It might not be your first priority when signing up to CrossFit, but picking the best bag for CrossFit, with the right compartments, materials and look, can actually make the overall experience a lot more enjoyable.
On the flip side, pick the wrong one and you’ll end up with a bag that’s either too small to accommodate your stuff, too big to fit into a locker at your local CrossFit gym, or simply too flimsy to adequately hold everything without ripping apart.
Still, with a seemingly infinite number of options to choose from, finding the one bag that ticks all the right boxes for you is rarely an easy task.
This guide aims to make it that much easier.
Below, we’ve not offered not only our expert picks of the ten very best CrossFit bags currently available in 2021 but also a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you decide which one of those ten is right for you.
10 Best Bags for CrossFit
1. Under Armour Adult Undeniable 4.0 Gym Bag
Specifications:
Dimensions: 14″ x 29.5″ x 14.6″
Volume: 85L
Material: 84% Polyester/16% elastane
Try out the Under Armour Adult Undeniable 4.0 Gym Bag once, and it soon becomes apparent why this is one of the world’s best-selling CrossFit bags with over 17,000 positive reviews commending its high-grade quality and perfecting sizing.
The bag comes in a range of sizes from an X-small 30 liter option up to the XL 145 L option, meaning no matter how much -or how little- CrossFit gear you have to carry.
For the purposes of this guide, we looked at the 85 liter Large version because it’s the perfect size to fit all of your CrossFit essentials without cramming everything in so tightly that you risk damaging the bag itself.
Under Armour’s patented storm technology ensures a superior construction quality which, combined with the super-strong abrasion resistant bottom and weatherproof finish, ensures that this is one bag that’s truly built to last:
Pros:
- Includes vented pocket for your shoes or other workout gear to avoid sweat odors building up
- Features removable, padded shoulder strap for added comfort
- Features 2 large front zippered pockets and internal slip pockets for extra storage.
Cons:
- Expensive price tag
- Color descriptions aren’t always accurate.
2. Leolake Sports Gym Bag
Specifications:
Dimensions: 20″ x 10.2″ x 10″
Volume: 33.5L
Material: Breathable Oxford fabric
If ever there was a bag that was perfectly designed to meet the needs of CrossFitters, the Leolake Sports Gym Bag is undoubtedly it.
The highlight for us is the inclusion of a purpose-made pocket for storing your favorite CrossFit shoes in a way that any odors don’t spread to the rest of your bag.
Elsewhere, there’s a specifically designed wet pocket that’s perfect for holding wet towels or sweat-drenched clothes, again without affecting the rest of your bag.
That’s all in addition to the main compartment, which, while it may not be as big as other bags on this list, is still roomy enough for most CrossFit gear.
Add in durable materials and an attractive design, and this is another strong contender for the best CrossFit bag on the block.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Weather-resistant fabric
- Ideal, locker-friendly size.
Cons:
- Some CrossFitters may need a larger bag than 33.5 L.
- The shoulder strap could be comfier.
3. Kuston Sports Gym Bag
Specifications:
Dimensions: 22.8″ x 11.4″ x 10.2″
Volume: 44L
Material: Breathable Oxford Fabric
If there’s one problem faced by many a CrossFitter, it’s finding a bag that’s big enough to fit all of the essentials while still being small enough to fit in the lockers at most gyms.
The aforementioned Leolake option was one bag that met both of these needs, the Kuston Sports Small Gym Bag is another.
The 44 liter medium version is really the perfect size for CrossFit, with most users reporting that it fits comfortably into lockers at major gyms like Planet Fitness while still being roomy enough to store shoes, towels, workout clothes, and even those all-important post-workout recovery drinks.
Not only that, but it also includes those all-important features such as a dedicated shoe compartment, wet pocket, and a small, internal pocket that’s ideal for storing things like wallets and keys safely and securely.
And if you love everything about the bag but find it’s just not the right size, you can always opt for the smaller 34L version or a large-scale 60L bag.
Pros:
- Comfortable, heavy-duty adjustable shoulder strap
- Strap is attached with high-quality metal hooks to ensure it doesn’t break off
- Premium-quality waterproof fabric.
Cons:
- Wet pocket is on the small size
- Putting shoes into the shoe compartment can be difficult without first taking everything else out of the bag.
4. QT&QY 45L Military Tactical Backpack
Dimensions: 18″ x 13.2″ x 11.6″
Volume: 45L
Material: 900D polyester
While traditional gym bags are great, carrying one that’s laden down with gear on a single shoulder strap isn’t always everyone’s idea of comfort.
