What size duffle bag do you need? Compare litres, not labels
Boots, a towel, a change of clothes, and the zip will not close. Picking a bag by its size name is how that happens. A small bag at one brand can hold more than a large bag at another: the Puma Challenger 35L is sold as a Small Sports Bag, while the CUBS Large Duffle with two pockets holds 27L.
So when you shop for a duffle bag, look for the litre number in the product name.
- 12L to 24L: the Puma Challenger Logo Lab 12L XSmall and the Nike Training Duffel Bag (24L).
- 27L to 35L: the Connect 4More (27L), the Puma Campus Grip Bag 29L and the Puma Challenger 35L.
- 58L to 63L: the Puma Buzz 58L Medium and the CUBS Weekender Duffel Bags at 63L, made in 900D polyester for the gym or a weekend getaway.
Mintra gives size in centimetres instead. Its Small Duffle Bag is 46 x 28cm, sized for gym sessions or overnight trips. The Large is 56 x 28cm, for longer trips or team sports.
Boots, clothes and keys: check the compartments
A duffle is one big main space with a few extras, and the extras decide how tidy your kit stays. The adidas Tiro Duffle Bag Small and Medium With Bottom Compartment are made for football, with a separate compartment at the base. The adidas 4ATHLTS Duffel Bag Small takes shoes and clothes in the main compartment and keeps small things in side slip-in pockets. The adidas Linear Duffle Bag Medium adds several zip pockets.
Training outdoors? The Under Armour Undeniable 5.0 Medium has UA Storm, a highly water-repellent finish.
Short on space at home? Pick a bag that folds
The Mintra Flexo Duffle Bag folds flat, then opens to 52 x 30 x 28cm. The Connect Foldable Duffel Bag is light and packable, with a quick-access pocket for small items. For other ways to carry your kit, see backpacks or all bags.
If you train after work, start with a bag between 24L and 35L, such as the Nike Training Duffel Bag (24L) or the Puma Challenger 35L. If you play football, choose a Tiro Duffle with a bottom compartment. For a weekend away, go up to a 63L CUBS Weekender.
