When going to the gym becomes a regular part of your schedule, owning a CrossFit backpack to carry all your workout gear becomes essential. How do you know what to look for while buying one? This article shows you the various factors to be considered when purchasing a CrossFit backpack.

1. Size

What goes in this CrossFit backpack? On average, you want your backpack to be able to contain your dirty workout clothes, a towel and basic toiletries, your workout shoes, your water bottle, a shaker and maybe even a pre and/or post-workout meal. Pockets meant for bottles, umbrellas, and shoes should be expandable so as to secure items of various shapes and sizes. Make sure you find a backpack that can carry all your essentials so you are not left struggling with extra items in your hands!

2. Organization and Compartmentalization ability

If you are the kind of person that enjoys a good sweat before going into work, you will definitely want to make sure the bag you put your dirty towel and laundry does not mix with your post-workout outfit! Find a CrossFit backpack that has spacious and well-separated compartments for all your essentials. Some backpacks come with removable compartments for shoes or laundry which can really come in handy when attempting to separate your sweaty clothes from your crisp, washed linens.

3. The Material

The material of your CrossFit backpack is very important. A gym bag is an investment.

– You want to be able to get something that is durable enough to withstand wear and tear. You do not want to find yourself spending a fortune replacing cheap bags made of sub-par material. A backpack with a nylon exterior and a poly-lining interior is an excellent choice.

– Your gym bag will store sweaty clothes and dirty shoes. It is, therefore, necessary to opt for a gym bag that is easy to wipe clean or even throw in the machine with your laundry.

– A breathable, vented micro bacterial material is most suitable for the compartments designated to laundry and shoes.

– The pockets for your more fragile and valuable items should have safe enclosures and soft felt lining to prevent damage.

– Handles and straps should have sufficient padding so that it is not painful to carry around from one place to the next.

4. Ergonomics

How efficiently does your CrossFit backpack make you?

– Do you carry your bag all the way to the gym? You may want to opt for a double strapped backpack that evenly distributes the weight of the bag between your shoulders. This prevents you from sore neck and shoulder muscles and also gives you better posture!

– If you drive to the gym, you can invest in a duffle bag that you can simply through into the back of your car.

5. Aesthetics

Your backpack should be a looker. When you like the way your bag looks, it will motivate you to put it to use at the gym and show it off.

– Try sticking to darker colored backpacks since they do not stain as easily as brighter colored bags. If you like bold colors, opt for an overall darker shade with a pop of color. Try to maintain a darker tone for the laundry and workout shoe compartments since these areas are most prone to stain and dirt buildup.

– If your workout clothes stay within darker colors, a bright interior lining can really help you see the items in your bag without it all being engulfed in a sea of dark linen.

6. Functionality

When you make an investment, you want to make sure you get the best out of it. While some like sportier bags, others go for something a little more multifunctional. Backpacks with smaller pockets, zippers and secure enclosures for your phone, wallet, keys, earphones and even a laptop really go the extra mile in proving to be multipurpose, be it for your workouts or for work!

At the end of the day, your CrossFit backpack should be large enough to accommodate all your gear in an organized, compartmentalized fashion, without it being too bulky so as to create a hassle carrying around. Your purchase is a statement of your character so choose something that screams your personality.