If that sounds like you and you prefer to carry your CrossFit gear in a backpack, the QT&QY 45L Military Tactical Backpack is well worth a look.
While none of the five different compartments are designed specifically for shoes and wet gear, the 45 litre capacity still provides ample room to fit everything you’d need to take with you for a successful WOD.
Yet what really sets this one apart from the multitude of other gym-friendly backpacks on the market is its toughness and exceptional durability.
The 900D polyester material is double-stitched and reinforced at every stress point to ensure there’s little to no chance of it ripping or fraying under pressure, while the Ergonomically designed adjustable compression straps provide outstanding comfort and support when carrying a big load.
Pros:
- Includes front and side webbing to hook on extra attachments
- Features concealed rear pocket for storing valuables
- Breathable mesh material helps to keep you cool while carrying it.
Cons:
- Lacks a dedicated shoe compartment or wet pocket
- Zippers aren’t as high-quality as on other bags.
5. Adidas Women’s Squad Duffel Bag
Specifications:
Dimensions: 11″ x 21″ x 12″
Volume: 45L
Material: 100% polyester
There probably isn’t a person on the planet who doesn’t recognize the Adidas name and their famous three-stripe logo.
Over the decades, the brand has built up an unbeatable reputation for creating premium-grade gear for athletes, so it’s no surprise to find that this Adidas Women’s Squad Duffel Bag is more than up to the task.
The double-stitched, 100% polyester material provides remarkable durability, with more than enough strength and support for up to 45L of your most important CrossFit gear.
Although it doesn’t contain as many pockets and compartments as other bags, there is a handy external compartment that is well-ventilated, making it well-suited for storing your shoes and other clothes after a hard-hitting workout.
Pros:
- Available in 13 different attractive design options
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Contains a number of small pouches perfect for valuables, toiletries etc.
Cons:
- The shoe compartment may not be big enough for some larger users
- The shoulder strap isn’t padded which can make it uncomfortable.
6. FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0
Specifications:
Size: 20″ x 11″ x 10.5″
Volume: 38L
Material: 100% Polyester.
The FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0 is the only bag on this list that can boast of a crowdsourced design.
What this means is that the FocusGear brand consulted countless CrossFitters, boot camp aficionados, and gym-goers to discover what matters most to them when selecting a bag.
The result is the most feature-rich CrossFit bag we’ve come across, with each feature purpose-made to make life easier.
This starts with an extra-large shoe pocket designed to accommodate shoes up to a men’s size 14. If you’ve found that the shoe compartment on other bags just isn’t large enough to accomodate bigger-than-average shoes then this will no doubt appeal.
Elsewhere, there’s a water-resistant wet pocket, a large internal phone pocket and bonus loop to hang a key, plus two other pockets, a dual-drink holder and enough internal space to fit all your CrossFit necessities.
Pros:
- Water-resistant bottom panel prevents sagging and maintains structure
- Reinforced stitching on stress points to ensure lasting durability
- Locker-friendly size.
Cons:
- Wet pocket is located at the bottom of the bag which isn’t very convinient.
- Some users report that the bottle holders don’t hold bottles too well.
7. Bear KompleX Tactical Rucksack
Specifications:
Dimensions: 20″ x 12″ x 12″
Volume: 47L
Material: Military Grade 1000D Nylon
The camo-print and overall aesthetic design make it pretty clear that the Bear KompleX Tactical Rucksack is a bag that’s designed first-and-foremost for outdoor activities like hunting.
Bring it to the gym, however, and it serves just as well for CrossFit.
That’s mostly due to its impressive size and strength.
Make no mistake about it, this high-grade tactical rucksack is as tough as it looks.
The military grade nylon is double-stitched and comes with reinforced grab-and-go-handles, ensuring even if you pack as much as you can into its 47 litre space, it’s never going to give out on you.
In terms of features and convenience, there’s the obligatory water-resistant wet pocket, additional compartments for valuables and other accessories, and an external mesh shoe holder.
Though we personally prefer an internal shoe compartment, this does mean that you’ve got more room inside for your entire CrossFit kit.
Pros:
- Padded, adjustable shoulder strap for added comfort and convenience
- Fully weather-resistant
- Includes backpack straps so it can be carried on both shoulders
Cons:
- Most expensive bag on this list
- May not fit in some gym lockers.
8. Soccerware Legendary Drawstring Gym Bag
Specifications:
Dimensions: 19″ x 16″
Volume: 12.5L
Material: Dual sheath PXD.
There’s no denying that the Soccerware Legendary Drawstring Gym Bag is the smallest bag on this list.
