The Best Exercise Bag

Buying Guide

The first question you might ask yourself when buying an exercise bag is, “why do I need a specialized bag, anyway?” After all, it’s just going to be holding your sweaty clothes and some towels.

Start stowing your workout duds in an old grocery bag and you’ll see exactly why you might want to reconsider that view. Not only will that bag make you look bad, it’ll start to make those clothes smell worse than they already do —along with anything else that might go in there. With a little extra investment and research, it’s easy to find a gym bag that’s a lot more suited to the job.

Once you start looking, you’ll see that there’s an exercise bag specifically tailored to every kind of exercise. Got a regular yoga class? You’ll want a longer bag that can accommodate a mat. Going for a run? You’ll need a separate area just for your shoes. Playing soccer, football or racquetball? That bag had better be able to hold the equipment.

Once you’ve established your storage needs, you’ll need to think about how you organize your stuff. It may not be enough to simply have one large area inside the bag. More than almost any kind of duffle bag, gym bags need extra compartments. Remember, you most likely won’t be bringing your wallet and keys onto the spin bike with you, so you’ll want to keep them handy in a separate pocket. If you’re keeping clean clothes in the bag, it’s almost crucial to shell out a little extra for insulated areas that keep your sweaty post-workout threads isolated from your work outfit. Water bottles, deodorant, snacks, towels — these are just a few of the things that might need their own pouch.

Next, let’s talk materials. Nylon and polyester are popular fabrics for exercise bags, and for good reason. They’re easy to clean, relatively durable and lightweight. That last one can be especially important if you plan on taking your bag along for extended runs or bicycle trips. Canvas bags are sturdier but they are a bit harder to clean. Leather might look great, but buyer beware: It holds onto odors a lot easier, so plan on cleaning it frequently. Any of these might be treated with a waterproof or water-resistant lining, which can be great if you get caught out in the rain or your workout gets particularly sweaty. Just know that if your bag keeps moisture out, it probably is going to keep moisture in as well. For that reason, it’s best to pick something with a little breathability.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of appearance. You’ll want a bag that looks decent if you’re bringing it into work, but make it something that appeals to your personal style. After all, that workout routine is all about boosting your sense of well-being. If an accessory can help you out with that feeling, so much the better.

If there’s one bag you want to wash on a fairly regular basis, it’s your exercise bag. Luckily, most bags make that easy. Nylon and polyester can typically be thrown into the washing machine, but you may want to keep them separate from delicate clothes so the zippers don’t snag. For leather, you may just want to hand wash with a damp cloth and maybe some leather polish, making sure to dry the bag thoroughly. As with any fabric, follow the washing instructions closely to make sure your bag lasts as long as it can.