Best BJJ Gear Bags (2023) – Backpacks & Duffel Bags

Shorts are an essential piece of MMA training equipment and one of the first things you'll need. They let you kick high without obstruction, roll around freely, and won't stick to your skin once you are dripping with sweat, something that you can't say for general fitness clothing. But how to choose out of all the styles, models, and designs? We are here to help you narrow your choice and eliminate possible confusion.

Best BJJ Backpack

Revgear Travel Locker XL “The Beast” Backpack

The middle compartment is the largest and holds 3 gis and more. Their video does it more justice than my written word:

I put the claim of fitting 3 gis and more to the test and packed 3 of my A3-sized Gi’s, my rash guard, and shorts with plenty of room for drink bottles, a towel, and a change of clothes. I can still fit my laptop in the back compartment.

Most importantly, the straps and back are padded with a large backpack, so it doesn't dig into you when you are lugging your heavy BJJ bag to the gym. Some extra features include a waterproof side pocket for your drink bottle and a small top compartment for your phone with a headphone socket.

The material of the bag is thick and sturdy. I've had cheap bags that feel like thin rain jacket material that can easily rip. The Revgear Travel Locker XL Bag is different. Further, the zips are thick and high quality, so you can be sure they don't break with heavy use.

One feature this bag does not have is a special compartment for wet and sweaty BJJ gear. In my opinion, this isn't a deal breaker, as I don't want to put sweaty clothes back in my bag anyway! I throw them on the car floor for the drive home.

If you take public transport, this could be a problem. But since this is your BJJ gym bag, you can always reserve another pocket for your sweaty gear as you travel home.

This is one of those bags you take on as an airplane carry-on so you can pack your entire week into the bag. You can read my full in-depth breakdown in my Revgear Travel Locker XL Backpack review.

Best BJJ Duffel Bag

Revgear Transformer Duffel Bag/Backpack

The first thing you’ll notice is the thickness of the heavy-duty zip. I love this, as thin zips on large bags like this break easily. It also has breathable mesh pockets on the side where you can put sweaty BJJ gear.

The material is heavy-duty nylon, and you can feel it's a sturdy bag. Outside of the backpack straps, there is a single over-the-shoulder strap to carry it like a duffel bag. You can detach this if you want to keep it as a backpack.

To show you how big this duffel bag is, I loaded 3 of my A3-sized Gi’s, my rash guard, and shorts.

There's still plenty of room for other gear you'd want to fit. Not to mention you probably won't be taking three Gis to the gym.

Best Budget BJJ Backpack

Elite Sports Expandable Backpack

While it doesn’t have a pocket for dirty, sweaty gear, it is covered in breathable mesh to air your gear out. Further, you can make the backpack bigger by turning it into a duffel bag. You’ve also got large air vent holes at the bottom of the bag for further ventilation.

You have multiple pockets with two side pockets for loose items and a top compartment for your wallet and keys. The shoulder straps are detachable and can be zipped away when using the duffel option, or you can keep them out as a backpack.

Best Budget BJJ Duffel Bag

Elite Sports Warrior Series BJJ Duffel Bag

It is made from heavy-duty polyester with quality zips and stitching. You can fit your BJJ gear and most of your MMA or striking gear if you need it all in one bag. It has a separate breathable dirty gear compartment for your sweaty clothes. Still, it doesn't have breathable mesh around the main pocket as their backpack does.

You have multiple pockets on the sides for extra bits and pieces. Overall, it is the best budget BJJ duffel bag because of these features and size.

Runner Up Best Budget BJJ Duffel Bag

XMartial BJJ Training Bag

However, you are not getting the quality or features of the previous two bags in this review. It is made of canvas material with one main pocket.

The handles are made from breathable mesh, and the shoulder strap is like a lightweight seat belt. It is much smaller than the Revgear duffle bag, so I tested what it can fit.

This bag had an A3 gi, rash guard, and shorts. It still has room for a towel and a change of clothes. If you are doing MMA or a striking art with your BJJ training, then you won’t be able to fit gloves and shin guards in this bag.

But if you're using this only to hold your BJJ gear, it's more than big enough. One bonus is it comes with a free laundry bag, so you don’t have to mix sweaty gear in your bag.

Other BJJ Bags Worth Mentioning

Gold BJJ Randori Duffel Bag

It's made from quality waterproof polyester, and you can feel it is durable in your hands. The zips and stitching are well put together, so this bag will last. The adjustable shoulder strap means you can make it longer or shorter, depending on your preference.

It also has a sweaty gear compartment to fit your gi, rash guard, and shorts after training away from your clean clothes.

Gold BJJ Backpack

If you're lazy like me and don't want your gi folded perfectly every time before or after training, it's difficult to stuff in there. However, a large wet gear compartment is at the bottom to put your training gear in.

This leaves the main pocket open for other clothing, work, or school gear. Outside of space issues, the bag is well put together. It’s made from strong nylon with high-quality zips and stitching. I really like this backpack, and it would be my staple bag if it were bigger.

Twister BJJ Duffel Bag

Then again, you get what you pay for. Other than this, the inside is very spacious. You can fit your rash guard, shorts, gi, and shower gear without worrying about filling the entire bag. Further, it can be transformed into a backpack for easy carrying. If budget is a concern, the Twister Duffel Bag is an option to consider.

How To Pick The Best BJJ Bag

Size

The most apparent feature of a BJJ bag is size. Especially if you're lugging your Gi, a change of clothes, and shower essentials. It becomes even more important if you're going straight from work or studying, where you have your BJJ gear and work mixed into one bag.

The bags on this list are large enough to hold all your training gear and anything else you need that day. Further, if you are more than a BJJ practitioner and dabble in striking arts, you’ll need the space to hold your gloves, headgear, shin guards, and other equipment.

Quality Materials & Zips

You want a bag made from heavy-duty material that isn't going to rip and with zips that aren't going to come apart when you accidentally pull too hard. I’ve had bags made of thin material you feel you can tear with your hands.

Further, the zips are thin and flimsy, so you know if you fill the bag too full and tug on the zip, something will break. Go with well-put-together BJJ bags like the ones on this list.

Wet & Sweaty Gear Compartment

This is more important for those who don’t drive to training and take public transport or walk. You want to avoid mixing your used training gear with your clean clothes or other things in your bag. So, a separate compartment for sweaty clothes is useful.

However, if you drive to training, there is no need for one. Just put your sweaty gear on the floor or in your trunk.

Frequently Asked BJJ Bag Questions

What Should Be In A BJJ Gym Bag?

Your BJJ essentials in a gym bag are your Gi and belt, rash guard and shorts (depending on the class type), mouthguard, cup, and drink bottle. That's it. If you're showering or changing at your gym, then a towel and a change of clothes will be needed.

Summary

These two Revgear BJJ bags are the best you’ll find. They solve the main issue with BJJ bags which, in my experience, is size. They are extra large, so you can carry everything you need and your daily work or study supplies if you hit the mats straight after work.