How Big are Gym Bags?
Have you ever wondered how big are gym bags? I recently started going to the gym regularly, and that meant I had to buy a new gym bag. And when I entered those two words in Google, all hell broke loose. I ended up scrolling helplessly through pages and websites. Almost everyone was writing about the brand, the budget, and the quality, but only some posts gave information about the actual size of those bags.
Gym bags can range in size from small handheld duffels to bigger bags you can use even when you’re traveling. The size of the bag is usually given in liters. A medium-sized bag is from 30 to 60 liters, and it’s sufficient for most people.
I like to carry a lot of things in my gym bag. I want to have all the essentials I might need before and after my session. If you can relate, bare with me. I did learn a lot while scrolling through all those pages I mentioned. If it’s the size that matters to you, and not the brands, then keep reading.
How to determine the size of a gym bag?
On the surface, a gym bag is a pretty simple piece of equipment. It also has a pretty simple job: to help you transport your sports kit to and from a gym or a fitness center. However, when you start to dig deeper, you realize there are a lot of things you have to consider. When it comes to the size of the gym bag, you should consider what do you need to fit in it.
There are two ways for determining the size of a gym bag – the actual length/height/width measurements and the volume, or the total carrying capacity. Although you can get a rough estimate of the volume of a bag by calculating its dimensions, that method can be far from accurate.
When it comes to the capacity of a bag, you have to understand how gym bags volume is determined.
Firstly, the manufacturer will measure the volume of all of the available compartments on the bag. That means the main compartment, along with any other pocket that can be closed. Then, the volume measurements are combined all together to get the total volume result. Have in mind that these measurements are taken in cubic inches, then converted into liters, and rounded to the nearest decimal point if necessary.
If this sounds complicated, let’s try another way. Most 30 liters gym bags are roughly 50x30x30cm or 20x12x12 inches. As you can see, they are quite spacious. However, if you are not good at visualizing the space this gym bag would occupy, let’s make it even simpler.
In most 30-liter gym bags you can fit:
- T-shirt or two, even the full sleeve ones
- Pants: shorts or joggers or both
- Hoodie – if it gets cold
- Sneakers
- Socks
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Water bottles
- Phone charger and headphones
The bigger the bag – the more things you can fit in, and vice versa. You can find 20-liter gym bags on the market, as well as huge 95-liter ones. Bigger bags are handy for those who carry more staff than most people. Huge bags are ideal for personal trainers who meet their clients outdoors and carry more than just their gym kit.
However, before purchasing a gym bag, check out the lockers at your gym. Some larger bags might not fit standard lockers.
Why is the internal layout and carrying system important?
The internal layout of the gym bag is also something you should consider. Bags that seem smaller, but have various compartments or separate pockets can fit more things than you can imagine. It’s great if the bag features a variety of organizational compartments, ranging from a ventilated separate shoe compartment to a quick-access top pocket.
Ideally, you would like to have a separate compartment for clean and sweaty clothes. Some gym bags offer an isolated sneaker compartment too. Also, you’ll need an inner pocket to store all your small items such as keys, wallets, and your phone. Having side access that allows you to get a particular bit of kit, let say a towel, without having to unpack the whole bag, is also a great asset. You can find all that in a 30-liter gym bag. In addition, make sure your sneakers fit the shoe compartment, especially if you wear large size shoes.
Consider the type of exercise you are doing and the things you are carrying. Some bags are designed with a specific sport in mind and have unique features. For example, bags for watersports have a waterproof lining, and tennis bags have a special compartment for your rackets. Some gym bags have a special padded laptop sleeve, so you can stop by the gym after work.
Carrying systems and straps are extremely important, especially if you have a larger bag. No one wants a bag that feels heavy and huge. It’s considered better to have a few different carry options. You can carry some gym bags like a backpack, and that can be handy if you’re riding a bike to the gym. Make sure the handles or shoulder straps are comfortable and don’t compromise on that.
Related Questions
1. Can I take a gym bag on the plane?
You’ve probably noticed by now that the phrase ‘gym bag’ can refer to a variety of things. Although there are differences between them, many gym bags are ideal for traveling, including as a carry-on.
If you want to take your gym bag on the plane, make sure to get a smaller one or the average size gym bag. The carry-on bag has to fit comfortably in the sizer without being forced. Also, it must not exceed overall dimensions of 45 inches or 115cm (length + width + height). Many airlines do not allow carry-ons larger than 22x14x9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), because it won’t fit well into an overhead bin.
Make sure to check your airline’s rules, since many smaller jets have small overhead compartments. Even if gym bags meet the carry-on limits, it may have to be checked as luggage. In case you want to check your bag as luggage, pick a gym bag that is sturdy and has more structure.
2. Is the material of the bag important?
Gym bags come in an array of sizes, brands, colors, and materials. Of course, the material of your gym bag is important. If you like to walk or cycle to the gym, you should look for lightweight bags. These bags are usually made of nylon or polyester.
Polyester bags are durable, easy to clean, and water-resistant. However, this material doesn’t breathe well. Polyester is prone to bacteria and mold, so polyester gym bags have to be cleaned often. Although lightweight, nylon can stain easily and is not as durable.
Canvas gym bags have many advantages, but being lightweight is not one of them. Most of them are machine-washable. This is ideal because these bags tend to have odor problems from holding your wet clothes.
Finally, bags made of leather are heavier but give a luxury look. These bags are durable, hold their shape well, but are also prone to odor problems and have to be maintained regularly.