10 Best Gym Backpacks For Men in 2026

A 0.7-pound backpack that fits a 15-inch laptop and has a water-resistant finish is a practical choice for someone who wants one bag for the office and the gym. The UA Storm technology gives it a highly water-resistant finish, and the breathable air-mesh back panel with HeatGear straps helps keep you comfortable on the way to the gym. It’s a straightforward bag that works for both settings without extra bulk.

At just 0.7 pounds, this backpack is one of the lightest gym bags you’ll find. It’s lighter than the adidas Defender Sports Backpack 33L (1.3 pounds) and the TYR Alliance (1.6 pounds), so it won’t weigh you down on the walk to the gym. The gusseted front shoe pocket keeps dirty footwear separate from your gear, but there’s no dedicated wet/dry compartment, meaning a damp towel will sit against everything else unless you bring a separate bag. For a straightforward, weather-resistant everyday pack that’s easy to throw on and forget about, this delivers.

A waterproof bottom and a dedicated wet pocket mean this backpack handles soggy swim trunks, sweaty gym shirts, or a damp wetsuit without soaking everything else. At just 1.0 pounds and a slim 2.2 inches deep, it stays light and low-profile, perfect for the guy who bikes to the pool or wants a bag that doesn’t flop around on crowded transit. The fleece-lined pocket keeps sunglasses or a phone scratch-free, and those external loops let you clip a damp towel to air-dry on the way home.

The Nike Swim 35 Liters Repel Backpack weighs only 1.0 pounds, so it’s light enough to carry comfortably on a walk to the pool or gym. The slim shape means you can’t easily stuff bulky boots or a full change of shoes inside, but the 35-liter capacity is fine for swim gear, a change of clothes, and a laptop. For swimmers or commuters who just need to keep wet items separate and dry items protected, this bag fits that specific need well.

A water-resistant base and a dedicated vented pocket for dirty shoes mean this backpack is built to handle wet locker room floors and muddy cleats. The 33-liter capacity keeps it compact enough for a daily commute or a quick session, while the multiple zippered pockets let you separate a clean shirt from your sweaty gear without digging. If you tend to toss your bag on any surface and want something that protects your gear from moisture, this one fits the bill.

The trade-off is that you don’t get a padded laptop sleeve, so if you’re hauling a computer to the office after training, you’ll want a separate sleeve or case. Compared to the Under Armour Hustle 5.0, which is lighter at 0.7 pounds, the adidas Defender weighs 1.3 pounds. For someone who prioritizes durability over absolute lightness, that extra weight is a fair trade for a bag backed by a 5-year warranty.

With 45 liters of carrying capacity, this bag gives you room for a full day’s gear, clothes, towel, laptop, and a wetsuit, without needing to squeeze. The separate wet and dry compartments keep your dry items from getting soaked after a swim or a sweaty workout. The contour-shaped padding and lumbar support are designed for comfortable carrying, even when the bag is loaded. If you need to pack for work, the gym, and the pool in one bag, this model offers the space to do it.

At 1.6 pounds, the TYR Alliance is heavier than the 0.7-pound Under Armour Hustle 5.0. So if you’re walking a long distance or commuting on public transit, every ounce counts. And while the wet/dry separation is great for swimmers and heavy sweaters, the bag does not include a dedicated shoe pocket. You’ll need to stash your sneakers in the main compartment or a side pocket. It’s a practical choice for anyone who prioritizes volume and organization over featherlight portability.

The Under Armour Hustle 6.0 Backpack weighs 0.7 pounds, making it easy to carry around campus or toss into a gym locker. Its water-resistant UA Storm coating helps keep your belongings dry in wet conditions. The soft-lined laptop sleeve fits up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro or similar-sized laptop, and the secondary compartment can be used as a shoe pocket or for laundry. This is a simple, functional bag for anyone who wants basic water resistance without extra weight.

The trade-off for the low weight is that the bag has limited organization features. There is no separate wet/dry compartment, so you may need to pack damp items separately. Compared to the TYR Alliance Wet/Dry Backpack, which has dedicated wet and dry compartments, the Hustle 6.0 relies on you to manage moisture on your own. It suits someone who values portability and weather protection over complex storage, and who is okay with a little extra preparation after a workout.

