The 5 Best Sustainable Gym Bags

Your sole focus when packing up for the gym might be your upcoming training regimen or an internal pep talk. Concurrently, we argue that you can make eco-friendly choices with your gym bag as you ponder your impending workout. Believe it or not, sustainable gym bags with durability are plentiful online. 

Jump To Our Picks

What is a Sustainable Gym Bag?

A sustainable gym bag is not unlike backpacks, purses, and apparel that we also consider sustainable. For example, these gym bags might be made entirely of sustainable and renewable or recycled materials. Examining the labor practices behind the product is also important, as is checking each company’s larger planet conservation efforts.

Top 5 Sustainable Gym Bags: How We Chose

To summarize, we picked products that were accompanied by favorable reviews from past buyers. Moreover, each sustainable gym bag had plenty of information about materials and labor sourcing. We also ensured that you’ll have all the information you need to make a decision about your product, including size, dimensions, price, return policies, and other pertinent aspects. 

Our Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

1. Terra Thread Aarde Eco-Friendly Gym Bag

We love this sustainable, eco-friendly gym bag from Terra Thread, a trusted brand with many environmentally friendly products. The bag has ample space for just about all one’s gym equipment but is not overly bulky. The product (and all other Terra Thread bags) are certified by GOTS. GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard, which means these products don’t contain any toxic chemicals, and they only use fair labor practices, and do not use child labor. Additionally, each purchase supports Feeding America, which aims to reduce food insecurity across the U.S. 

Highlights

This sustainable gym bag features several inside and outside compartments. Consumers have several colors to choose from. In addition to the environmentally friendly material, packaging and labeling do not contain plastic.

Things to Consider

Because this gym bag ships without excess packaging, it might initially contain creases or folds. Each Aarde gym bag is handmade and you can wash it in cold water. Terra Thread recommends line drying or using the gentlest dryer setting; keep the bag away from bleach and other harsh chemicals.

2. GRUNBAG Viking Lifebag Sport Gym Bag

This Danish company’s products consist of at least 90 percent sustainable or reused materials. This environmentally friendly gym bag’s exterior is made from material left over from life rafts manufactured by VIKING, a leader in maritime safety equipment. The interior consists of upcycled tarpaulin. Every part of this bag is durable against wear and tear.

Highlights

The life rafts from which this gym bag are almost always bright orange to increase visibility. Thus, it may be easy to spot among other gymgoers’ bags. It has numerous outside and inside pockets. At this price, you will also get free shipping from anywhere in the world.

Things to Consider

Grunbag strives to make each product as eco-friendly as possible, but some products use leather. Be sure to confirm before purchase that your desired product is truly vegan. Shipping includes recycled cardboard and film. 

3. Tiradia Travel-Ready Large Duffel

This dynamic, sustainable gym bag from Tiradia is primarily made out of cork, the sustainable outer bark of cork oak trees found on the Iberian Peninsula and the Northwest part of Africa. It comes in either black or natural cork color. Tiradia gets their cork from ethical sources and sustains local economies in Portugal and the surrounding area.

Highlights

Despite being biodegradable and recyclable, cork is hypoallergenic, waterproof, and relatively lightweight. In addition to its four interior compartments, this bag also has a separate shoe compartment. Cleaning is easy—just wipe down with a wet cloth and air dry. 

Things to Consider

You might like this bag so much that you start using it for travel. Drying it any other way than naturally might warp the product’s shape. Tiradia does everything possible to limit the use of plastic in shipping.

4. EcoDuka Tansy Cotton Drawstring Gym Bag

This incredibly lightweight, sustainable gym bag is great for carrying a few things to the gym. It is 100% cotton, a breathable fabric that doesn’t trap as much odor as other materials. The drawstring design makes the naturally colored product easy to carry like a backpack or over one shoulder. 

Highlights

Besides the lightweight exterior material, the drawstring also exclusively consists of cotton. EcoDuka allows custom printing for most of their products, including this one. Feel free to make it your own or use it to advertise a cause you support!

Things to Consider

This bag is nearly perfect for school textbooks or for stowing snacks on day trips. The already-affordable bag runs less per item if you purchase in bulk (up to 1,000 units per order). 

5. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag

One of the many environmentally friendly products from Patagonia, a certified B Corporation, is this sleek, eco-friendly duffel bag. Every inch of the product is made with recycled material. It has a padded base to protect the bag and its contents. The bag has removable shoulder straps, allowing you can wear it like a backpack on hikes.

Highlights

Patagonia designs their materials to withstand elements and, in the words of Patagonia, “overzealous baggage handlers.” The duffel bag can collapse when not in use to allow for compact, easy storage. You can also purchase larger versions (up to 100 liters). 

Things to Consider

Despite the name, Black Hole Duffels are usually available in different colors. The 40-liter bag, and especially the larger versions, might be too cumbersome for some people. In addition, Patagonia users have formed niche communities by way of brand loyalty and involvement in grassroots activism. 

How to Choose a Sustainable Gym Bag

Your priorities might not be the exact same as someone else looking for a sustainable gym bag, but some factors we think are worth considering include:

• Materials: Does it have breathable fabric like cotton or weather-resistant material like recycled polyester or nylon?
• Certifications: Consider the sourcing and development of the product. You might want to ensure the laborers responsible for creation and distribution receive a livable wage and enjoy safe working conditions. 
• Price: It’s a myth that every eco-friendly product is more expensive than its counterpart. While you may want to spend a few more bucks if you want your product to last a long time, there are plenty of budget-friendly gym bags that are also durable. 

We hope we’ve provided you with an array of options for keeping the planet healthy while you make your way to and from the place that’s helping keep your body healthy.

Featured Image via: Canva Pro