Most of us go to the gym in between attending to other responsibilities, such as picking up the kids from school or before/after work.
As a result, it can be difficult to keep track of your gym things if you’re having to constantly switch between bags.
That can all change with the right backpack or gym bag, which will help you better organize your stuff, thereby decluttering your car, home, or wherever else your gym things end up.
Furthermore,
Having a good backpack for gym apparel and equipment can also enhance your motivation and complement your gym aesthetic.
So today we’ve picked out the 5 of the best CrossFit gym bags currently available on the market for you to consider.
Why Do We Need CrossFit Bag?
Before we go into our reviews of the best CrossFit backpacks, we want to clear up some confusions you might have as to exactly why you might require one.
First of all, it makes space management much easier and more efficient. Instead of just stuffing all your work or school things into the same backpack as your gym clothes, using a backpack specifically designed for the purpose saves you much space and time.
Speaking of the design, the main point of a CrossFit bag is probably the fact that it’s intended particularly for carrying large amounts of gear. Think of the numerous compartments, which provide plenty of space for whatever you need to store.
5 Best CrossFit Gym Bag Reviews
Without further ado, here are the 5 CrossFit gym bags and backpacks we think are most worth your consideration. Many hours of research have produced this list—you’re in good hands.
Adidas Squad III Duffel Bag
The name Adidas is one that needs no introduction; whether or not you’re an athlete or a fitness buff, you will have heard of them in one way or another.
This particular duffel bag is designed specifically with women in mind, but it has a host of great features that anybody will be able to appreciate. Let’s get a deeper look.
The main compartment in this bag is extremely spacious, with the whole bag measuring 21″x10.5″x10″. The interior comes with both open and zippered mesh pockets for your sweaty/wet clothing, which is something all good CrossFit bags should have.
Other than that, there are also a number of pockets to hold all your other essentials, like your keys, headphones, phone, or wallet. Our favorite feature, though, undoubtedly, is the shoe tunnel. With freshPAK ventilation, your shoes will stay dry and fresh for longer no matter how long you’ve been working out for.
Oh, and, did we mention that it comes in 21 different color options? No matter which color you prefer, there’s a fit for you!
However, if you’re a male athlete looking for the best CrossFit duffle bag, this one might not be for you. While it’s certainly big enough to hold all your belongings, the shoe tunnel seems to be a bit too small for male shoe sizes.
Pros
Cons
Speedo Large Teamster Backpack, 35-Liter
Speedo is another well-loved name in the industry, and for good reason, of course. From their swimwear to their backpacks, the longevity you can expect from their products is almost unmatched.
Because the Teamster was originally intended for swimmers, it has a whole host of unique features that you are bound to appreciate. For starters, it’s almost completely waterproof!
The shell is extremely hardy and resistant to abrasion, as well. The 35-litre bag even comes with a bleacher seat that you can pull out and sit down on whenever and wherever!
One of our favorite features is the detachable dirtbag. It is, obviously, perfect for storing your dirty/sweaty gym clothes, shoes or other stuff you wanna keep separate.
And because this bag is constructed primarily from polyester and nylon, there can be no question about its durability: you can expect this backpack to last you through hundreds upon hundreds of WODs. 
But the best thing about this backpack is probably how inexpensive it is, especially given its weight capacity and added features. Seriously, this backpack will hold all your stuff without burning a hole in your pocket, and that’s a lot more than most people could ask for!
There isn’t much to complain about with regards to this backpack, except maybe the fact that the zipper system tends to be a little difficult to manoeuvre at times. Still, would you rather have an easy zipper system or zippers that easily break?
Pros
Cons
Under Armour Undeniable Duffel 3.0 Gym Bag
Under Armour: yet another brand that absolutely needs no introduction. No matter how long you’ve been an athlete, there’s a big chance that you already own something by these guys. This duffel bag is one of their most reliable and long-standing products—let’s find out why.
Made fully from polyester, the long-enduring weather resistance of this bag is guaranteed. To enhance the bag’s ability to stay useful for longer, the manufacturers have included mesh and vented pockets as well.
Speaking of pockets, this thing has a ton of them. The large zippered pocket at the front is ideal for organizing all your clunky things, e.g. a charger, into, while the vented pocket is ideal for dirty clothes or shoes.
We also appreciate the shoulder strap, which the manufacturers call “HeatGear,” meaning that not only is it padded, it’s also breathable. The top handle, also, is padded. Comfortable all around!
Our favorite thing about this bag is that it comes in a variety of convenient sizes that is bound to fit the needs of any and all athletes; even the smallest size is quite roomy, without being heavy.
It’s true that some customers have complained about the quality of the bag they bought. To avoid such a rude shock, we would suggest thoroughly researching the reseller from whose page you are opting to buy the bag. Otherwise, all seems to be well with this gym bag!
Pros
Cons
adidas Alliance II Sackpack
No, we didn’t expect to write a review list about the best CrossFit gym bags without including 2 Adidas products, and you shouldn’t have either. This bag in particular is ideal for those of you who are just starting out with CrossFit or for those who like to travel light to the gym.
Constructed from polyester and also featuring a polyester lining makes this bag quite durable. The
drawstring opening system makes all your items easily accessible and allows you to comfortably fit in items of small to medium weight.
