Freedom Genesis is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more.
best crossfit gym bags - woman in the gym doing battle ropes

Best CrossFit Bags: 10 Backpacks & Duffels For Beginners & Pros

Carrying special equipment from your house to the gym doesn’t need to be cumbersome with the right bag. But there are a million bags to choose from so we thought we’d save you some time. Below, we reviewed the 10 best CrossFit bags on the market to show you what we like/dislike about each one.

But if you’re in a pinch for time and just want to know our top choice, we think that the Bear KompleX gym bag is the best overall. It’s built specifically for lifters, is affordable, has tons of storage, and looks rugged like a serious CrossFit bag should. 

If you’re sticking around to learn more about the top bags, let’s get right to it… 

Our top picks


Bear KompleX Gym Bag (duffle)

Best Duffel Bag Overall


The Bear KompleX gym bag is the closest in design to the King Kong bags. It’s built from the same military-grade 1000D nylon that’s extremely durable and has essentially the same build as their duffel bags. Needless to say, it’s a solid bag. 

Within the main compartment, you have enough room to easily fit several changes of clothes, your lifting belt, wraps, etc. Then on the side, you have TWO shoe compartments and on the other side, you have a zippered pocket for wet clothing. And finally, you get three smaller pockets on the front of the bag for your straps, chalk, etc. 

One of the other important features of the Bear KompleX is that the attachments for the shoulder straps are metal. It may not seem like a big deal but if you’re lugging heavy gear, you want metal clips. Plastic clips are almost always a complaint because they’re a weak point that, if they break, makes the bag much less fun to carry.

Overall, this is a solid bag that’s built to last for many CrossFit sessions. 

Pros

  • Lots of room for storage including two shoe compartments
  • Detachable shoulder strap with metal clips 
  • Lots of space, even with full shoe compartments (20 inches long, 12 inches deep, and 12 inches tall)
  • Can be personalized with different patches 

Cons

  • Sometimes hard to pull shoes from shoe compartments
  • It’s large and might be too much for you if you only bring a few items to class

King Kong Backpack II

Best Backpack 


Our best CrossFit backpack pick uses heavy-duty military spec nylon to keep all your equipment safe and compact. We dare you to try to rip it (just kidding, but still). The water-resistant nylon also keeps bottles and shakers from soaking the backpack. Even the zippers are heavy-duty and built to last for many years. There’s nothing more frustrating than bad zippers on an otherwise good bag. You won’t have that issue here.

On the front of the bag, there’s a versatile pocket with a heavy-duty buckle for your running shoes or lunch bag. The side has a clamshell opening (it opens like a suitcase) so you can easily pack and unpack without losing track of anything. And if you just want to set the bag down and grab something out, it also has a backpack style opening on the top.

For extra storage, there’s a laptop sleeve and two water bottle sleeves. On the whole, it works great for both workouts and general use, keeping all your gym and work effects safe in one place.

The downside is that this is a slightly smaller backpack. So, if you’re hoping to bring your gym gear and your books, laptop, etc. it will be a tight fit. It’s also a pricey backpack. We think it delivers on its promise but keep reading if you’re looking for a larger backpack or budget option. 

Pros

  • Great at keeping fresh work clothes and sweaty workout equipment separate
  • Decent storage capacity
  • Side pockets hold water bottles tight
  • Shoulder straps are firm and comfortable
  • Shoe pockets fit larger shoe sizes

Cons

  • It works better if you pack it like a suitcase, not a backpack
  • The main compartment is a little narrow
  • Limited organizing pockets and pouches

King Kong CORE25 Backpack

Runner Up Backpack 


Along with a padded 15-inch internal laptop sleeve, the King King CORE25 backpack has an external lifting belt attachment so you don’t have to cram your belt in with your other stuff. You can loop the belt around the bag through the heavy-duty attachments, and you’re all set.

A shoe compartment is in the bottom of the bag, along with a couple of smaller organizational pockets in front. The usual water bottle pockets come on either side of the pack so you have room for both water and a protein shaker if you need it.

Eight thick elastic loops cover the front of the bag so you can attach additional items as well. Overall, the bag is a little bit smaller (20 inches tall, 6.7 inches deep, and 12 inches wide), so it might be limited to just gym use. However, if you don’t carry a ton of stuff, this bag is both functional and stylish. 

