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best swim gym bags - gym bag with swim gear inside

10 Best Swim Gym Bags Available in 2025

The life of a gym bag isn’t easy. You’re full of stinky gear, you’re being thrown around without a care, and then when your job is done, you get stuffed into a trunk until your owner needs you again. 

That’s nothing compared to the life of a swim bag. Swim bags are subject to the same beating as a gym bag while also being tasked with keeping your valuables dry and protected in wet or damp conditions. 

With so many bags on the market, selecting the best one for your needs can be challenging. Thankfully, we carefully examined the top options on the market to help you find the best swim bag for you. Read on as we cover everything you’ll need to know. 

Our Top Picks

Best Swim Bag Reviews

Let’s dive right in and take a look at seven of the best swim bag options available right now! 


Speedo Teamster Swim Bag

Best Overall


The Teamster bag from Speedo is ideal for busy swimmers who have a moderate amount of gear to lug to the pool when they train. 

This is a large bag with a 35-liter capacity so you’ll be able to fit all your necessary gear, equipment, and clothing inside without any issues. The exterior’s made from rugged and durable polyester, and the zippers are all reinforced for years of smooth operation. As we all know, bad zippers make a bag useless so Speedo’s taken precaution to use good ones.

Inside, there are tons of pockets and pouches to help you organize. There’s also a large laptop sleeve that can accommodate computers and tablets up to 15”, and a removable dirt bag, which helps keep wet or dirty clothes away from your clean gear. 

There’s also an innovative pull-out bleacher seat feature, which gives you a comfortable seat for those long swim meets. The seat pulls out from behind the laptop sleeve and offers a sturdy and dry seat whenever you need it. It also pads your laptop sleeve when it’s in the bag so your computers safe.

Pros

  • Durable polyester construction and reinforced zippers
  • Removable wet/dry storage bag 
  • Pull out bleacher seat.
  • Plenty of interior storage compartments 
    • Laptop sleeve
    • Shoe compartment
  • Comes in more than 25 different colors 

Cons

  • Subpar ventilation 

TYR Alliance Backpack

Best Top Opening Swim Backpack


Look around any pool in the world, and you’ll see it littered with TYR swim bags, like the wildly popular Alliance model. This bag comes loaded with features swimmers need while being both comfortable and ergonomic. 

The Alliance bag is made of durable, water-resistant material that’s also incredibly light, so it’s still easy to carry even with your wet clothing. When it comes to accessing your suit, the large inner compartment has a 270-degree zipper on top which opens super wide so it’s easy to pack and find your stuff. 

Then throughout the bag, there are external mesh pockets for small items like goggles and car keys making them easy to access when you need them. There’s also a water bottle pocket and a set of wetsuit spring clamps on the front panel for extra items.

Inside, the bag is carefully optimized to provide you the most storage space in the smallest size possible. There are several internal compartments, including a large laptop sleeve that makes this a solid choice for a school bag as well.

If this 30L size feels slightly small for you, TYR also makes this same bag in a 45L size. Thanks to its ergonomic straps and heavily padded back, it’s also a pleasure to carry, even when it’s full. 

Pros

  • Plenty of storage in a small package
  • Mesh outer pockets help gear dry. 
  • Lots of compartmentalized inner storage
  • Ergonomic design is comfortable to wear 
  • Water-resistant outer material

Cons

  • Poor breathability 

Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Swim Bag

Best Medium Mesh Swim Bag


The Deluxe Ventilator bag is perfect for no-frills swimmers who just need a simple way to get their gear down to the pool. And even though it has a semi uninspiring design, it has plenty of storage and it’s affordable so it’s one of the most popular swim bags for beginner swimmers.

It’s made from a combination of polyester and nylon. Both fabrics are built for durability but mesh bags do tend to catch on things and start to unravel after about a year or so. That being said, the large mesh panels make it one of the best from a ventilation standpoint, a critical area many swim bags fail to address.

The bag’s exterior features a small mesh storage pocket and a large zipper pocket for separating your dry and wet gear. Inside, the bag opens to reveal a large storage compartment that has enough space to easily hold all of your gear. 

The shoulder straps have a 12” drop, which most people find comfortable. But, they can’t be adjusted, so that can be annoying if you’re a larger person. There’s also a nylon carrying handle though so you could carry it if you’re only going a short distance. 

