The amount of training and protective gear you have to bring with you to the gym deserves a bag. You cannot simply wish to howl all these stuff around on your arms. Getting the right bag for MMA is important. This is because you need it to be big and sturdy enough to carry all your equipment too.
The bag also needs to make a statement. It has tom be a cool bag for a cool sport like MMA. You just can’t grab an old bag from the back of the closet and cram everything in it. This guide helps you narrow down your search for the best duffle bags and backpacks for MMA available in the market today.
You are not limited to getting just one, you can have as many as you would like or just two to alternate when one is getting cleaned. The choice is yours. You can decide to get a duffle bag and a backpack.
Table of Contents
Importance of a Good Backpack/Duffel Bag
Having a good backpack or gym duffle bag is very important for the simple reason that it’s the one place you can keep all your essentials. In MMA there are several important training gears and protective wear that you must have with you. No matter if you’re sparring, strength conditioning, or working on your technique.
Getting the right bag that is big enough to fit all that you need should be your top priority as you get ready. MMA has essentials that you must have with you. Therefore, investing in the right bag eases your burden and helps you relax. You won’t have to worry about forgetting anything.
A good duffel bag is very stylish. You don’t want to walk around carrying all your essential items on your hands. This bag not only holds all your requirements for MMA training but adds more style to you too.
Essential Items in Every Gym Bag
There are certain items you must have in your gym duffel bag or backpack as you get ready to head to the gym.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you have to remember. You sweat a lot as you train and need to replenish all that lost water.
Towels
Carry one or two clean towels in your bag. One to wipe the sweat off as you train and another to dry yourself after showering.
Deodorant
This is one item that is a no-brainer. It may already be in your bag or you were thinking of adding it.
Extra Workout Gear
If you’re having a very intense workout session involving more than one class, you may need to carry an extra pair of workout clothes. You can sweat so much drenching your clothes and have to change before the next class.
First Aid Kit
Get a small portable fully-stocked first aid kit to include in your bag. You never know when you or another person may need one.
Muscle Rub
Intensive training leads to sore muscles. A soothing cream comes in handy to help your muscles relax and ease the discomfort.
Phone Case
Get a phone case that you can use to store your phone while you train. A good casing secures your phone and won’t expose it to anything in your bag that may damage it in any way.
Music Player and Earphones
There are some sessions that you prefer to be alone while training. Some good music keeps you going as you work out intensively.
Selecting the Best Backpack/Duffle Bag
1. Size
The amount and size of your equipment and protective wear has to be a determining factor in the size of the bag you go for. If you have very many things to carry, you need a bag wide enough to comfortably fit all of them. If you just carry a few things, a small bag will do just fine.
2. Price
Selecting the right bag for you is also determined by the cost you’re willing to incur in the bag. There are all types of bags available in prices ranging from cheap to very expensive. Select the one that best meets your budget needs but is sturdy enough to not get worn out too easily.
3. Material
The material the bag is made of is very important to consider. You don’t want a bag made from light low-quality material that easily tears after using for a short time. A good gym bag is made from sturdy material with good stitching to help it withstand the weight of all the things you have in it.
4. Design
You can opt for either a duffle bag or a backpack. You can even have both and keep interchanging as you clean them. The design of the bag depends on the one you like the most.
5. Brand
You might have a brand thing going on with all your equipment and protective gear. Therefore, you can opt to keep the loyalty going and get a bag from the brand you like the most. Certain brands are renowned for their long-lasting equipment and have bags too.
6. The Type
There are backpacks and duffel bags then there are backpacks that convert to duffel bags and vice Versa. Pick the one you prefer the most. You may find one more stylish and meeting your taste more than the other. The most ideal can be one that easily converts from duffel to a backpack and back.
Top MMA Backpacks and Gym Duffle Bags 2020 Guide
- Meister Vented Convertible Duffel/Backpack
https://www.amazon.com/Meister-Vented-Convertible-Duffel-Backpack/dp/B07CDD2L2M/
2. G4Free 3-way Duffle Backpack
https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Travel-Backpack-Luggage-Compartment/dp/B01KV96XFU/
3. MOOTO Soul Box Bag
https://www.amazon.com/MOOTO-Martial-Sports-Taekwondo-Backpack/dp/B00WCPR3CY/
4. Venum Challenger Pro Backpack
https://www.amazon.com/Venum-Challenger-Backpack-Black-Size/dp/B0179OCMM8/
5. Under Armor Undeniable Duffle 3.0 Gym Bag
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Undeniable-Duffle-Graphite/dp/B01KLV3Z40/
6. Elite Sports Duffle Bag for MMA
https://www.amazon.com/Elite-Sports-Warrior-Backpack-Compartment/dp/B075M411RB/
7. Meister Breathable Chain Mesh Duffel Bag
https://www.amazon.com/Meister-Breathable-Chain-Mesh-Duffel/dp/B00POB37JQ/
1. Meister Vented Convertible Duffel/Backpack
This bag can be converted from a duffel bag to a backpack. You simply tuck in the shoulder straps into hidden pockets. The bag has mesh panels on both sides that air out the bag preventing the accumulation of bad odor from used training cloths.
