10 Reliable Gym and Workout Backpacks You’ll Surely Love

Health is wealth is what they usually say. Whether you go to the gym for your overall health and fitness, reaching a personal goal, training for a competition, working on your strength, agility, sports training, or just wanting to shed extra pounds, you need a lightweight, sturdy, reliable, and spacious workout bag.

Workout essentials and what we usually bring with us

Some prefer working out before they head to work, while some prefer it during their lunch breaks and some even after work. So what essentials do we usually pack inside a gym bag?

We usually put in our gym clothes or work clothes depending on the time we workout, a pair of trainers or work shoes, our toiletry bag, packed lunch, water bottle, sometimes even work stuff – such as laptops/tablets, paperwork and your planner and a whole lot more, that’s why we are always looking for a spacious backpack that would fit all of those but also won’t compromise our style choices.

A backpack for different workout styles and habits

We usually choose our workout backpacks depending on what kinds of workouts and exercises we do. That’s why we consider multi-functionality and space when choosing a workout bag.

People train differently and prefer certain exercises. Activities like yoga, pilates, cross-fit, pump classes, cycle classes, swimming, bodybuilding, cardio or HIIT training require different things – which means not just any backpack will work.

And then there are those that prefer outdoorsy exercises and prefer backpacks that can withstand the elements.

What else should we consider?

The size of our gym lockers of course! Different gyms have different locker sizes so we should also consider the size of our bags.

Gym and workout backpacks that made it to the Top 10

Without further ado, here are the 10 best gym and workout backpacks we like this year in no particular order.

1. Adidas 4ATHLTS Backpack

Carry your essentials in style with this durable, stylish and spacious Adidas backpack. Made from 100% recycled polyester, this 29 liter volume backpack has multiple pockets and compartments which means you’ll be able to store your daily workout essentials and more.

It has an external zip pocket, external padded laptop compartment, and a closure flap with buckle compression straps. Its base is coated for added durability allowing you to carry up to 6.6 lbs of items (3 kg). And the best thing about the Adidas 4ATHLTS backpack is the price, totally worth it for all that space!

Price: $40
Buy at Adidas.com

2. GYMSHARK X SERIES 0.3 Backpack

Don’t let its aesthetic fool you. This backpack is spacious enough to fit all your workout essentials!

Made with polyurethane and polyester lining, this 40L Gymshark X Series 0.3 backpack has one main entry/opening, adjustable and removable T-frame organizer for electrical equipment, adjustable shoulder straps, a lot of internal, external and main entry pockets for storing all your work and gym necessities.

Available in 2 colors you’ll definitely love – Black or Green Camouflage.

Price: $65
Buy at Gymshark.com

3. Nike Utility Elite Backpack

This bag is popular for a reason because the backpack is very well thought out in terms of design and functionality.

The Nike Utility Elite backpack’s body is made of 91% polyester and 9% nylon, multiple zippered front pockets for the little things you may have, a zippered sleeve that can store a 15” laptop, a side sleeve that can hold a 32 ounce bottle, durable loops to attach some accessories and mesh to keep your back cool and dry.

This backpack also opens like a suitcase so you can fully access your essentials. Comes in 3 colors – sandalwood, black and enigma stone – talk about being stylish, spacious and durable!

Price: $110
Buy at Nike.com

4. Under Armour Project Rock Brahma Backpack

Approved by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson himself, the Project Rock backpacks are made to withstand tough weather conditions. It’s made of 100% polyester with UA storm technology making it a bag with a highly water-resistant finish.

The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable to your preference, making it sit comfortably and snug on your shoulders. You could easily fit a 15 inch laptop inside the soft-lined laptop sleeve, and has plenty of organization pockets too. Its sleek design makes it look stylish for all genders.

Price: $60
Buy at Underarmour.com

5. The North Face Surge Backpack

This 31 liter backpack is not just your average work backpack, you can also use it as your gym bag.

