Shop Gym Bags at Myprotein
A good gym bag does more than carry your kit — it keeps everything organised, accessible, and ready to go when you are. Whether you're heading to a morning session before work or packing for a weekend away at a competition, the right gym bag makes the difference between a smooth routine and a chaotic scramble for your shaker. The MP range covers everything from spacious barrel bags to lightweight drawstring options, built for the demands of regular training.
Designed with athletes in mind, these bags are built around the practicalities of gym life — enough room for your training gear, a change of clothes, and all the extras that come with a serious session. Durable construction, smart storage layouts, and a clean aesthetic that works as well on the commute as it does on the gym floor.
Who Gym Bags Are For
Gym bags are for anyone who trains with any regularity — from the five-days-a-week lifter who needs a bag that can keep up, to the casual gym-goer who wants something reliable without the bulk. If you're tired of cramming kit into a general-purpose rucksack that wasn't designed for the job, a dedicated workout bag makes your routine feel noticeably more organised.
They're equally useful for those who train across multiple disciplines — gym in the morning, sports bag for a weekend match, travel kit for a training camp. With a range of formats available, there's a fit for every training lifestyle, whether you prefer the structure of a backpack, the capacity of a barrel bag, or the simplicity of a drawstring bag for lighter days.
When to Use Gym Bags
The obvious answer is every time you train — but the right format depends on what your session looks like. A barrel bag handles a full kit load comfortably, making it the natural choice for longer training sessions or days when you're heading straight from the gym to somewhere else. A backpack works well when you need to carry more on your commute, while a drawstring bag is the go-to for shorter sessions or when you just need to grab your essentials and go.
Beyond the daily gym session, training bags come into their own for competitions, weekend sport, travel, and anywhere you need to pack efficiently for physical activity. Having a dedicated bag means your kit is always in one place — no hunting for your gym shoes under the bed or forgetting your shaker because it was in the wrong bag.
Gym Bags Benefits
Organised Storage
Dedicated gym bags are built around the specific storage needs of training — main compartments sized for kit, internal zip pockets for valuables, and layouts that make it easy to separate clean from used gear. No more digging to the bottom of a general bag to find your earphones.
Built for Regular Use
Sports bags in the MP range are designed to handle the repetitive demands of daily training — durable materials and reinforced zips that hold up session after session, whether you're throwing the bag in a locker or strapping it to a bike rack.
Versatile Across Training Styles
From gym backpacks with padded shoulder straps for the commuter, to barrel bags with spacious main compartments for the heavy packer, there's a format to match how you train and travel. The same bag that works on a Monday morning session can carry your weekend kit just as well.
Clean, Functional Design
Fitness bags don't have to sacrifice style for practicality. The MP range keeps things clean and minimal — a look that works in the gym, in the office, and everywhere in between, so you're not showing up anywhere with a bag that doesn't fit the setting.
Popular Picks
MP Backpack - Black — Built for the gym commuter, the MP Backpack keeps everything organised across a spacious zip-open compartment, padded adjustable shoulder straps, and a dedicated side pocket for your water bottle.
MP Barrel Bag - Black — The MP Barrel Bag is the classic kit bag done properly, with a roomy zipped main compartment, a secure internal pocket for valuables, and both an adjustable shoulder strap and carry handles for flexible transport.
MP Drawstring Bag - Black — Straightforward and practical, the MP Drawstring Bag pairs a spacious main compartment with drawcord access and a front zip pocket to keep your essentials safe and within reach.
FAQs
What is the best gym bag for daily training?
The best gym bag for daily training depends on how much kit you carry and how you get to the gym. For commuters who need hands-free carrying, the MP Backpack is a strong option — padded, adjustable shoulder straps make it comfortable over longer distances, and the spacious zip-open compartment handles a full day's worth of gear. If you tend to pack more or prefer a traditional sports bag format, the MP Barrel Bag offers a generous main compartment plus an internal zip pocket for valuables.
What's the difference between a gym backpack and a barrel bag?
A gym backpack sits on your back, distributes weight across both shoulders, and tends to be the better choice when you're commuting or carrying a bag for extended periods. A barrel bag is carried by hand or over one shoulder, typically offers more raw volume for a full kit, and suits those driving to the gym or packing for longer sessions. Both formats have their place — many people use a backpack for weekdays and a barrel bag for bigger training days or competition days.
Are gym drawstring bags worth it?
Gym drawstring bags are worth it for lighter training days when you don't need to carry much. If you're just taking a shaker, a change of clothes, and a few small items, a drawstring bag keeps things simple and easy to grab on the way out. The MP Drawstring Bag features a spacious main compartment with a drawcord closure for quick access — practical for shorter sessions or as a secondary bag when your main kit is already at the gym.
How do I choose between different types of training bags?
Start by thinking about how you get to the gym and how much you typically carry. Backpacks suit commuters and those on foot. Barrel bags work well for drivers or anyone who needs maximum capacity. Drawstring bags are best kept for minimal, lightweight loads. If you train every day, it's worth having two formats — a larger bag for full sessions and a smaller one for lighter days or quick visits.
What should I look for in a sports bag for the gym?
Prioritise storage layout, carrying comfort, and durability. A good sports bag should have a clearly organised main compartment large enough for your kit, plus dedicated pockets for valuables like your phone, keys, or wallet. Adjustable, padded straps make a significant difference on longer carries. Durable zips and robust materials mean the bag will hold up to the daily grind of gym life without giving out after a few months.
How many gym bags are in the MP range?
The MP gym bags range currently includes three formats: the MP Backpack, the MP Barrel Bag, and the MP Drawstring Bag — each designed to suit different training habits and carrying preferences. Whether you need a full-capacity sports bag for heavy kit or a lightweight option for shorter sessions, there's a format in the range to match.
Can I use a gym bag for sports other than the gym?
Absolutely — gym bags are versatile enough for a wide range of sports and activities. A barrel bag works just as well for football, swimming, martial arts, or a weekend training camp as it does for a standard gym session. The key is having enough compartment space for kit and a secure pocket for valuables, which the MP Barrel Bag delivers with its zipped main compartment and internal storage pocket.
Who designs the MP gym bags?
The MP bags range is developed by Myprotein's in-house team, designed with the practical needs of everyday athletes at the centre — functional storage, durable construction, and a clean aesthetic that works across training environments and beyond.
What size gym bag do I need?
The right size depends on what you carry to each session. If your gym kit includes a change of clothes, toiletries, a shaker, and snacks, a barrel bag or backpack with a spacious main compartment is the practical choice. For lighter sessions where you're just grabbing the essentials, a drawstring bag keeps things compact without the extra bulk. When in doubt, go slightly larger — a bag that's a little roomy is far more useful than one you're fighting to close.