Are you looking for the perfect swimming bag? Well, look no further.
Whether you are a competitive, open-water, or recreational swimmer (or even a triathlete), you need a swim bag that can handle all your gear, keep it dry and organized, and stand the test of time.
From durable and functional to sleek and stylish, there are many swimming bags to choose from.
And with so many options available, deciding which is the best swim bag for you can be tricky.
In this article, I compare and review the best swimming bags on the market.
And at the end, I walk you step-by-step through the entire process of choosing the swimming bag that is perfect for you.
The Best Swim Bags for All of Your Swim Needs
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Top Swim Backpack
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Top Mesh Bag
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5.0
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4.8
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4.5
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5.0
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1. TYR Alliance Swimming Backpack
The TYR Alliance Backpack features the traditional swimming bag design and is the perfect blend between style, size, quality, and organizational capacity.
Quick Summary: The TYR Alliance Swimming Backpack is the perfect blend of style, quality, and organizational capacity.
Its premium fabric technology ensures a lightweight feel, and the compression-molded back padding and adjustable shoulder, chest, and waist straps provide maximum comfort and lumbar support.
With multiple mesh areas and a waterproof bottom, this backpack keeps your swim gear dry and secure. The 45L and 30L variations offer ample space for your swim gear, and the various pockets make organizing your belongings effortless.
Design and fabric: The swim bag has a premium feel and is designed with fabric technology, ensuring a lightweight feel and a durable and water-resistant swim bag.
The back of the bag features compression-molded back padding that fits perfectly to the contours of your back, allowing for lumbar support and comfort.
The high-quality shoulder straps are ergonomic and can be adjusted to keep your bag sufficiently fitted. There is also a chest and waist strap to further help secure your bag for a comfortable fit.
Additionally, the bottom is reinforced and waterproof, allowing for extra durability. It also lets you put your swim bag anywhere you need to without breaking a sweat about your belongings.
What I like about the TYR Alliance swim bag is how well-ventilated it is. Various mesh areas are located across the backpack, allowing water to drain and evaporate, ultimately keeping your gear dry and your swim bag in pristine condition.
Size and storage: the Alliance swimming bag is available in a 45L and a 30L variation, depending on how much space you need.
For most swimmers, I recommend the 45L variation. However, I should mention it is a big backpack, so if you like the bag, but prefer something a bit more compact, then the 30L variation is perfect.
The backpack features a large main compartment, which includes an interior laptop sleeve.
Various other pockets allow you to seamlessly store and organize your swim gear on the go.
This includes:
- A large front pocket that you can access from the side
- A large front mesh pocket with a waterproof interior that keeps the main compartment dry
- One large side pocket with ventilation and interior sub-pockets to help organize your gear
- One small side pocket perfect for your phones, earbuds, and other small items
- A mesh water bottle pocket
Also, the zips are high-quality, with additional loops for ease of use.
Furthermore, spring hooks on the swim bag’s exterior allow you to clip extra gear onto it.
Swimming Bag Specifications-
- Size: 30L/ 45L
- Material: Lightweight, durable, and water-resistant
- Shoulder Straps: High-quality, padded, adjustable straps
- Colors: Multiple options
- Side Pockets: Yes
- Mesh Pockets: Yes
- Water Bottle Pocket: Yes
2. Arena Team 45 Swimming Backpack
The Arena Team 45 Swimming backpack is a personal favorite of mine and my go-to swimming backpack for day-to-day use. It has plenty of storage and features a high-quality and durable construction.
Quick Summary: The Arena Team 45 Swimming backpack is a durable, premium bag made from 100% reinforced polyester.
It features a waterproof and abrasion-resistant bottom, ventilated back, and comfortable padded shoulder straps.
With a 45L storage capacity and various pockets, this bag can hold all your swimming gear and additional items. Its simplicity allows for a neat and compact feel.
Design and fabric: The Arena Team 45 has a premium design and is made from 100% polyester, ensuring a very durable swim bag.
The bottom of the swimming backpack is reinforced, abrasion resistant, and waterproof, allowing for additional durability.
The back of the swim bag has some light padding for added comfort. The back is also completely ventilated, allowing any moisture to evaporate effectively.
The ergonomic shoulder straps feature soft padding and are adjustable to perfectly fit you.
