Sports Bags & Backpacks for Fitness, Boxing & Combat Sports
A good sports bag has one main job: carrying all your training gear conveniently and reliably. For a regular gym workout, shoes, a towel, water bottle and change of clothes may be enough. Boxing, Muay Thai and kickboxing are a different story – boxing gloves, hand wraps, shin guards and other protective equipment require considerably more space.
At Vikingstore, you’ll find sports bags, gym bags and backpacks for fitness, bodybuilding, boxing and combat sports in different sizes and designs.
Which bag is right for you mainly depends on what you need to take to training.
Which Sports Bag Do I Need?
The right sports bag doesn’t simply have to be as large as possible.
What matters is whether it suits your sport and your equipment.
For a regular gym workout, you may need space for:
- training shoes
- sportswear
- towel
- water bottle
- shaker
- lifting straps or wrist wraps
- smaller personal items
For combat sports, the amount of equipment can quickly increase.
Sports Bags for the Gym
For regular strength and fitness training, a compact to medium-sized sports bag is often sufficient.
In addition to clothing and shoes, many athletes carry a shaker, water bottle, lifting belt, lifting straps, wrist wraps or Liquid Chalk.
The size you need therefore also depends on how much training equipment you actually use.
If you arrive at the gym already dressed for training and only carry the essentials, you need considerably less space than someone who changes and showers at the gym.
Sports Bags for Bodybuilding & Strength Training
With bodybuilding and heavy strength training, the amount of equipment in your gym bag tends to increase over time.
In addition to your regular training gear, you might carry:
- lifting belt
- lifting straps
- wrist wraps
- fitness gloves
- Liquid Chalk
- knee wraps or knee sleeves
- shaker and supplements
If you regularly carry a lot of training accessories, a bag with enough storage space and practical compartments can make things much easier.
Sports Bags for Boxing
A boxing bag generally needs to hold considerably more equipment than a small gym bag.
Typical boxing equipment includes:
- boxing gloves
- hand wraps
- boxing shoes
- skipping rope
- mouthguard
- towel
- water bottle
- change of clothes
Boxing gloves in particular take up quite a lot of space.
If you also carry headgear or additional protective equipment, you should plan for more capacity.
Sports Bags for Muay Thai & Kickboxing
A training bag can get full very quickly when you practise Muay Thai or kickboxing.
In addition to boxing gloves and hand wraps, you will often need shin guards.
Depending on your training, you may also carry:
- mouthguard
- groin guard
- headgear
- skipping rope
- towel
- change of clothes
- water bottle
Shin guards in particular require plenty of space.
A small sports bag that works perfectly well for a regular gym session may therefore be far too small for a complete Muay Thai setup.
What Size Sports Bag Do I Need?
The capacity in litres provides a useful first indication.
However, volume alone doesn’t determine how much equipment fits comfortably inside. The shape of the bag, the size of the opening and the compartment layout are also important.
Up to Approx. 30 Litres
Suitable for:
- basic gym equipment
- short training sessions
- limited change of clothes
- compact training gear
This size is generally quite limited for a complete combat sports setup.
Approx. 30 to 50 Litres
A useful all-round size for many athletes.
Depending on the design, there is enough room for shoes, clothing, a towel and various training accessories.
It may also be sufficient for boxing if you don’t carry a large amount of additional protective equipment.
Approx. 50 to 70 Litres
A good option for more extensive fitness and combat sports equipment.
If you want to carry boxing gloves, shoes, clothing and protective gear together, a larger bag provides considerably more flexibility.
70 Litres and More
Large sports bags are particularly useful for extensive combat sports equipment.
If you need to carry boxing gloves, large shin guards, headgear, shoes, clothing and additional accessories at the same time, plenty of storage space can be extremely practical.
What Size Bag Do I Need for Boxing Gloves?
Boxing gloves are bulkier than they might appear.
A single pair will fit into many smaller bags, but your gloves are rarely the only thing you need for training.
Once you add shoes, clothing, a towel and water bottle, a medium-sized sports bag is usually much more practical.
If you also carry protective equipment, plan for additional space.
Which Sports Bag for Boxing Gloves and Shin Guards?
In this case, we generally recommend more space.
