The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to reporting the facts. Founded in 1846, The Associated Press remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate and unbiased news in all formats and a vital provider of technologies and services critical to the business of journalism. More than half the world’s population watches AP news every day.
AP Buyline content is produced independently of AP’s editorial team. Our reviews and opinions are independent of our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our affiliate links in this content. Find out more about our policies and terms here.
Your suitcase has all the essentials: a bulky suitcase, a computer bag over your shoulder, and even that old backpack from college you still use. How about a durable gym bag? You can’t lug a hard shell suitcase on an overnight trip to a casino resort, and this bag is too small for a weekend trip. You need the right gym bag now! Read on for our picks for the best gym bags.
When choosing a quality travel duffel bag, functionality is of paramount importance. “Boxes are a game changer for suitcases because they allow you to keep all your belongings organized and tightly packed inside,” said Audrey Kohout, co-CEO of moving company Luggage Forward. “It always makes me happy to have something like this in my gym bag. . A laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, or even a divider in the main pocket to separate dirty clothes from clean ones can make a huge difference.”
Kohut says another aspect of a duffel bag’s functionality that is often overlooked is the number of shoulder straps. “Having too many straps may give the impression of versatility, but in reality it makes traveling even more of a headache. Too many straps, handles and loops just give it more opportunities to get caught on things. Live or get tangled up in the water.” upper luggage compartment.
Obviously, everyone needs a gym bag made from durable materials—no one wants their bag to break. Gemma Gaisano Ng, co-founder of luggage company No Reception Club, said: “But if you’re taking a suitcase on a Disney cruise rather than a multi-week camping trip, the durability requirements vary.”
“A good rule of thumb is to choose nylon or polyester if you want your bag to be functional while traveling—it’s likely to be constantly thrown around, in all kinds of weather, stuffed, and more,” continues Ng. “Or choose a canvas or leather finish if you think you’ll be more careful with your bag on work trips or when you want it somewhere clean.”
The most important thing for your gym bag is that it functions optimally and is durable enough to withstand a few dents here and there, but we can’t ignore the desire to look good while on adventures. “Choose a bag you’ll be proud to carry,” says Zon D’Amour, founder of vegan duffle bag maker Designed By D’Amour. “In my experience, people often order bags from my company that they can personalize, including embroidery with their name, initials, or even their birthday. Many clients also like the ability to choose their favorite color, usually their alma mater. , sorority or fraternity, choose a bag that matches your personal style.”
If you want to pack everything in your gym bag for a weekend getaway, you’ll need enough space for your clothes, shoes, and accessories. The Longchamp Le Pliage bag can be expanded to provide plenty of space when you need it, but can also be reduced in size to be used as an everyday bag or sleep bag. This means that once you unpack your backpack, you can take it with you and explore all day.
A durable and affordable duffel bag with an external zippered pocket, padded shoulder straps and handles.
Made from regenerated nylon, this bag is so lightweight you’ll forget it’s even there. It has a large zipper and a main pocket that allows you to see everything inside and makes it quick and easy to get what you need. Cotopaxi is known for its fun colors and craftsmanship, so this is the perfect bag for the bold person who wants to make a statement!
A lightweight, durable, colorful duffle bag that will stand out in crowds and at airport baggage carousels.
This affordable bag offers features like shoe storage, movable luggage, and waterproof design at a very competitive price. It can even pack itself, making it one of the most travel-friendly options on the market. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better in this price range, especially from a legacy brand like Eddie Bauer.
Beis understood this mission when creating this stylish and sophisticated gem. More unique than your average travel duffel bag, the design is professional enough to take to the office, yet convenient enough for commuting as it features an internal laptop sleeve, an external pocket for easy transport of your train pass and access to trolley for moving. Business travel compatible with travel suitcase.
A stylish, waterproof duffel bag with plenty of features and compartments to keep you organized.
With multiple interior pockets and a built-in laptop compartment, this duffel doubles as a small duffel bag. “As someone who flies over 60 times a year on just one airline, I know the impact a good travel bag can make,” says Kohut. “Over the years, I have tried dozens of different types of luggage in my travels, including cruises, adventure travel, business trips, weekend ski trips and more, and I have always chosen Landon Carryall.”