Additionally, the bag features quality YKK zippers that are both easy to use and very durable. There are also 2 spring clips on the front of the bag to clip gear onto.
What I like about the design of the Arena Team 45 backpack is its simplicity. The bag features only what you need and nothing more. This allows it to have plenty of space while maintaining a neat and compact feel.
Size and storage: The Arena Team 45 features an impressive 45L storage capacity to store all your swimming gear and additional items.
The bag has a large main compartment accessible from the front of the bag. There is also an interior laptop sleeve inside the main compartment with an additional smaller pocket, perfect for storing items like keys or folded swim caps.
Various other pockets are available, but not quite as many as included in the TYR Alliance backpack.
This includes:
- Two large side zipper pockets
- Two exterior side mesh water bottle pockets
- A large interior front mesh compartment for wet swim gear
A neat feature of the Arena Team 45 swimming backpack is that it comes with a free drawstring bag inside. This is perfect for further organization in your main compartment (I keep my goggles and caps in it) or to take with you onto pool deck when you race.
Swimming Bag Specifications-
- Size: 45L
- Material: 100% Reinforced polyester
- Shoulder Straps: High-grade, padded, adjustable
- Colors: Multiple Options
- Side Pockets: Yes
- Mesh Pocket: Yes
- Water Bottle Pocket: Yes
3. Speedo Teamster 2.0 35L Swimming Backpack
The Speedo Teamster 2.0 is an updated version of the immensely popular original Speedo Teamster backpack. The Teamster 2.0 has a similar design to the Arena Team 45 backpack but does pack a slightly sleeker, more compact design.
Quick Summary: The Speedo Teamster 2.0 35L Swimming Backpack is a sturdy and sleek option for swimmers looking for ample storage space without the bulk of larger backpacks.
The abrasion-resistant, waterproof exterior shell and raised waterproof base provides durability and stability, while the padded back and adjustable shoulder straps ensure a comfortable fit.
The backpack features a large main compartment, a hidden front ventilated pocket for wet swim gear, and various side pockets for easy organization. Its compact design and multiple color options make it a stylish choice for swimmers of all levels.
Design and fabric: The Speedo Teamster 2.0 has a sturdy design with a durable exterior shell, allowing the backpack to stand upright even when empty.
The fabric is abrasion resistant, waterproof, and has a very durable feel.
The bag’s back and adjustable shoulder straps are padded for extra comfort. A waist buckle also allows you to secure the bag for an even better fit.
The bottom of the backpack features a raised waterproof base.
Additionally, the backpack packs high-quality YKK zippers for easy opening and closing of compartments and pockets.
Unfortunately, the swim bag doesn’t come with any spring clips, but there is space in the form of webbing loops and d-rings on the side of the bag to add your own.
What I like about the Speedo Teamster 2.0 is the fact that it has a lot of space but also a compact and neat design. I find the design to be something in-between the Arena Team 45 (a very nice larger backpack) and the Arena Fastpack 3.0 (a super compact and neat backpack which we’ll cover a bit later). As mentioned, the design is also simplistic and has no unnecessary pockets.
Size and storage: At 35L, the Speedo Teamster 2.0 has slightly less space than the TYR Alliance and Arena Team 45 swim backpacks. That said, the bag has enough space for most swimmers’ needs, and as already mentioned, this smaller design allows for a sleeker and more compact look.
Likewise, the backpack features a large main compartment with an additional interior sleeve for your laptop or other gear.
At the front of the bag, you’ll find a large hidden front ventilated pocket where you can store your wet swimming equipment, allowing any water to effectively drain out.
Personally, I think the front mesh pocket of the Teamster 2.0 has a neater look compared to the Arena Team 45 since it is hidden.
Other pockets include:
- 2 Large side pockets, one with an extra interior sub-pocket
- 1 Smaller upper side pocket
- 1 Mesh water bottle pocket
Swimming Bag Specifications-
- Size: 35L
- Material: Durable abrasion resistant fabric
- Shoulder Straps: Durable, padded, adjustable
- Colors: Multiple options
- Side Pockets: Yes
- Mesh Pocket: Yes, hidden
- Water Bottle Pocket: Yes
4. Sporti Equipment Mesh Swimming Backpack
When it comes to mesh swim bags, the Sporti Equipment Mesh backpack is all you’ll ever need. Used primarily to store swim gear, the hybrid design allows for the classical mesh swim bag feel, while the shoulder straps add a backpack touch.
