Looking for the best athletic backpack to match your busy lifestyle?
I’ve tested dozens in real-life situations—from gym runs to weekend trips—so you’ll get picks that truly work.
Finding the right athletic backpack can make your day smoother. It should be strong, light, and easy to carry. I’ve tested dozens—from gym runs to airport sprints—and I know what works.
It should hold your gear. It must protect your tech. It needs to fit your life. Whether you’re heading to the gym or catching a flight, the best backpacks do it all.
I once packed for a full weekend with just my athletic backpack. Shoes, laptop, snacks—everything had its place. That’s why I’m confident this guide will help you find the perfect fit.
List of Top 10 Athletic Backpacks
| Image | Title | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
WOLFpak 35L Backpack (Alpha Black) |
This backpack is perfect for travelers, students, and everyday adventurers. It’s strong, roomy, and easy to carry anywhere. |
|
 |
WOLFpak 35L Backpack (NightShade Edition) The Original Backpack. Tactical Bags For The Gym and Travel Bag. |
Perfect for travelers, gym-goers, and adventurers who need a tough, spacious, and stylish backpack that keeps up with their active life. Built for anyone who values comfort, durability, and versatility every day. |
|
 |
Valleycomfy Drawstring Gym Bag Sports Backpack With Shoe Compartment and Reflective Strips White |
Perfect for active people who move in the early morning or late evening, this bag keeps you safe and seen with its bright reflective strips. Great for anyone who wants style, function, and extra safety in one smart design. |
|
 |
Soccer Backpack for Men and Women,Sports Bag with Ball Compartment,Gym Backpack with Shoe Compartment,Suitable for Basketball,Volleyball,Large Capacity Ball Equipment Youth Basketball Stuff,Black |
This bag is perfect for active teens, college players, and weekend athletes. If you carry a ball, shoes, and gear, this backpack keeps it all in one place. |
|
 |
seyfocnia Gym Backpack for Men,Gym Bag with Shoe Compartment Lightweight Travel Workout Sports Backpack with USB Charging Port |
This backpack is perfect for men on the move who need a smart, strong, and simple way to carry gear. It’s great for gym lovers, travelers, and daily commuters. |
|
 |
adidas Excel Backpack for Men & Women – Durable Large Athletic Laptop Bag, 7.0/Twill White/Black, One Size |
Perfect for students, travelers, and athletes who need a strong, spacious, and comfortable bag. Great for anyone who wants to carry more without feeling the weight. |
|
 |
Under Armour Unisex-Adult Hustle 5.0 Backpack , Black (001)/Silver , One Size Fits All |
Perfect for students, travelers, and athletes who need a tough, comfortable, and water-resistant backpack that keeps gear safe and organized all day. |
|
 |
coofay Gym Backpack For Women Waterproof Backpack With Shoe Compartment Lightweight Travel Backpack Sports Backpacks Small Gym Bag |
Perfect for active women who need a light, organized, and waterproof bag for the gym, travel, or daily errands. Great for anyone who wants separate shoe storage and smart compartments to keep everything in place. |
|
 |
VECKUSON 18.4 Laptop Backpack for unisex, 60L Extra Large Gaming Laptops Back Bag with USB Charger Port,TSA Friendly Flight Approved and RFID Anti-Theft Pocket Heavy-duty Pack,21.3*15.7*11.8inch Grey |
Perfect for gamers, travelers, and sports lovers who need huge space, strong protection, and easy charging on the go. Ideal for anyone carrying big laptops and lots of gear every day. |
|
 |
VENATIN Gym Backpack for Women Men, Lightweight Gym Bag with Shoe Compartment, Waterproof Sports Backpack with Wet Pocket, Black |
This backpack is perfect for gym lovers, fitness fans, and anyone who needs a light, waterproof, and comfy bag. It’s also great for people who want a separate shoe pocket and a wet/dry section to keep things clean and fresh. |
Detailed Reviews
Discover the Best Athletic Backpacks chosen through expert reviews and real user feedback. Each one is tested for quality, comfort, and value. We highlight the features that matter most, so you can choose with confidence. Read on to find the perfect backpack for your needs.
