The Best Gym Bag With Shoe and Wet Compartment

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Are you the type of person who goes to the gym on a regular basis? If yes, then I’m sure that you find it difficult to lug all your stuff unless you have a bag that can fit all the things you need. I go to the gym several times a week and I used to fit everything I had in my day backpack or bring two smaller-sized bags until I got a good gym bag. My life, I’ve got to say, has been pretty much easier since then because it’s a big help when you can put everything into one bag (shoes, wet clothes, and all) and run off to the gym.

Now you might be asking: what kinds of gym bags are there? Are they all the same (they’re not!)? How will I choose one?

There’s no limit to options when it comes to choosing the perfect gym bag. They come in different shapes and sizes, that cater to different styles and needs. When you’ve got so many options lined up in front of you, and the final decision rests on your shoulder, here are some quick tips for you:

Things to Consider When Picking a New Gym Bag

Packing equipment into gym bag
It’s important to stay organized, if you want your gym equipment to last longer and save time when packing and unpacking.

Determine what size you want. The first thing you’ll want to do when you’re sorting through the different options is to pick the right-sized gym bag. These days, they come in so many different sizes that it can be overwhelming to consider all the options. But before you get a little dizzy there, just think of what you will put inside. Essential workout equipment usually includes the following: exercise clothes, clean clothes, bottles, shoes, towel(s), and toiletries. Determine how much you are bringing and you’ll be able to estimate the gym bag size that will work best for you.

Find out what material the bag is made of. The most popular materials for gym bags are nylon and polyester. Nylon makes your bag lightweight and durable, but it doesn’t keep the moisture away when you’ve got some wet clothes. Polyester is more durable and can keep wet clothing from seeping through the fabric, but holding your clothes there for a long period can make your bag a bit smelly. If you want something lightweight and washable, you should go for nylon, as it is also the preferred material due to being cheaper and easier to use.

Find out the number of compartments the bag has. When choosing your gym bag, you’ll want to get something with compartments to better organize the items you’re carrying around. Imagine the frustration of having to dig around your bag just because you can’t find what you’re looking for! It would also be good to get something that has a shoe compartment and a wet compartment so you can separate your wet/dirty clothes. 

Make sure your bag has comfortable straps. As light as these bags are, once you put your things in them, they’re going to start to weigh a bit more, especially if you have wet clothes inside. If possible, get shoulder straps with a cushion or pad so it rests comfortably on your shoulders when you carry it around.

Now that you’ve (hopefully) pretty much narrowed your choices, here are some great finds for the best gym bag with shoe compartment and wet compartment. We’ll check out each one based on our tips for finding the gym bag fit for you: size, material, compartments, and straps.

Our Top Picks

Sportsnew Lightweight Gym Bag
Editor’s choice

Sportsnew Lightweight Gym Bag

  • Ultra lightweight (only 1 lb.)
  • Available in different colors
  • Multiple storage compartments

Make going to the gym a more fun experience with thigh lightweight gym tote bag! It has spacious storage with 1 large main zippered compartment where you can keep your clean and dry clothes, whether you’re going to the gym or going on a short trip. Alongside the main compartment, there is also a waterproof PVC-lined pocket (16.5 x 13 inches in size) with a zipper where you can store your wet items.

With its weight of only 1 pound, this gym bag is significantly lighter than traditional gym bags, yet is made of durable water-resistant material–600D 100% Polyester. With its dual handles and adjustable, detachable padded shoulder straps, carrying this bag around should be no difficulty at all. You can opt to carry it over your shoulder, behind your back, or through the bag’s dual handles.

It can be used as a sports or gym bag, travel/carry on or overnight bag, or even for beach or pool outings as well as camping trips.

What We Love: The Sportsnew Gym Bag comes in different colors that are so pleasing to the eye: gray, wine red, pink, navy, and mint green. They are unisex so you can get them in the color that you like best.

Aside from the main compartment and the waterproof PVC-lined pocket where you can store your wet items, this gym bag also has a shoe compartment, two slip in mesh pockets where you can place your water bottles, and a small front pocket to put some necessary items. The adjustable shoulder straps can go from 31 to 51 inches, depending on how short or long you need them to be.