Combine that with the spacious design, various additional pockets, and affordable price, and you have my top mesh bag pick.
Quick summary: The Sporti Equipment Mesh Swimming Backpack is the perfect choice for swimmers looking for a spacious and affordable mesh bag.
Its high-quality and durable blended mesh fabric design allows for easy storage of swim gear, while the adjustable nylon shoulder straps provide a comfortable fit.
With a 40L storage capacity and additional pockets, you can effortlessly organize all your swimming gear, making it the top mesh bag pick for swimmers.
Design and fabric: The swim bag is designed from high-quality and durable mesh fabric, while the top cinch drawstring allows you to quickly secure your swim gear inside.
The backpack features premium adjustable nylon shoulder straps allowing you to easily carry your swimming equipment.
What I like about this swimming mesh bag is that the fabric isn’t completely mesh (Counterintuitive, right?).
The top and bottom of the bag feature a fabric-like waterproof material. This adds some additional strength and durability to the design. The extra pockets in the design are also a big plus.
Size and storage: Packing 40L of storage, the Sporti Equipment bag is one of the largest available– kickboards, fins, snorkel, paddles, pull buoys, and more will seamlessly fit into this mesh bag.
Additionally, other pockets are available for storing smaller items like goggles, caps, nose clips, and other valuables.
These include:
- 2 Zipper pockets
- 1 Mesh water bottle pocket
- And an inner zip pocket
On top of that, there is also a plastic ID card pocket, where you can easily add a tag with your name to personalize and quickly identify your swim bag.
Swimming Bag Specifications-
- Size: 40L
- Material: High-quality blended mesh
- Closure: Drawstring closure and zippers
- Shoulder Straps: Yes
- Colors: Multiple options
- Additional Pockets: Yes
- Water Bottle Pocket: Yes
5. Sporti Large Athletic Swimming Backpack
The Sporti Large Athletic backpack is a great budget option for swimmers looking for a swim bag that is less expensive and still packs quality and functionality.
Quick summary: The Sporti Large Athletic Swimming Backpack is a budget-friendly option for swimmers looking for a quality and functional swim bag.
Its 100% durable polyester fabric and waterproof base provide durability and stability, while the soft padding on the back and adjustable shoulder straps ensure a comfortable fit.
The backpack features a large main compartment with a built-in laptop sleeve, a large expandable ventilated pocket for wet gear, and various additional pockets. The removable inner dirtbag compartment is a useful feature that allows for easy organization or storage of swim gear or trash.
Design and fabric: The Sporti swimming backpack has a similar look and feel to the Speedo Teamster 2.0 (although I should mention the Teamster 2.0 was released after the Sporti backpack).
That said, the point is this– it has a great design.
Like many other swim bags, the Sporti Large Athletic backpack has a 100% polyester fabric featuring a sleek textile design.
The bottom of the bag features a durable waterproof base, while the back and adjustable shoulder straps have soft padding for added comfort.
Similar to the Speedo Teamster 2.0, this backpack doesn’t include any spring clips, but there is space to add them onto the shoulder straps and buckle.
Size and storage: The Sporti large athletic backpack features a 38L storage capacity, which is slightly more than the Teamster 2.0 but also less than both the TYR Alliance and Arena Team 45 backpacks.
The backpack features a large main compartment with a built-in laptop sleeve. The main compartment can be accessed from the top or front of the backpack.
There are also many additional pockets. This includes:
- A large expandable ventilated pocket for wet gear
- 2 Large side mesh pockets that can be closed using toggle- or elastic closure
- A removable inner dirtbag compartment for the custom organization of your equipment and belongings or temporary storage of trash
- Mesh pouch on the right strap for small items
What I like about the Sporti large athletic backpack is the removable inner dirt bag. This allows you to easily organize your swim gear in your backpack or to store wet gear or trash that you want to take out later.
Swimming Bag Specifications-
- Size: 38L
- Material: 100% Durable polyester
- Shoulder Straps: Padded, adjustable
- Colors: Multiple options
- Side Pockets: Yes
- Mesh Pocket: Yes
- Water Bottle Pocket: Yes
6. Arena Fastpack 3.0 Swimming Bag
The Arena Fastpack 3.0 has a sleek and compact appearance, despite still packing 40L of storage. The smart space management system also makes this swimming bag ideal for swimmers who love to stay organized.
