Best Women's Overall

Under Armour UA Undeniable Signature Duffle Bag

View on Amazon $50 at Underarmour.com View on Basspro.com

The lightweight, spacious Undeniable Signature bag from Under Armour is our top overall pick for women because it’s made from durable polyester and can hold plenty of gear without weighing you down. It has separate compartments to keep things fresh and pockets on both ends—a vented pocket for shoes or clothes and a mesh pocket for a water bottle or other essentials. 

Forget your hair tie at home? No sweat! The zipper pull on the third front pocket doubles as a strand-friendly hair elastic. The bag has elastic straps on the front for a yoga mat or foam roller, making it a handy studio-class companion. 

Its impressive side pocket extends the full length of the bag for gear, garments, books, small electronics, and more. The main compartment’s top-entry flap is easy to access while wearing. And we love that the large, interior mesh pocket keeps personal items handy, although some may need more interior organization. While this newly updated duffle only comes in a few colors, its stylish options make for a nice carry-on or weekender bag outside the gym.

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 20 x 9 x 10.5 inches Storage Capacity: 31 liters Materials: Polyester Compartments: 4 Water-Resistant: Yes Straps: Adjustable crossbody strap, handles, elastic front straps}

Best Men's Overall

Nike Duffel Bag

$47

$35 at Amazon $47 at Dicks Sporting Goods $47 at Nike.com

This super spacious bag is our top pick for men thanks to its large capacity and choice of six compartments to keep you organized for every heavy and long haul. Whether you’re heading to lift or catching a pickup game, you can toss large gear in the main compartment and keep small items safe in the small pocket. Like Under Armour’s Undeniable Duffle, this bag has pockets on each end and a large, zippered front pocket. 

What we love most is this bag’s bottom compartment, which is great for wet clothes or sweaty shoes. And the durable bottom of the bag is waterproof, so it can withstand rough courts and wet locker room floors. We appreciate the long, adjustable crossbody strap that fits a variety of heights, a shoulder pad for heavy carrying, and velcroed handles to keep the bag stable en route. 

This sustainably-made Nike bag is unisex, budget-friendly, and comes in a few neutral color schemes and prints—it’s a class for years to come.

^{Key Specs: 
Dimensions: 25 x 12 x 12 inches Storage Capacity: 60 liters Materials: Polyester Compartments: 5 Water-resistant: Yes Straps: Adjustable crossbody strap, handles}

Best Unisex

Under Armour Undeniable 5.0 Duffle

$50

$38 at Amazon View on Zappos

$50

$40 at Dicks Sporting Goods

In its fifth version to date, Under Armour’s Undeniable 5.0 Duffle Bag is popular for versatility, storage, and affordability. We love that it comes in five sizes (XXS-XXL) and many colors, so you can choose the best bag for you. The water-resistant coating helps to protect your gear with plenty of pockets, inside and out, to tote and protect your gear. 

We love the exterior loops to clip your keys or other items to and the mesh slip pocket, which can hold several water bottles in slots on the small size and above. We also like that even the x-small bag has a couple of side compartments for separating shoes and sweaty clothes.

This bag has a bit more structure than others thanks to its TPU-coated and foam-lined bottom and side, which helps to keep even the bigger sizes from feeling floppy. The larger sizes dwarf many of the largest duffles on our list and are excellent for transporting gear for field or court sports, boxing, and more. The one downside is that the smallest sizes don’t have a removable, padded shoulder strap.

^{Key Specs: 
Dimensions: 8.2 x 7.5 x 15.6 to 16.5 x 16.1 x 33.5 inches Storage Capacity: 18 to 144 liters Materials: Polyester Compartments: 4 to 6 Water-resistant: Yes Straps: Adjustable crossbody strap, handles}

Best Budget

Adidas Defender 4 Small Duffel Bag

$40

$37 at Amazon

$40

$29 at Zappos $40 at Dicks Sporting Goods

We recommend Adidas' Defender Duffel Bag for the exerciser on a budget who needs a reliable and well-rounded bag. It has two spacious side pockets and an easy-access top entry, like our best overall pick. The durable, water-resistant base protects contents from a wet field or locker room floor. Plus, Adidas stands behind the Defender’s reinforced stitching and overall quality with a lifetime warranty. 

