13 Nike Essentials to Keep Stashed in Your Gym Bag

Making time for the gym takes devotion and discipline. Set up for success by having a gym bag ready to go. From sweat-wicking tops to supportive footwear, here’s what you should bring to the gym to crush your next workout.

Start here. Choose a duffel bag that offers both size and storage. Opt for a small duffel (25 to 30 liters) to carry a change of clothes and pair of shoes, or go for a medium duffel (50 to 60 liters), and you’ll find external zippered pockets and plenty of space for a towel and toiletry set. A large duffel (95+ liters) can fit all of the above and even your favorite basketball.

(Related: 6 Things to Consider When Buying a Gym Bag)

A Nike Sportswear full-zip hoodie is an ideal outer layer to wear on your way to and from the gym. Having one on hand — or stashed in your gym bag — can be a welcomed essential. Choose from Nike Tech Fleece, organic jersey cotton or a roomy, heavyweight hoodie for colder days.

Whether in a HIIT class or at the squat rack, your workout clothes shouldn’t be a distraction at the gym. The top priority of a Nike Pro Dri-FIT compression shirt is to wick away sweat and keep you cool.

Mesh is built into heat zones around the torso for extra breathability. A tight fit easily layers under other tops, and you can choose from short sleeve, long sleeve, tanks or crops.

(Related: The No-Sweat Approach to Caring for Dirty Workout Clothes)

No matter what workout brings you to the gym, there is a Nike sports bra to match. For high-impact, cardio-driven activities, opt for a high-support, racerback Nike Swoosh sports bra. Dri-FIT technology will keep you dry and cool, and you won’t have to worry about pad adjustments in the middle of a workout.

If your gym session includes a recovery yoga class, pick a minimal-support and lightly-lined option, such as an Indy or Alate sports bra. You’ll find options with adjustable straps, zippers and mesh vents for extra breathability.

(Related: How to Find the Right Nike Sports Bra for You)

Four-way stretch fabric and Dri-FIT sweat-wicking technology will keep you moving through any workout without distraction. A wide waistband and hems that grip the skin keep these boxer briefs in place. Choose between regular and long cuts.

(Related: The Best Nike Underwear for Men)

Nike Pro shorts are tight yet stretchy, which makes them ideal for gym workouts that require a supportive fit, minimal drag and lots of flexibility. Made with Dri-FIT technology, they also can withstand the sweatiest of workouts.

Choose from inseams anywhere from 3 to 7 inches — whatever amount of coverage you like best. Or, if you prefer a roomier fit, find Nike Pro Dri-FIT Flex shorts, with inseams from 6 to 8 inches.

If you prefer pants, a pair of Nike Pro Dri-FIT leggings or tights need to be a staple in your gym bag. With sweat-wicking technology, you can take on intense workouts without sacrificing breathability or comfort. Pick from varying waist lengths like high-waisted or mid-rise, and choose a full-length cut or a cropped look to let your ankles and calves breathe.

(Related: How to Find Squat-Proof Leggings)

At the end of your workout, you’ll want a pair of sweatpants to slip into. Pick a fleece, open-hem or wide-leg sweatpant to easily slip on. Or, if you like training in sweatpants, go for a cuffed or tapered fit. Bonus: Elastic at the cuffs will let you show off your favorite gym kicks.

One of the most important items in your gym bag: your socks. And not just any socks. Your socks should include sweat-wicking fabric to keep your feet dry through tough workouts.

Added cushioning underfoot — as well as a ribbed arch band around the midfoot — provides extra support through squats and calisthenics alike. Choose from no-show, ankle- or crew-length styles and toss a few extra pairs in your bag.

(Related: How to Choose Socks for Sweaty Feet)

Your shoes should match your workout needs — and what gets put into your gym bag. For workouts focused on lifting weights and rope climbs, consider the Nike Metcon Training Shoes, which feature a wide, flat heel and an inner plate to increase stability.

Rubber wraps the arch, adding extra tread and grip, while laces stay in place with hook-and-loop closures. The upper is made of mesh overlays that provide airflow to keep your feet cool and dry as you heat up.

(Related: What Shoes Should You Wear for HIIT Workouts?)

While you don’t want to wear running shoes for weightlifting, you also don’t want to wear training shoes for running on the treadmill. With this workhorse of a running shoe, double Air Zoom units at the forefront and heel provide cushion. Meanwhile, an engineered mesh upper keeps your feet cool — especially when paired with Nike Dri-FIT running socks.

(Related: How Many Miles Are Running Shoes Good For?)

Post-workout, a pair of slides can give your feet a welcome rest and some comfort. Planning to shower at the gym? These can be a simple go-to for walking around the locker room.

Hydration is one of the most important parts of your workout. Pick a water bottle you’ll want to reach for again and again, whether it has a straw, flip-top lid or squeezable design.

A tight seal on the lid ensures your gym bag’s contents will stay dry (because nobody wants to start a workout with the unpleasant discovery of a leaked water bottle on their clothes). You can choose from 12-ounce bottles all the way up to 64 ounces.

(Related: How to Clean a Water Bottle)

Words by Emily Shiffer