Quick Summary: The Arena Fastpack 3.0 Swimming Bag has a compact and sleek design, making it an excellent choice for swimmers who love staying organized.
Made of high-quality, durable 100% polyester fabric with a reinforced waterproof bottom, the bag features soft, breathable padding on the back and adjustable shoulder straps for comfort.
The bag features a smart space management system, 40L of storage, and includes numerous pockets, a mesh water bottle pocket, and additional loops for attaching swim gear.
Design and fabric: The Fastpack 3.0 is made from a high-quality, durable 100% polyester fabric with a waterproof bottom.
Reinforcement can be found at the bottom of the bag and in various other positions of the design, allowing for a sturdy swim bag.
Similar to the Arena Team 45, the back of the bag and the adjustable shoulder straps feature soft, breathable padding allowing for a comfortable fit. An additional multi-adjustable chest strap will enable you to further secure the swim bag for an ideal fit.
High-quality zippers allow you to easily access your gear.
At the same time, the built-in spring clips will enable you to hook accessories to the outside of your swim bag.
As I may have already implied, my favorite aspect of the Arena Fastpack 3.0 is its sleek, compact, and sturdy design.
Another feature I like is the carabiner hook at the back of the bag, allowing you to hang it up against a locker/ wall or attach an additional water bottle.
Size and storage: As mentioned, despite its compact design, the Fastpack 3.0 swimming backpack still rocks an impressive 40L of storage. That’s more than the Speedo Teamster 2.0 and Sporti Large Athletic backpack.
I should mention that, unlike those backpacks, the Fastpack 3.0’s storage is more spread out throughout the design.
The bag still features a large main compartment, but you won’t be able to fit as much in it compared to the main compartments of the Speedo Teamster 2.0 or Arena Team 45.
The main compartment has additional mesh pockets on the interior to further organize your swim gear.
The reinforced bottom section of the bag also doubles up as a second large storage compartment.
The Fastpack 3.0 boasts numerous additional pockets. This includes:
- Smaller front compartment with mesh sub-pockets
- Small top pocket with a smaller interior sub-pocket
- A front-opening zipper pocket
- A mesh water bottle pocket
- A side pocket
Additional loops for attaching extra swim gear are also available.
If that wasn’t enough, like the Arena Team 45, the Fastpack 3.0 also comes with a free drawstring bag.
Overall, despite the more compact design, this swim bag can still store a lot of gear, and in terms of space, it should be more than adequate for most swimmers.
Swimming Bag Specifications-
- Size: 40L
- Material: Reinforced, 100% polyester
- Shoulder Straps: Padded, adjustable
- Colors: Multiple options
- Side Pockets: Yes
- Mesh Pocket: Yes
- Water Bottle Pocket: Yes
7. Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Swimming Bag
Another great mesh swimming backpack is the Speedo Deluxe Ventilator. This bag is slightly smaller with 35L of storage (which is still plenty), has a durable, reinforced design, and additional storage pockets.
This mesh swimming backpack is on the more expensive side but might be worth the extra few bucks in the long term when you look at it from a durability perspective.
Quick summary: The Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Swimming Bag is a durable and reinforced mesh bag designed with a combination of waterproof material and high-quality open mesh weave fabric.
It has a spacious main compartment, a large front zipper pocket, and a mesh water bottle pocket. The backpack features dual adjustable shoulder straps, making it easy to carry around, and has a premium look with its zippers.
Though slightly more expensive, it's worth the investment for the bag's long-term durability.
Design and fabric: The Deluxe Ventilator is designed using a combination of robust, durable waterproof material and a high-quality open mesh weave fabric.
What I like about this swimming bag is that the entire bottom is reinforced with fabric material and not mesh, ultimately making it more durable since mesh tends to rip at the bottom after prolonged use.
The backpack features shoulder straps for easy carry, and the zippers also have a more premium look than some of the other mesh backpacks.
Size and storage: As mentioned, the Speedo Deluxe Ventilator has slightly less storage at 35L. That said, it’s still more than enough for most swimmers and allows for a more compact design.
The swimming bag has a roomy main compartment, a large front zipper pocket, and a mesh water bottle pocket.