We love that the duffel comes in three roomy sizes and is available in several colors, making it a versatile staple for all types of users. We also appreciate the carry loop on one end of the bag that lets you clip on additional gear. Like Nike’s Brasilia and Under Armour’s Undeniable Bags, this duffel has convenient handles that can be velcroed together for a secure grip. But while we appreciate that the larger sizes have a padded crossbody strap, we wish the smaller sizes were also padded.

^{Key Specs: 
Dimensions: 20.5 x 11 x 11.75  to 29 x 14.5 x 14.75 inches Storage Capacity: 44.5 to 101.6  liters Materials: Polyester Compartments: 5  Water-Resistant: Yes, at the base Straps: Adjustable crossbody strap, handles}

Best for Large Gear

Elite Convertible Boxing Gear Gym Bag and Backpack

$50 at Amazon View on Elitesports.com

Elite Sports’ Convertible Gear Gym Bag is a two-in-one bag that can be worn as a padded backpack or duffle. The bottom of the bag unzips and expands into an extra large compartment for storing large gear like boxing gloves, balls, and other equipment. And we love that the heavy-duty PVC coating is extremely durable and water-resistant, so your belongings stay protected. 

When we tested this bag, we found that the mesh pockets and multiple entry points provided organization and added ventilation. We love that the insulated exterior pocket keeps protein shakes and snacks cold, making refueling quickly after working out easier. This well-designed bag even has a separate laptop compartment and top hardshell pocket for fragile valuables, like your phone or sunglasses. 

^{Key Specs: 
Dimensions: 9 x 16 x 19, expands to 9 x 16 x 27.5 inches Storage Capacity: 44.8 to 64.9 liters Materials: Polyester Compartments: 6 Water Resistant: Base only Straps: Convertible and adjustable backpack straps, adjustable crossbody strap, top handle}

Best for Runners

lululemon Active Backpack

View on Lululemon

Whether running to the gym, the office, or on a long trail, you need a comfortable backpack to hold all your essentials. lululemon’s Active Backpack has a streamlined design, a breathable mesh back panel for airflow, and plenty of storage pockets. With sternum chest straps that buckle close to the body, this pack’s secure fit prevents your valuables from bouncing as you hustle to the gym. 

When we tested this product, we appreciated the many ways to store your stuff: We made good use out of the pockets in the shoulder straps, a hydration sleeve, side pockets for water bottles, and the external drawstring bungees for exterior storage. We also loved the comfortable design, which is super sleek and sporty. 

Made from durable but lightweight water-repellent polyester and nylon, this pick will last long enough to make it worth its pretty high price. And we like that the backpack has reflective details for visibility as you run or travel in low-light conditions. 

^{Key Specs: 
Dimensions: 13.8 x 3.3 x 16.1 inches Storage Capacity: 10 liters Materials: Polyester, nylon Compartments: 5 Water-resistant: Yes Straps: Adjustable shoulder straps, top handle}

Best With Shoe Compartment

KXKS. Kicks Kase Sneaker Bag & Travel Duffel Bag

$99 at Amazon View on Kickskase.com

If you like to take your shoes and sneakers on the go, we recommend Kicks Kase’s Premium Sneaker and Travel Duffel Bag. We love that the four large shoe slots are big enough for four large pairs of men’s size 14 shoes and other essentials. And the bag has a removable insert with adjustable dividers to customize your space—whether you’re packing a change of clothes or maxing out the bag with sneakers. 

Shoes aside, this duffle offers additional storage pockets inside and out to easily access personal items, clothes, accessories, and more. It also has a designated laptop sleeve. We like that the bag is structured, water-resistant, and super durable—making it well worth the price. It’s also TSA-compliant, so this bag counts as your carry-on for plane trips. 

^{Key Specs: 
Dimensions: 22 x 9.5 x 13 inches Storage Capacity: 44 liters Materials: Nylon Compartments: 11+ Water-resistant: Yes Straps: Adjustable crossbody strap, handles}

Best With Multiple Compartments

Shrine Sneaker Duffel Bag

View on Theshrine.co

Another great option for storing shoes and large accessories, Shrine’s Sneaker Duffel Bag is a spacious solution. The bag unzips and unfolds to reveal three large, structured, and ventilated compartments for clothing and shoes and two tiny zippered pouches for smaller valuables, like your favorite pair of workout headphones.

The outside pockets include a zippered laptop sleeve on one side and a velcro pocket sleeve on the other. Despite its large hauling power, it also qualifies as a carry-on—making it great for on-the-go individuals. Shrine’s Sneaker Duffel is a pricier option and comes in just a few colors, but you can snag it in various NBA team editions or upgrade to their beautiful (and pricier) leather version. 

