It’s common knowledge that exercise and a healthy lifestyle are vital components to living a long, happy life. But when you’re hitting the gym on a daily basis, it can be hard to find time to make it to the store to get the right gear. We know what you’re thinking: “My old college duffle bag will do just fine.”But here’s the thing: The right gym bag can make all the difference between leaving feeling like a champ and leaving feeling like you barely even broke a sweat. By investing in a high-quality gym bag, you are ensuring that each workout is top-notch.Finding the perfect gym bag can be just as challenging as choosing a new set of exercise gear. Whether you’re looking for something with easy-to-grab handles, multiple pockets for extra storage, or even a great laptop sleeve, these are our picks for the best of the best in gym bags.To help you get started, Koala Outdoor rounded up some of our favorite gym bags that are sure to make your workouts just a little bit better.Which type of bag is best for gym?If you’re a huge fan of exercise, you know that the right gym bag can make your workouts just a bit better. Whether it’s a good laptop sleeve, plenty of pockets for extra storage, or easy-to-grab handles, few things make working out just a little more enjoyable or convenient than toting around the perfect gym bag.And chances are, whether you’re heading to the gym or taking an active adventure outdoors, you need more than one type of gym bag. This means following the “one for every purpose of use” rule – and although that does involve buying multiple bags, it can pay off in terms of enjoyment and convenience when it comes time to get moving again.So, if you’re looking for something that’ll keep you going during every bootcamp session, spinning class, and running trail, here’s a handy little guide to help you choose the best gym bag possible.Here are the top 3 things to look for when considering a gym bag:One for the outdoorsIf you’re into outdoor sports and games, then a gym bag that has some water resistance is probably your best bet. There are tons of options out there, ranging from simple backpacks to more colorful and versatile duffel bags. Look for a gym bag that has several compartments, a mesh pocket on the side for your water bottle, and strong zippers and handles. If you can find one with extra padding on the straps, that’s even better.One for short tripsShort trips to the gym – whether in your own home or at a local workout center – call for a small gym bag that is easy to carry and big enough to hold your keys, wallet, phone, and anything else you might need when working out. Look for an over-the-shoulder bag that has roomy pockets on the outside (for quick access) and multiple compartments inside. These bags should be lightweight but sturdy enough to hold up to regular use.One for long tripsIf you frequently travel for work or pleasure and want to bring your workout gear along with you, then look for a foldable gym bag that fits easily in your luggage or overnight bag. This way, you'll always have everything you need with you, no matter where you are.Can you use a backpack for the gym?Backpacks are a popular choice for gym-goers, as they're comfortable and easy to carry. However, not all backpacks are created equal. When choosing a gym backpack for the gym, be sure to look for one that is specifically designed for fitness activities. This will ensure that it's lightweight and has plenty of compartments and pockets to store your gear.Before you head out to the gym, make sure you have the proper equipment. Don't lug around a bag that's too big, and don't try to squeeze everything into a bag that is too small. The right-sized backpack will carry all of the things you need and be mobile enough to carry on public transportation (like the bus or subway) if needed.As important as choosing the right shoes for the right activities are, so too is the right backpack to carry your essentials. Many backpacks like Evatac Combat Backpack now have a shoe compartment or shoulder strap to securely carry your mat with enough room for a change of clothes, water bottle, and other day-to-day requirements.What size duffel do I need for gym?Just like when choosing any other type of bag, it's important to get the right size of duffle bags. This means choosing one that's not too small or too large. A bag that's too small won't be able to hold everything you need, while a bag that's too large will be cumbersome to carry around.Duffle bags are used to carry many different types of equipment and weaponry. Military duffle bags are capable of holding more weight than the average duffle bag, so they’re a popular option for soldiers in the field. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bag that's at least 20 inches long. An average duffle bag can carry up to 50 pounds of items, whereas military duffle bags can carry as much as 450 pounds.This will give you enough room to store everything you need, including clean clothes, shoes, and a set of weights. You'll also want to choose a bag that's made from durable materials, such as canvas or polyester. This will protect your belongings from getting wet or dirty.If you're looking for a bag that's easy to carry, choose one with shoulder straps. This will distribute the weight evenly and make it more comfortable to carry.Should I bring a gym bag to the gym?Bringing a gym bag to the gym is a great way to make sure you have everything you need for your post-workout routine. This bag can hold your refillable bottle, towel, backup band-aids, and other essentials, so you don't have to worry about forgetting anything while you're working out.If you’re going to bring your gym bag to the shower, make sure it has separate compartments for wet and dry items (including one for your cell phone, music player, and bluetooth wireless headphones). The shoulder strap should be adjustable.What to consider when choosing the best gym bagsAfter considering the type of duffel that will work best for you, there are other important considerations to make while shopping. The following factors will help you choose the best bag for your hiking and for a gym.Size mattersThe first thing to consider is size. Gym bags come in all shapes and sizes, so you need to choose one that's the right size for your needs. If you're just going to the gym once a week, you don't need a huge bag that can fit everything