Features:

  • Size: 19 x 12 x 10 inches when full, folds flat to 13 x 10 x 1.2 inches
  • Material: 600D 100% Polyester
  • Compartments:
    • One Main Compartment (can fit up to 35 liters)
    • One Shoe Compartment
    • One Inner Waterproof PVC Compartment Separation
    • Two Slip-in Mesh Pockets
    • One Small Front Pocket for Easy Storage
  • Straps: Dual handles, adjustable, detachable padded shoulder strap
FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0

FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0

  • Wide openings make it easy to pack/unpack
  • External storage pockets for bottles, small tools, etc.
  • Shoulder strap and handles make it easy to carry

Nothing says power like this crowdsourced designed duffel bag with 10 optimal compartments! The FocusGear gym bag was designed and built on the people’s feedback about various gym bags through the ages and has been thoroughly tested for endurance and durability.

It contains a total of 10 compartments for those of us who like to keep everything organized in their respective pouches, including 2 hidden water-resistant pockets for wet items, and a shoe compartment that can fit the largest shoe size possible. Its main compartment can hold bigger items like your towels and clothes, while the smaller compartments can contain other sports gear like tennis balls, gloves, and even personal gadgets. Meshed side pockets on the side of the bag also allow you to fit one 32 oz water bottle and one protein shaker.

It is durable and sturdy and easy to clean and maintain. It is wear and tear-free and can be used for gym, fitness, sports, or other outings.

What We Love:  Say goodbye to having to struggle and strain to tuck away your items. The FocusGear gym bag’s main pocket opens completely for easy access. Now, you don’t have to fumble around to find what you’re looking for, you can just open the main compartment completely and look through the items that you have packed.

The two wet pockets that separate your wet clothes from the dry ones are extremely helpful too, in case you happen to have a lot of wet or dirty clothes on hand.

Features:

  • Size: Small (15 inches) and Medium (20 inches)
  • Material: Fine quality polyester
  • Compartments: Total of 10 compartments, including one main compartment, two wet pockets, one shoe compartment, mesh compartments on the side of the bag for two bottles
  • Straps: Dual hand straps and 1 shoulder strap with padding
Venture Pal 20" Packable Sports Gym Bag

Venture Pal 20″ Packable Sports Gym Bag

  • Available on lots of stylish color options
  • Weighs only 1.1 lbs.
  • Foldable – saves space when stored

Let’s say you’re going on an out-of-town or overseas trip and want to bring some gym items without having to bring a duffel bag as a carry-on. You can fold and pack your gym outfits along with the rest of your clothes, and then slip in this foldable gym bag into your bigger bag and just unfold it when you’re going to go to the gym.

This Venture Pal Travel Duffel is perfect for men and women and is made of high-quality tear and water-resistant nylon. Its zippers are made by heavy-duty metal SBS and bartacks have been sewn into major stress points to secure the bag. Nevertheless, this super lightweight bag only weighs 1.1 pounds.

It comes with adjustable and detachable shoulder straps that have solid clasps and fixtures. The straps also come with padding that makes it more comfortable and anti-slip. The bag can also be used as a handbag or a shoulder bag.

What We Love: It’s easy to bring around when you’re traveling–just fold it and tuck it in your luggage and can be used for various functions: as a sports and gym bag, a travel duffel for a weekend getaway, or a carry-on for your out-of-town trip. It’s stylish, durable, and easy to use.

The shoe compartment also comes with a built-in vent that is odor resistant. You can put one pair of shoes and several dirty clothes without having to worry about the smell. Its U-shaped zipper for the main compartment allows you to quickly open the bag and pack your belongings, and its other zippered pockets along the side make it easier to store smaller, handheld items that you want within easy reach.

Features:

  • Size: 20.5 x 11.75 x 11 inches (unfolded), 11 x 11.75 inches (folded)
  • Material: High-quality nylon, heavy-duty metal zippers
  • Compartments: 9 compartments including one main compartment, one shoe compartment, one inner wet pocket, side pockets for bottles
  • Straps: dual hand straps and one adjustable, detachable shoulder strap with pads

Whether you’re going out on a camping trip or a weekend getaway or just to the gym, it’s always handy to have a gym bag with you, especially one that is durable and easy to use and is light to carry around. You’ll never know when it might come in handy someday!