Best Swim Bag  

Gone are the days of swimming when all you needed was your swimsuit, a cap, and a pair of goggles. Now we have fins, paddles, pull buoys, kickboards, swim snorkels, and all the rest, so we need a great bag to carry it all around in.

Swim bags have come a long way from the ordinary sports duffel bags of the past. Today, you have a super choice of all kinds of swim bags to keep your gear together and safe from funky backpacks and cool sling bags to spacious duffels and water-friendly mesh bags for your gear.

Before we take a look at some of the best swim bags on the market, here are a few aspects to keep in mind when you are shopping for a new swim bag.

Cool backpacks are one of the types of swim bags available today. Swim bag by Rachel Gonzales / Flickr / (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

How to Choose a Swim Bag

Swim bags are an essential part of a swimmer’s life as they keep all your equipment together, offer plenty of space for clothing and towels, and provide storage for all your essential accessories like caps, goggles, water bottles, and food.

There is an array of swim bags on the market that come in different shapes and sizes and cater specifically to aquatic athletes like swimmers, water polo players, and divers. Let’s take a look at the differences between various swim bag styles and how to choose the one that is right for you.

Backpacks

Swim backpacks have grown in popularity over the past decade and are now a favorite in the swimming community. Specially designed swim backpacks from major players like Speedo®, TYR®, and Arena® are not only functional and good-looking, but they are also status symbols on the pool deck. Swimmers who carry one of the backpacks label themselves as being proud aquatic athletes.

Swim backpacks differ from duffel bags in that they can easily be carried on your back and offer hands-free convenience. They are bigger than traditional school backpacks and are spacious enough to hold all your swim gear, as well as towels, clothing, and shower accessories.

They have side and mesh pockets where wet gear can be stored and aired to prevent mildew growth, and they are made from waterproof materials to keep the contents dry on the pool deck. Many swimmers decorate their backpacks with keyrings, ribbons, and patches to personalize them.

Many swimmers decorate their backpacks with keyrings, ribbons, and patches to personalize them. Swim backpack by CLF / Flickr / (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Duffel Bags

Duffel bags are traditional sports bags and preferred by swimmers who have back or shoulder issues or want more space than a backpack can provide. Swim duffels are designed for the pool deck and are made from waterproof materials and usually have rubberized bottoms to keep the contents of the bag dry.

A large middle compartment provides plenty of space for clothing, towels, and swim gear, while smaller pockets on the ends are ideal for smaller gear like caps, goggles, and shower accessories. Mesh or ventilated pockets help air out wet swim gear and prevent mildew growth.

Swim duffels are designed for the pool deck and are made from waterproof materials. 

Mesh Bags

Many swimmers use mesh bags for storing their equipment and for easy access on the pool deck. Mesh bags are great for keeping your swim gear separate from your clothing and towels and they are ideal for keeping your equipment together on the pool deck. Mesh bags come in traditional drawstring design, as well as backpack styles, and allow equipment to dry quickly after a workout.

Mesh bags are great for keeping your swim gear separate from your clothing and towels. My swim gear by Ben Dominguez-Benner / Flickr / (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Best Swim Bag

Now that we know the kind of swim bags are out there, let’s take a look at the best swim bags on the market.

Swim Backpacks

Swim backpacks are bigger than traditional school backpacks, are spacious enough to hold all your swim gear, as well as towels, clothing, and shower accessories, and can easily be carried on your back with hands-free convenience.

Here are some of my favorite swim backpacks:

BEST OVERALL: Arena Team 45 Swimming Backpack

The Arena Team 45 Swimming Backpack has been a personal favorite of mine since they launched. It has an impressive 45L storage capability and some super cool designs and colors. It fits absolutely everything in it with ease and it is very comfortable to wear.

The bag features a large main compartment that can be opened from the front and the top of the bag. It also has two side zipper pockets that are ideal for accessories like goggles and caps, and two sides mesh pockets for wet gear. The entire bag is made from 100% quality polyester and has a waterproof and abrasion-resistant, reinforced bottom that is super tough and durable.

The inside of the bag has a separate waterproof compartment for wet swimsuits and towels and a mesh ventilated back and high-grade straps promise a comfortable fit when wearing. The swim bag has high-quality YKK-zippers which are easy to use, rust-proof, and durable. High-quality, adjustable shoulder straps allow you to adjust the bag for a perfect, personalized fit.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 45L

Material: 100% reinforced Polyester

Straps: Adjustable, high-grade straps

Side Pockets: Yes

Mesh Pocket: Yes

Colors: Multiple colors and design options

No products found.