Large Muay Thai shin guards in particular take up a considerable amount of room and shouldn’t simply be crushed into a small bag.
If you regularly carry boxing gloves and shin guards together, a larger sports bag is usually the more convenient choice.
A little extra space is better than playing Tetris with sweaty combat sports equipment after every training session.
Sports Bag or Backpack?
Both have their advantages.
Sports Bag
A traditional sports bag often provides a large opening and plenty of storage space.
This is particularly useful for bulky equipment such as:
- boxing gloves
- shin guards
- headgear
- shoes
You can quickly put your equipment inside and take it out again.
Backpack
A backpack distributes the weight across both shoulders and keeps your hands free.
This can be particularly practical if you:
- travel by public transport
- cycle to training
- walk longer distances
- carry your training bag every day
For extensive combat sports equipment, make sure the backpack offers enough volume and a suitable shape.
Sports Bag and Backpack in One
Some training bags can be carried in several different ways.
Depending on the model, they may have regular carrying handles as well as shoulder straps or backpack straps.
This can be useful if you want more flexibility.
Short walk? Carry it as a bag.
Longer journey to the gym? Put it on your back.
Always check which carrying options are actually provided by the manufacturer.
Sports Bags with a Separate Shoe Compartment
A separate shoe compartment can be very practical for everyday training.
It allows you to keep your training or boxing shoes away from clean clothing, towels and other equipment.
Depending on the design, these compartments may also include ventilation.
This can be particularly useful if you regularly carry sports shoes in your bag.
Sports Bags with Multiple Compartments
A huge bag with only one large compartment may offer plenty of space, but it can quickly become chaotic.
Separate compartments make it easier to organise your equipment.
Dedicated storage areas can be useful for:
- shoes
- clothing
- smaller accessories
- mouthguard
- keys
- smartphone
- wallet
Which layout works best depends on what you normally take to training.
Mesh Bags & Ventilated Sports Bags
Ventilation is particularly relevant for combat sports.
After an intensive training session, boxing gloves, hand wraps and protective equipment are often damp.
Mesh panels or highly ventilated bags can support airflow.
However, that doesn’t mean you should simply leave your entire sweaty training kit inside the bag until your next session.
Take Boxing Gloves Out of the Bag After Training
No matter how well ventilated your sports bag is:
Boxing gloves should come out of the bag after training.
Open the gloves and allow them to dry according to their care instructions.
Hand wraps should also be removed and washed regularly.
Leaving damp training equipment inside a closed bag for several days is never a good idea.
How to Transport Shin Guards
Shin guards can also become damp after an intensive training session.
Transport them in a bag with enough space and remove them once you get home.
Depending on the material, clean the surface according to the care instructions and allow the guards to dry completely.
For larger shin guards, a spacious bag is particularly useful so that the equipment doesn’t have to be excessively compressed.
What Should I Do with Sweaty Training Clothes?
Wet training clothes shouldn’t remain inside your sports bag for hours or days either.
Take them out after training and wash or dry them according to their care instructions.
If your bag has a separate compartment for damp clothing, it can be useful for the journey home.
It doesn’t replace unpacking your gear afterwards.
How Do You Prevent Your Sports Bag from Smelling?
The most important tip is surprisingly simple:
Unpack your gear after training.
Unpleasant smells develop particularly easily when damp clothing and equipment remain inside a closed bag for long periods.
It therefore helps to:
- empty your bag after training
- remove damp clothing
- take out your hand wraps
- allow boxing gloves to dry
- allow shin guards to dry
- air out the bag when necessary
- clean the bag regularly
A sports bag is for transporting equipment – not for long-term storage of sweaty gear.
How Do You Clean a Sports Bag?
That depends on the material and model.
Not every sports bag can simply be put into the washing machine.
Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
With many models, light dirt can be removed using a damp cloth.
Pay particular attention to the bottom of the bag and areas where shoes or sweaty equipment are stored.
Allow the bag to dry completely after cleaning.
Can I Wash My Sports Bag in the Washing Machine?
Not automatically.
Materials, coatings, zips, padding and prints can react differently to machine washing.
If the manufacturer doesn’t specifically allow machine washing, clean the bag by hand according to the care instructions.
