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Gym backpacks are a convenient, hands-free way to organize your fitness gear. If you’re frequently toting your essentials among your home, the gym, and the office, a backpack is a sturdy solution that’s easy to carry around.
Tamara Teragawa, a 500 RYT-trained yoga instructor and YogaSix XPRO for Xponential+ from San Dimas, California, agrees. “I personally love backpacks for the gym and working out,” she says, “not only for the obvious reason of carrying all of my stuff, but because it is much more comfortable than wearing a duffle bag or something I can only wear over one shoulder.”
1. Best Men’s Overall – Nike Utility Speed Training Backpack
Capacity 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Storage 5/5 Stability/Bounce Prevention 5/5
This Nike backpack is our top overall men’s pick, because it’s spacious, durable, and comfortable. The bag opens flat, so you can easily access your essentials from the roomy main compartment. It also has multiple pockets throughout to keep you organized, scoring a 5 out of 5 for storage.
Although it’s roomy, our tester noted that the bag didn’t feel too bulky, oversized, or uncomfortable. An interior mesh sleeve can store items like books, resistance bands, or a 15-inch laptop. However, our tester found that the sleeve’s location made it less secure than she would have liked.
2. Best Women’s Overall – The North Face Never Stop Utility Pack
Capacity 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Storage 5/5 Stability/Bounce Prevention 4.5/5
Our top women’s overall pick is The North Face’s Never Stop Utility Pack, because it has an impressive amount of storage, a simple, stylish design, and plenty of thoughtful features. Lined interior pockets, large exterior pockets, and an included accessory bag earned this backpack a 5 out of 5 for storage.
The backpack also has a designated shoe compartment, which can be used for a change of shoes or other items like insoles for flat feet, and we like that there are two spots to store your tech—an exterior laptop sleeve in the back, plus a protective interior slot for a computer or your tablet. These storage options make the bag a great pick for days when you’re headed to the office straight from the gym.
3. Best Budget – Under Armour Adult Hustle 5.0 Backpack
Capacity 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Storage 5/5 Stability/Bounce Prevention 4/5
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly gym backpack, we recommend this bag from Under Armour. Our tester appreciated its sizable cargo space and designated spots for your shoes, clothes, electronics, and more. And we like that it’s available in a wide range of modern colors and patterns.
This breathable bag has a protective, felt-lined interior laptop sleeve and a waterproof front pocket for your phone or sunglasses. There are also several attachment points on the outside, so you can easily attach any extra gear (similar to our best men’s overall pick, Nike’s Utility Speed Training Backpack).
4. Best for Yoga Mat – Aurorae Yoga Multi-Purpose Yoga Backpack
Capacity 4/5 Value 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Storage 4/5 Stability/Bounce Prevention 4/5
For bringing your yoga mat or balance boards to your daily practice, we like this backpack. Unlike traditional yoga mat bags, this one carries your mat vertically in a separate pocket with straps, so it’s easier for you to move around. Our tester’s 6-millimeter mat slid in effortlessly, although she did notice that the bag’s outer straps have to be tightened all the way when carrying a mat, so you’re not thrown off balance while you walk.
Two padded shoulder straps help evenly distribute the weight of your gear, earning this bag a 4.5 out of 5 for comfort and chafing protection. However, they may not tighten enough for wearers with small frames. The side mesh pockets can hold two water bottles, and exterior attachment loops offer even more ways to carry your essentials.
5. Best Large – Elite Convertible Boxing Gear Gym Bag and Backpack
Capacity 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Storage 5/5 Stability/Bounce Prevention 4.5/5
If you need a large backpack for hauling heavy gear, we recommend this two-in-one option from Elite Sports. The padded, quick-release backpack straps can be tucked away to convert the bag into a duffel. Even our petite tester felt comfortable wearing this bag when it was fully expanded, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 for comfort and fit.
Great for MMA, boxing, field and court sports, and more, this heavy-duty backpack has a water-resistant PVC coating, so your belongings stay protected. During our test, the breathable mesh pockets and details kept our tester’s items dry.
6. Best Small – The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack
Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 4/5
The North Face’s Borealis Mini Backpack is a compact bag that still holds an impressive amount. We love this bag for walks, hikes, or other times you don’t want to be weighed down by a full-on pack. Our tester noticed how durable and spacious this backpack was for its small size, scoring it a 4.5 for comfort and storage.
The ergonomic straps are easy to wear, while shell loops and compression bungees make it easy to bring all of your must-haves with you. While it has two water bottle pockets, our tester noticed that they can only fit 12-ounce drinks. But we like that the Borealis Mini is made with recycled materials and available in a wide range of bright colors.
7. Best Mesh – TYR Backpack
Capacity 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Storage 5/5 Stability/Bounce Prevention 4/5
For swimmers or those who frequently carry sweaty gear, we recommend TYR’s Big Mesh Mummy Backpack. During our test, the bag held an impressive amount of equipment, scoring a 4.5 out of 5 for storage. Our tester appreciated the zippered side pocket and mesh water bottle pocket, which sets this drawstring bag apart from others.
This lightweight bag’s breathable mesh allows wet items to dry quickly. The straps are easy to adjust, earning a 4 out of 5 for comfort and fit. However, they aren’t padded or supportive, meaning this bag isn’t the best choice for heavy gear.
8. Best for Court Sports – MIER Large Sports Backpack
Capacity 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Storage 5/5 Stability/Bounce Prevention 4.5/5
If court sports are a large part of your workout routine, we recommend this spacious backpack. One of the first things our tester noticed is how large the 40-liter main compartment is, with a separate mesh section that can fit a basketball or volleyball inside.
The bag also has pockets throughout for organizing smaller items, earning it a 5 out of 5 for storage. There’s a velvet-lined pocket for your phone or sunglasses, an insulated side pocket, and room to store a water bottle. A laptop sleeve makes this bag a great choice for after-work games.