Swimming Bag Specifications-
- Size: 35L
- Material: Durable open-mesh weave, blended fabric
- Closure: Drawstring toggle and zippers
- Shoulder Straps: Dual, adjustable
- Colors: Multiple options
- Additional Pockets: Yes
- Water Bottle Pocket: Yes
If you like the Speedo Deluxe Ventilator but want something cheaper, consider the standard Speedo Ventilator mesh swim bag. It has fewer features but is similar in many ways.
The Speedo Ventilator features fewer features than the Deluxe Ventilator mesh bag but has a cheaper price.
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8. TYR Elite Team Mesh Swim Bag
The TYR Elite Team Mesh backpack is one of the latest mesh swim bags on the market. Like the Speedo Deluxe Ventilator, it is pricier than other gear bags. That said, its reinforced construction, spacious design, and various additional pockets make it a very appealing option.
Quick summary: The TYR Elite Team Mesh backpack is made from waterproof fabric material with mesh venting for wet swim gear to dry. It has adjustable, padded, and ventilated shoulder straps and a reinforced and durable design.
The spacious 40L storage includes a main compartment, large secondary storage compartment, front zipper pocket, mesh water bottle pocket, gear loops, and space for personalization.
Design and fabric: Like the Deluxe Ventilator, The TYR Elite Team mesh bag is unique in the sense that although a mesh swim bag, it is primarily constructed from a waterproof fabric material with mesh venting positioned throughout the design.
This makes the swim bag much more durable while still allowing wet swim gear to dry.
The bag emphasizes comfort featuring adjustable, padded, and ventilated shoulder straps that make it a breeze to carry your swim gear.
My favorite feature of this mesh swimming bag is its reinforced and durable design. The padded shoulder straps are also a unique feature. The large pockets are a nice addition, but we’ll get to those in just a second.
Size and storage: Similar to the Sporti Equipment mesh bag, the TYR Elite Team has a roomy 40L storage capacity, more than enough for any swimmer’s needs.
It features a main storage compartment and various other pockets, which include:
- A large secondary storage compartment
- Front zipper pocket
- Mesh water bottle pocket
- And gear loops for added storage
You’ll also locate a space to add your name for personalization purposes.
Swimming Bag Specifications-
- Size: 40L
- Material: High quality, blended
- Closure: Drawstring toggle and zippers
- Shoulder Straps: Dual, padded, adjustable
- Colors: Multiple options
- Additional Pockets: Yes
- Water Bottle Pocket: Yes
9. TYR Big Mesh Mummy 3 Swim Backpack
The TYR Big Mesh Mummy 3 is another hybrid mesh swimming backpack similar to the Sporti Equipment, Speedo Deluxe Ventilator, and TYR Elite Team mesh backpack. Likewise, this swimming bag is very spacious and comes with additional pockets.
Although older than the TYR Elite Team mesh backpack, the Big Mesh Mummy 3 still has everything you need and is significantly cheaper at nearly half the price.
Quick summary: The TYR Big Mesh Mummy 3 is a hybrid mesh swimming backpack made from 100% polyester fabric, allowing for a lightweight and durable design.
The bag features adjustable shoulder straps, a drawstring closure, and 40L of storage. It also has a spacious main compartment, a front zipper pocket, and a mesh water bottle pocket for organization.
Design and fabric: The TYR Big Mesh Mummy 3 is made from 100% polyester fabric, allowing for a lightweight and durable design.
The bag features adjustable shoulder straps, allowing you to carry your swim gear around easily.
The drawstring lets you easily open and close the swim bag and secure your gear inside.
Once again, I really like that this gear backpack isn’t 100% mesh, featuring a waterproof fabric material for added reinforcement and additional pockets to store smaller items.
Size and storage: The TYR Big Mesh Mummy 3 is a very roomy mesh bag featuring 40L of storage.
The bag has a spacious main compartment where you can easily store all your swim gear.
On the front of the bag, you’ll locate an additional zipper pocket for organization. This is an excellent place to keep smaller items like caps, goggles, nose clips, and so on.
There is also a mesh water bottle pocket.
Swimming Bag Specifications-
- Size: 40L
- Material: High quality 100% blended polyester
- Straps: Dual, comfortable, adjustable
- Colors: Multiple options
- Additional Pockets: Yes
- Water Bottle Pocket: Yes
10. Sporti Mesh Swim Bag
Just need something simple and cheap to carry your swim gear?
