While we're familiar with the saying, "If you still look great after your workout, you didn't try hard enough," there's no reason this rule has to apply to your gym bag. 

The ideal gym bag will look different for everybody. But whether you're a gym rat or a pickleball lover, we have tips for finding and packing the perfect bag for any activity. 

What type of gym bag should you pack your gear in? 

How far will you travel? Will a tote bag comfortably get you from A to B? Should you pack separate athletic duffle bags for different sports? 

In a sea of workout bag styles and sizes, there's no one-size-fits-all recreational bag for everyone. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind when shopping for your perfect athletic bag. 

Athletic bag compartments

Everybody knows that pockets are important. Most modern bags now feature handy compartments to separate and organize your gym gear. But your bag's functionality should match what you need, with no wasted space. 

The Away Courtside Tote has side pockets ideal for quickly grabbing a snack or water bottle. This convenient new design also boasts a slip pocket for your racket or pickleball paddle. With the padded laptop compartment and interior zipper pocket, the Courtside Tote and the Courtside Everywhere Bag offer you options that go from court to cubicle. 

These versatile features make these bags perfect for double-duty as a travel or work bag. So no one will blame you if you want to show all your friends, "Look! It has pockets!"

‍

Gym bag size + dimensions

Size matters, especially when determining what gear you need to pack. Do you require multiple pickleball paddle options? Do you need a larger bag to double as a flight carry-on after your morning workout? 

Although you want to comfortably fit everything in your bag, there is such a thing as too big. Consider airline size restrictions if you also use your bag for air travel. Plus, a small gym bag is easier to clean, carry, and stow. 

Adjustability

Is it important for you to be able to modify the bag's design? Will you want to adjust the straps to suit your body shape for supportive carrying? 

If you carry a heavier load in your gym bag, you may also prefer padded shoulder straps or removable straps so you can carry your bag in different ways. Our Courtside Everywhere Zip Backpack gives you all the options you need for carrying comfort. 

Durability

A good recreational bag should last a long time and withstand heavy usage — like being tossed in the car, onto the court, or into a locker — all while protecting your belongings.

Look for a quality athletic bag with features like reinforced handles or straps and sturdy zippers. Choose strong materials like canvas or polyester, which you'll find in our durable Outdoor Backpack 26L. And if you regularly play sports in damp conditions, get a bag that withstands the elements. Our Outdoor bags are all water resistant, so they're great for recreational activities in all weather.

‍

‍

Pack it up: Tips for packing your athletic bag

Having your recreational bag packed and ready to go means one less thing to think about when dashing out the door. But what the heck should you keep in there? 

• Water bottle: When putting your body through its paces, a sturdy, reusable water bottle is your best friend. 
• Workout clothes: When things get sweaty in the summer, pack some extra clothing — a second pair of socks, a spare tee, or clean intimates.
• Sneakers: Even if they need airing out, get your favorite exercise shoes back in your gym or pickleball bag as soon as possible so you don't forget them later. There's nothing like running the court in your socks to make you regret leaving your shoes behind.
• Toiletries: If you prefer showering at the gym, keep essentials like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and deodorant packed in your bag.
• Snacks: Hanger is your workout enemy, so keep the calories coming and replenish your athletic bag with healthy snacks.
• Towel: Maybe it's a sweat-catcher, or maybe you prefer your own laundry to gym towels, but every gym bag needs a towel. 
• Headphones: If you need a little "8 Mile" in your ears to help you pump iron, don't leave home without headphones.

Pickleball totes vs. backpacks 

You'll find pickleball bags in many forms, but what's the best way to transport your vital gear? Is a tote bag or a gym bag backpack better suited for the job? Let's explore your options. 

A tote bag: 

• Can quickly be picked up and slung over the shoulder
• Often has an easily accessible main compartment
• Is usually a small gym bag, more compact than an athletic duffle bag

Check out the Away Courtside Tote, a pickleball tote bag designed with racket sports in mind. It comes with side pockets for pickleballs and a slip pocket for a pickleball paddle. 

Pickleball backpacks, on the other hand: 

• Will distribute weight evenly across your shoulders and back
• Often have adjustable straps, helping your gear feel lighter
• Ideal for players who walk or bike to the court

The Courtside Everywhere Zip Backpack is a great example. It's water-resistant, features a large pocket (with enough space for a pickleball paddle), and has additional pockets for storing water bottles and other essentials. 

Tips for flying with athletic gear

Planning to travel on a plane with your gym bag? Larger sports equipment like tennis rackets don't usually fit within the size limits for carry-on luggage. Check with the airline before flying to determine if your racket will fit diagonally in the overhead bin. Although we're not sure we'd chance it — your sports equipment might get damaged if space gets tight! 

If you check your pickleball paddle bag with checked baggage, most airlines treat tennis rackets or pickleball paddles as standard sports equipment. This means that as long as they're within the baggage size and weight limits for that airline, you won't face additional handling fees. Happy days! 

‍

The best pickleball vacations for avid players

To exercise or not to exercise on vacation? Some people prefer to fully relax on holiday while others crave the benefits of a good workout, wherever they are in the world. And then, of course, there's always the option to make exercising the goal of your vacation.

Because it's easy to learn, highly social, and less physically demanding than tennis, pickleball has boomed in popularity in the last few years. So why not book a pickleball vacation?

Here are regions with some of the best pickleball vacations in the U.S.:

• Southern California
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Central Florida
• Phoenix, Arizona

As pickleball fever spreads, other countries are starting to host pickleball vacations. With even more reasons to find a durable, quality Away travel bag that fits your summer sports needs, explore our new Courtside Collection before they're all gone!

‍