Pros

  • The external lifting belt loop is a welcome change
  • Eight elastic loops on the front of the bag for attaching other items
  • Comfy, padded shoulder straps
  • The U-shaped backpack opening makes for easy packing
  • Expandable dual water bottle holders

Cons

  • A little small for any other use but working out
  • Shoe compartment impedes on the main compartment
  • Not many mesh pockets for breathability

WODSuperstore Rigor Gear 

Best Large CrossFit Bag


If everything has a place for you, then the WODSuperstore Rigor Gear bag could be a perfect choice. The outside of the bag is covered in pockets, putting every piece of equipment within reach. It also has a reinforced bottom and comfortable shoulder strap for easy carrying.

Plus, the dual-shoe compartment has enough room for two pairs of shoes while still giving the internal compartment enough room for a good amount of equipment. What’s even cooler is that these compartments can also function as wet-dry compartments, keeping your work clothes safe from your stinky workout clothes. Five other mesh pockets act as additional storage for water bottles and smaller items or you can use them to air out sweaty garments. 

If you’re the type to attach things to your bag, the outside has small elastic loops for your carabiners. Additionally, the outside of the bag has smaller velcro pockets for keys and the like so there’s no shortage of options for storage. Overall, if you have lots of stuff, this is our top choice for the best large CrossFit bag. 

Pros

  • It uses strong metal clips and buckles, not plastic
  • Multiple pockets make for easy organization
  • Zippers slide easily without force
  • Plenty of space for all kinds of CrossFit gear
  • The carrying strap is removable

Cons

  • The design is a little bland
  • The shoe compartments push into the main compartment. So if they’re both full, it does reduce the amount of space you have.

Nike Brasilia Medium Training Duffel Bag

Best Medium Duffel


The Nike Brasilia Duffel bag may look basic, but it holds up more than you think. The bag’s 100% polyester makeup prevents your belongings from getting wet or damaged by sweat and it has a water-proof bottom to keep it from absorbing water on the ground. 

When it comes to carrying, you have a padded shoulder strap and dual handles that Velcro together so it’s easy to move around on the gym floor. It also has mesh pockets on either side of the bag that are great for airing out sweaty clothes or carrying shoes or water bottles.

On one side of the bag, you have a dedicated shoe pocket that’s ideal for your post-workout sweaty kicks or your wet clothing. Feature-wise, it’s a blander bag than the rest of our picks, but no less dependable and high-quality. It’s also one of the larger ones at a whopping 28 inches long, 14 inches high, and 11 inches wide, so it might not fit into all gym lockers. Nonetheless, it holds its shape well despite its large size.

Pros

  • Nifty mesh compartment keeps post-workout clothes or shoes separate
  • Padded shoulder strap
  • Large interior pocket with plenty of room for all of your gear 
  • Great for packing for long trips
  • Maintains its shape well

Cons

  • It might be a little big for some gym lockers
  • Only has one inside pocket
  • The material is a little thin

G4Free Three-Way Travel Duffle

Best Discount Option


A CrossFit bag not only needs plenty of compartments but a few ways to carry it. You can carry the G4Free travel duffle bag as either a duffle or backpack, while the nylon material resists water and tearing. Heavy-duty stitching reinforces all the bag’s stress points, and the zippers all have extra pull strings. 

When it comes to accessing your stuff, there’s a large “U” shaped opening on the front so it opens like a duffel and you can find your gear pretty easily. 

On the side of the bag you have a shoe compartment that’s large enough to hold up to a size 12 shoe and a towel. On the other side, you have a generous zipper pocket that’s great for water bottles and similar items. Then you have multiple other zippered compartments including one on the front that’s large enough to hold a tablet and a mesh pocket on the inside of the bag for quick access items like your keys and wallet.  

If you’re not using the bag, you can fold it up and store it in the included drawstring storage bag. You might even use the storage bag as a handbag or hang it outside the bag for your chalk. Overall, this is a solid budget bag for CrossFit. 

Pros

  • You can hide the backpack straps when in the duffel position
  • Plenty of storage (23 inches long, 10 inches deep, and 12 inches tall)
  • Lightweight material 
  • Durable and versatile
  • Decent zippers

Cons

  • Kind of uncomfortable as a backpack
  • Not very water-resistant
  • Can’t hold a lot of weight because the material is thin

Adidas Defender III

Best Warranty


If you’re in the market for a bag with a lifetime warranty, you’ve found it. The Adidas Defender III is made from high-quality ripstop material that helps keep the bag strong for several years’ of punishment. And hey, if it does break, you can just send it back and get a new one so there’s no worries when it comes to durability. 

