How to Choose a Great Workout Backpack

If you’re reading this, you’re probably a regular at the gym. You know what working out does for your body and brain, but just to remind you, proper exercise leads to a sharper mind, stronger bones and muscles, and potentially longer life. Once you’ve committed to those types of results, what’s next? The right gear.

A great workout backpack can make or break your decision to get up and get active. Here’s a guide to choosing the best workout backpack so you still have time to crush those physical goals today and every day!

What Makes a Great Workout Backpack?:

When you have a workout backpack ready to go, you shouldn’t have any excuses to avoid that workout class or gym session. Here are the top three things to look for when you’re searching for the perfect fitness backpack:

• Purpose
• Material
• Organization

Purpose of the Fitness Backpack

What will you primarily be using your workout backpack for? The answer to this question will guide you in deciding the functionality of your bag. Start by making a list of what you typically carry with you to a workout session. Here are some common items you’ll find in a fitness backpack:

• Water bottle
• Wallet 
• Keys/Lanyard
• Phone
• Headphones (Case)
• Extra Clothes
• Fitness Shoes
• Toiletries
• Towel 

Get something that makes sense for you. Do you need something big enough to fit a volleyball or basketball? Or are you someone who’s planning on taking a dance class once a week and could benefit from something lighter? There’s no use in getting a bag if it doesn’t fit everything, and on the flip side, you don’t want to carry around a bulky bag that looks good but doesn’t hold much.

Once you know your bag’s purpose, you can see the dimensions of the backpack on a product page to get an idea of how big it is. If the dimension numbers aren’t giving you the proper visual, see how the bag falls on a model in the product photo when possible.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking any backpack will do. Fitness backpacks are built for, well, fitness. You wouldn’t use a red solo cup as a water bottle for the gym (even though it can hold water just the same). The same goes for your workout bag. While a regular backpack will hold things, you’ll find that a great fitness backpack was built to make your active lifestyle a little easier.

Material Matters

What your fitness backpack is made of affects both the literal weight of the bag and how hard your wallet gets hit. This makes the material of the backpack an important factor in choosing the right fit. Below is a chart of the most common workout backpack materials and their benefits. Review the chart to see which would be best for you.

Keeping You Organized

Compartmentalize your life with the right amount of compartments in your workout backpack. For example, a suitable shoe compartment can keep dirty shoes completely separate from everything else in your bag – like that fresh towel you’re hoping to use after your shower. Other helpful compartments include pockets on the sides for water bottles or a laptop compartment for our go-getters hitting the gym after work or during their lunch hour.

Where to Start Looking: Lone Wolf Fitness

For fitness backpacks that will literally have your back, start by checking out the bags at Lone Wolf Fitness. Our durable, rip-proof, polyester workout backpacks come in two different sizes and several colors. If you’re looking for something to hold everything you need on a hike up the mountains or for a yoga class at the gym, Lone Wolf backpacks are the premium choice.