> At a Glance
> – WIRED tested 20+ gym bags for 12 months to find the best options
> – Winners include Lululemon’s 3-in-1 duffle, Troubadour’s waterproof backpack, and On’s ultralight tote
> – Key features: shoe compartments, water resistance, yoga mat straps
> Why it matters: The right bag keeps gear organized, fresh, and commute-friendly
After a year of hauling gear through airports, subways, and locker rooms, WIRED’s gear team identified the gym bags that actually earn their keep.
How WIRED Picked Winners
Editors demanded three non-negotiables: comfort, organization, and odor control. Anything that failed on commutes or let stinky clothes mingle with clean gear got cut.
The final list covers four carrying styles:
- Duffle converts to backpack
- Sleek commuter backpack
- Ultralight tote
- Classic duffel
Best Overall: Lululemon 3-in-1 Gym Duffle 30L
This compact 30-liter bag swallows shoes, clothes, and toiletries without bulging. A removable strap morphs into a yoga strap, while a hidden bottom compartment isolates sneakers up to men’s size 14.
Specs that matter:
- Water-repellent nylon shell
- 18.5″ × 10.6″ × 7.7″
- Four muted colorways
- Drawstring pouch for sweaty clothes
Best Backpack: Troubadour Pioneer 3.0
Built from recycled plastic bottles, the FortiWeave fabric laughs at rain and tears. A clamshell opening reveals a ventilated shoe tunnel, dual bottle sleeves, and a padded laptop slot.
WIRED’s tester noted:
> “I’d recommend it as a work bag, but it has all the components of a good gym bag.”
Key details:
- 23-liter capacity
- Five-year manufacturing warranty
- Navy or black only
- Trolley sleeve for airport sprints
Best Tote: On Track Pack 35L Lite
Marathoner Hellen Obiri’s travel favorite weighs just over a pound yet fits a full Pilates kit. Rope handles and compression straps switch between hand and shoulder carry.
Watch points:
- Ripstop fabric with ventilation holes
- Reflective logo and zippers
- Interior bottle pockets and mesh organizer
- Long-term durability under review
What to Look For
Before buying, check for:
- Shoe compartment or divider
- Water-resistant fabric
- Comfortable straps for long walks
- Interior pockets for keys/cards
- Odor-control features
Key Takeaways
- Lululemon’s 3-in-1 duffle tops the list for versatility and capacity
- Troubadour’s Pioneer backpack doubles as a professional work bag
- On’s ultralight tote suits minimalists who commute on foot
- Dedicated shoe and stink sections are now must-have features
The right gym bag isn’t an afterthought-it’s the difference between showing up organized or digging through a sweaty tangle for your keys.
