Under Armour unisex Undeniable 5.0 Duffle MD, 001 BLACK, OSFM

Why it's worth it

A 58-liter duffel with a water-repellent finish, a large vented pocket for shoes or laundry, and a padded removable strap. It splits the difference between the cheap Nike and the pricey Patagonia, and it's the better buy if you train outdoors or walk in weather.

The vented pocket is the headline. Under Armour builds in a large vented compartment specifically for shoes or dirty laundry, and the mesh lets damp gear breathe instead of stewing in a sealed pouch. That's the single best thing you can do about gym bag smell short of washing the bag. The Nike has separation; this has separation plus airflow.

UA Storm gives the fabric a highly water-repellent finish, so a walk through rain won't soak your clothes. TPU-coated, foam-lined bottom and side panels add structure — the bag holds its shape when you set it down instead of collapsing into a heap. That structure also protects whatever's inside when it gets kicked around a locker room.

From our review of 8 gym bags and workout backpacks, by Eleanor Vance, Health & Beauty Editor

What we like

• +The vented pocket is the headline
• +UA Storm gives the fabric a highly water-repellent finish, so a walk through rain won't soak your clothes
• +Carry comfort is better than the price suggests
• +This is the single most popular bag in the lineup by a wide margin, and that shows up in how predictable it is

What to know

• –Water-repellent isn't waterproof
• –At 58 liters it has the same overpacking problem as the Nike — a full load on one shoulder gets heavy fast, even with the padded…
• –The styling is loudly athletic