The search for the perfect gym backpack. Anything like Adidas Defender (~34L, separate laptop compartment) but more zip pockets?
Please let me know if this kind of post is not allowed, I've looked at a ton of threads on here and I'm hoping you guys can help me!
I've been using the old Adidas Defender as my gym backpack (jiujitsu) for a while. Lately I've gone down a rabbit hole looking for a potential upgrade, and not having much luck. Maybe I'm too picky.
What I want:
- Spacious
- Easy to access and see what's in the bag (can set it down on the ground half-open and see inside. I prefer half zip over clamshell opening for this reason)
- Good ventilation for sweaty clothes
- Separate laptop compartment (NOT an internal sleeve) with space for a small laptop and a few notebooks
- At least one secondary compartment with decent space (enough for a small drawstring bag, a couple extra shirts. More than one extra compartment would be nice but might be asking too much. Currently I use the "shoe pocket" on the Adidas bag for this)
- Multiple internal zip pockets for organization. At least 1 "hidden" zip pocket would be nice (where contents are not visible)
- 1 small quick access pocket from the top for keys, wallet etc.
- Decent zippers (easy to open/close)
For context, here's what's going in the bag:
- 13" laptop, 4-5 small notebooks
- BJJ gi, belt, nogi set (shirt/shorts), flip flops - these will have to get put back dirty. At first I was looking for a separate "dirty" compartment but may just have to use the main compartment and a laundry bag. For this reason, I don't want anything else stored in contact with the main compartment.
- A couple extra sets of nogi clothes
- Small drawstring bag with competition supplies (mouth guard, tape etc.)
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- First aid supplies (bandaids, neosporin)
- Small lip balm/lotion, hand sanitizer, travel toothbrush/toothpaste, nail clippers
- Some cash (reason for hidden/opaque zip pocket)
- Keys, wallet, phone (quick access pocket)
This is the reason I want more zip pockets, because right now a lot of the above stuff is getting shoved in together and I have to dig for things.
In a pinch I would like enough space to stuff some extra things in there, so preferably this shouldn't be a super tight fit. Some of the bags I have looked are more "structured" which seems to cut down on space, I guess it's so that they are more compact for travel/easier to carry on hikes etc. but I don't really care about that.
I have tried/returned:
- Gold BJJ backpack (not enough pockets)
- Ogio Pace Pro Max (actually amazing organization and capacity, but too big/bulky for daily use. Would be great for travel)
- Osprey Nebula (feels cramped, doesn't sit up well)
- Osprey Tropos (sits up better but still feels cramped. Pretty good pockets though)
- Thule Paramount (no external laptop compartment. Most zip pockets in main compartment but that's where I'm going to put dirty clothes too. Feels cramped)
- Jansport All Around Pack (not enough space in front compartment. No hidden zip pocket)
- Nike Brasilia (most promising, plenty of space, but only 1 inner zip mesh pocket and it's in the main compartment, so minimal organization similar to my current bag. No hidden zip pocket. Holding onto this in case it's my best option.)
- Currently waiting on a North Face Surge to try but we'll see.
Many of the ones I've tried are around 32L so I'm not sure why they feel so much less spacious than the 34L Defender. I wish there was just something like it but a little higher quality with a bit more organization and I'd be set.
Am I looking for a unicorn that doesn't exist? I would love to hear if anyone has other recommendations! Thanks in advance.
Posted Apr 6, 2026, 12:57 AM UTC