I’ve been using a cheap typical Chinese junk gym bag for years, and it is about done. It’s main use is just as the name implies: for the gym. Spefically, I use it to carry clothes, sometimes shoes, and shower supplies.

I’d like to replace it with a “rustic” looking real leather bag. Not shiny new looking leather, but something that looks a bit worn or distressed. There are a few options on Amazon from about $70-$170, but open to other suggestions.

The bag may also double as a “weekender” or overnight bag for short trips.

I don’t think I have a preference on what type of animal leather is used… Most on Amazon that I like the look of claim to be bbuffalo, but one is goat. I must admit, Buffalo has a better ring to it.

I bought one a few years ago through “A Touch of Modern”. I don’t recall the brand, but it’s held up well. They had several finishes to choose from. I just went with the basic black. I believe it is high grade cow hide. I’ve used it three days a week for shoes and clothing changes, etc.

Decent leather duffles might start at $300 but more likely be closer to $800-$900.

My take is that a gym bag should be able to breathe, so canvas / fabric may be preferable. Our ymca has locker break-ins; leaving unattended items another may covet is always dicey.

Although I have noticed that as I've gotten older, my collection of cool stuff has increased. A beat-up Filson canvas bag might suffice as under-the-radar nice:

Leather is hard to clean and retains odor why would you want that to put your sweaty gym cloths in?

Not leather but these folks make a great product

https://badbags.com/

They make decent boots and socks:

https://www.tecovas.com/produc...ariant=1271044505614

I agree with many of the others here, using a leather duffle to carry dirty gym clothes is not the best idea.

With that said here is an option for a nice looking duffle that will accumulate a nice patina over time.

https://www.johnstonmurphy.com...Full%20Grain#start=1

Leather with your sweaty gym clothes will have predictable results. Go with a synthetic, anti-microbial fabric if you can find a bag with those characteristics.

I regard gym bags as disposable items.

My last gym bag, I recall not the brand name right now, purchased at a national sporting goods chain that has since gone tango uniform, lasted about ten years, used five times a week.

My current gym bag is an Under Armour bag. It seems to be holding up well, though I don't go to the gym as frequently or regularly as I did back then.

I agree with the others: Leather, for a gym bag, sounds like a really bad idea.

Feeling not so fresh?

Deodorant and Spray
Hygiene is important. The gym is a place you go intending to sweat and work up a good stink. It only seems appropriate that you come prepared to battle that body, and eventually, bag odor. You should have a stick of deodorant in your gym bag just like you keep one at home with the rest of your toiletries. Use it before and after the gym to keep the reigns on your body odor. After you’re done working out, you’re probably going to be stuffing a sweaty towel or T-shirt back into your bag. Eventually that’ll leave a stench coming from your bag. Stay on top of this by keeping some air freshener in your bag to spruce up your gym life. Try Febreze Fabric Refresher, but make sure you get the travel size so it fits in your bag."



https://spy.com/articles/healt...ym-febreze-171282/#!

My leather bag is lined with a tight weave canvas. No issues with smells or mildew in three years.

If it was unlined leather, then yes I'd expect issues.

Thanks for suggestions and points to consider.

I don’t have a concern about it walking off in a locker room or break-ins. I work out in a gym at work and I use a darn near private locker room and shower facility in a locked jail. It is about as safe as it is.

Regarding the concern of sweaty clothes in the bag, generally speaking the sweaty clothing doesn’t enter the bag until it has hung out to dry for at least 12 hours. Again, this is essentially a private secure locker room so I have the ability to leave my sweaty clothing out and hanging while I work my shift before stuffing it back in the back.

That being said, it is still worth considering on the rare occasion that it might happen.

Thanks! I’ll ask check out the links provided. Maybe a better plan is a typical cheap gym bag and a small leather duffel for short trips/carry on use.

I used an ironmind.com bag for years.