoes, and any accessories you may need, such as weightlifting straps or swimming goggles. You may even need space for office supplies or a laptop if you plan on heading straight to work after hitting the gym.

Unlike other types of bags such as a briefcase or crossbody bag, bigger is generally better when you are considering which gym bag to purchase. A gym bag that can hold several items can be useful as a weekend bag or carry-on as well.

One thing to remember, however, is that your bag needs to fit inside the lockers at the gym you attend.

Gym bags can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. The most common type of gym bag is a duffel bag but almost any style of bag can double as a gym bag including backpacks, messenger bags, classic totes and even a briefcase. Backpacks are probably the easiest and most comfortable to carry.

Material

Gym bags can be made from almost any type of material, but nylon and cotton canvas are the most common. Heavy-duty nylon is very durable and won’t cost much. A cotton canvas bag can look cute and double as a general tote bag. Canvas is also a highly durable, easy to clean material.

A leather duffle bag is a popular gym bag choice for working professionals who care about fitness.

A leather gym bag can look very classy, but you'll want to store your sweaty clothes and stinky shoes in a separate bag. Leather can’t be just thrown in the washing machine, and it needs to be kept fresh by oiling and gentle cleaning with special leather cleaners. Leather does have good durability though, so is less likely to end up damaged over time.

If you walk or cycle to the gym your bag is likely to get wet at some point, so make sure you buy a bag that is made from water repellent or water-resistant material. If you carry an iPad or laptop in your bag, it is even more crucial that you find a water-resistant bag.

Some gym bags are made specifically for outdoor adventures. These bags are typically abrasion resistant and are perfect if you are worried about your bag getting torn or damaged during training.

Related:

• How to Organise Your Work Bag
• What Bag Goes with a Suit?

Price

The cost of a gym bag varies greatly and is dependent on the quality of the material it is made from and the extra features it has.

A good gym bag does not have to break the bank but there are a few features you should look for when shopping for a gym bag.

Take a look at the following list before buying a gym bag.

• Lining – A water-resistant lining is important if you get very sweaty during your work-out or if you are a swimmer.
• Pockets and compartments– Pockets and compartments are essential so you can easily find things in your bag. Keep your keys, earbuds and phone separate from your clothes and running shoes with handy compartments in your gym bag.
• Straps – Make sure the straps on your gym bag are comfortable and adjustable.

A fashionable gym bag can cost in the region of $500-$2000 depending on the quality of materials, whereas you can get a cheap gym bag for under $100. But if you're buying it for work, then you want to invest in something that keeps things professional.

FAQs

How to Pack a Gym Bag

Inside most men’s gym bags, you should keep workout clothes, a water bottle, a pair of trainers, toiletries, and towels. Other things you might want to consider storing in your gym bag include energy bars and supplements. Headphones are also important for working out and flip-flops are useful for the showers.

Best Size of a Gym Bag

We suggest looking for a 30–40-liter gym bag. This will be small enough to allow you to take your gym bag on an airplane as a carry-on but large enough to fit most people’s work-out gear.