You’re busy, and you don’t have time to fuss with all your various accessories while you’re coming and going to the gym. From gym gear to clothes to shoes to water bottles to personal items, you need storage that can stand up to your busy and active lifestyle.
Athletic backpacks are structurally designed for the active person, giving you plenty of comfortable storage space so that you can carry all your gym accessories without fretting over any items becoming lost. Carry your basketball, your shoes, your wallet, your keys, all with the added security of a backpack and the lightweight design of athletic gear. But how do you find the best athletic backpack when there are so many out there? We’ve put together this list of our favorites, the athletic backpacks that stood up to repeated use and could be utilized both indoors and outdoors.
Read on to see why our experts love these athletic backpacks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Athletic Backpacks Alike?
Athletics backpacks are specialized and are purposefully designed for active lifestyles. They have roomy space to carry more items, and are durable enough to stand the normal wear and tear of sports activities. Many athletic backpacks are designed to be used indoors and outdoors, and are waterproof to protect your gear from the elements. They include additional exterior pockets for personal items and zippered pockets for extra storage.
What Features Should I Look For In Athletic Backpacks?
Even the smallest features matter with athletic backpacks, because tiny additional pockets or hanging loops can make or break the versatility of your bag. Keep an eye out for reinforced stitching, waterproof or weather-proof material, improved fit, additional zippers and fasteners, accessible pockets, additional shoulder and back padding, and storage space for accessories such as water bottle holders and cell phone holders.
Buying Guide
We’ve put together this essential Buying Guide so that you can make the best choice of athletic backpack with none of the stress. Check it out!
- Space: First and foremost, you want to ensure your backpack can carry everything you need. Do you need room for a sports ball, for extra shoes, for multiple pairs of clothes?
- Durability: Is this bag designed for the gym or the trailer? Can it stand up to water? What’s the bag made from, and how long do the zippers, cinches, and straps last?
- Safety: Does this bag come with any additional safety features such as a reflective strip or anti-theft zippers? Ensure that your bag is sturdy and safe if you plan on using it while on public transit.
adidas Originals Backpack
Best Unisex Design
Features a sleek, neutral design
This lightweight backpack is made of recycled content, making it a great sustainable and eco-friendly option. It comes with a large main compartment and two zippered front pockets for smaller items.
Pros:
- Features a pocket to hold a water bottle
- Has an interior tech pouch for earbuds
Cons:
- Material may be tricky to keep clean
Athletico Hockey Backpack
Best for Hockey Players
Features vented side zippered pockets to store skates
This large athletic backpack makes organizing and carrying your hockey gear a breeze. It comes with multiple exterior pockets and a large main compartment that opens and closes with a drawstring.
Pros:
- Comes with pair of adult skate blade covers
- Includes a helmet clip
Cons:
- May feel too bulky for some users
WANDF Drawstring Backpack
Best Protection
Comes with a hidden back pocket to store valuables
This drawstring backpack includes three inner pockets and one large front pocket to help you keep all your belongings organized. It is designed with large, adjustable shoulder straps.
Pros:
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Reinforced with smooth stitching
Cons:
- Straps are slightly slippery and may slide off at times
G4Free Duffle Backpack
Best Size
Has a 40 L capacity
This backpack comes with one huge compartment featuring two-way zippers for easy packing, as well as one ventilated compartment for keeping shoes and dirty gear separate. It features sturdy, adjustable shoulder straps.
Pros:
- Can be carried in many different ways
- Shoulder straps are padded for added comfort
Cons:
- Colors may be slightly off
BeeGreen Drawstring Bag
Most Compact
Perfect for carrying gym essentials
This backpack has a large main compartment and small zipper pocket on the inside. It is made of high-density Oxford that is super durable and can withstand daily wear and tear. It has a sturdy drawstring closure that makes storing things quick and easy.
Pros:
- Can be washed in the machine
- Available in different colors
Cons:
- May be too small for some users
