The 12 Gym Bags for Every Personality

Aesthete? Hardcore? Organized? We got your workout covered.

January 18, 2017 9:00 am

Hey, remember that drunken promise you made about two-and-a-half weeks ago?

Something about a healthier 2017? So let’s get you started.

Herein, our 12 favorite gym bags for every type of workout personality.

Because looking good starts before the workout.

WINNER: Aer Duffel Pack

By far the favorite bag of the InsideHook office. This spacious black nylon backpack has a vertical zipper, ventilated shoe compartment (for your smelly stuff) and multiple quick access pockets. It’ll also survive the elements. The sling variation is a bit smaller but offers similar shoe/clothes separation. And the BDA Kit will net you an Aer Duffel, workout gear from Ten Thousand and a post-workout grooming kit from The Motley.

FOR THE OCD: New North

These L.A.-based bagmen recently debuted a duffel with adjustable dividers that let you customize it to fit your deliverables. Small enough for trips to the gym but roomy enough for a weekend on the lam, the pack also comes with sturdy zippers and a waterproof fabric shell.

FOR THE AESTHETE: Porter Gym Bag

Calf leather handle accents this nylon gym bit of handsomeness, along with “pop orange” webbing and lining (and additional flannel lining on the inside zip pocket).

FOR THE SECRET WORKOUT: Hook & Albert Gym Duffel Bag

A  lightweight, water-resistant workout bag that looks more like a fancy overnight duffel. Heather gray with denim accents and separate laundry and shoe bags

FOR THE SNEAKERHEAD: Portland Sneaker Duffel

It’s really just about the shoes, right? This waterproof ripstop nylon stunner features a roll-top center lined with fleece that’ll fit a few of your favorite kicks, as well as two other compartments can hold a few days of gym gear … or more sneakers.

FOR THE MINIMALIST: Timbuk2 Hidden Duffel

A simple nylon pack that folds into its own front pocket. At $29, it’s the smallest and cheapest option on this list.

FOR WHEN YOU DON’T REALLY WANT TO WORK OUT: Hard Graft Gym Bag Volume Two

Our favorite leather bag company dips its toes in the less refined world of smelly locker rooms. Their pivot? None: it’s still a buttery leather carrier with herringbone handles made in Italy. More for those who want to think about the gym while you’re jetsetting.

FOR THOSE WHO HIT THE GYM BEFORE THE OFFICE: Henty CoPilot

Two roll-up bags in one: the outer bag is for keeping your suits crisp. The inner is for your gym gear. Can be used separately, but great if you like early morning workouts before desk duty.

FOR THE TRENDSETTER: DSPTCH / Equinox Gym Work Pack

Military-grade hardware from hard-wearing German brand Fidlock. Padded laptop sleeve for your tech. A separate compartment for your shoes. And plenty of ventilated panels for the sweaty stuff. This charcoal-speckled twill wonder is extremely limited edition.

FOR THE GUY WHO HAS/NEEDS EVERYTHING: King Kong Giant

Military-spec nylon, multiple side pockets and two separate shoe compartments for this 63L behemoth. Get a compatible, insulated meal bag and hey, you’ll never have to leave the gym.

FOR COLORFUL INSPIRATION: Owen & Fred “Work Hard, Play Hard” Duffel

A canvas/nylon duffel with leather accents and nickel hardware. Nice enough, but it’s the army green exterior with a contrasting orange interior that stands out … as does the interior leather patch urging you to “work hard, play hard.” Motivation, y’all.

FOR THE CITY SLICKER: Barking Irons Dwarf Duffel

The New York-based brand that provides Kings of Leon with all their merch (and, randomly, produces a good Applejack as well) presents a new gym duffel available in four styles. It was inspired by U.S. Navy-issue canvas bags that age and gain character with time. Copper accents and Japanese railroad stripe lining make this ideal for gym or Instagram.

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