The bag comes in four different colors of black, green, pink, and red. There are three side pockets of different sizes which you can use to store all your equipment and protective wear. It is made using quality durable material that doesn’t tear easily.
Pros
- Color options
- Breathable mesh
- Convertible bag
- Quality material
- Good size
- Has extra pockets
- Affordable
- Good stitching
Cons
- Smaller than the image
- Zipper spoil easily
2. G4Free 3-way Duffle Backpack
The bag is available in 6 colors to choose from. It is made using nylon material that is resistant to tearing and waterproof too. It has good quality SBS zippers that have a pull string attached to them. The stitching is good and has been reinforced at every stress point.
It has extra compartments adding more storage space and ideal for things you don’t want to be mixed with the rest. It has adjustable shoulder pads that can also be detached. It can be converted from a backpack to a duffel bag.
It contains a shoe compartment that is well ventilated keeping the odor to a minimum after using them. There is one pocket that you can redesign to fit your water bottle.
Pros
- Well priced
- Color options
- Durable nylon material
- Tear-resistant
- Waterproof
- Breathable shoe compartment
- Extra storage area
- Convertible
- Adjustable and detachable straps
- Lightweight
Cons
- Straps a bit uncomfortable
3. MOOTO Soul Box Bag
This backpack is made from 100% polyester material that is tough and long-lasting. It comes in black color only. It can only hold few equipment and protective wear that are small. It’s not ideal for larger ones like chest and shin guards.
The back has good reinforced stitching that adds to its longevity. It’s tear-resistant and won’t wear out easily.
Pros
- Durable
- Light
- Affordable
- Reinforced stitching
- Quality material
Cons
- Small size
4. Venum Challenger Pro Backpack
It is made using 100% quality polyester material that is tear-resistant and long-lasting too. It comes in one color black but with varying colors of the Venum logo. It has a 17’ laptop storage compartment in it if you wish to bring your laptop with you.
It has one large main zip compartment to store all your equipment and protective gear to and from the gym. It also has a front pocket that has multiple storage pockets for storing things you’d rather not mix with the rest. You can adjust the shoulder straps for a better and comfy fit.
Pros
- Large storage pocket
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Good pricing
- Logo color options
- Quality material
- Tear-resistant
- Durable
- Extra storage compartments
- Laptop compartment
Cons
- Not breathable
5. Under Armor Undeniable Duffle 3.0 Gym Bag
This duffel bag is available in 21 different colors providing you with quite a range to choose from. It is made using 100% quality polyester material that doesn’t tear or wear out easily. It comes in two sizes of Small and Medium.
The bottom is abrasion resistant and the same applies to the side panels too. It has a large zipped front pocket that can fit all your gear comfortably. It has an adjustable shoulder strap that is padded for maximum comfort. The top grab handles are padded too.
There is a large meshed pocket offering ample airflow for used gear including shoes that need to be washed.
Pros
- Quality material
- Durable
- Tear-resistant
- Color varieties
- Size options
- Large zipped pocket
- Padded shoulder strap and grab handles
- Mesh pocket
Cons
- Client complain of getting used bag
6. Elite Sports Duffle Bag for MMA
The bag comes in 6 different colors and 2
sizes of medium and large. It has a large mesh pocket ideal for storing gear
that needs to be washed including used shoes. It has a dedicated shoe
compartment. The bag is machine washable, but can also be washed by hands.
It is made using heavy-duty Cordura material that is strong and not easily torn.
The shoulder strap is adjustable and padded. The handles are also padded. It
can be converted into a backpack. The bag is light and comfy to carry. It
contains several internal pockets for storing more gear and other accessories
like phones.
Pros
- Size variety
- Color options
- Quality material
- Washable
- Has a shoe compartment
- Breathable mesh
- Tear-resistant
Cons
- Stitches fall apart after some time
7. Meister Breathable Chain Mesh Duffel Bag
This bag comes in black and is a good size for carrying all your MMA gear. From its name, it’s a duffel bag that is breathable allowing ample airflow. This is crucial to prevent them from having a bad odor because of all the used clothes and shoes full of sweat.
It’s wide enough to carry most MMA gear. It has pockets with zips on both sides for extra storage space. It’s lightweight and comfortable to carry. It still compact enough to fit in your gym locker when you need to store it.
It’s made using quality 100% polyester material that is durable. The material is tear-resistant and won’t wear out easily even with long use. The handles and carrying strap are strong enough and won’t easily break when the bag is heavy.
Pros
- Good size
- Well priced
- Breathable mesh
- Durable
- Extra zipped pockets
- Strong carrying handles
- Quality material
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Lose stitching after some time
Conclusion
The importance of a good duffel bag/backpack for MMA gear cannot be downplayed. You don’t want to be the guy or girl who has to carry all their equipment by hand to and from the gym. That is very tedious work. Let this guide help you choose the most ideal bag that meets all your needs. Take some time and go through all of them picking the right one for you.
You can settle for a back pack, duffel bag or one that converts from one to the other. Choose one made from quality material and is within your budget. A good bag is wide enough to fit all your training gear leaving nothing. Ensure it’s a breathable bag because sweaty used clothes can create an odor you don’t want to imagine in your new bag!