Measuring 19″ tall by 16″ wide, it offers a maximum capacity of just 12.5 liters.
For anyone who has a lot of stuff to take to CrossFit, that alone may rule this one out as an option, but those of you who prefer to take a minimalist approach to your workouts and travel light, there’s a lot to like about this one.
The main compartment is big enough to hold a set of gym clothes, with a separate mesh pouch for toiletries and a hidden compartment for your phone and other valuables.
On the outside, the two mesh pockets are big enough to fit either a pair of shoes, 2 water bottles, or two protein shakers.
Where this one really comes into its own is in the material. The waterproof, dual-sheath PXD is expertly stitched together to ensure there’s no chance of this one falling apart. Yet despite it’s remarkable toughness, it’s incredibly lightweight, comfortable to carry, and makes the perfect choice for anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of carrying a much larger bag.
Pros:
- Comes with lifetime free replacement warranty
- Extra-thick cotton padded drawstrings ensure this won’t dig into your shoulders when carrying it
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- Small size
- No wet pocket.
9. BALEINE Gym Bag
Specifications:
Dimensions: 18″ x 10″ x 10″
Volume: 29.5L
Material: 290T Twill Fabric
We won’t lie, the first thing that attracted us to the BALEINE Gym Bag was how nice it looked.
Each of the 7 different color options are beautifully made, creating an attractive look that’s sure to stand out from the endless line of black bags at the gym.
Still, it’s important to remember that looks aren’t everything.
Inside, there’s a larger-than-average wet pocket that is sturdy, waterproof, and sealed with a high-grade zipper to prevent wet towels or sweaty clothes from ruining the rest of your gear.
To the side, the standard shoe compartment is present and correct, and although it may not be suitable for larger sizes, most shoes should still fit reasonably well.
In terms of material, the 290T Twill fabric is fully waterproof, machine-washable, and built to a high standard to withstand excessive use.
The best part? All of this comes at just a few dollars more than our budget pick which we’ll look at next:
Pros:
- Sturdy bottom to prevent sagging and maintain structure
- Features detachable padded shoulder strap and grab-and-go handles for flexibility when carrying.
Cons:
- Doesn’t include water bottle holder
- Some users report problems with the zipper.
10. Sportsnew Sports Gym Bag
Specifications:
Dimensions: 19” x 12” x 10”
Volume: 38L
Material: 600D 100% Polyester
Last but not least we come to the Sportsnew Sports Gym Bag, the lowest-priced option in this list and our pick of the best budget-friendly CrossFit bags you can buy today.
This one may not be very expensive, but it’s by no means cheap.
The waterproof, 600D polyester material is remarkably well stitched together, providing a surprisingly high level of durability and overall quality for a CrossFit at this price range.
Still, as the old saying goes, it’s what’s inside that counts, and the SportsNet bag has a lot to offer there too.
The 38 litre capacity means this is a little on the snug side, but the main compartment is still sufficiently roomy enough to accommodate a basic CrossFit kit while the addition of a separate, ventilated compartment for shoes or worn-gear is also a very nice touch.
If you’re looking for a good quality bag but don’t want to spend much money, this one may well be the way to go.
Pros:
- Includes PVC-lined wet pocket with zipper
- Features two compartments for water bottles
- 3 different carrying options for maximum comfort.
Cons:
- Smaller than most bags
- Lacks a hard bottom which can mean the bag sags when full.
How to Choose the Best Bag for CrossFit: A Buyer’s Guide
Reading through our reviews, it may have become as clear to you as it was to us that, technically, any one of our top 10 picks could reasonably stake a claim as being the best CrossFit bag of them all.
So, with that in mind, the question remains as to which one is the best option for you and your gear.
To help you decide, we’ve put together the following buyer’s guide. Below, we’ll outline the most important factors that we considered when choosing our top 10 out of the countless options available and what difference each of these factors will make to your final buying decision.
Size and Volume
The most critical factor to look for when choosing the best bag for CrossFit training is the size.
After all, if a bag is too small to comfortably fit all the gear you need, then it’s simply no good for you.
That said, what one CrossFitter needs is always going to be different to the next.
When determining our top 10, we looked at those that could comfortably accommodate, at a minimum, a pair of shoes, a towel, and a basic set of workout clothes.
If there was extra room for a water bottle, valuables, toiletries and other essentials, then those bags scored extra points with us.
Still, it’s important to point out that bigger isn’t always better.
For many people, it’s equally as important that their bag fits neatly into a locker at their favorite CrossFit gym.
If that sounds like you, then it’s wise to opt for one of the smaller options that still accommodates all your gear but isn’t so huge that you won’t be able to store it properly and securely during your workout.