Which Sports Bag Is Best for Work and the Gym?
If you take your training equipment to work in the morning, organisation and carrying comfort become especially important.
A backpack can be practical for commuters, while a larger sports bag generally provides more space.
Before choosing a bag, consider whether you also need room for:
- work clothes
- shoes
- food
- water bottle
- personal items
The more different things you carry, the more useful a well-organised compartment layout becomes.
Which Bag Is Best for Cycling?
If you cycle to training, a backpack is generally more practical than a traditional sports bag.
The weight is distributed across both shoulders and your hands remain free.
If you travel by motorcycle, only use bags and mounting systems specifically designed for that purpose.
A regular sports bag shouldn’t be improvised as motorcycle luggage.
Small or Large Sports Bag?
A larger bag provides more flexibility, but it isn’t automatically better.
If you only carry shoes, a towel and a shaker, there is little reason to take an enormous 80-litre bag to the gym.
On the other hand, a tiny gym bag quickly becomes frustrating when you need to fit boxing gloves, shin guards and headgear inside every time.
Choose the size based on the equipment you actually use.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Sports Bag?
Besides size, several other features can make a difference in everyday use:
- sturdy carrying handles
- comfortable shoulder straps
- durable zips
- sufficiently large opening
- practical compartment layout
- separate shoe compartment
- ventilation
- easy-to-clean material
Not every bag needs all of these features.
The important thing is choosing the functions that are useful for your training.
Which Sports Bag Is Best?
The best sports bag isn’t automatically the biggest or most expensive one.
It needs to suit your training.
For Fitness
A compact to medium-sized gym bag is often completely sufficient.
For Bodybuilding
If you carry a lifting belt, lifting straps, wrist wraps and other accessories, some additional storage space can be useful.
For Boxing
Plan enough room for boxing gloves, shoes, hand wraps, clothing and other equipment.
For Muay Thai & Kickboxing
A larger bag is often the better choice because shin guards require considerable space.
For Commuting
A backpack or sports bag with multiple compartments can be particularly convenient.
Buy Sports Bags & Backpacks at Vikingstore
At Vikingstore, you’ll find sports bags and backpacks for fitness, bodybuilding, boxing and combat sports.
From compact gym bags for everyday fitness training to large training bags for boxing gloves, shin guards and complete combat sports equipment, you can choose a size that suits your training.
Before buying, consider one thing above all:
What equipment do you actually need to carry?
A good training bag should make your life easier – not leave you wondering every evening how you’re somehow going to squeeze the second shin guard inside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Bags & Backpacks
What Size Sports Bag Do I Need?
For regular gym training, a small to medium-sized bag is often sufficient. Boxing, Muay Thai and kickboxing may require considerably more space due to the additional equipment.
Which Bag Is Suitable for Boxing Gloves?
A medium-sized sports bag is often sufficient if you also need to carry clothing, shoes and smaller accessories alongside your gloves.
Which Bag Do I Need for Boxing Gloves and Shin Guards?
A larger sports bag is generally more practical for a complete Muay Thai or kickboxing setup because shin guards in particular require plenty of space.
Sports Bag or Backpack for the Gym?
A sports bag often provides a large opening and plenty of storage space. A backpack is comfortable to carry and can be particularly practical for commuters, cyclists and longer walks.
Do I Need a Separate Shoe Compartment?
Not necessarily, but it can be useful for keeping shoes separate from clothing and other equipment.
What Is a Mesh Bag?
A Mesh Bag is made entirely or partially from breathable mesh material. This allows better airflow and can be particularly practical for combat sports equipment.
Can I Store Boxing Gloves in My Sports Bag?
For transportation, yes. After training, however, you should remove your gloves from the bag and allow them to dry properly.
How Do I Prevent My Sports Bag from Smelling?
Remove damp clothing and equipment after training, allow the bag to air out and clean it regularly according to the care instructions.
Can I Put My Sports Bag in the Washing Machine?
That depends on the model and material. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Which Sports Bag Is Best for Muay Thai?
A larger bag is often the most practical option because you need room for boxing gloves, shin guards, hand wraps, a mouthguard, clothing and other training equipment.