1. WOLFpak 35L Backpack (Alpha Black)
The WOLFpak 35L Backpack (Alpha Black) is built for space and versatility. Use it for travel, work, or adventure with ease.
Made from Waterproof Oxford 1000D polyester, it’s tough and ready for anything. YKK water-resistant zippers and a 180° opening make packing simple.
It holds your gear. It protects your tech. It fits anywhere.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This backpack is perfect for travelers, students, and everyday adventurers. It’s strong, roomy, and easy to carry anywhere.
Ready to Purchase?
2. WOLFpak 35L Backpack (NightShade Edition) The Original Backpack. Tactical Bags For The Gym and Travel Bag.
The WOLFpak 35L Backpack (NightShade Edition) is built for action. It’s spacious, versatile, and ready for anything. Use it for the gym, travel, or daily life.
Made from Waterproof Oxford 1000D polyester, it’s tough and long-lasting. YKK water-resistant zippers keep your gear safe.
Carry your laptop, water bottle, and more with ease. Customize it with bold removable patches. Fit it in any overhead compartment and go anywhere.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for travelers, gym-goers, and adventurers who need a tough, spacious, and stylish backpack that keeps up with their active life. Built for anyone who values comfort, durability, and versatility every day.
Ready to Purchase?
3. Valleycomfy Drawstring Gym Bag Sports Backpack With Shoe Compartment and Reflective Strips White
Stay seen and stay safe with the Valleycomfy Drawstring Gym Bag. Its reflective strips shine bright in low light. You get style and safety in one.
Carry your gear with ease every day. The shoe compartment keeps things clean and organized. No more mixing shoes with clothes.
Lightweight yet strong. Perfect for gym, travel, or daily use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for active people who move in the early morning or late evening, this bag keeps you safe and seen with its bright reflective strips. Great for anyone who wants style, function, and extra safety in one smart design.
Ready to Purchase?
4. Soccer Backpack for Men and Women,Sports Bag with Ball Compartment,Gym Backpack with Shoe Compartment,Suitable for Basketball,Volleyball,Large Capacity Ball Equipment Youth Basketball Stuff,Black
This sports backpack is built for action. Made from durable, water-resistant polyester, it’s tough enough for daily use and easy to clean.
It has a large capacity. Fits your ball, shoes, clothes, and more. Keeps everything in one place.
With padded straps and back, it’s comfortable to carry anywhere. The full-size ball compartment is perfect for basketball, soccer, or volleyball.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This bag is perfect for active teens, college players, and weekend athletes. If you carry a ball, shoes, and gear, this backpack keeps it all in one place.
Ready to Purchase?
5. seyfocnia Gym Backpack for Men,Gym Bag with Shoe Compartment Lightweight Travel Workout Sports Backpack with USB Charging Port
Stay ready for anything with the seyfocnia Gym Backpack. It has an expandable shoe compartment to keep your shoes or slippers separate. Perfect for travel, sports, or work.
Charge on the go with the USB charging port. Just add your own power bank.
Enjoy multi-functional storage for clothes, laptop, and essentials. The waterproof fabric keeps your gear safe. Strong, stylish, and built for everyday use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This backpack is perfect for men on the move who need a smart, strong, and simple way to carry gear. It’s great for gym lovers, travelers, and daily commuters.
Ready to Purchase?
6. adidas Excel Backpack for Men & Women – Durable Large Athletic Laptop Bag, 7.0/Twill White/Black, One Size
The adidas Excel Backpack is built for comfort and strength. Its LoadSpring straps make carrying heavy loads feel light.
It has a laptop sleeve for up to 15 inches. The wipe-able material makes cleaning easy. Multiple pockets keep everything in place.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for students, travelers, and athletes who need a strong, spacious, and comfortable bag. Great for anyone who wants to carry more without feeling the weight.
Ready to Purchase?
7. Under Armour Unisex-Adult Hustle 5.0 Backpack , Black (001)/Silver , One Size Fits All
Stay ready for anything with the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Backpack. The UA Storm technology keeps your gear dry in rain or splashes. It’s tough, sleek, and built to last.