It only has a few pockets with one large main compartment, but it’s big enough to hold your CrossFit gear without any issues. You can easily fit a change of clothes, belt, straps, chalk, shoes, towel, etc. in there with room to spare (it’s 20.5 L x 11.7 W x 11 H). 

As far as storage is concerned, there are two pockets on either end. They’re great for water bottles and damp clothing but only the larger sizes have a compartment large enough for shoes. While the lack of a shoe compartment on the smaller sizes is a bummer, the bag has enough internal storage for everything you could possibly need, it’s affordable, and it has a lifetime warranty so you really can’t go wrong. 

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Plenty of space for clothes and other CrossFit gear
  • Separate compartments for dirty clothes 
  • Durable and holds up well against rough handling 
  • Straps are comfy and easy to adjust

Cons

  • It kind of sags if you don’t fill the bag completely
  • No mesh pocket for holding water bottles
  • The plastic shoulder straps squeak a little

Venum Trainer Lite Sport Bag

Best CrossFit & MMA Crossover Bag


If you’re looking for a bag with a bit more character and style, the Venum sports bag should do it! While this bag was built with martial artists in mind, it’s an excellent choice for CrossFit as well. It has mesh panels that span the bag to prevent mold and help your sweaty clothing dry faster. 

When it comes to storage, this is an extra-large bag. It’s 63L with a huge main compartment, one small compartment on the inside of the main compartment for keys, wallet, etc. then pockets on both ends (one for shoes and the other for wet clothing). 

Additionally, the bag has reinforced plastic to help it keep shape – an important feature in such a large bag since they tend to lose shape when under packed. Overall, if you’re into both CrossFit and MMA, or you simply want a large bag, this is a solid option.

If you’re also doing MMA, check out our post on the best bags for MMA.

Pros

  • Lots of room (63L)
  • Mesh panels provide extra breathability for the whole bag
  • Multiple colors and styles available 
  • The semi-rigid bottom creates better stability
  • Separate shoe compartment and a wet clothing compartment
  • Large zippered pocket on the front of the bag for smaller items like wraps, tape, and chalk

Cons

  • Could use a few more side or inner pockets
  • The mesh panels are sometimes discolored
  • It’s pricey 

Under Armour Undeniable 3.0 Backpack

Best For CrossFit & Work/School


Under Armour always delivers a quality product and their 3.0 backpack is not a disappointment. 

It’s made from a polyester-polyurethane-nylon blend that’s both durable and water-resistant. 

Unlike some of the bags on this list, it has an abrasion-resistant bottom panel to keep the bag from sagging and extra-protective foam-reinforced panels for sensitive items. Extra foam padding in the back panel also makes it comfortable for longer wears such as backpacking.

Several pockets in the front organize smaller items, and two deep mesh pockets on either side hold your protein or water bottles. A larger front pocket also separates pairs of shoes or clothes from the main compartment. If that wasn’t enough, a round pocket sits over the main compartment, perfect for an iPad or other tech items. All front compartments also have an angle for easier access.

If you want a backpack with style for CrossFit, you can’t go wrong with the Under Armour 3.0.  

Pros

  • It feels light with a full load (12 inches long, 9 inches wide, and 19 inches high)
  • Plenty of compartments
  • Angled compartments in front for easy packing and access
  • Padded shoulders add extra comfort
  • Holds up well with rough handling

Cons

  • Hard to put water bottles in pockets when the bag is full
  • Smaller sized bag so it’s not good for those with lots of gear
  • Not the most water-resistant for rainy days

Cobra Grips Backpack

Best Backpack Duffel Combo 


Yet again, here is a bag you can carry like a classic duffel, over your shoulder, or as a backpack. It not only has the main compartment but two ventilated compartments for separating clean and used clothes. 

The Cobra Grips Backpack has a polyester build but it’s covered with PVC for extra strength, along with reinforced stitching. It even has a plastic bottom and plastic strips along the sides to help the bag keep its shape. Such reinforcement helps it maintain shape whenever you have a bag that’s not fully packed. 

Comfort-wise, all straps, whether for duffel or backpack mode, have soft padding inside so it works for both workouts and travel. What’s even cooler is that the end pockets can extend with extra zippers. You can even adjust the backpack straps so they sit diagonally across your chest. Doing so reduces stress on your body while you walk. And when you’re not wearing it like a backpack, the straps zip into the hidden compartment to keep them from getting beat up.