but the kitchen sink. On the other hand, if you're a hardcore fitness enthusiast who works out every day, you'll need something larger that can accommodate all of your gear.Choose the right materialThe type of material your gym bag is made from is also important. If you're looking for something lightweight and easy to carry, go for a bag made from double-duty and water-resistant synthetic materials such as nylon bags or polyester.Think about organizationWhether you’re looking for a simple yet stylish backpack to carry your gym clothes in or a more complex, durable bag with plenty of storage space, there are a number of options to choose from. And although many bigger bags don’t come cheap, the right one can be worth its weight in gold – especially if you’re constantly on the go.A good gym bag should be well-organized, with plenty of compartments and small pockets to store all of your gear. Look for a bag with a variety of different compartments, including one specifically designed for a shoe bag. This will keep your gear organized and easy to find.Consider your needsThe best gym bags for men, women, and kids come in all shapes and sizes depending on your needs, so it’s important to consider all factors before making your purchase. In terms of size, we recommend getting a bag that is large enough to hold everything you need (think: workout dirty clothes, shoes, and socks, flip flops, disinfectant wipes spare toiletries, a towel, healthy snacks, and maybe even a book or music loaded smartphone).More spaceAnd in terms of features and main compartment, you might want to consider how much storage space you need as well as whether or not the bag has special sleeves for water bottles, wireless headphones and/or laptops.Before you buy a gym bag, take some time to think about what you'll be using it for. If you're mainly going to use it for carrying clothes and shoes, then you don't need a bag in the main compartment. On the other hand, if you plan to bring along a lot of gear, such as a set of weights or a jump rope, you'll need a bag with more space.Consider the weatherJust like when choosing a gym bag, it's important to consider the weather when choosing a duffel bag. If you're working out in bad weather, you'll want a bag that's water resistant or even waterproof.Consider your budgetFinally, don't forget to consider price when choosing a budget duffel bag. You don't want to be lugging around an expensive bag that you'll only use a few times a month. Choose a bag that's affordable and fits within your budget.How should I pack for the gym?When packing for the gym, it's important to pack light. This will make it easier to carry your gear around and keep you from getting too weighed down.To pack light, choose versatile pieces that can be worn multiple times. For example, choose a tank top or T-shirt that you can wear both to the gym and on your days off. And don't forget to bring a couple of pairs of socks and sneakers - one for working out and one for wearing around town.Here are a few tips for packing for the gym:Pack clothes that can be easily washed and dried.Pack workout clothes that fit comfortably and are made from moisture-wicking material.Pack a few towels, as you'll likely sweat a lot during your workout.Pack some snacks and water to keep you energized during your workout.Pack your workout gear in a separate bag so that it's easy to find.Pack your gym shoes in a separate bag so that they don't get muddy or wet.Pack a change of clean clothes for after your workout.Pack any toiletries you might need, such as toothpaste and deodorant.Pack your phone and headphones to listen to music during your workout.Pack a lock if you plan to use the gym's locker room.Pro tip: The last thing you want to do after a sweaty workout is to spread that sweat around to your other gym gear! One thing you have to put in your gym bag is a clean dirty packing cube , which allows you to pack clean clothes on one side and dirty on the other.By following these tips, you can make sure that you have everything you need for a successful workout.What are the best gym bags?There’s no one-size-fits-all option for every person or every workout. But there are some great options for certain activities, including water sports and outdoor adventures, so it’s important to get a gym bag that suits your exercise needs and preferences.There are a variety of different duffel bags on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. When choosing a duffel bag for the gym, be sure to choose one that's big enough to fit all of your gear. Some of the most popular types of duffel bags include:Rolling duffel bagThese bags are perfect for travelers, as they allow you to easily wheel your luggage around airports and other transportation hubs. Rolling duffel bags are also great for gym-goers, as they come with plenty of storage space and are usually lightweight.Waterproof duffel bagIf you're working out outdoors or in a humid environment, a waterproof bag is a must-have. These bags are designed to protect your belongings from the elements, and many come with a water repellent coating developed to keep them dry even in the most severe weather conditions.Duffle backpackThis bag handily converts into a duffle backpack which is perfect for trekking long distances. A gym backpack is perfect for people who want the convenience of a backpack and the storage capacity of a medium-sized bag. They often come with padded laptop sleeves and other features that make them ideal for use as gym bags.Gym tote bagTote bags are perfect for people who want a lightweight and compact gym bag. They often come with a variety of different compartments to store all of your gear.ConclusionWell, there you have it gym lovers, the perfect gym bag for all your needs! We hope this guide will help you choose a gym bag that will last for years to come and hold all the essentials of your workout regimen. It’s never too late to start planning out your next workout session. Get out those gym bags today and make sure it’s the best one yet!Now that you know what to look for when choosing a gym bag, be sure to check out the selection at Koala Outdoor. We have a variety of different bags to choose from, including backpacks, duffel bags, and more. So no matter what your needs are, we have the perfect gym bag for you. Now you're ready to go back to the gym and be the best version of yourself!