As we close out the year, it’s impossible to ignore the struggle that befalls most of us during the holidays: getting back into shape after a hearty month (or year!) of celebrations. And that struggle usually comes with an instant next step, which is to sign up for the nearest gym to get those resolutions in gear. Speaking of, as EDCers, what and how we carry our gear to the gym is part of the battle. After all, a well-packed, efficient, and convenient gym bag is one you’ll pick up time and time again as you head out the door for your workout.
So we’ve put together a list of EDC-worthy gym bags to help you get organized as you get a head start on getting fit. They come with the right features, organization, and materials to help you stay on track. For those looking for hardy, buy-it-for-life materials to bags you can compact and take with you for fitness excursions when you travel, we’ve got something for you.
AmazonBasics Packable Travel Duffel
Sometimes you just need to keep things simple with an inexpensive, reliable duffel bag to get to the gym and back. Amazon’s got you covered on all bases with the Packable Travel Duffel. While unpacked, the bag comes with plenty of pockets to organize your gear, including a shoe compartment that can double as a vented, water- and odor-resistant compartment for used clothes. Woven polyester gives it rip- and tear-resistant construction, while still letting it be able to pack into a compact pouch when not in use or for travel. It’s hard to go wrong with a bag able to do so much with so little and costing so much less.
Everest Gym Bag
A purpose to every pocket is the Everest Gym Bag‘s main draw, making it easy to organize your essentials while making them quick to access. A roomy main compartment gives you plenty of space for your clothes and equipment, with a side pocket sharing the space that can be used for shoes or wet gear. Two front zippered pockets with mesh outer compartments give you options to organize your essentials, while a center water bottle pocket makes the most of its exterior real estate. 600D polyester construction keeps the bag light but rugged, and a padded strap and handles let you carry with ease.
Lululemon Para Backpack
Lululemon’s Para Backpack also comes with a combination front pocket/shoe storage, but adds a bit more space to fit in a few extra conveniences. Its 23L volume lets you pack both tech and gear, with a few extra dedicated pockets for quick access to essentials like your phone and a water bottle. If you’re on a regular commute, you’ll also appreciate its reflective detailing for improved visibility at night whether riding or on your feet.
Osprey Packs Trillium 30 Duffel Bag
Osprey’s Trillium 30 is a 30L duffel designed to just grab and go—perfect for a quick and light pickup as you’re headed out the door to your next workout. With a 3-way strap that lets you carry the Trillium as a grab bag, over-the-shoulder duffel, or as a sling, it’s easy and comfortable to adapt depending on how heavy its contents are. Its main compartment opens through a lockable U-zip panel, the inside of which has a mesh pocket to help segregate your essentials. And when not in use, the Trillium packs away into a compact pouch that you can EDC as a backup bag when you’re not hitting the gym.
Nike Hoops Elite Max Air Team 2.0 Backpack
Nike knows a thing or two about performance sports equipment, with the Hoops Elite Max backpack designed to quickly get you to your gear from any angle. It does this through a quad-zip system that lets you load up from the top or either side, no matter what the activity. A mesh sleeve lets you carry up to a men’s size 15 pair of shoes, with a large main compartment giving you plenty of space for your gear, including a vented wet/dry compartment for keeping your change of clothes dry. It’s got water bottle pockets on either side, and even has a water-resistant bottom just in case you have to set down in a wet locker room. The backpack also comes with Nike’s Max Air in its adjustable shoulder straps to keep things comfortable, while polyester construction keeps the bag light but durable.
Recycled Firefighter “The Chief” Backpack
Lay flat bags are a great way to get organized and packed, and Recycled Firefighter does it with a fit and finish that goes well beyond the realm of gyms with The Chief. While designed to be a 21L EDC backpack, The Chief’s lay flat design makes it easy to configure the bag for any carry purpose, including organizing your gym gear like shoes and clothes in its main compartment. With the use of packing cubes along with its internal mesh pockets, it’s easy to repurpose the bag while on the go. As expected from a made-in-the-USA bag, The Chief comes with the highest quality materials like water-resistant 1000D nylon, mil-spec hardware and reinforcements, and signature firefighter front panel designs.
Aer Fit Pack 2
If it’s one thing Aer has on lock, it’s their ability to combine top-tier materials with a sleek urban look, all while maintaining the functionality of their products. Their new Fit Pack takes this to heart, with its use of 1680D waterproofed nylon, beefy YKK zippers, and a smart use of space to make the most out of a front pocket for your clothes which doubles as a shoe compartment. The best part, this separate compartment lets you protect and organize your tech in its main compartment, giving you the ability to go from office or school to the gym with a single, 18.8L bag.
Ryu Gym Tote
If it’s going to be a long day at the gym, or when you need the extra space for sporting gear, you’ll appreciate Ryu’s expanding Gym Tote. It comes with an innovative, folding design, starting out as a compact 21L tote that expands to a whopping 42L when you need it to. 840D nylon with carbonate polyurethane coating gives it a durable exterior, while ripstop nylon gives its interior some lightweight toughness. Dual magnets and a hook closure system make getting to your gear a literal snap, while interior mesh pockets keep everything in line in either configuration.
Rhone Daybreaker Duffel
It’s easy to fall back on poor habits, but maybe the right bag can keep you on track. The Rhone Daybreaker Duffel reminds you to never give up, while giving you a roomy duffel designed for the heaviest workouts. This made in the USA duffel comes with 33L of storage made from water-resistant ballistic nylon that closes up with sealed zippers. Zippered compartments keep everything organized, and 3 sets of straps let you carry the Daybreaker as needed.
DSPTCH Gym/Work Bag
With a name like the Gym/Work Bag, there’s no mistaking that this DSPTCH pack is made for the working professional with a high priority for keeping active. The 23L bag comes with dedicated pockets for both business and fitness essentials, such as a laptop compartment that fits up to a 15” laptop and a ventilated shoe compartment that can accommodate men’s size 13 shoes. There’s even a hidden security pocket on the floor of the bag for essentials you want to keep safe. A moisture-resistant nylon packcloth pairs with a ventilated panel to make sure everything stays dry, and a padded strap lets you carry the bag with comfort.
How are you getting ready to hit the gym? Sound off in the comments below!
