The 10 Best Gym Bags That Double As Carry-Ons

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Travelers and gym-goers alike need a bag that will keep their gear fresh and organized while still being able to squeeze into tiny gym lockers and overhead bins. These bags all have double-duty features that make them perfect for the airplane cabin and the locker room, with some small enough to skate by as personal items. 

PopFlex Delilah Duffel

Thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of every workout, the PopFlex Delilah Duffel maxes out convenience with its shoulder and handle straps, designated cell phone and water bottle pockets, and built-in yoga mat straps. Bonus: it comes equipped with a luggage sleeve that slides easily over the handle of your rolling suitcase.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This travel gym bag is roomy enough that an efficient packer could use it for a weekend trip but small enough to pass as a personal item. 

Size: 16.73” x 12.59” x 8.07”

Gymshark Medium Everyday Gym Bag

A major player on the fitness scene since its founding in 2012, Gymshark doesn’t disappoint with its Medium Everyday Gym Bag. Outfitted with a shoe compartment, exterior organizational pockets, and a spacious interior, this 40L duffel can easily hold everything you need for a weekend trip.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: The wet pocket, designed to hold your used gym clothes after a workout, is a great place to store your plastic bag of TSA-compliant liquids in case of spillage.

Size:  21.6” x 11.4” x 9.8”

Cotopaxi Ligera Duffel Bag

If the lightweight design, removable straps, and whimsical color combos don’t sell you on the Cotopaxi Ligera Duffel Bag, the fact that it folds down into its own self-contained carrying case definitely will. Weighing just over 1lb, this bag has a separate side pocket for gym shoes, exterior zipper pockets for personal items, and can hold up to 45L at its max capacity.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: Able to compress into its own carrying case, this duffel stores away easily between gym sessions and can be packed away within larger luggage.

Size: 25” x 13” x 13” 

Haven Athletic Large Duffel

If you value organization above all, the Haven Athletic Large Duffel is the only option for your gym routine and in-flight needs. The subdivided interior features seven varying-sized sections, with a structured shoe tunnel at the bottom, two interior mesh pockets, and several exterior pockets. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: The patented interior organization system was designed for the gym but can be easily used to keep travel gear separated and organized.

Size: 23” x 12” x 11”

The Beis Sport Duffel

Already known for their stylish and functional travel gear, it’s a guarantee that Beis’s take on the sport duffel is the perfect gym bag for travel. Its small size can easily pass as a personal item, and the stow-away backpack straps, removable shoulder strap, and built-in luggage sleeve make it a breeze to carry through the airport. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: A bonus ‘dirt bag’ is included, perfect for storing dirty gym shoes or organizing small items for easy in-flight access.

Size: 10″ x 17″ x 8.5″

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Herschel Classic Gym Bag

This gym bag is all about the elevated vintage vibes, with its classic barrel shape, simple color scheme, and minimal branding. The fabric and lining are made from 100% post-consumer water bottles, perfect for the eco-conscious traveler, and the bag has an interior storage space of about 27L.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This bag can be carried by the handles or removable shoulder straps. 

Size: Not stated

UA Undeniable 5.0 XS Duffel Bag

Under Armour is notorious for its long-lasting and sturdy athletic gear, so it makes sense that an Underarmour Duffel Bag would also stand up to the test of travel. The characteristics that make it a top-performing gym bag—like the water-resistant finish, vented laundry pocket, and multi-carry straps—make it the ideal carry-on. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: The vented laundry pocket is the perfect place to store gym clothes after a workout or a change of clothes on your flight.

Size: 8.7″ x 8.9″ x 17.6″

Alo Yoga Large Traverse Duffel

It’s back to basics with this studio bag from Alo, but that doesn’t make it any less functional. This bag is ideal for those who prefer spacious, open interiors rather than pre-determined organizational systems. The sleek black handles, piping around the edge, and silver accents are perfect for the minimalist traveler.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This oversized gym duffel bag is perfect for packing large or uniquely shaped items or fitness gear.

Size: 22″ x 10.25″ x 13″

Tumi McCoy Gym Bag

The McCoy Gym Bag condenses the dependability of Tumi luggage into a reliable gym bag. The sturdy structure of this bag is reminiscent of soft-side rolling luggage, keeping its shape while allowing for flexibility when packing. Add a custom monogram for a flare of individuality and to prevent any baggage mix-ups. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This bag comes with a built-in TSA-approved lock, keeping your items safe while traveling and secure while working out.

Size: 11.0″ X 19.0″ X 9.5″

The North Face 42L Base Camp Duffel

This gym bag from The North Face that doubles as a backpack is a winner whether you’re saving your sore arms after a few reps or running through the airport to make your connection. The shoe compartment is on the side of the bag rather than at the bottom, freeing up valuable internal storage space.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This gym bag backpack comes with a 15” padded laptop sleeve, perfect for protecting your tech while traveling or stowing your laptop during a post-work gym session.

Size: 20.5″ x 8″ x 12.5″

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