Can a Gym Bag be Used as Carry On Luggage?
If you have this question in mind, you are not alone. For many years, people have been using gym bags to carry their essentials while going to a fitness center, yoga class, pool, or gymnasium. But, do you know your gym bags can assist you anytime when you need to carry other stuff too?
Yes, you read it right! Your typical gym bag offers you more than you expect. Because it is highly versatile, there are no rules for using it, and that ultimately leaves us with several options. As these bags come in all sizes and shapes, therefore, as long as your gym bag is wide and long, you can use it as carry on luggage.
In this post, we are going to read about various uses of gym bags and how you can use it as a carry on luggage in detail.
Let’s get started…
Situations When You Can Use Your Gym Bag as Your Carry-On Luggage
Also known as a sports bag and duffle bag, a gym bag is a must-have accessory that everyone should possess. Many people use gym bags as their carry on luggage because they are made in such a way that it perfectly fits in every situation.
So, when can you use your gym baggage as carry on luggage? Let us throw light on some of the everyday situations.
- Urgent Business Trip
For a business trip, a gym bag can be your most magnificent companion. It can save you from the fuss of buying a new duffle bag. Although it looks small, it offers plenty of room for holding clothes and essentials like papers, chargers, kindle, laptop, and toiletries. It can be well suited for people who just need to keep things in a bag without arranging them.
A gym bag is not only helpful, but elegant enough to carry on shoulders when meeting an important business client, or taking it along on an urgent business trip. However, if you are traveling by air, make sure your bag is no more than 22 X 14 X 9 inches. Remember, the weight and size of the carry on luggage vary from one airline to the other.
- Sports & Recreation
If you are a sports enthusiast, then it’s obvious you need a duffle bag to keep your sports gear safe. Gym bags make amazing sports bags; which makes it easy for you to carry your objects, equipment, and clothing for various physical activities. You can even use these bags when going for recreation activities like snowboarding, camping, golf, and yoga.
Undoubtedly, these bags are also ideal for keeping bulky items like body pads, gloves, helmets, sneakers, and survival gear for mountain climbing and hiking expeditions.
- Travel
Let’s face it – travel is no longer one size fits all, and the same is with your luggage. A rolling suitcase or traditional backpack is not suitable for every trip. Sometimes you need a lightweight, handy bag that can hold your essentials in one go. Here, gym bags come to your rescue.
Whether you want to travel urgently for some business trips or planning for a short solo trip, a gym bag makes perfect sense as your carry on luggage. The main feature of this bag is not its design but its functionality. Because of its lightweight and ample space, it makes your traveling more relaxed and more comfortable. From weekend vacations to road trips to overnighters and gym enthusiasts, a gym bag is an ideal piece for every event.
What Makes Gym Bags Perfect for Carry-On Luggage?
- Takeup Less Space
No one likes a bag that is heavy and occupies a lot of space. Especially when going for hiking or a short weekend trip, taking a suitcase or backpack along doesn’t make any sense. Luckily, you have the perfect alternative to a briefcase now, i.e., – a gym bag.
If you have a gym bag, you don’t need to shop for a new duffle bag. You can use it for your trips and other activities. Because of the compact size, it takes up less space, both at home and in the luggage bins of the airplane. Also, if you have a backpack along, it becomes easier to pair it up with a gym bag rather than doing double backpack duty.
- Versatility
The versatility of these bags makes them perfect tote and luggage options for different occasions. You can find different types of gym bags in the market made from canvas, nylon, polyester, and leather. Though these bags look small, they are spacious enough to hold clothes and other essentials for a weekend trip.
- Easy to Carry
For weekends and quick getaways, suitcases may seem impractical, especially when you don’t need to carry much stuff. Many trains and airlines have specific protocols on what can be taken abroad as a carry on luggage. The right size bag is something between 1 and 2 feet wide and long. It should be roomy enough like a backpack, but smaller than a suitcase. Moreover, a gym bag is more comfortable to squeeze into a compartment compared to the hard case. For short excursions, it makes an ideal travel mate.
Related Questions
What characteristics make Gym bag a Carryon luggage?
Before you decide to use a gym bag as a carry on luggage, consider various factors like usability, trendiness, quality, durability, and cost. Always remember, size should not be your only consideration. You also need to ensure that it is functional. If you want a gym bag that can be used as a carry on luggage, make sure it is made of sturdy material like Nylon or high-quality leather and comes with enough pockets to stash small items.
I would suggest opting for a duffle or gym bag designed for travel, comes with a cross-body strap, and has a structure to make packing easier. One more advice, you should avoid using roller gym bags as they are heavier than regular bags. This could create a fuss in the budget airlines with strict weight restrictions.
What type of gym bag can I use as carry on luggage?
Gym bags are available in a wide assortment of styles and are made from different materials. Not every gym bag makes the perfect carry on luggage, especially the one made of canvas and plastic ribbing sewn into the cloth. It is because, over time, these can tear from the inner lining.
However, if your gym bag is made of nylon or leather, has handles on the side along with shoulder straps, you can use it as a carry on luggage. You can use the strap to wear it as a cross-body. It frees your hand and is quite useful when you show your travel documents and your phone, without worrying about your essentials.
Conclusion
Gym bags are an ideal carry on luggage choice for short trips. They are highly functional, small, and lightweight for your commute. However, when using them as a carry on luggage, make sure that the fabric you choose is easy to maintain and completely washable. Rather than just going for the look of the bag, think logically. And if you are using your gym bag as a carry on luggage for flight travel, ensure it is not hard-structured and is compressible.