The Surge backpack is sleek, yet very spacious. It has multiple fleece-lined compartments for storing your everyday essentials, a highly protective laptop compartment, external pockets for your smaller essentials, secure zip pockets and the best of all, it is certified by the American Chiropractic Association. Durable, comfy and stylish all in one backpack.

Choose from 5 gorgeous earthy tone combinations: Zinc grey-dark heather-TNF black, TNF Navy-TNF black, Meld grey-TNF Black, TNF black-TNF black and Pinecone brown-TNF black.

Price: $129
Buy at Thenorthface.com

6. Patagonia Black Hole Pack

This backpack is lightweight, extremely durable and weather resistant. Made from 100% recycled fabric, it gets an A+ for helping out Mother Nature thanks to Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability. With its small looking size and stylish appearance, you probably wouldn’t think this at first – but you CAN fit your everyday essentials into this bag!

The backpack has multiple storage options, enough space to fit most 15” laptops or tablets, a zippered top pocket for your small items, stretch-woven water bottle compartments to hold bottles and shakers of different sizes, and a large front pocket easy for organizing your stuff.

You can choose from 4 classic colors: Crater Blue, Basin Green, Hot Ember and Abalone Blue. With all these features and its price point, it’s a definite winner.

Price: $129
But at Patagonia.com

7. Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0

Made for people always on the move, the Everyday Backpack features a modern style but doesn’t compromise space at all.

It has lots of compartments and pockets including an exterior padded pocket that’ll fit a 16” laptop, a trolley compatible sleeve, a pocket for your water bottle, a top handle so you could carry it by hand if you prefer and made of waterproof materials (53% recycled polyester and 47% polyester).

Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 is available in 2 exciting color combinations – Aztec Brick/Black and Rainforest Green/Black to mix and match with your everyday style.

Price: $98
Buy at Lululemon.com

8. Bellroy Transit Workpack

This minimalist style backpack is a bestseller for a reason. Made with multi-functionality in mind, the Bellroy Transit Workpack is definitely made for professionals that are also gym goers. It has a separate laptop compartment that can fit 16-inch devices with an internal pouch for other accessories. Its main opening is a near full-zip clamshell opening so you can easily access your necessities.

The Bellroy Transit has a large internal stretch pocket that can hold your gym shoes and more. It is made of durable environmentally certified leather and is water resistant. Made from recycled materials and available in 4 tempting colors – Lunar, Marine Blue, Midnight, and Ranger Green.

Price: $199
Buy at Bellroy.com

9. Herschel Retreat Backpack Pro

This 22-liter Herschel backpack is made from 100% recycled materials. The Retreat Backpack Pro can fit all your work and workout essentials – ideal for people that are always on the go.

What makes it extra special from the others in this list is it is the only one with a drawcord closure and secured by the magnetic fastener straps with metal pin buckles. It also fits most laptop or tablet devices that are 15”. The backpack features an internal key clip, internal mesh organizer pockets, a front storage sleeve for easier access to essentials, and dual water bottle side pockets.

Comes in 5 color combination options: Grey/Black/Safety Yellow, Ivy Green/Black/Shocking Orange, Kelp/Peacoat/Cyber Yellow/Saddle, Woodland Camo/Black and All Black. For its price, it is definitely worth spending for.

Price: $99.99
Buy at Herschel.com

10. Moncler Area Backpack

Known for its versatility, this Moncler backpack is ideal to bring to outdoor training and hikes. It is crafted in water repellent coated nylon.

The backpack has a detachable front pouch that you can use separately, two side pockets that have zipper closures, padded and adjustable shoulder straps for a snug fit. You may also opt to carry it by hand as it has a cotton webbed fabric handle too. Comes in army green and black, classic colors that would suit your everyday style.

Moncler Area Backpack is in the moderate to high price range but it is worth the purchase if you love training outdoors and playing sports.

Price: $1,490
Buy at Ssense.com

Which backpack is for you?

Now that you’ve seen the list, you don’t need to take multiple bags to work – whether you prefer training inside the gym, or outdoors, there is a bag here that will meet your needs.

Note: The backpack choices presented are unisex and/or have a men’s/women’s counterpart.

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