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Anyone whose ever been to the gym in the rain or been caught in a storm pitchside can tell you the value of a great kit bag.
GOAL has collated the best bags, which can take you from training to match day and even double up as a holdall for your weekends and travels. If you're more of a gym enthusiast, you can take a look at the best gym bags you can buy for your workout goals in 2023.
Whether you prefer a professional backpack with all the bells and whistles or just a standard sturdy holdall, there is the perfect kit bag out there for you.
But with so many options available, how do you know which is the right choice for you? We’ve put together the best kit bags you can get on the market today, depending on what you want out of your routine.
Our top three kit bags included in this article
- Best overall kit bag: Evo Fitness Duffle Bag
- Best budget kit bag: Kipsta Essential Sports Bag
- Best kit bag for boots: adidas 3-Stripe Shoe Bag
Why do you need a kit bag?
You can use any bag of any size to transport your essentials to and from matchdays or workouts, but why would you not want one that is specifically designed to help shoulder the weight?
Your old-school rucksack will only go so far, a briefcase would just be bizarre, and though the bag for life from the local supermarket deserves credit for being functional - it won't boast a zipper to ensure your belongings remain tucked inside. A kit bag not only carries your essentials - it protects them against the elements too, making it a vital accessory for anyone in sports.
What makes a good kit bag?
Given the constant wear and tear, kit bags are built to be durable, long-lasting creations that won't let you down.
Insulation is often vital, in order to help cut down on dampness between sweaty clothes and sodden shoes, while several other bags now come crafted in materials to protect against the weather. Lastly, a suitable size is vital too - and while kit bags come in all shapes, something that is simple to handle is likely a must for most users.
What is the difference between kit bags and holdalls?
The most obvious difference between the two is that kit bags are traditionally smaller than holdalls - though the pair do often cross over in sizes.
Kit bags are more traditionally used for sporting purposes, while holdalls quite often double as suitcase and weekend bag alternatives.
Shop: Best kit bags for 2023
EVO Fitness Duffle Bag
EVO FitnessBest overall kit bag
With such a vast range to choose from, this Evo Fitness model stands out as the best currently available - it's spacious, durable, and well-equipped - it comes at an affordable price too. Its dual-strap structure also means that it can be used as a holdall or a backpack, giving it an edge over all rivals. You can choose how you want to haul it around with minimal fuss, and it's got more than enough room to back your kit and a few extras.
Kipsta Essential Sports Bag
Kipsta Best budget kit bag
There's no need to blow your budget on a sports bag as you can get a quality one from Kipsta for less than £10. Foldable to reduce space when not in use, it comes in an attractive blue and aqua pattern with both carry and shoulder straps to allow you to choose how you'd best like to take it around - and at 20 litres, it'll have the space to get your essentials in too.
Get it from Decathlon for £6.99
adidas 3-Stripe Shoe Bag
adidasBest kit bag for boots
Sometimes, the old ways are the best and this traditional, three-stripe boot bag from adidas brings together the brand's iconic logo with a durable, recycled construction that helps give back to the environment. A mesh insertion helps ventilate your shoes while inside, and a simple, effective full-width zipper allows easy access to pick up and put back its contents.
Get it from Lovell Soccer for £13.00
KASIBON Sports Gym Bag
KasibonBest kit bag for the gym
Want to make sure your gym clothes don't get tangled up and covered in sweat patches left behind by your running shoes? This gym bag from KASIBON boasts a built-in compartment perfect for keeping your trainers or boots split from the rest of your attire. Its rounded shape gives it a multi-purpose function but mostly means that it can take the wear-and-tear of frequent gym usage with little complaint.
adidas 4ATHLTS Duffle Bag
adidasBest kit bag for the style
This adidas duffle bag will make you the star of any gym session, or dressing room. It comes in a multi-textures sleek black colourway and is big enough to get what you need in - as it boasts plenty of storage with multiple zipped compartments. Plus you'll be doing your bit for the environment as this bag is made from at least 40% of recycled content to help tackle plastic waste.
Nike Brasilia Bag
NikeBest kit bag for light usage
This Brasilia bag from Nike is great for a light usage option for the gym - you won't find many kit bags to rival it for quality assurance and overall performance. Its water-resistant bottom will prevent damp seeping in when you set it down on wet surfaces, and with multiple zip pockets, its compact design belies its increased functionality away from the main body. Plus, that familiar Swoosh logo always shows you mean business.
Get it from JD Sports for £25.00
Mitre Sunday League Kit Bag
MitreBest kit bag for a full team
Got to make sure that the whole squad is ready for action when the big game rolls around at the weekend? You won't find many better options than this whopper of a Sunday League Kit Bag from Mitre. With a significant 110-litre capacity, not only will you be able to fill it to the brim with the usual equipment, but you can throw in all the extras you'll want too, like balls and cones. An adjustable strap helps for transportation.
Gola Redford Messenger Sports Bag
Gola Best kit bag for an old-school vibe
Put a touch of classic attitude into your kit with this sports bag from Gola - an old-fashioned throwback with all the functionality you'd want from a modern sports bag. Topped off with the iconic brand crest and with a wrap-around zipper, it's the perfect accessory to show your old-school style whether you're going to the game or the gym - it delivers a functional tidy performance.
Ted Baker Hyke Holdall
Ted Baker Best luxury kit bag
If you're looking for something on the luxurious side and something that won't cramp your style - Ted Baker have you covered. The trendy black rubberised finish will blend into any workout or training outfit. The yellow zippers finish off what is a brilliant colour combination - levelling up this fashionable option for all your sporting needs.
Get it from Ted Baker for £125.00