At 1.2 pounds, this bag is lighter than many competitors, which matters when you’re already carrying a water bottle, a change of clothes, and a pair of sneakers. The VENATIN Gym Backpack keeps your load manageable without cutting corners on the essentials: a separate bottom shoe compartment, a wet/dry pocket for a sweaty towel or damp swim trunks, and a 15.6-inch laptop sleeve. It’s built with waterproof fabric and smooth zippers, plus shoulder straps you can adjust one-handed while walking into the gym. For anyone who wants to travel light and keep clean gear separate from dirty, this backpack does exactly that with no extra bulk.

The trade-off for that lightweight feel is a 24.5-liter capacity. That’s noticeably smaller than the 33-liter adidas Defender or the 45-liter TYR Alliance. You can fit a full gym kit, shoes, change of clothes, towel, toiletries, and a laptop, but if you’re packing bulky equipment like a foam roller, extra layers, or a second pair of shoes, space gets tight fast. For the minimalist gym-goer who values a light carry over maximum storage, this bag hits a sweet spot that heavier, larger packs can’t match.

Three carrying options let you switch between backpack, crossbody, or handbag, so you can adapt it for the gym, travel, or daily errands. The upgraded canvas fabric is waterproof and wrinkle-resistant, which helps when you store it in a closet or toss it in the car. A separate shoe compartment and a waterproof PVC-lined wet pocket keep wet clothes and swimsuits away from dry items.

At 1.5 pounds, the MIYCOO is heavier than the 0.7-pound Under Armour Hustle 5.0. So if you are trying to shave every ounce for a long commute, that matters. The side zippered pockets each hold just one water bottle. Still, for someone who wants one bag that does gym, travel, and daily carry without looking like a gym bag, this bag offers more carrying options than most others listed.

A dedicated padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15.6-inch computer means you can head straight from work to the gym without doubling back home. The 40-liter capacity gives you room for a change of clothes, shoes, and your daily carry, while the water-resistant polyester shrugs off light rain or a sweaty towel. It is a practical choice for anyone who wants one bag that handles both office and workout gear without feeling like you are hauling a duffel.

The shoe compartment works best when you slide shoes in horizontally, which can eat into space if you are packing bulky sneakers. And at 1.8 pounds, the VENATIN is heavier than the 0.7-pound Under Armour Hustle 5.0. So if you are trying to keep your load ultralight, that extra weight might bug you on a long commute. But for the person who needs a single bag that organizes a laptop, gym clothes, and shoes without looking out of place in a meeting, this one fits the bill.

With a 45-50 liter expandable capacity, this bag handles gym gear or a weekend’s worth of clothes. The convertible design offers backpack, duffle, or tote carry options, and the included toiletry bag adds organization. If you pack for the gym and then head out of town, this flexibility fits the need.

At 3.7 pounds, the adidas Defender is heavier than a standard backpack like the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 at 0.7 pounds. The durable water-resistant materials and expandable structure add bulk, so if capacity is your priority, the extra weight is a fair trade. For longer walks, the padded backpack straps provide the most comfortable carry.

A padded sleeve that fits laptops up to 16 inches makes this backpack a smart choice if you carry tech to the gym or campus. The water-resistant exterior keeps your gear dry during a sudden downpour, and the shoe pocket stores cleats or dirty sneakers without stinking up the main compartment. Five pockets and two bottle holders (each taking up to 32 ounces) give you enough organization for a laptop, books, lunch, and gym kit without feeling cluttered. This is the bag for anyone who wants one pack that moves from desk to deadlifts without fuss.

A 30-liter capacity feels snug compared to the TYR Alliance’s 45 liters. If you usually haul a change of clothes, a laptop, shoes, and a full toiletries bag, you will need to pack carefully. The adidas Vista also lacks a separate wet compartment, so wet swim trunks or a sweaty shirt have to go inside the shoe pocket or a plastic bag. For the guy who values laptop protection and a streamlined carry over maximum volume, this pack hits the sweet spot.