And because of its lightweight construction and the breathable material used in constructing it, it’ll be a perfect option for when you want to make a quick change of clothes between, say, work and the gym. It also works great as a storage option for something like a bulky pair of shoes or gym equipment.
The bag also comes with two hydration compartments for you to store your water, juice or other drinks on the go. Additionally, there’s also an outside drop pocket to store extra essentials like your wallet, keys, or what-have-you.
While this bag is a great option for beginner athletes or those who don’t like carrying around tons of gear when they’re going to the gym, it should be noted that it’s not built to accommodate too much weight or items such as a laptop.
Pros
Cons
FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0
You might think that purchasing gym gear always entails spending a lot of money, but this bag from FocusGear is here to prove you wrong.
There’s almost too much to love about this bag. First of all, let’s discuss the size: each of the compartments is amply sized, with two included hydration compartments. The internal pockets are large enough to fit a number of items, from your cellphone to your tablet.
However, do remember that as with most products, you get what you pay for when it comes to gym equipment and gear. While this bag has been thoughtfully designed with lots of great features, durability does seem to be a concern.
To counter that problem, however, the manufacturers have added reinforced stitching where the bag will deliver most pressure to your body, e.g. your shoulders or arms. 
Furthermore, the bag comes with a bottom panel which has been tested for durability and is completely water-resistant. So if you’re also a swimmer besides being an athlete, you’ll be able to appreciate the benefits of that.
All in all, this is a great bag at a very lucrative price, so either way, we don’t think you’re going to ever end up regretting it.
Pros
Cons
What to Look for When Choosing a CrossFit Gym Bag
You might have questions regarding the specifics of selecting the best CrossFit gym bag for yourself. So here are the things to look out for.
-
Size
For many, this is understandably the most important consideration before selecting a CrossFit bag. The main determinants of the size of your gym bag should be the type of gear you’re carrying.
First of all, consider the workouts you do most. If you only want the essentials—like workout-of-the-day stuff—then a smaller one is acceptable. If you have more gear, e.g. your laptop, then go for the opposite.
Whether you decide on a duffel style bag or a backpack style, you need to consider the amount of space you will get. Ultimately it might come down to something like your aesthetic preferences, but obviously, a duffel will be much bigger.
-
Breathability
This is of the highest consideration for many people because you want your apparel to stay fresh and dry for as long as possible. And we tend to agree that the best gym bags for CrossFit are the ones that are well-ventilated.
Some things to look out for, to that front, are natural external construction materials such as cotton and mesh panelling inside the bag.
Many manufacturers also produce bags of materials with antimicrobial properties, which works towards preventing keeping bacteria and microbes out of your bag.
- Durability
Surely, we all want to buy things that will last us for longer periods of time. However, in this case, we’d say it’s okay to opt for a less durable bag if you’re not someone who goes to the gym a whole lot.
Also, consider whether you’re going to be taking the bag out on heavy-duty excursions like hiking trips; in such cases, a sturdier bag is obviously preferred.
The most common materials used for making CrossFit gym bags are nylon, canvas, and polyester. Canvas is durable, but not water-resistant, although they can usually be washed in the machine. Polyester and nylon are more durable while also offering water and odor resistance.
Also, remember to look out for sturdy and comfortable straps and grips. Zipper quality should also not be ignored.
-
Storage Space
By this we don’t just mean the size of the thing, but also the availability of compartments and additional pockets. This can make a very important difference once you realize that you don’t want your sweaty gym apparel to get mixed up with other things in your bag.
More pockets and compartments obviously translate to more space, helping you to organize your belongings more efficiently. Something else to keep in mind is whether the bag has a waterproof compartment where you can store such things as your water bottle.
On the other hand, smaller pockets are preferred for smaller belongings, such as your keys, wallet, phone or speakers.
If you ask us, the best CrossFit bags are definitely those which come with lots of storage options.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What material are the best CrossFit bags made of?
Nylon is thought to be the sturdiest material, especially if durability is an important concern for you. Polyester and canvas are also not bad options.
-
Is it possible to use a CrossFit bag for traveling purposes?
Yes, of course. In fact, when it comes to traveling, a CrossFit bag might actually be the better option since they have so many storage options!
-
What’s the best way to clean a CrossFit bag?
Some bags are machine-washable, so that’s pretty straightforward. If not, then you can always just get busy with some soap and a wet cloth. Remember to use one with a detergent-free formula, though.
-
Should I go for a duffel- or a backpack-style CrossFit bag?
As duffels are bigger, they offer a lot more storage space. However, backpacks are more compact, therefore easier to carry, although they have less space. Your aesthetic preferences will also determine the answer.
-
What is a “wet pocket” in a CrossFit bag?
It’s basically a waterproof compartment, so it’s useful for storing such things as your wet clothes or towel. Most gym bags’ wet pockets are usually hidden.
Final Words
While we love all of the products we’ve reviewed, the Under Armour Undeniable Duffle 3.0 definitely stands out. If you’re looking to spend less, though, why not go for the FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag?
Whichever way you go, we hope your WODs are always on point. Good luck!
Brian Millar is the owner and author of Backpackreviewed. Brian spent every possible minute outside. His passion for the outdoors led him to earn a degree in Biology from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2010. A guy who is trying to get away from his desk so that he can fish, hike, travel and just be in outdoors!!! Find him on Twitter here. Happy reading!