Best backpacks for gym gear UK 2022: stylish bags with compartments from Nike, Under Armour, North Face
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Why are backpacks better than duffel bags?
We realise that which gym bag to choose is very much a personal choice, and when we think of a person going to the gym we do have a tendancy to think of a person with a duffel bag slung over one shoulder.
There are a couple of reasons why a backpack could be a better choice for your next gym bag though.
Firstly, it’s a lot easier to carry - and much better for your body. A backpack, of course, has two straps and is designed to be carried on your back. The weight of it is therefore evenly distributed across both shoulders.
In comparison, a duffel bag can only be carried on one shoulder, which can lead to excess pressure on one arm, and ultimately lots of discomfort for you.
Secondly, backpacks tend to offer many more compartments than the standard duffle bag, so it’s much easier to separate your sweaty post-workout clothes from your towel or your healthy snacks for the journey home. Most also offer a dedicated pocket for your essential drinks bottle too which, due to their design and shape, duffel bags lack.
Backpacks can also offer a range of other features which aren’t often found in duffel bags due to their shape and design, such as a breathable mesh pocket or a dedicated space for shoes.
What to look for in a gym backback?
Sports bagpacks are created to be more resilient than their fashion bagpack equivilants because they need to withstand being thrown in to the back of a locker or even getting caught under a pile of other bags at the side of a sports field.
You need something with lots of compartments for all your different items, as well as at least one internal pocket to keep valuable items such as your phone and keys hidden and secure.
The rest is down to you and is all about personal choice.
As you’ll see from our selection below, gym backpacks are available in a range of different colours and sizes - and price points. Some have ever been created with specific sporting activities in mind and have features to reflect that.
So, it’s all about picking one that suits you and your lifestyle.
What else can I buy to help me on my fitness journey?
Once you’ve got your gym bagpack you’ll also need the right things to put in it, and to wear at the gym.
So, we’ve rounded up guides for the following:
This backpack stands up on its own to make it easy to load and unload your gear, while two top handles give you better balance when you’re carrying it.
There’s a roomy main section for you to throw in all of your gym gear and inside the front compartment you’ll find handy organisation including secure-zip pockets, a tablet sleeve and a key fob to keep everything safe and tidy.
For extra storage, strap your coat and other essentials to the front using the stylish bungee system.
When you’re heading out to the gym or going home after dark, you’ll stay visible thanks to the 360-degree reflective features on your pack too.
Better yet, it’s made of recycled material so it’s a great choice for the environmentally conscious too.
This backpack keeps all your gym gear and other essentials close, secure and organised while commuting to and from training sessions.
Cushioned straps give you comfort on the go, and bag opens wide and flat for easy access to your necessities - so you can quickly and easily get ready for your workout when you do arrive at the gym with no frantic rummaging around if you’ve only got minutes before the start of your class.
Inside, you’ll find a mesh sleeve, zip pocket and adjustable divider keep your gear organised. Perfect for keeping your trainers separate or used gym gear away from your clean towel.
There’s eyelet vents which let your gear breathe, so there will be no sweaty smells when you get home and unpack your bag.
There’s even a side sleeve so you can carry that essential water bottle to help you stay hydrated too.
This bagpack has been ergonomically constructed for the female back with body-mapped back panel for comfort.
It has 2 front pockets with hair tie zipper pulls to store all your essentials, as well as a large internal section for plenty of room for your gym gear, swimwear, trainers, spare clothes, whatever it is you need.
There’s also 2 side water bottle pockets with stretch fabric and additional internal organization pockets so you can keep all your valuables safely hidden away.
Finished with dual tote-style top grab handles for multiple ways to carry.
This beautiful backpack boasts a large, zip main entry compartment with multiple internal and external zip pockets so there’s plenty of space for all your gym gear.
There’s also a breathable internal mesh organiser which is useful for keeping all of your gym gear as fresh as possible, while a zip pocket is the ideal place to keep all your valuables safe and secure, such as your phone, keys or jewellery, while you workout.
There’s also an air mesh panelled back with Gymshark embroidery, so that will keep you cool when you have this on your back too.
There’s two pockets on the side which are perfect for carrying your water bottle or an umberalla if you’re heading out in rainy weather.
Available in pink, light green and black.
This sturdy black and rhino grey backpack gives you space for everything you need as you travel to work, and then go on to the gym.
As well as having plenty of space inside for all your items, you’ll also eb able to secure a yoga mat with the stowable straps and basket attached to the bag.
There’s an easy-access, exterior pocket to keep all of your essentials such as your phone, toiletries.
There’s even a structured pocket which can be used to protect your sunglasses in the spring/summer time, or your phone and other items that need extra care.
If you are going to the gym straight from work, you’ll be pleased to know there’s also a exterior padded pocket fits a 16” laptop so you can put your computer away safely before heading off.
The backpack is made of water-repellent fabric too so you can be sure all your goods will stay dry and secure, even if you’re taking it out in the rain or poolside.
This tennis backpack has been made especially for people who need to take their own equipment to the gym for competitive play.
The bag is equipped with padded racket compartment, which holds up to 2 rackets up to super size. It also has a double anti-slip zipper and adjustable quick release buckle strap at the top keep your rackets in place so you know they’re secure but can quickly be removed when you’re ready for action.
The large main compartment and front zipped pocket can hold your clothing, tennis balls, grip tape, and towel, while there’s also a dedicated (and ventilated) shoe section.
There’s one side mesh pocket with elastic band is for large sports bottles. Another side zipped pocket with USB cable can hold your phone or power bank.
There’s also hidden back pocket for you to keep all of your important items safe.
This bright and bold Under Armour backpack has everything you need for carrying your gym gear - in the most stylish way possible.
As well as the spacious main compartment, it also boasts a water-repellent front valuables pocket to keep your stuff safe and a large, gusseted front shoe pocket placed at bottom of bag so your trainers can be kept separate to the rest of your gear - ideal if you wear you footwear outdoors and they’ve become muddy or wet.
There’s a tough, abrasion-resistant bottom panel so this bag can withstand been placed in a locker or moved around the side of a sports court, and the two side water bottle pockets mean you’ve got plenty of space for drinks to keep you hydrated (or snacks for fuel).
The material the bag is made from is also highly water resistant so you can carry all of your things with piece of mind, even if the heavens open on the way home from your workout.
Available in 15 different colours so you’re sure to find one that suits your style and personality.