Gym Bags: Having Sport

Gym bags are like the people who carry them: some are light and nimble as a bee, some sleek and handsome as a greyhound, some mighty and bulletproof as a superhero. This gym bag could fit in your glovebox, that one looks like it could carry your car. Some are down-to-business, some are silly, some are sporty, and some are the height of fashion. Do they have anything in common?

With all that variety, where do you start? Think about your sport. If it is indoors, often a lightweight bag will do. If the gear you lug is sharp or angular, save money in the long run by buying a gym bag made of more durable material. It's cheaper to buy better material once than skimp twice.

If yours is a watersport such as swimming or sailing, you'll want waterproof fabric with mesh vents. Even if you empty your gym bag when you get home, trapped moisture starts to smell and foster mold. A vented bag will keep your gear fresh and your friends happy. How far are you carrying your gym bag? Shoulder straps can be backsavers: they get a heavy bag off your leg, improving your posture and saving a trip to the chiropractor. A removable shoulder strap won't tangle around your ankles when you're not using it.

One of the most overlooked gym bag features you'll grow to love is a bottom liner. It keeps your bag in shape even when it's empty, and since most of the wear and tear on a gym bag is on the bottom, a hard liner adds a thick measure of toughness where you need it most. Now that you know what you need, pick what you like. Matching a gym bag to your personality is the fun part. Express your individuality!