In that case, the Sporti Mesh swim bag is the perfect option. No fancy features or additional pockets, just one high-quality and dirt-cheap mesh bag to lug your swimming equipment around.
Quick summary: The Sporti Mesh swim bag is a simple and affordable budget option to carry your swim gear.
Made from 100% polyester mesh fabric with a single corded strap for closure, this bag has one large main compartment for storage with no additional pockets. It's perfect for day-to-day use and comes in multiple color options.
Design and fabric: The Sporti mesh bag is designed using a lightweight, breathable, 100% polyester mesh fabric.
It has no shoulder straps, nor is it reinforced with any additional waterproof fabric.
The bag has one corded shoulder strap that doubles up as a drawstring closure to secure your gear inside.
I like the simplicity of the Sporti mesh bag.
If you’re like me, you carry your main training gear in your mesh bag, such as fins, kickboard, paddles, snorkel, and pull buoy, while you keep items like towels, clothing, goggles, and other valuables in your main swimming backpack.
This makes a cheap mesh bag like this one a good option for day-to-day use compared to something more expensive with fancy zippers and pockets. That said, the more expensive gear swim bags are more durable and will last longer.
Size and storage: As mentioned, the bag’s simplicity means there is one large main compartment to store your swim gear with no additional pockets.
I couldn’t find the exact specifications for the size of this compartment, but I can assure you it’s enough to store all of your daily swim gear.
Swimming Bag Specifications-
- Size: N/A
- Material: 100% Polyester, breathable mesh
- Closure: Drawstring closure
- Shoulder Straps: None, single corded strap
- Colors: Multiple options
- Additional Pockets: No
- Water Bottle Pocket: No
11. Arena Team Mesh Swim Bag
The Arena Team mesh swimming bag is similar to the Sporti mesh bag but slightly more expensive. This is another simplistic mesh gear bag with the simple goal of carrying your main training gear.
It’s also the gear bag that I personally use on a day-to-day basis.
Quick summary: The Arena Team mesh swimming bag is a simplistic and affordable option for carrying your swim gear.
Made with a lightweight, quick-dry, 100% polyester mesh, it features a single corded strap that doubles up as a drawstring closure. While it has no additional pockets, it's large enough to store all your swim gear.
Design and fabric: The Arena Team mesh bag is designed with a lightweight, quick-dry, 100% polyester mesh.
It features a single corded strap that serves both the purpose of carrying your gear and as a drawstring closure to secure everything inside.
Once again, simplicity is my favorite aspect of this mesh swimming bag.
As mentioned earlier, the pure mesh design isn’t necessarily the best, as the mesh swim bags tend to get holes at the bottom after about a season’s use.
Size and storage: I couldn’t find the size specifications for the Arena Team mesh bag, but I can assure you it’s large enough for all your swimming equipment. I carry all of mine in it daily!
Also, this mesh bag comes with no extra pockets.
Swimming Bag Specifications-
- Size: N/A
- Material: 100%, Quick-dry mesh fabric
- Closure: Drawstring
- Shoulder Straps: None, single corded strap
- Colors: Multiple options
- Additional Pockets: No
- Water Bottle Pocket: No
How to Choose the Best Swimming Bag for You: a Step-By-Step Guide
Before choosing your swimming bag, there are a few things to consider when picking the bag that would best suit your needs as a swimmer.
In this section, I walk you step-by-step through the process of choosing the best swim bag for you. If you are still unsure, go with one of our recommendations in the table at the beginning of the article.
Swimming Bag Type
The most important aspect to consider when choosing your swimming bag is what type of swimming bag you require.
For example, if you are looking for something to simply carry your swimming gear, you should probably go with a mesh bag.
But suppose you are looking for a swimming bag to carry more valuable items and keep things dry. In that case, a swimming backpack is a better option.
That said, most swimmers, myself included, own both– a mesh bag for most of our swim gear and a swimming backpack for everything else like goggles, tech suits, towels, dry clothes, electronics, and more.
Swimming Bag Size
While most swimming bags, whether a backpack or a mesh swim bag, have enough space for most swimmers’ needs, you still want to take the size into comparison.
