By Delta Do — Founder, IronBackpack · Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: There are six main types of gym bags. A drawstring bag carries the minimum. A sling carries small items on one shoulder. A tote carries clothes for a short trip. A duffle carries bulky kit by hand. A duffle-backpack converts between the two. A backpack carries a full, organized kit hands-free. Pick by what you carry and how far you walk.
In this guide:
Most gym bag regret comes from one mismatch: a bag built for a light load used for a heavy one, or the reverse. Here is what each type is built for.
The six types at a glance
| Type | Typical capacity | Carry | Organization | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drawstring (gym sack) | 10 to 15L | Thin cords on both shoulders | One space | Clothes and a bottle, short trips |
| Sling | 5 to 15L | One shoulder, across the body | A few pockets | Phone, keys, wallet, headphones |
| Tote | 14 to 25L | Hand or one shoulder | One space, an inner pocket | Class-based training, yoga, short walks |
| Duffle | 30 to 60L+ | Hand or one shoulder | One big space, end pockets | Bulky kit, driving, weekend trips |
| Duffle-backpack | 30 to 50L | Hand, shoulder or back | Duffle layout plus straps | Bulky kit with a short walk |
| Backpack | 20 to 45L | Both shoulders | Several compartments | Commuting, gym and work, full kits |
Ranges are typical market sizes. Individual bags vary.
Drawstring bag
The simplest gym bag: a fabric sack with cords that close the top and double as straps.
- Good: cheap, light, folds flat. Some facilities that ban backpacks allow small drawstring bags. The University of Calgary's fitness centre is one example.
- Bad: no padding, no compartments, cords dig in under weight, shoes and clothes mix.
- Buy one if: you carry a shirt, a towel and a bottle, or you need a small bag for the gym floor.
Sling bag
A small bag worn across the body on one strap.
- Good: valuables stay on you, quick access.
- Bad: too small for shoes or clothes. One shoulder takes the load.
- Buy one if: you need a second bag for the floor while the main bag stays in a locker. A tactical fanny pack does the same job at the waist.
Tote
An open-top or zip-top bag carried by hand or on one shoulder.
- Good: quick to pack, looks clean, easy to carry on short walks.
- Bad: one space, one shoulder, little protection for a laptop.
- Buy one if: you train in classes and change into one outfit.
Duffle
The classic gym bag: a long, wide bag with handles and a shoulder strap.
- Good: wide opening, fits long and bulky items, often has an end pocket for shoes.
- Bad: awkward on a long walk, one shoulder, little internal structure.
- Buy one if: you drive, carry two pairs of shoes or a roller, or travel for competitions.
Duffle-backpack
A duffle with backpack straps that zip out of a back panel or clip on.
- Good: duffle capacity with hands-free carry for short stretches.
- Bad: the straps are usually thinner than a backpack's, and a long bag on your back is wide.
- Buy one if: you drive most days but walk some. More in gym duffle backpack.
Backpack
Two padded shoulder straps, a structured back and several compartments.
- Good: hands-free, carries weight close to your back, splits used and clean gear, fits a laptop.
- Bad: heavier empty, top-loaders stack items, large packs may not fit small lockers.
- Buy one if: you walk, ride or take the train, or go straight between gym and work.
A clamshell gym backpack fixes the stacking problem by opening flat. Size it with small vs large gym backpack.
How to choose in one table
| Your situation | Bag type |
|---|---|
| Clothes and a bottle only | Drawstring or tote |
| A small bag for the gym floor | Sling or drawstring |
| Drive, bulky kit | Duffle |
| Drive most days, walk some | Duffle-backpack |
| Walk, ride or train, full kit | Backpack, 30 to 35 liters |
| Gym plus work, laptop, meals | Backpack, 40 to 45 liters |
For a deeper look at the two big ones, read can you use a backpack as a gym bag. See IronBackpack's range in gym backpacks and the Duffle Bag collection.
FAQ
What are the different types of gym bags?
The main types are drawstring bags, sling bags, totes, duffles, duffle-backpacks and backpacks. They differ in capacity, how you carry them and how they organize gear. Drawstrings and slings carry little. Totes and duffles carry by hand or one shoulder. Backpacks carry the most organized load on both shoulders.
What makes drawstring backpacks good for gym use?
They are light, cheap and fold flat, and some fitness facilities allow small drawstring bags where they ban backpacks and duffles. They work for a shirt, a towel and a bottle. They have no padding or compartments, so shoes and clothes mix, and thin cords dig into your shoulders under weight.
Is a backpack or a duffle bag better for the gym?
A backpack is better if you walk, ride or take the train, carry a laptop, or want used and clean gear apart. A duffle is better if you drive and carry bulky items such as two pairs of shoes or a foam roller. A duffle-backpack covers both for short walks.
What type of gym bag is best for men?
The type depends on the load, not on gender. Men who lift often carry a belt, lifting shoes and a change of clothes, which points to a backpack of 30 to 45 liters or a duffle. Men who go from the gym to work with a laptop are usually best served by a 40 to 45 liter backpack.
Do I need more than one gym bag?
Some lifters use two: a large backpack or duffle that stays in the locker or car, and a small sling or drawstring bag for phone, keys, tape and chalk on the gym floor. If your gym allows bags on the floor, one well-organized backpack is enough.
Match the bag to the load.
See all gym backpacks · Shop the 50L Training Duffle