A practical and versatile bag that transitions seamlessly from your daily commute to the gym to your weekend getaway.
Lululemon knows fitness gear, and there’s a reason this beautiful carry-on luggage is a fan favorite. It has separate compartments for shoes and protective gear, as well as external straps for a jacket or yoga mat, making it suitable for any workout environment.
This is a well-designed duffel bag with a lot of features, but the price is a bit high due to the limited features.
This waterproof duffel bag is the epitome of durability. Thanks to its durable nylon and EVA copolymer construction, it can withstand all weather conditions and terrain, making it the perfect companion for outdoor adventures. It is also puncture resistant, making it ideal for storing your items in the toughest conditions.
A waterproof fortress for all your hiking, camping and fishing gear, durable and built for the great outdoors.
This duffel bag maximizes available space and is suitable for both flights and travel. “Personally, I love the straps on this bag,” Kohut said. These straps provide extra carrying style, ideal for on-the-go carrying but fold away when not in use. The bag is also small enough for carry-on luggage and has a large pocket that can hold enough clothes for a long weekend.
If you don’t mind the lack of interior storage pockets, this is a well-made duffle bag that works well as carry-on luggage.
Don’t let the name fool you: this bag isn’t just for hiking. In fact, it’s the perfect bag for a day trip or overnight stay thanks to the huge main pocket that can hold anything from clothes to a helmet and even snow boots (yes, it’s that big). It also has plenty of space-saving exterior pockets that can hold small accessories like chargers, keys, or water bottles.
A large and practical bag in which you can easily put all your sleep essentials and take them with you.
Giacomo Piva, co-founder of global luggage storage chain Radical Storage, said: “A rolling duffel bag should be durable enough to withstand rolling and being carried over uneven surfaces, and it should be easy to maneuver the way you need it.” The Ogio Terminal bag offers plenty of space, making it a good choice for travel or outdoor adventures. It also has enough compartments to hold enough clothes, shoes and toiletries for long trips.”
A durable duffel bag with wide sides, wheels and a durable chassis that won’t get in the way of concrete or cobblestones.
We asked four leading travel and luggage experts to share their expert opinions on choosing the best duffel bags. We’ve also done extensive research on expert selections and looked at some customer reviews of these options.
“As the name suggests, travel bags are designed specifically for travel,” says Kohut. “They are usually smaller, easier to carry, and often have features that make the airport experience easier. Duffel bags can also make great luggage for travel, but they can be used for other activities besides traveling.”
Certainly! And according to D’Amour, duffle bags are a smart choice for carry-on luggage. “We’ve all heard of or perhaps experienced flight delays for various reasons,” she said. “So I usually pack my gym bag with “emergency” clothes and toiletries for the day, as well as my computer, books, snacks, etc.”
“You can definitely use a duffel bag as your main bag on long trips, especially one with multiple compartments,” says Kohut. “As long as you can fit everything into the duffle bag of your choice, there’s no reason why it can’t be your favorite piece of luggage. Many brands even offer the same duffel bag in several different sizes, so you can choose the one you need. which best suits your needs”
In fact, one is neither better nor worse than the other. “It really depends on what you’re using it for, what you’re packaging it for and when you’re packaging it,” Kohut said. “Many people like duffel bags because they are more structured and have separate compartments for things. They also feature handy zippered pockets for small items for those who hate carrying a suitcase around. It’s easy for people to carry.”
Duffel bags can be packed in different ways depending on the occasion of travel. “As a fashion designer and also an entertainment journalist, I often go to press conferences with a gym bag and get ready for the set,” D’Amours said. “So, I usually put my toiletry bag on top, my laptop in the middle, my clothes on the bottom and my shoes on the sides. Packing is like putting together a puzzle: you want to maximize space and distribute weight evenly.”
AP Buyline content is produced independently of AP editorial. Our reviews and opinions are independent of our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our affiliate links in this content. Find out more about our policies and terms here.