Arena Fastpack 2.2 Swim Bag

The Arena Fastpack 2.2 Swim Bag is a stylish-looking backpack with a beautiful design, sturdy construction, and some excellent features. Designed from high-quality, waterproof fabrics, the swim bag is reinforced for extra durability and for protecting your swim gear and other contents of your bag.

Made from 100% polyester, the backpack has a large main compartment, a bottom compartment for wet gear and shows, mesh side pockets, and a front compartment that is divided into two sections for shower gear and accessories. There is also a small pocket on the top of the bag for small accessories.

The bag has super comfortable, adjustable padded straps that allow you to adjust the bag for a comfortable, snug fit. It also features a carabiner that allows you to attach your bag on a hook by the pool or in the locker room or hang wet swimsuits off it to dry.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 40L

Material: 100% reinforced Polyester

Straps: Adjustable, padded high-grade straps

Side Pockets: Yes

Mesh Pocket: Yes

Colors: Multiple colors and design options

No products found.

Speedo Large Teamster Swimming Backpack

The Speedo Large Teamster Backpack is a fantastic swim bag with a high-quality design and sturdy structure and comes in funky colors and designs. The backpack is available in three sizes: 25L, 35L, and 40L and is loaded with amazing features, as well as ample space for all your swim gear.

Designed and constructed with durable and abrasion-resistant exterior fabric, the Speedo Large Teamster swim bag is super-waterproof and long-lasting. It has a large main compartment for all your swim gear, clothing, and towels and several small and side pockets for accessories.

One of my favorite features of this backpack is the removable interior bleacher seat. You simply pop this out of the bag to sit on if you want a comfortable and dry seat on the pool deck or the stands. Another great removable feature is the dry bag, which can be used to keep wet costumes and caps in. This little bag can be clipped onto the outside of the backpack to keep the rest of your gear dry inside the bag. High-quality, adjustable shoulder straps allow you to adjust the bag for a perfect, personalized fit.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 25L / 35L / 40L

Material: Abrasion-resistant and waterproof fabric

Straps: Adjustable, high-grade straps

Side Pockets: Yes

Mesh Pocket: Yes

Colors: Multiple colors and design options

Extras: Removable bleacher seat and dry bag

No products found.

TYR Alliance Swimming Backpack

The TYR Alliance Swimming Backpack is a sleek and stylish swim bag with a functional design that is available in 30L and 45L options. Made from 100% water-resistant Polyester, the backpack is sturdy and super durable and provides plenty of space without looking bulky.

The backpack has a large main compartment for storing clothing, towels, and swim gear, as well as multiple front and side pockets for accessories, shower gear, water bottles, and more. It has an expandable mesh pocket for wet gear, swimsuits, and caps, and a protective storage compartment for electronics and valuables.

The outside of the bag has several clips for hanging wet swimsuits so you can keep your other gear dry, and the back of the bag has super comfy, compression-molded back padding which adds lumbar support and makes the backpack very comfortable to wear. High-quality, adjustable shoulder straps allow you to adjust the bag for a perfect, personalized fit.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 30L / 40L

Material: 100% reinforced water-resistant Polyester

Straps: Adjustable, high-grade straps

Side Pockets: Yes

Mesh Pocket: Yes

Colors: Multiple color options

No products found.

Funky Trunks Elite Squad Backpack

The Funky Trunks Elite Squad Backpack is another great swim bag for the swimmer who wants a spacious bag with lots of storage and lots of additional pockets for accessories. The bag has a separate mesh compartment for wet swimsuits and caps, and it has a cooler bag pocket for keeping water bottles and snacks cool.

This swim backpack offers 36-liters of storage space in the main compartment and has a comfortable padded back panel and high-quality, adjustable shoulder straps for a comfortable, personalized fit. The bag is made from waterproof material to keep the contents dry and make it a long-lasting purchase.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 36L

Material:

Straps: Adjustable, high-grade straps

Side Pockets: Yes

Mesh Pocket: Yes

Colors: Multiple color options

No products found.

FINIS Swim Rival Swim Backpack

The FINIS Swim Rival Swim Backpack is a neat-looking bag with many great features built into its durable and sturdy design. Manufactured from high-quality fabrics, the swimming backpack has a large main compartment for storing your swimming gear and accessories. There are also several sides and smaller ones, including an adjustable side pocket for your water bottle, and an easy access pocket at the front for shower gear.

One of the cool features of this swim bag is an inner sleeve where you can store your kickboard or a laptop. The bag has a waterproof and abrasion-resistant, reinforced bottom that is super tough and durable and high-quality YKK-zippers that are easy to use, rust-proof, and durable. High-quality, adjustable shoulder straps allow you to adjust the bag for a perfect, personalized fit.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 35L

Material: High quality, waterproof fabric

Straps: Adjustable, high-grade straps

Side Pockets: Yes

Mesh Pocket: Yes

Colors: Multiple color options

Extras: Inner sleeve for kickboard or laptop

No products found.