The Deluxe Ventilator swim bag comes in a variety of solid colors, patterns, and prints, so you can show off your personality when you’re down at the pool. Overall, this is a good, cheap option if you’re just starting out, don’t carry much, and don’t really care about getting the best bag for swimming.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Huge main storage compartment
  • Zippered front storage
  • Available in tons of patterns, prints, and colors
  • Plenty of ventilation, so your gear is dry when you need it next.

Cons

  • Shoulder straps aren’t adjustable.

TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack

Best Large Mesh Swim Bag


Mesh bags are one of the easiest ways to bring your gear to the pool, but most aren’t large enough to accommodate everything you need. The Big Mesh Mummy bag from TYR provides all the space you’ll need and more, all with the convenience of a mesh bag. 

The Big Mesh Mummy is about 20% larger than a standard mesh bag, and it’s made of durable mesh and water-resistant nylon, so it can stand up to anything your training sessions can dish out. 

The large main compartment is roomy enough to store gear for two people, and you can even fit an adult kickboard, wetsuit, towel, and more inside the central area. The exterior features a decent-sized zippered mesh front pocket and a drawstring mesh holder for your water bottle. 

And, unlike the Speedo mesh bag, the shoulder straps are adjustable, and it’s available in several colors and patterns so you can rep your personality when you’re poolside. 

Pros

  • Tons of capacity to store all your gear
  • Mostly mesh construction provides tons of ventilation.
  • Zippered storage pocket and water bottle holder on the front
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Might be too large for some people

Arena Fastpack 2.1 Swim Backpack

Best Premium Swim Backpack


A comprehensive storage solution designed by swimmers for swimmers, the Arena Fastpack 2.1 might just be the perfect swim bag. This backpack is loaded with intuitive features and plenty of capacity to fit all your gear with room to spare. 

The Fastpack 2.1 is made with nylon and polyester, and there’s plenty of exterior and interior compartments, so all your gear has a place. Hang your bag from a locker hook, open up the cavernous storage compartments, and everything you’ll need will be at the ready as you prepare to hit the pool or go relax.

Placing your bag down on the pool deck is no problem, as the waterproof bottom keeps your gear safe and dry. The internal compartments are large, laid out smartly, and provide a spot for everything you need. Even when the bag is full, it’s well balanced and comfortable to carry. It also has a waist strap for additional stability when you’re carrying a full pack. 

Within the bag, there’s also a large (18”) wet compartment for your wet clothes, flip-flops, etc. There’s also a separate shoe compartment on the bottom which is ideal in swim bags because your shoes get wet and you definitely don’t want them in the main compartment with your dry clothes. 

While the Fastpack 2.1 is pricey, it provides the most features of any bag you’ll find. It’s also well thought out from every angle and looks great. It’s definitely worth the money.  

Pros

  • 45-liter capacity provides tons of storage
  • Many zippered compartments
  • Waterproof bottom keeps gear dry on the pool deck
  • Wide compartment openings make it easier to pack your bag
  • Reflective taping keeps you visible at night

Cons

  • Expensive

Athletico Swim Backpack 

Best Budget Swim Backpack


The Athletico backpack offers an impressive blend of features and value. Swimmers on a budget will appreciate how much they get for the money. 

On the outside, you’ll find a wide variety of small zippered pockets that are ideal for storing valuables and small items like your goggles, a stopwatch, or keys. There’s also a mesh pocket for storing wet items and keeping wet items separate from your other stuff. Additionally, there’s a removable wet/dry storage bag for your swimsuit/wet clothing.

The large interior compartment zips open to reveal plenty of space and additional compartments including a large sleeve for storing your laptop or tablet. I like the wide mouth of the bag which makes it very easy to access your stuff, even those things that settle to the bottom. And speaking of the bottom, the base of the bag is covered in waterproof tarpaulin which keeps your bag from absorbing water when you set it down poolside. 

Most swimmers find that this bag offers more than enough room for their gear, but Athletico also manufactures a larger version with even more space if you need it.  

Pros

  • Tons of interior and exterior storage
  • Waterproof bottom keeps your gear dry on the pool deck.
  • Removable wet/dry storage bag
  • Felt-lined phone pocket
  • Laptop and tablet sleeve

Cons

  • Poor ventilation
  • Only available in three colors

Speedo Ventilator Duffle Bag

Best Swim Duffel Bag


Swimmers who prefer a bag they can carry by hand are usually left high and dry when it comes to swim bags. Thankfully, the Ventilator from Speedo is an ideal option with plenty of storage and features in a familiar duffle shape. 

