What we’ll do in this article is help you choose the perfect Muay Thai gym bag for you. If you’re interested in getting the perfect bag for your needs, you’ll want to follow along with this article, as it’ll explain how to do that in a step-by-step manner that’s simple and easy to follow.
I’ve already been researching many Muay Thai gym bags before ever deciding to write this article. As a result, I know a lot about what to look for and the factors that should influence your decision. I’ll make sure to include as many insights that I’ve learned along the way, so you can keep on learning and understanding the nuances that’ll help you choose the one for you.
I’ll try to avoid making this article sound like a romantic show, although it’s fairly difficult (I’ll help you choose the one!)
Anyways, on a more serious note, it’s important to consider the ten factors that I’ll include on this list. You’ll be able to start organizing your thoughts and come to the best decision possible when it comes to your gym back. You’ll get one that’ll keep your equipment hygienic and clean.
Without further introduction, I welcome you to the first factor!
#1 – Size
The first factor we’ll review is size. This is the most important one to consider because you’ll end up unable to use the Muay Thai gym bag if it doesn’t have enough space. For instance, if you get a backpack for your fighting training, it likely won’t be able to store both the shin guards and gloves, which might be lightweight but require tons of space.
Consider the size of the bag and make sure it can accommodate all your training gear, such as gloves, shin guards, hand wraps, a mouthguard, etc. A medium-sized bag is generally sufficient for most practitioners.
I would recommend going with a duffle bag, as they’re the biggest in size. Some brands even show what you can put inside the gym bag in a video. They typically show getting gloves and shin guards inside, so you’ll know it works.
#2 – Compartments and organization
Look for a bag with multiple compartments and pockets to keep your items organized. This will help you access your gear easily and prevent it from getting mixed up.
This is ultra important in Muay Thai. Pay close attention now because this is important. I’m about to present the number one mistake you can make with storing your gear. After my typical Muay Thai gym, I would be so tired, sweaty, and hurt, that I wouldn’t care too much for storing my gear properly.
As a result, the velcro of my hand wraps would get so wet from sweat that it would ruin much, much quicker. Likewise, my entire bag had the worst smell ever.
The mistake I made is not dividing the equipment into compartments. That’s another reason why getting a duffle bag is your best bet. The last thing you want to happen is for everything to mix and for the sweat to flow from one place to another.
#3 – Durability
Muay Thai gear can be heavy and put a lot of toll onto the bag, so you want a bag made from durable materials like heavy-duty nylon or canvas. Reinforced stitching and strong zippers are essential to ensure the bag can withstand the rigors of regular use.
Before you buy the gym bag, consider whether it’s durable. If it’s not, consider another one.
I wrote an article on the best Muay Thai gym bags, and all the bags I list provide all the factors in this article at a high-level, so I recommend reading it if you’re interested in getting the best ones on the market.
Here’s my favorite one!
Fairtex Muay Thai Gym Bag
#4 – Ventilation
Next up, let’s review how we can get rid of the smell that your gear will spread anywhere you go. This smell of sweat and sometimes other things can be awful. Try to step into a Muay Thai gym after an intense class, and you’ll smell precisely the same thing, which is, once again, awful.
After intense training sessions, your gear might get sweaty and smelly. A bag with ventilation features, such as mesh panels, can help air out your equipment and reduce odors.
This is important if you hate icky smells as much as I do. Therefore, getting a Muay Thai gym bag with mesh panels can be an excellent solution.
#5 – Comfortable straps and handles
You’ll know whether you have a high-quality bag or not when you need to carry it on your back. Comfort is one of the most important factors when deciding which Muay Thai gym bag you want to buy. As a result, you want to ensure the one you’re buying has either shoulder straps or handles, which will make it easier to transport.
Opt for a bag with padded and adjustable shoulder straps, as well as comfortable carry handles. This will make it easier to carry the bag over your shoulder or in your hand.
You’ll know a particular gym bag is high-quality when it has padded shoulder straps. Not many of them have that, so you’ll know that those that do provide more value than the rest!
#6 – Water-resistant or waterproof
Muay Thai gyms can sometimes be in outdoor or wet environments. Having a water-resistant or waterproof bag will help protect your gear during rain or any accidental spills.
While I worry less about rain (because I live in a hot place), you might be more worried about that, as you might live in a place where it rains more often. If that’s the case, look for a Muay Thai gym bag that provides water resistance of any type.
If you’re unfamiliar with the terminology, water-resistant isn’t 100% protected against water, but it provides a decent level of protection, while waterproof means it can be drowned in a river and the bag’s contents will not be wet at all.
Understand this difference and look for these terms in your considerations.
#7 – Brand and reviews
Look for reputable brands that are known for producing high-quality sports bags. Read online reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the bag’s performance and durability from other users.
Here are my favorite brands to buy Muay Thai gear from (which also make gym bags):
- Fairtex
- Hayabusa
- Sanabul
- Elite Sports
- Meister
- Under Armour
The way customers react to the bag they got is one of the best indicators of whether the product is high-quality. Likewise, look for reviews that a customer wrote after a few weeks or months of having and using this product. They’ll serve as your most accurate indicators.
#8 – Design and style
The next factor is what I believe to be one of the most important factors on this list. When you’re choosing a Muay Thai gym bag, you’ll now be looking at all these factors and consider whether the product you’re viewing checks them all out. However, there’s one more thing you need to worry about.
Choose a bag that suits your personal style and preferences. While functionality is essential, it’s also nice to have a bag that you find visually appealing.
I believe it’s more important to have a nice-looking gym bag that YOU like than getting another one that you dislike but is of high quality. Enjoying your gear and being proud of it will make you more motivated and likely to remain consistent in your training.
So consider the style. Here’s the one which style I like most!
Hayabusa Muay Thai Duffle Bag
#9 – Budget
We have two more factors to cover! I hope you’ve written all the other ones we’ve reviewed in this article down somewhere, so you can remember what to look for and what to consider in your future bag.
The next factor we’ll review is going to be your budget. You want to set a budget before you start shopping and try to find a bag that fits within your price range while still meeting your needs. If your budget is too low for any good gym bags out there, consider raising it.
That said, you can usually find Muay Thai gym bags for under $25, which is very low!
#10 – Test it out if possible
If you have the opportunity, visit a store and physically examine the bags you’re interested in. Test the zippers, straps, and check if it’s comfortable to carry. This hands-on approach can help you make a more informed decision.
Testing your product physically can be more difficult to achieve than it sounds. You might need to visit a local shop and look for the specific item, which will definitely give you trouble.
If it’s too much of a hassle for you, then skip this step entirely.
Final Words
These are the ten factors you want to consider when you’re choosing the Muay Thai gym bag you’ll eventually buy. While there are many options out there, I’m optimistic that you can narrow down your prospect lists to 1-3 suitable bags.
And again, I’ve already done the research for you and have come up with the five best Muay Thai gym bags that provide everything on a really high level. You can read about Muay Thai’s best gym bags by following this link!
Here are other articles you’ll benefit from reading:
Best Muay Thai Supplements: For Performance and Recovery
The Perfect Muay Thai Diet Plan for Professional Fighters
The 5 Best Focus Mitts for Muay Thai – Train Effectively