Arena Spiky 2 Swimming Bag

Another amazing swim backpack from world-renowned swim gear brand, Arena, the Arena Spiky 2 Swimming Bag is a sturdy and durable swim bag with some great built-in features. The bag has 45 liters of storage for swim gear, clothing, towels, and swim accessories, as well as water bottles, snacks, and whatever else you need on the pool deck.

The bag features a large main compartment that can be opened from the front and the top of the bag. It also has two side zipper pockets that are ideal for accessories like goggles and caps and two side pockets. The bag is made from 60% nylon, 40% polyester and has a waterproof and abrasion-resistant, reinforced bottom for wet gear and shoes that is super tough and durable.

The Arena Spiky 2 has high-quality YKK-zippers which are easy to use, rust-proof, and durable and high-quality, adjustable shoulder straps that allow you to adjust the bag for a perfect, personalized fit.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 45L

Material: High quality, 60% nylon, 40% polyester

Straps: Adjustable, high-grade straps

Side Pockets: Yes

Mesh Pocket: Yes

Colors: Multiple color options

No products found.

Swim Duffle Bags

Duffel bags are traditional sports bags and preferred by swimmers who have back or shoulder issues or want more space than a backpack can provide. Swim duffels are designed for the pool deck and are made from waterproof materials and usually have rubberized bottoms to keep the contents of the bag dry.

Here are my top picks of swimming duffel bags:

BEST OVERALL: Arena Team 40L Sports Duffle Bag

The Arena Team 40L Sports Duffle Bag is a spacious and versatile swim bag with a sleek, rounded shape and a removable shoulder strap. It has a large main compartment that is lined and can hold all your swim gear, clothing and towels, and a separate swim bag for wet garments.

Made from 100% polyester, the bag has two inner pockets for keeping valuables safe, a front zip pocket, and an outer pocket for accessories. In addition to the removable shoulder strap, it has a top and side handle for carrying by hand and is available in a range of both bright and neutral colors.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 45L

Material: 100% polyester

Straps: Removable shoulder straps, side strap, and top strap

Side Pockets: Yes

Mesh Pocket: No

Colors: Bright and neutral colors

Extras: Removable inner bag for wet gear

No products found.

Arena Spiky 2 Bag for Swimming Equipment

Made from 60% nylon and 40% polyester, the Arena Spiky 2 Bag for Swimming Equipment is a fantastic bag for keeping your swimming gear and towels safe and dry. Bright and chunky, this rectangular-shaped bag has a large ventilated main compartment with mesh lining that offers plenty of space for all your gear from kickboards, paddles, and fins to snorkels, pull buoys, and more.

The bag has two compartments for storing both dry clothing and wet gear and has adjustable, anti-slip shoulder straps and padded handles that make carrying the bag super comfortable. There are multiple pockets inside the bag for storing accessories and valuables, and large exterior pockets for water bottles and other gear. An abrasion-resistant and waterproof bottom make the bag super durable and the bright pink and black hues of the bag will no doubt turn heads on the pool deck.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 25L

Material: Made from 60% nylon and 40% polyester

Straps: Adjustable, anti-slip shoulder straps and padded handles

Side Pockets: Yes

Colors: Black and Pink

No products found.

Arena FAST Swim Duffle Bag

The Arena FAST duffle bag is a smart carry-all for swimmers with a spacious main compartment for stashing swimming gear, towels, and clothing, and a roomy side pocket for wet gear and shoes. It has a large opening so you can fit everything into the bag without having to squash it in, and a removable inner bag for drying out.

The duffel is made from a lightweight rip-stop fabric with an extra sturdy zip and features two soft shoulder straps that make it comfortable to carry. It has high-quality YKK-zippers which are easy to use, rust-proof and durable, and high-quality, and is available in black.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 45L

Material: Lightweight rip-stop fabric

Straps: Two soft shoulder straps

Side Pockets: Yes

Mesh Pocket: No

Colors: Black

Extras: Removable inner bag

No products found.

Speedo Ventilator Duffle Bag

The Speedo Ventilator Duffle Bag is practical and lightweight and perfect for use around the pool. Made from hydrophobic and high-abrasion mesh materials, the bag is quick-drying, super durable, and has a removable padded shoulder strap for easy hands-free carrying. An abrasion-resistant and waterproof bottom makes the bag durable and tough.

The duffle bag has a large main compartment for storing gear, clothing, and towels, and a side mesh pocket for wet gear and swimsuits. The swim bag has high-quality YKK-zippers which are easy to use, rust-proof, and durable, and two top handles make it easy to carry by hand. The open weave mesh construction of the bag allows you to submerge the entire bag and wash it or rinse the contents and it is available in multiple colors.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 38L

Material: Hydrophobic and high-abrasion mesh materials

Straps: Removable padded shoulder strap and two top handles

Side Pockets: Yes

Mesh Pocket: Yes

Colors: Multiple color options

No products found.

TYR Elite Team Gym Duffle

The TYR Elite Team Gym Duffle bag is sleek and stylish and water-resistant and a great bag for taking on the pool deck and storing gear. Made from state-of-the-art fabric that is both water and damage-resistant, the dual-purpose gym and swim bag has an expandable top sleeve and two ventilated expandable side pockets to store ample gear, clothing and towels, and smaller accessories.

Boasting an abrasion-resistant and waterproof bottom, this great-looking and functional bag has leak-proof zippers to keep the contents dry, and adjustable, anti-slip shoulder straps, and padded handles that make carrying the bag super comfortable to carry.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 43L

Material: Hydrophobic and high-abrasion mesh materials

Straps: Removable padded shoulder strap and two top handles

Side Pockets: Yes

Mesh Pocket: Yes

Colors: Black

No products found.

Best Swimming Mesh Bags

Mesh bags are great for keeping your swim gear separate from your clothing and towels and they are ideal for keeping your equipment together on the pool deck. Here are some fantastic mesh swim bags to brighten up the pool deck and keep your gear in one place.

BEST OVERALL: TYR Big Mesh Mummy Swim Bag

The TYR Big Mesh Mummy Swim bag is the mother of all mesh bags – it has a place for everything! It has a large mesh compartment for all your big gear like kickboards, fins, and pull buoys, and a smaller zipper pocket on the front for smaller accessories like your caps, nose clips, and goggles. It also has a drawstring mesh pocket for a water bottle which is super convenient.

The mesh bag is a drawstring bag with a barrel-lock closure and is very easy to adjust, open and close. It also has a comfortable pair of shoulder straps that allow you to carry your mesh bag of gear on your back. One of the features I loved about this mesh swim bag is that it is available in a range of amazing designs and funky colors.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 40L

Material:  100% polyester fabric

Straps: Two shoulder straps

Additional Pockets: Yes

Colors: Multiple color options

No products found.

Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Bag

The Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Bag is another fantastic bag for storing all your gear for easy access on the pool deck. This bag has a crossbreed design that combines a mesh bag and a swimming backpack which give it a unique and stylish look. It is made from open mesh-weave fabric which is quick-drying – simply hang the bag up after your workout for it to air-dry.

The Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Bag has a storage capacity of 35L, providing plenty of space for all your gear, while at the same time keeping it all in one place on deck. This swim bag also has shoulder straps for hands-free carrying and is available in a wide range of colors.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 35L

Material:  Open mesh-weave fabric

Straps: Two shoulder straps

Additional Pockets: Yes

Colors: Multiple color options

No products found.

Speedo Ventilator Mesh Bag

The Speedo Ventilator Mesh Bag is a smaller, simpler version of the Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Bag but offers the same function of storing your swimming gear – just without all the bells and whistles. Made from high-grade polyester in a basic mesh design, this mesh bag has a single shoulder strap that also acts as an adjustable drawstring closure. It also has one zipper pocket on the exterior of the mesh bag for accessories like caps, goggles, and nose clips.

The Speedo Ventilator Mesh Bag is a good swimming bag for storing gear if you want to place it into your main swim bag and it’s ideal for keeping all your kit together on the pool deck during your workout. It’s available in a range of bright and cheerful colors.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 35L

Material:  Open mesh-weave fabric

Straps: Single shoulder strap with adjustable drawstring closure

Additional Pockets: Yes

Colors: Multiple color options

No products found.

Arena Swim Gear Drawstring Swim Bag

The Arena Swim Gear Drawstring Swim Bag is another simply designed mesh bag for storing your swim equipment both on and off the pool deck. It is made from strong nylon mesh material which is quick-drying for after your workouts and is large enough to keep everything from kickboards to pull buoys.

It has a single shoulder strap with adjustable drawstring closure with a 12-foot drop and a hook at the top of the bag for hanging in the changing room after your swim session. The straps can be worn over one shoulder or in a backpack style and the bag has a neat little name tag at the bottom.

Swim Bag Specifications:

Size: 40L

Material:  Open mesh-weave fabric

Straps: Single shoulder strap with adjustable drawstring closure

Additional Pockets: No

Colors: Multiple color options

No products found.

Final Thoughts

A swim bag may be an expensive purchase, but a bag designed specifically for swimmers is a great investment and you won’t regret it. Designed to keep your gear organized and in one place, dry, and protected, a good swim bag is an essential part of your swimming life and will make your life on the pool deck that much easier.

Happy swimming!