Aren’t the best gym backpacks just any backpack you take with you to the gym? Some of them are backpacks you take with you to work as well.

The thing is, gym backpacks have features and functions that not all regular backpacks have. These features and functions vary, depending on your workout needs. 

For example, if you lift, you might want a backpack that can handle and distribute the weights of your dumbbells well during the commute. If you hit the office right after your session, you probably need one that also comes with a laptop sleeve or zipable compartment for clean clothes and work shoes.

Plenty of great gym backpacks can even double as a work backpack, but not always the other way around.

Whether you’re trying to find a gym-only bag or a versatile one that you can take to the gym and your workplace. Sometimes, you can even take it on a trip. Or better yet, it’s a flexible backpack that can support you as you work out while travelling. 

Here are the specifications, pros and cons you might need to take a look at.

How To Choose A Backpack For Gym And Work

To narrow down your list of the best gym backpacks, let’s differentiate what to look for in each type of backpacks.

What To Look For In A Gym Backpack

Gym backpacks often prioritise durability and organisation.

The best gym backpacks for you should deliver in terms of materials, layout, and gear accommodation.

For materials, nylon and polyester are the most logical choices. Sometimes it’s about the appearance they give, but most times it’s because these materials can withstand rounds and rounds of rough handling. The gym floor or locker are, as you know, far from close to a soft surface. Heavy-duty canvas is also an alternative, but it may not be as lightweight as nylon and polyester. 

Many gym-goers also prefer gym backpacks with water-resistant coating to handle the weather and sweating, but it seems to be a given feature of most modern daily use backpacks. 

For layout (or interiors), the more the merrier. In a gym backpack, you mainly need one compartment for clean clothes (dry compartment), one for used clothes (wet compartment), pockets for accessories, and either a compartment or grid for gear such as headphones, straps, and water bottle. 

Gym backpacks with shoe compartments are great if you solely need a backpack for the gym only. But if you want a gym-work backpack, a separate packing cube is a game changer.

What To Look For In A Work Backpack

Work backpacks are often simpler and have a wider range of materials. It’s often the “corporate-appropriate look” that people tend to look for in a work backpack.

That said, work backpacks can also be nylon or polyester. One thing - endurance for the daily commute.

Work backpacks should aim at organisation. You should be able to store your folders, papers, and notebooks without fear of them being cramped up at the corners. Your pens, jacket, and lunchbag should also have their places within your work backpack.

Not importantly, let’s not forget your laptop. Good work backpacks should have a padded laptop sleeve and can comfortably fit the size of your laptop.

What’s The Best Backpack For Gym And Work

Work gym backpacks function well in both environments.

The best backpack for work and gym is essentially just a gym backpack that can pack a laptop.

The best work gym backpack often avoids loud logos or flamboyant prints. They should be sleek and minimalistic to blend well with the office environments. Plenty of gym-only backpacks also follow the same aesthetics.

“Tactical” is also a popular feature of a backpack that works for both the gym and work. It’s not really the tactical we’re talking about in a military rucksack, but rather the ability to have everything within easy reach, well-organised, and with a clear purpose.

Bottom line is: A gym and work backpack should balance between the two sides. It all lies in the seamless and hassle-free transition between them.

Imagine trying to fish out your laptop over a pile of dirty gym clothes. Or worse, having to drag around the bulky gear compartment to the office on the day when you don’t have the gym.

So, a work backpack that can be used for the gym should be office-friendly in looks, have organisational features without sacrificing the necessary compartments for gear. 

CabinZero’s Picks Of The Best Gym Backpacks

CabinZero’s Military Backpacks make the best gym backpacks for those who want something tactical yet still versatile enough to be used as work and travel backpacks. Here’s how.

Materials: 1000 denier nylon, abrasion-resistant fabric, YKK® zippers, Duraflex.

Water-resistant: Yes

Pros:

• Pack like a suitcase

• High durability

• MOLLE webbing for external attachments

Cons:

• No dedicated compartments (but you can use packing cubes to solve this problem).

• Lack of a ventilated pocket.

Materials & Design

The Military Backpack is made from 1000 denier polyester to ensure you can get through the gym unscathed. The best thing about high denier polyester is that it’s mightier than it looks and feels. You can pack a whole lot of clothes and gear without worrying about it sagging or stressing out your shoulders.

Airflow straps and back panels can save you from the sweat patches on your way to the gym. 

The Military Backpack is front-loading and has a clamshell opening, which makes packing more efficient because you don’t always have a nice flat surface to put things in and take them out at the gym.

Most importantly, all CabinZero’s Military backpacks come with a laptop sleeve and MOLLE webbing that can serve both work and gym.

Capacity

The Military Backpack comes in three sizes: 28L, 36L, and 44L.

Customisation

MOLLE webbing is a must-have feature for many tactical backpacks.

Being able to customise your gym backpack is definitely one of the best things you need. With the MOLLE webbing, you can attach gear or smaller pouches. It not only helps you create a perfect versatile bag for plenty of occasions but also gets rid of the fear of underusing some features.

Shaker bottle or water bottle too big to fit in the holder? The Military Backpack comes with an expandable side pocket which can hold up to a water bottle of 7 - 8 cm in diameter.

Travel-friendliness

A gym backpack that is cabin-sized and travel-friendly at once - why not? The Military Backpack sizings fit most airlines’ carry-on restrictions, even the strictest ones.

The standard carry-on measurement for a lot of commercial airlines is 56 x 36 x 23 cm. The biggest Military Backpack (44L) is 51 x 36 x 18 cm. You can fit it either in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you with ease.

Backpacks vs Duffle For Gym

Both are great gym bags. But each has their own pros and cons. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Backpack or duffel depends on your purpose and preference. If you want a straightforward pick-me-up for just the gym and your gear, go with a duffel. If you want a versatile and long travel-friendly companion, go with a backpack.

Find The Best Gym Backpacks With CabinZero

CabinZero’s Military Backpack offers the seamless switch between gym and work.

The best gym backpacks are sturdy, long-lasting yet still lightweight. They should have enough compartments for your workout and packing needs. 

While there is not one single answer for what a gym backpack should be, it’s best if you pick one that is versatile enough to be used as a work backpack or travel backpack.

CabinZero’s Military Backpack is one of the best backpacks that tick all the boxes for what you’re looking for.

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Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh