Items that Should be in your Gym Backpack

If you've ever had to borrow something from somebody at the gym, it's because you may not be equipping your backpack as you should. Take note of these essential elements that you cannot forget when going to the gym!
Items that Should be in your Gym Backpack

Last update: 19 July, 2019

Going to the gym sounds quite simple since the important point is to train as much as possible. However, the things you carry in your backpack are also important when you go to the gym.

Some of the things you may not be prepared for include common accidents where you need an adhesive bandage, moments in which you need some sugar for more energy or even ointment for a blow.

Therefore, we want to give you a list of items that you should always try to carry with you on gym days. It’s much better to be careful than unprepared!

Essential items for your gym backpack

1. A change of clean clothes

Typically, when attending the gym, people leave their homes wearing their training clothes. Therefore, you may easily forget to put extra clothes in your backpack.

However, gym machines, exercises, and other activities can make you sweat a lot, and even become dirty. Therefore, having a change of clean clothes is essential for you to change into at the end of the training session.

2. A bottle of water

Many gyms have water dispensers or sell energy drinks. However, make sure you take your own water. Regardless of whether you usually drink energizers or shakes with protein supplements, water cannot be missing from your gym backpack.

3. Personal hygiene items

Personal hygiene items are absolutely essential to have inside your pack. The most useful thing is to designate a small toiletry bag with the following items:

  • Deodorant.
  • Dry shampoo.
  • Soap.
  • Antibacterial Gel.
  • Wet towels.
  • Sanitary wear (for women).
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste.

The best thing to do is have a toiletry bag specifically for when you go to the gym, that way you won’t forget them at home if you’re ever in a hurry.

4. Essential medical items for your gym backpack

Certain medical items should always be in your gym backpack because you’ll never know when you may need them. If you want to, you can keep them in the same toiletries kit, so you’ll always have them to hand.

The medical items that cannot be missing from your gym backpack are the following:

  • Paracetamol and ibuprofen.
  • Adhesive bandages.
  • Alcohol.
  • Scissors.
  • Cotton balls.
  • Ointment for bumps.

5. A bag

A bag may sound unusual because you already have a backpack. However, the bag can be useful for storing dirty clothes so that they don’t mix with the rest of the items you have in your pack. Also, it doesn’t take up much space, and it’s more hygienic to keep dirty laundry separate from clean.

6. Snacks

In the middle of your training session or at the end, it’s essential to supply your body with energy, which is achieved by eating food. Therefore, it’s helpful to carry nuts, cereal bars, fruit, or snacks of your choice in your backpack.

7. A small towel

You should make sure that you have a clean towel in your gym backpack at all times. Either for drying the sweat or to take a shower in the gym.

8. Headphones

Many gyms play background music to improve the environment. If the place you attend doesn’t do this or you simply prefer to listen to your own music, then headphones become a critical element to keep in your backpack.

Music is an excellent stimulant for sports performance. For this reason, headphones can give a positive spin to your performance in the gym.

Take care of your gym backpack

The most straightforward aspects can quickly become the most significant. For this reason, you should keep your gym backpack in good condition, neat, and as clean as possible. A well-equipped bag almost guarantees a good gym experience.

Once you have packed everything and you’re ready to train, you’ll notice the difference in comfort and usefulness. Then, it’ll become customary to keep your backpack in order.

In short, don’t hesitate to keep these items in your backpack; you’ll feel much more equipped each day. What you keep in your gym backpack influences your performance while training!

 


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Coyle, E. F. (2004). Fluid and fuel intake during exercise. In Journal of Sports Sciences (Vol. 22, pp. 39–55). https://doi.org/10.1080/0264041031000140545
  • McArdle, W. D., Katch, F. I., & Katch, V. L. (2010). Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance. (W D McArdle, F. I. Katch, & V. L. Katch, Eds.), 7th Edition (p. 1038). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.