TL;DR
After a year-long evaluation of more than 20 gym bags in 2025, the testing team selected six top models for different needs, from budget-friendly to multiwear designs. Picks include a versatile Lululemon 3-in-1 duffle as best overall and category leaders from Troubadour, On, Calpak, Etronik, and Béis.
What happened
WIRED’s gear team tested upwards of 20 gym bags throughout 2025, using real-world commutes and workouts to judge durability, organization, comfort, and odor control. The reviewers narrowed the field to six recommendations covering common use cases: an all-around duffle, a dedicated backpack, a lightweight tote, a structured duffel, an affordable option, and a hybrid duffel-backpack. Standouts included Lululemon’s 3-in-1 Gym Duffle (30L) with a removable strap that converts into a yoga strap, a separate shoe compartment sized for up to a men’s 14, and water-resistant fabric; Troubadour’s Pioneer Backpack 3.0 built from recycled FortiWeave with a clamshell opening, ventilated shoe pocket, padded laptop compartment and a five-year guarantee; and On’s Track Pack 35L Lite, prized for being extremely light and compressible though potentially lacking long-term structure. Practical features called out across models included ventilated or antimicrobial shoe pockets, multiple carry modes, and pockets sized for 24-ounce bottles.
Why it matters
- A well-designed gym bag can protect work gear and gym gear separately, making commutes and travel simpler.
- Ventilation and antimicrobial linings help limit odors from sweaty items, extending a bag’s usable life between washes.
- Durable, weather-resistant fabrics and organized interiors reduce friction for daily users who combine errands, work, and workouts.
- Multiwear carry options (duffel, backpack, crossbody) let one bag serve multiple roles, cutting down on how many bags you need.
Key facts
- WIRED tested more than 20 gym bags over the course of 2025.
- Best Overall: Lululemon 3-in-1 Gym Duffle 30L — $158; features a removable shoulder strap that can be used as a yoga strap, a sneaker compartment, water-resistant fabric, and interior organization pockets.
- Best Backpack: Troubadour Pioneer Backpack 3.0 — $279; made from FortiWeave recycled fabric, waterproof and tear-resistant, clamshell design, ventilated shoe compartment, padded laptop pocket, and a five-year guarantee.
- Best Tote: On Track Pack 35L Lite — $150; extremely lightweight ripstop construction with compression straps, reflective details, and multiple pockets, though it may lack structure.
- Best Duffel: Calpak Fit Gym Duffel — $155; offers three-way carry, exterior yoga straps, interior organization and antimicrobial lining that resisted odors over long-term use.
- Best Budget: Etronik Gym Bag — listed $37 with a noted sale price of $20; includes built-in vents, a wet pocket, a shoe compartment, and a USB-A pass-through port.
- Most Versatile: Béis Sport Duffle Backpack — $108; hides padded backpack straps for multi-wear, includes a separate ‘dirt bag’ pouch and a trolley sleeve that doubles as a pocket.
- Many of the tested bags include compartments sized to accommodate 24-ounce water bottles and designated shoe sections to isolate odor-prone items.
What to watch next
- Long-term durability of On’s Track Pack 35L Lite — the reviewer said they will report back if the ripstop fabric shows wear over time.
- Whether the shoulder strap comfort issues noted on the Calpak Fit Duffel affect users on longer commutes or heavier loads — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether future revisions of budget bags adopt USB-C instead of USB-A for external charging ports — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Ventilated compartment: A section of a bag with mesh or perforations designed to improve airflow and reduce moisture and odors from shoes or sweaty clothes.
- Clamshell design: A bag opening that zips nearly flat to provide a full view and easy access to the main compartment.
- Ripstop fabric: A lightweight woven material reinforced with a grid pattern to resist tearing and ripping.
- Trolley sleeve: A strap or sleeve on the back of a bag that allows it to slide over the handle of wheeled luggage for easier travel.
- Antimicrobial lining: A treated interior fabric intended to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Reader FAQ
How many bags were tested to make these selections?
The team tested more than 20 models over the course of 2025.
Which bag is the overall recommendation?
WIRED’s top pick for overall performance was the Lululemon 3-in-1 Gym Duffle 30L.
Is there an affordable option among the picks?
Yes — the Etronik gym bag was recommended as a budget choice and was listed at $37 with a noted promotional price of $20.
Do any picks include laptop protection?
Troubadour’s Pioneer Backpack 3.0 includes a padded NanoCushion laptop compartment.
Will there be follow-up testing on durability?
The reviewer indicated they will report back on long-term durability for at least some models (for example, the On Track Pack) — further testing plans were not detailed.
BOUTAYNA CHOKRANE GEAR JAN 6, 2026 5:30 AM The Best Gym Bags to Upgrade Your Workout Routine in 2026 Finally, gym bags that pull their weight. COURTESY OF LULULEMON; TROUBADOUR…
Sources
- 6 Best Gym Bags for Every Workout and Commute (2026)
- The 5 Best Gym Bags of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
- 11 Best Gym Bags to go BEAST Mode (2026 Buyer's Guide)
- The Best Gym Bags for Your Next Workout
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