Enjoy all-day comfort with padded HeatGear straps and a breathable back panel. Keep your laptop safe in the soft-lined sleeve that fits up to a 15″ MacBook Pro. Your valuables stay secure in the water-repellent front pocket.
Need space for shoes or laundry? The large bottom pocket keeps them separate from the rest. This bag works hard—just like you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for students, travelers, and athletes who need a tough, comfortable, and water-resistant backpack that keeps gear safe and organized all day.
Ready to Purchase?
8. coofay Gym Backpack For Women Waterproof Backpack With Shoe Compartment Lightweight Travel Backpack Sports Backpacks Small Gym Bag
Stay ready for anything with the coofay Gym Backpack for Women. It keeps your shoes, clothes, and gear in their own clean, organized spaces.
It has a waterproof wet/dry pocket. It holds a 13″ laptop. It folds small when not in use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for active women who need a light, organized, and waterproof bag for the gym, travel, or daily errands. Great for anyone who wants separate shoe storage and smart compartments to keep everything in place.
Ready to Purchase?
9. VECKUSON 18.4 Laptop Backpack for unisex, 60L Extra Large Gaming Laptops Back Bag with USB Charger Port,TSA Friendly Flight Approved and RFID Anti-Theft Pocket Heavy-duty Pack,21.3*15.7*11.8inch Grey
The VECKUSON 18.4 Laptop Backpack is built for big gear and big trips. With a 60L capacity and space for two laptops, it’s made for serious work, play, and travel.
Stay powered anywhere with the USB charging port. Breeze through airports with its TSA-approved design and keep your data safe with the RFID anti-theft pocket.
It’s strong. It’s roomy. It’s ready.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for gamers, travelers, and sports lovers who need huge space, strong protection, and easy charging on the go. Ideal for anyone carrying big laptops and lots of gear every day.
Ready to Purchase?
10. VENATIN Gym Backpack for Women Men, Lightweight Gym Bag with Shoe Compartment, Waterproof Sports Backpack with Wet Pocket, Black
The VENATIN Gym Backpack is built to be lightweight yet tough. It won’t slow you down, no matter where you go.
Keep your shoes separate from your clean clothes. Store wet towels in the waterproof wet pocket. Use the smart pockets to keep everything in its place.
Enjoy soft padding and straps shaped for comfort. Adjust them easily with one hand. Stay dry with waterproof fabric that resists sweat.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This backpack is perfect for gym lovers, fitness fans, and anyone who needs a light, waterproof, and comfy bag. It’s also great for people who want a separate shoe pocket and a wet/dry section to keep things clean and fresh.
Ready to Purchase?
Buying Guide
The right athletic backpack makes life easier. It keeps things in order. It helps you move fast without stress.
I’ve carried mine to the gym, to airports, and even on long hikes. Once, I packed only my backpack for a weekend trip, and it worked perfectly. That taught me how much the right bag can change your day.
-
Size and Capacity: Choose a bag that fits your needs. A small pack is fine for gym clothes, but bigger is better for travel. Don’t carry extra weight if you don’t need it.
-
Material and Durability: Strong fabric means your bag lasts longer. Look for waterproof or water-resistant material to protect your gear. Tough bags handle daily use without tearing.
-
Comfort and Fit: Padded straps matter. They make heavy loads feel lighter. A breathable back panel also helps on hot days.
-
Compartments and Organization: More pockets mean better order. A shoe compartment keeps shoes away from clothes. A laptop sleeve keeps your tech safe.
-
Weight: A light bag saves energy. Heavy bags slow you down before you even pack them. Pick one that feels easy to carry.
-
Versatility: The best bag works for gym, travel, and daily life. A versatile backpack saves money and space. One good bag can do it all.
-
Style and Look: A bag should match your style. Bold colors stand out, while black or grey blends everywhere. Choose one you’ll enjoy carrying every day.
-
Extra Features: Some backpacks have USB charging ports, reflective strips, or anti-theft pockets. These add convenience and safety. Pick extras that fit your lifestyle.