This bag features two zippered compartments on the front and a large interior compartment, which provides more than enough room for all your gear including fins, goggles, dry clothing, a towel, and whatever else you need. The pack utilizes a high-tech mesh material that is highly breathable, and it incorporates drainage panels to help wick moisture away from the bag’s interior. 

Transporting the bag is a breeze thanks to a multitude of handles and straps. You can carry the bag from the top, with the side handles, or throw it over your back with the shoulder strap. Regardless of how you carry it, if you’re looking for a duffel, this is the one. 

Pros

  • Plenty of storage room
  • Mesh material and drainage panels keep your gear dry.
  • Reinforced bottom for added durability
  • Multiple carrying handles
  • Sturdy and durable YKK zippers

Cons

  • Mesh material could be more durable.

Factors To Consider When You’re Buying A Swim Bag

man swimming laps

When shopping for a swim bag, there’s a bunch of things you’ll want to consider before you decide on the best option. Below, we’ll talk about the most important ones:

Size

You’ll find bags of all sizes in your search and it can get a bit confusing. 

It may be tempting to purchase the largest bag you can. That way, you’ll have plenty of extra room if you ever need it. A large bag that’s only partially full will have awkward weight distribution that makes it uncomfortable to carry. Plus, it can make finding small things inside the bag more difficult. 

Opt for a bag sized for what you need at the pool. The bag should fit your full kit with a little extra room, or perhaps an additional pocket, for storing any extras. For most people, a medium is the way to go. 

Waterproof/Resistant

Your swim bag should be made from a waterproof or water-resistant material to help protect what’s inside. Protection from the elements is critical, especially if you have electronics inside your bag. 

Ideally, the bag should still be breathable while maintaining water resistance to dry any wet or sweaty gear inside. Airflow also inhibits mold and mildew growth, which are common problems with swim gear.

Also, a waterproof bottom goes a long way. The pool deck is always wet and a bag without a waterproof bottom will soak water up like a sponge. 

Portability

Piggybacking off the importance of bag size, the bag should also have ample options for transporting it to and from the pool. Shoulder straps are typically the most popular way to carry the bag, but a secondary handle is also helpful for when you don’t want to wear your bag like a backpack. 

Durability

Durability is the final concern you should have when shopping for a swim bag. Swimmers put their bags through the wringer, and it’s common for a swimmer to go through a bag every year. Aim for a bag that’s made from durable materials like nylon and polyester, especially if it offers reinforcements in critical wear areas, like the bottom or handles. You also really want quality zippers on the bag. All of the bags above have good zippers but the most durable options are the Speedo, Arena, and TYR bags. 

FAQs

swim gear spread out on a table

When shopping for the best swim bag, most people have a few common questions. We’ve rounded up the answers below to help simplify your search.

What should I keep in my gym bag? 

Most swimmers always pack a change of clothes, necessities like their wallet and cell phone, a snack, headphones, timer, goggles, swim cap, earplugs, anti-fog spray, and the swim gear they’ll need, such as flippers and a swim board. 

What is the difference between a regular gym bag and a swim bag?

While a swim bag is similar to a gym bag, there are a few key differences with a swim bag that make it better suited to the pool’s demands. 

Quality swim bags are often made from waterproof or water-resistant materials and feature removable waterproof storage bags to keep your wet and dry gear separate. They’re also designed with large storage compartments to accommodate standard swim equipment such as swim boards or flippers. 

Gym bags are usually similarly designed but lack water-resistance and wet/dry storage compartments. However, these days some gym bags do have those compartments. A swim bag would also work well as a normal gym bag but the reverse isn’t always true. 

Conclusion

Each of the swim bags we’ve covered offers performance, value, and reliability you can count on at the pool and anywhere else life takes you. But, only one bag earns the best swim bag’s title, and that’s the Speedo Teamster. 

The Speedo Teamster exists at the intersection of features and value. This bag offers ample room to store your gear, several zippered accessory compartments for essential extras, and innovative features like a pull-out bleacher seat. While it’s a medium-sized bag, Speedo carefully optimizes every pocket to provide maximum storage. 

Most bags that provide a comparable set of features are considerably more expensive. Speedo built the Teamster bag to stand up to anything you can dish out, and it should serve you well for many years to come. 

Get the Teamster here

Swimmers who prefer a larger bag should take a look at the TYR Big Mesh Mummy bag, or, if you’re looking for a genuinely top-of-the-line option and are ready to spend a little more for it, the Arena Fastpack 2.1 is an excellent premium swim bag. 

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