Pros

  • Expanding side pockets allow more space
  • External mesh pockets for wet or dry clothes
  • Double zippers have pull rings for easier access
  • Bag material and plastic bottom hold up well
  • Straps move quickly between backpack or duffel mode

Cons

  • It has a lot of colorful logo patches
  • Carry strap is a little short even when adjusted
  • The bottle holder is a little too small

Features to Look For in a CrossFit Bag 

woman doing crossfit box jump

Now that we’ve seen some excellent examples of CrossFit gym bags, we’ll explain some key terms and features you might want to pay attention to before making your decision. 

Breathability

You’re most likely going to store sweaty clothing and gym shoes inside your CrossFit bag. However, keeping sweaty or wet clothes inside a closed bag not only stinks up the bag but allows for mildew. A CrossFit bag must have either separate compartments for shoes/wet clothing or have mesh panels to allow for breathability. It also doesn’t hurt if the bag is machine washable. 

Compartments

You need smaller pockets in your CrossFit bag. Here’s the scenario, you’re mid workout and you need tape or straps. In a bag without small compartments, you pause your workout to dig through it with your sweaty arms. Eventually, after dirtying up your clean clothes, you find it in the bottom of the bag. 

Not only have you paused your workout, but you’ve got sweat, chalk, and dirt on your clean clothes. Hence the need for smaller pockets and separate pockets for shoes and wet clothing. Now you know where everything is and you can grab it on the fly. 

Interior Capacity

CrossFit gym bags have to accommodate all kinds of equipment, so they need to be large. For example, if a bag has a shoe compartment, you should still have enough room in the main compartment for all of your gear. At the very least, a CrossFit bag should fit a few changes of clothes, a towel, shower toiletries, one pair of shoes, and whatever basic workout equipment you need.

Extra Features

The following features are not necessary for a good CrossFit bag, but they do make things easier. A CrossFit bag that doubles as a duffel bag or backpack is handy if you’re carrying lots of equipment. 

A water bottle pocket, especially one that expands to fit the bottle, is also ideal on a good bag. If you carry other items and like to attach them to your bag, then you’ll also want exterior loops like you see on the King Kong CORE25 backpack above. 

Durability

Most CrossFit bags are either made from nylon, polyester, or a mixture of the two. Both are pretty strong, especially if they have an inner lining and it comes with strong metal zippers.

Plastic loops for the shoulder straps work okay, but you’re better off with metal loops and straps since they last longer and look nicer. A plastic bottom to reinforce your bag’s shape is a bonus but not necessary to your bag’s longevity.

FAQs 

Before you get to shopping, we’ll answer a few key questions to help you pick the best CrossFit gym bag for you.

woman packing crossfit duffel bag

Is a backpack or duffel better for a CrossFit bag?

A backpack more evenly distributes the weight across both shoulders, while a duffel puts all the stress on one shoulder. If you’re going to carry the bag a long distance, such as crossing a long parking lot to a gym, a backpack would be better. In my opinion, I like a combination bag. Sometimes I want a duffel, other times I want a backpack. So a bag that converts to either one is the ideal choice for me. That being said, they’re both great so it really comes down to personal preference. 

What should I pack in my CrossFit gym bag?

You’ll certainly want a change of clean clothes for home or work, as well as spare workout clothes. A pair of gym shoes, water bottles, a towel, your supplements, lifting belt, straps, tape, and chalk would be the basics. You may also want knee sleeves for knee support and headphones if you listen to music while you workout. 

What is the best material for a CrossFit gym bag?

Most CrossFit gym bags come in either polyester, nylon, or a polyester-nylon blend. Any one of those works should work fine, but they do have their strengths. For example, polyester is a little cheaper, has a little more stretch, and resists water a lot better. It’s also a little more durable than nylon, which feels nicer on your skin, but builds up moisture faster.

Conclusion 

After much consideration, we name the Bear KompleX duffel as the winner of our round-up. However, the King Kong II is a good runner-up, as is the King Kong CORE25 Backpack.

We chose the Bear KompleX for its vast storage capacity and its relatively affordable price. It has dual shoe pockets, plenty of smaller pockets, super durable 1000D nylon, and it’s an overall great looking bag. And despite how much you can carry, the bag is still lightweight and comfortable to wear. Overall, it’s our top pick for the best CrossFit bag.