^{Key Specs: 
Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches Storage Capacity: 42 liters Materials: Polyester Compartments: 5 Water-resistant: Yes Straps: Adjustable crossbody strap, handles, end grab handle}

Best For Swimmers

TYR Backpack

$35

$14 at Amazon View on REI $35 at Dicks Sporting Goods

We recommend this bag for swimmers because it can hold everything from goggles and swimsuits to kickboards and towels. When we tested TYR’s Big Mesh Mummy Backpack, we were impressed by its storage capabilities and appreciated the mesh lining that helps wet items dry quickly. Unlike many drawstring bags, this pick has a zippered side pocket and water bottle pouch so items won’t get lost in the main compartment.

Lightweight with adjustable straps, the bag comes in 11 bright colors and patterns. A barrel-lock closure keeps everything inside secure but also easily accessible. The one downside to keep in mind is that the straps may not be strong or supportive enough to lug around heavy gear.

^{Key Specs: 
Dimensions: 19 x 25.25 inches Storage Capacity: 40 Liters Materials: Polyester   Compartments: 3   Water-Resistant: Yes Straps: Backpack straps and top handle}

Best Backpack

lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 23L

View on Lululemon

Backpacks are a great option to limit strain on one shoulder and evenly distribute weight between both shoulders—especially if you’re lugging around heavy gear. lululemon’s Everyday Backpack is a sleek and stylish option. Our experts agree that lululemon bags have great durability, washability, style, and ample storage.

When we tested this bag, we appreciated its water-resistant material, attractive color options, and several storage compartments. The backpack features one main compartment, two easy-access side pockets, and an exterior laptop sleeve. While it doesn’t have a sternum strap, this lightweight backpack is easily adjustable and can comfortably hold plenty of gym essentials.

lululemon’s Everyday Backpack is quite expensive, but it has quickly become one of our favorites. It’s super durable, versatile, and stylish—and even has a trolley sleeve for easy carry during travel. 

^{Key Specs: 
Dimensions: 11.4 x 5.9 x 16.5 inches Storage Capacity: 23 liters Materials: Nylon, Polyester Compartments: 7 Water-resistant: Yes Straps: Backpack straps and top handle}

Best Compact

Gymshark Small Gym Bag

View on Gymshark.com

One of the smallest duffles on our list, we recommend this lightweight bag for storing daily essentials in style. It comes in trendy neutrals, bright hues, and three additional sizes (a medium, large, and mini version). When we tested this bag, we were surprised by how much it could fit, despite its smaller size. 

We love that it’s waterproof—one of our testers got caught with this bag in a thunderstorm, and when she arrived home, she was happy to report that all valuables were completely dry and protected. Along with a main compartment and a few slip pockets, the Everyday Gym Bag offers a shoe tunnel and wet pocket to keep your sweaty shoes and clothing separate from the rest of your gym bag essentials. 

The only downside we found is the lack of interior storage compartments for organization. But we still love this stylish, versatile, budget-friendly option for everyday wear. 

^{Key Specs: 
Dimensions: 18 x 7.9 x 8.7 inches Storage Capacity: 34 liters Materials: Polyester, PVC Compartments: 4 Water-resistant: Yes Straps: Adjustable crossbody strap, handles}

Best for Yoga

BAGSMART Zoraesque Bag

$30

$28 at Amazon View on Bagsmart.com

This stylish duffel with a concealed yoga mat strap has enough space to transport blocks, shoes, clothes, and more. Unlike many yoga bags on the market, Bag Smart’s Weekender Bag has plenty of pockets and compartments to organize all types of essentials. We love that it includes a laptop compartment, a hidden water bottle loop, a USB charging port, and anti-theft zippers for added protection. 

While this bag doesn’t come with a shoe or garment bag, it does have a sleeve that slips over rolling luggage for use as a carry-on. While the practical, neutral colors go with everything, there are only two color options to choose from. But the removable crossbody strap and two size options add to this bag’s impressive versatility.

If you prefer a backpack style, we also tested Aururae’s Yoga Multi-Purpose Yoga Backpack—another great option for yogis. 

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 18.5 x 8.7 x 11 to 21.3 x 8.7 x 12.6 inches   Storage Capacity: 29 liters Materials: Cotton, nylon Compartments: 8 Water-Resistant: Yes Straps: Adjustable crossbody strap, handles, yoga mat strap}