For example, suppose you prefer a more compact swimming bag. In that case, you may choose something with a smaller storage capacity.
On the contrary, if you like a bigger bag or tend to carry a lot of gear, a larger swim bag will be a better option.
If you are in school or college, you may also opt for a bigger bag if you plan to use it as a school bag, especially if you have morning swim practices followed by class.
| Swimming Bag | Size | Type |
| TYR Alliance | 30L or 45L | Swimming Backpack |
| Arena Team 45 | 45L | Swimming Backpack |
| Speedo Teamster 2.0 | 35L | Swimming Backpack |
| Sporti Equipment Mesh | 40L | Mesh Bag |
| Sporti Large Athletic | 38L | Swimming Backpack |
| Arena Fastpack 3.0 | 40L | Swimming Backpack |
| Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh | 35L | Mesh Bag |
| TYR Elite Team Mesh | 40L | Mesh Bag |
| TYR Big Mesh Mummy 3 | 40L | Mesh Bag |
| Sporti Mesh | N/A | Mesh Bag |
| Arena Team Mesh | N/A | Mesh Bag |
Compartments and Pockets
Do you like something simpler with a single large main compartment and a few additional pockets for smaller items?
Or do you prefer to be extremely organized and have a pocket for every item?
These are questions you must ask yourself before making a purchasing decision.
If you like the idea of simplicity, then the TYR Alliance, Arena Team 45, or Speedo Teamster 2.0 are good options with lots of storage.
However, if you prefer more organization, something like the Arena Fastpack 3.0 will be a perfect fit.
Swim Bag Price
Your budget is also an essential factor to consider when selecting your swim bag.
If you don’t have a budget, you can pick the swimming bag that suits you best.
However, if money is a factor, you might want to choose a budget option. For swim backpacks, the Sporti Large Athletic backpack is a good option.
For mesh bags, I recommend either the Sporti or Arena Team mesh swim bags.
Swim Bag Material
Choosing a swimming bag made from high-quality and durable material is an important consideration.
Ideally, a swimming backpack should last a few swimming seasons, while mesh bags can generally be replaced every season or two.
Luckily for you, all of the swimming backpacks on our list are constructed using high-quality, waterproof, and durable materials, meaning there isn’t much of a difference when deciding on that front.
However, when it comes to gear swim bags, you’ll have to decide based on your needs. If you want something more durable, you want to go with something that is reinforced with additional fabric.
That said, if you plan on replacing your mesh bag on a seasonal basis, then choosing something cheaper that isn’t reinforced is also fine.
Swimming Bag Comfort
The final aspect to consider is the comfort of your swimming bag.
Take into account how much gear you usually carry when making this decision.
Most swim backpacks have a padded back and shoulder straps for added comfort. However, not all mesh bags have shoulder straps.
That said, if you are like most swimmers and use a swimming backpack and mesh bag combo, having shoulder straps on your mesh bag isn’t necessarily an advantage, as you’ll be carrying your swimming backpack on your back and not your mesh bag.
How to Take Care of Your Swim Bag
Here are a few tips to keep your swim bag in pristine condition:
- Remove the wet gear from your backpack and keep some pockets and compartments open to air dry when you get home from practice. This isn’t necessary for mesh swim bags since they will naturally dry.
- Avoid overpacking your backpack with too much gear, as this can cause the backpack to tear or a zipper to break.
- Occasionally clean out your swim bag to remove any trash you might have forgotten inside (make sure to especially check your bag’s pockets).
- While you are at it, shake out and vacuum your bag, wipe it down with a wet cloth, and allow it to air dry before repacking.
- Carry your bag with both straps to ensure the weight is distributed evenly and to avoid your bag from tearing.
- Lubricate the zippers occasionally to ensure they stay in tip-top condition.
- Never wash your backpack in a washing machine or put it in a dryer since this can damage the fabric. Instead, wipe it down with a wet cloth and let it air dry.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean your backpack when wiping it down. Instead, use mild soap or disinfecting wipes and wipe your bag off with a wet cloth afterward to remove any excess soap.
- Treat your backpack with respect. Don’t throw it around or drag it. With proper care, a swimming backpack can last multiple seasons.
Common Questions About Swim Bags
What’s the Difference Between a Swimming Backpack and a Mesh Bag?