On the other hand, you may have other gear such as a large CrossFit vest that you also need to pack, in which case it may be a good idea to look for a larger capacity after all.
Durability
After size, strength and durability should be a key consideration.
Think about it:
The weight of all that gear can soon add up, and if your bag simply isn’t well-made enough, there’s a good chance that it’s going to fray, rip, or simply fall apart all together.
That’s why we picked bags made from tough, resistant materials that could hold the weight of even the heaviest of gear, and why you should too.
It’s also a good idea to look for those bags that promise double stitching and reinforced stress points, an important factor which will do even more to minimize the risk of your bag ripping apart.
Weather Resistance
If you’re doing your CrossFit in Arizona, or another area where rain is rarely an issue you have to contend with, then this may not be such a big deal to you.
However, if you’re CrossFit training in Florida or a similar location with a higher chance of rainfall, then weather resistant material should definitely be a priority for you.
Why?
Because without one, even that short walk from the parking lot to the front door of your gym could leave your gear soaked and unfit for use, meaning weatherproof material really does matter.
Separate Shoe Compartment
Never underestimate what a game-changer it can be to have a bag with a separate compartment to store your shoes.
Make no mistake about it, CrossFit can be sweaty work, and it rarely leaves our shoes smelling like roses.
Dump those shoes in with the rest of your kit and there’s every chance that they could end up stinking out your whole bag.
It’s for this reason that we like bags that don’t just have shoe compartments, but shoe compartments that are well ventilated to let some of the odor out.
On a related note, if you’re training outside and your shoes are likely to get wet or dirty, then you’ll appreciate having a dedicated place to store them even more.
Wet Pockets
Like shoe compartments, wet pockets can be indispensable for some CrossFitters, especially those who shower at the gym and need a place to store their wet towel without it ruining the rest of your gear.
Keep in mind that even in bags that do have this feature, some pockets are bigger than others, so it’s best to check their size to ensure they can accommodate whatever you plan to put in there.
Comfortable Shoulder Straps
Last but not least, the shoulder strap can make a big difference to how comfortable your strap is to carry, especially if you’re opting for a traditional gym bag that requires you to bear the entire weight of your kit bag on a single shoulder.
When we were picking our top 10, padded shoulder straps scored the highest marks in the comfort category as these provide extra support and prevent a loaded strap from digging uncomfortably into your shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions About CrossFit Bags
What is the best CrossFit bag to buy?
Though everyone has different needs, the Under Armour Undeniable 4.0 consistently proves to be the best bag as it’s big enough, strong enough, and contains enough essential features to meet the needs of most CrossFitters.
Is a Backpack or Duffle Bag better for CrossFit?
This one is a matter of personal preference, right? Well, we always prefer to use a duffle bag for our workouts just because they’re roomier and easier to pack and throw your stuff in. With ample storage and separate compartments, you should have no problem packing your towel, shoes, water bottle, change of clothes, etc.
On the other hand, if you don’t bring much to the gym, a smaller backpack works just fine for many of the CrossFitters we know. Just make sure it’s well-made and comes with comfortable straps.
How big should a CrossFit bag be?
35 – 45 litres is an ideal size for a CrossFit bag as this is generally big enough to accommodate a standard CrossFit kit, though if you have extra gear such a vest or weights you might need something bigger.
What should be in a CrossFit bag?
While this will differ from person to person, most people would include a set of workout clothes, towel, water bottle and perhaps a post-workout drink or snack.
Some may also include supportive gear such as wrist tape or knee and/or elbow pads, while others may also include extra equipment such as a weighted vest.
What is the Best Bag to Buy for CrossFit in 2021?
As we mentioned at the top of our buyer’s guide, any one of our top picks may be the best bag for someone.
Ultimately, it all depends on what you’re looking for.
If price is a priority for you, then the Sports New Sports Gym Bag is our pick of the best budget CrossFit bag as it offers a high-grade quality which belies its low cost.
If you prefer the convenience and added support of a rucksack rather than a traditional gym bag, we highly recommend the QT&QY 45L Military Tactical Backpack. It’s premium material comes reinforced with double stitching at all the major stress points to ensure it is strong and sturdy enough to provide maximum support no matter how much you cram into its 45 litre capacity.
Yet if what really matters the most to you is getting the absolute best CrossFit bag that money can buy right now, there’s no better choice than the Under Armour Adult Undeniable 4.0 Gym Bag.
No other bag scored such consistently high marks in the categories of quality, size, storage features, and shoulder strap support, making it a hands down winner.
