What to Pack in Your Gym Bag
A trainer-endorsed list
of workout essentials.
In order to make the most of your gym session, you've got to sweat the little things like exercise order, proper form and the right reps. The same goes for your workout kit. When you're packing a gym bag, you shouldn't just toss in any old pair of sneakers and some shorts. You want to put a little thought into it.
And you might be forgetting something important. We asked a few personal trainers about the essentials that every guy should pack in their gym bag. And interestingly, they almost all came back with the same list. It's not a lot. In fact, it's honed down to basics that will ensure you have everything you need and nothing you don't. Pack the same kit every time so it's more of a routine than a conscious decision.
Of course, you have your own gym clothes and those will change more regularly, but these items should always be stocked and ready—that way, come gym time, it's just grab and go.
Gym Bag Kit
Endorsed by some of the greatest athletes in the world, intended for lifters and cross trainers alike, these sturdy shoes will help you perform.
Metcon 9 sneaker,
$150 / $105.97 by Nike
Nobody really needs pre-workout, but if you like a little kick before a session, this combines caffeine with added hydration.
Hydration Multiplier +Energy,
$24.99 / $23.74 by Liquid I.V.
This quiet shaker doesn't need a mixing ball and the rounded shape ensures powder doesn't get stuck in the corners.
Shaker bottle,
$29.95 / $19.99 by ShakeSphere
Custom protein,
$49 / $45 by Gainful
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Gym towel,
$14.90 by Aurora Athletica
These sweat-proof earbuds stay securely in your ears and the noise-canceling technology helps drown out the annoying grunts and crashing weight plates.
Vista2 wireless earbuds,
$154.99 by Jaybird
Extra-strength deodorant,
$20 / $18 by Salt & Stone
This mini percussive massage tool targets muscles with precision and is lightweight and easy to carry.
Hypersphere Go,
$99 by Hyperice
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Bag Options
This rugged, water-resistant bag is our go-to gym bag. It's virtually indestructible, comes in a range of colors and has plenty of interior organization to keep things in order.
Black Hole duffel,
$159 by Patagonia
Want a backpack style gym bag that you can take to work? This is it. An interior compartment helps keep your sneakers separate from the rest of your gear, while another pocket securely stores your laptop.
Utility elite backpack,
$120 by Nike
This affordable bag was actually crowdsourced to meet the needs of everyday athletes. It's not made from the strongest materials, but for the price, there's a lot of functionality and plenty of compartments.
Ultimate gym bag,
$34.99 / $29.99 by FocusGear
Bonus Items
A few smart additions to your bag: A selection of band-aids for minor injuries and blisters, hand sanitizer to kill germs after touching so many random surfaces and spare silica packets to absorb moisture and odors.
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