Swim backpacks and mesh bags are both designed for carrying swim gear.
Swimming backpacks are made of waterproof materials with multiple compartments, padded and adjustable straps, and additional features like laptop sleeves and water bottle holders.
Backpacks are ideal for carrying more valuable items that need to stay dry or protected, such as clothing, towels, tech suits, swimsuits, shoes, goggles, and electronics. That said, backpacks also have compartments for wet swim gear.
In contrast, mesh swim bags are lightweight, breathable, and have a drawstring closure. They are perfect for carrying larger pieces of swim gear like kickboards or wet equipment that dries quickly.
Do I Need Both a Swimming Backpack and a Mesh Bag?
You certainly don’t need both.
However, most swimmers have both, and that’s the way I recommend you go about it as well.
As mentioned, your backpack is a secure place to keep items that are more valuable and that you want to keep dry, while your mesh bag is ideal for storing most of your training gear.
If you don’t want to spend extra money on a swimming backpack, you can use any other backpack you have available.
Swimming backpacks do, however, have distinct advantages, such as being waterproof, having compartments for wet gear, and being reinforced to stand upright.
What Should You Carry in Your Swim Bag and Mesh Bag?
Nobody can tell you what you should carry in your swimming backpack and mesh bag, but to give you an idea, here’s what I carry in my swim bags daily:
Swimming Backpack:
- Towel
- Extra swimsuits
- Jacket
- Goggles and caps
- Notebook
- Smartphone
- Earpods
- Water bottle
- Energy drink
- Recovery drink
- Extra clothing
Mesh Bag:
- Kickboard
- Fins
- Paddles
- Pull Buoy
- Snorkel
- Swimming Parachute
- Rubber duck (for backstroke drills)
How Long Should Swimming Bags Last?
Swimming backpacks are more durable and should last at least 3 swimming seasons.
That said, if you take good care of your backpack, it can last you much longer. You will likely replace your swimming backpack before its lifespan is up.
Mesh swim bags, on the other hand, have a limited life span since they take much more of a beating. If you frequently swim, your mesh gear bag should last about 1 swimming season.
However, it may have to be replaced earlier or later depending on the design, how heavy you load it, and how well you take care of it.
What’s the Best Way to Store Wet Swim Gear in Your Swimming Backpack?
Try to wring out most of the water before packing items in your swim bag.
If you don’t have time for that, you can wrap them in your towel and take them out to dry when you’re back home.
Alternatively, if your backpack allows for it, put the wet gear in the mesh compartment, allowing the water to drain while you travel home.
Once again, I recommend removing the equipment and letting it dry when you’re at home.
Taking wet gear out of a mesh swim bag is unnecessary as it’ll dry naturally.
What Makes a Good Swimming Bag?
There’s no single answer to what makes a good swimming bag, as it’ll depend on your preference, price, and the general quality of the swim bag.
That said, here are some guidelines:
- The backpack is made from a durable and high-quality material with strong stitching
- It should be large enough to carry all of your swim gear and anything else that you will need throughout the day for school or work
- It’s easy to locate items in your bag
- It’s comfortable for you to use the backpack
- It has a few additional pockets for smaller items and valuables
- You like the style and color of the swimming bag
Are Swimming Bags Waterproof?
Many swim backpacks are made of waterproof materials such as nylon or polyester. They, therefore, are generally waterproof or at least water-resistant.
However, not all swimming backpacks are completely waterproof, and some may have areas, such as zippers, that are not fully waterproof.
It is always a good idea to keep your valuable items, like electronics, in areas you know for sure are waterproof.
Another tip is to keep it in a top pocket since the water won’t enter there as long as your backpack stays upright.
Where Do I Recommend Buying Your Swim Bag?
I recommend purchasing your swimming bag from SwimOutlet.Com, granted they have it available (which they should).
SwimOutlet is the premier online destination for aquatics apparel and the web’s most popular swim shop. They have the best prices, frequent sales, and ship worldwide.
Look Stylish on Pool Deck with a Brand New Swimming Bag
From spacious swimming backpacks to mesh gear bags, a variety of options are available to suit your needs. You may stick with only one type or go with both, like most swimmers do.
Whether you’re a competitive swimmer or enjoy hitting the pool for exercise, investing in a quality swimming bag can help keep your gear organized, protected, and easily accessible.
