How to Choose the Right Size Gym Bag for Your Workout Routine

Quick Answer

To choose the right gym bag, first list your daily essentials and estimate their volume. For light sessions with just a change of clothes and shoes, a small or medium bag works; for full gear including a laptop, toiletries, and extra layers, go large. Consider your commute and storage options, and always prioritize comfort and organization.

Choosing the right gym bag is about matching your routine, not just your style. Whether you hit the gym before work, during lunch, or after a long day, the size of your bag affects how you carry your gear and how easily you can find it. A bag that's too small leaves you juggling items, while one that's too large becomes a burden. This guide breaks down the decision into clear rules so you can pick a bag that works for you.

We'll focus on practical considerations: what you carry, how you carry it, and where you store it. We'll also look at specific Dagne Dover backpacks and totes that offer different capacities, helping you see which size fits your lifestyle.

Assess Your Gym Essentials

Start by making a list of everything you typically bring to the gym. For many, that includes a change of clothes, a towel, toiletries, and a pair of shoes. If you're going straight from work, you might also need a laptop, a lunch bag, or extra layers. Think about whether you carry a separate work bag or if your gym bag must serve double duty.

Once you have your list, estimate the total volume. A small bag (around 15-20 liters) can hold the bare minimum: a small towel, a change of clothes, and a few toiletries. A medium bag (20-30 liters) adds room for shoes and a bit more. A large bag (30+ liters) accommodates everything plus a laptop and extra gear. Be honest about your habits—if you tend to pack more than you need, size up.

• Make a checklist of your daily gym items and rank them by necessity.
• Consider if you'll also carry your work or school items in the same bag.

Medium vs Large: What's the Difference?

The 'medium vs large' debate comes down to capacity and how you use the bag. A medium gym bag is often a backpack that offers a balance between space and portability. For example, the Dakota Backpack in Dune, Medium, is designed to balance work and leisure, with quick-drying neoprene and side pockets for easy access. It can hold gym sneakers, a wallet, phone, and more, making it ideal for those who don't need to carry a laptop or heavy gear.

A large gym bag, like the Dakota Backpack in Camel, Large, provides extra space for bulkier items. It features a zipper laptop pocket on the outside and a slip tablet sleeve inside, so you can carry your work tech alongside your gym clothes. The large version also has room for shoes, a tambourine, and even a pack of gummy bears—perfect for those who need to pack for multiple activities or longer days.

• Medium bags are lighter and easier to carry, but may not fit a laptop or extra shoes.
• Large bags offer more room but can become heavy; look for padded straps and good weight distribution.

Consider Your Commute and Storage

How you get to the gym matters. If you walk or bike, a backpack distributes weight evenly and keeps your hands free. If you drive, a tote might be easier to toss in the car. Think about where you'll store your bag during your workout: a locker size might restrict how bulky your bag can be. A medium bag often fits standard lockers, while a large one might not.

Also, consider how the bag feels when full. A large bag that's only half full can be unwieldy, so it's often better to choose a size that matches your typical load. If you usually carry just the essentials, a medium bag will keep you organized without extra bulk. If you're a chronic overpacker, a large bag gives you the space you need without leaving items behind.

• Measure your locker or storage space before choosing a large bag.
• Try the bag on with weight to see how it feels on your shoulders.

Organization Features That Matter

A gym bag is only as good as its organization. Look for pockets that keep your items separated: a dedicated shoe compartment, a wet pocket for sweaty clothes, and a secure spot for your phone and keys. The Dakota Backpack in Dune, Medium, has side pockets for quick access to essentials, while the small Dakota includes a signature key leash and airmesh pockets to keep smaller items tidy.

For those who prefer a tote, the Allyn Tote in Onyx, Medium, offers a magnetic tab closure that expands when you need more space, making it a versatile option for gym-to-work transitions. Inside, it works hard to keep your belongings organized, though it may lack the dedicated compartments of a backpack. Consider what organization style suits you: do you like everything in its place, or do you prefer a single large compartment?

• Use pouches like the Hunter Toiletry Bag to keep toiletries separate and easy to grab.
• Look for exterior pockets for quick access to your phone or keys.

Decision Rules for Choosing Your Gym Bag Size

• Rule 1: Count Your Carry: List everything you bring to the gym on a typical day. If your list includes just a change of clothes and a small towel, a small or medium bag will suffice. If you add shoes, a laptop, or a toiletry kit, you'll need a medium or large. Checkpoint: If your list exceeds 5 items, go at least medium.
• Rule 2: Measure Your Storage: Before buying a large bag, measure your gym locker or where you plan to store it. A large backpack might not fit in a standard locker, so consider a medium if you need to stow it during your workout. Verdict: If locker space is tight, choose a medium or a bag with a flexible structure.
• Rule 3: Think About Comfort: Try the bag on with your typical load. A large bag can become heavy, so look for padded straps and a sternum strap. If the bag digs into your shoulders, it's too big for you. Next step: Wear the bag for a few minutes in the store to test comfort.

Product Facts

• Dakota Backpack in Dune, Medium: Balance life's work and leisure moments with Dakota, a versatile backpack designed to keep you rooted while on the go. Quick-drying neoprene is perfect for short excursions like bike rides, a day on the slopes or a hike through nature, and intuitively placed side pockets mean you can grab essentials without having to remove your bag. Dakota has a dedicated spot for every necessity—gym sneakers, wallet, phone, lip... This medium backpack is a great choice if you need a balanced size that fits gym sneakers and daily essentials without being too bulky. Its quick-drying material is practical for sweaty gear.
• Dakota Backpack in Camel, Large: Say hello to Dakota's larger friend. Because sometimes life needs a little more space. With a zipper laptop pocket on the outside and a slip tablet sleeve on the inside, you can take the juggling act that you call life to a whole new level. The large Dakota in Camel has even more space for every essential like your phone, keys, wallet, shoes, tambourine, pack of gummy bears, and then some. After all, essential is in... If you need to carry a laptop and extra gear, this large backpack offers the space and organization to handle both work and gym items, making it ideal for commuters.
• Allyn Tote in Onyx, Medium: Looking to downsize your Allyn? Look no further. The Medium Allyn is perfect for those that want to take things down just a notch at least as far as size goes. As far as life goes, the Medium Allyn can keep up with just about any pace. It might look like a trendy tote on the outside, but it works super hard on the inside. Probably a lot like you. While the magnetic tab closure gives you more space when you need it,... For gym-goers who prefer a tote, this medium option offers a stylish way to carry your gear, with a magnetic closure that expands when you need extra room.

Fit Guidance

Best For

• Medium bags, like the Dakota in Dune Medium, are best for gym-goers who carry moderate gear and want a balance between space and portability.
• Large bags, like the Dakota in Camel Large, are best for commuters who need to carry a laptop and gym clothes in one bag.

Not For

• Medium bags are not for those who need to carry a laptop or bulky items like extra shoes and a separate work outfit.
• Large bags are not for minimalists who only carry a change of clothes and prefer a lighter, more compact option.

Choosing the right gym bag size is a personal decision that depends on your routine, storage, and comfort. By assessing your essentials and considering how you'll use the bag, you can find a size that keeps you organized and comfortable. Whether you opt for a medium or large backpack, or even a versatile tote, the key is to match the bag to your lifestyle.