Sports Totes

Whether you just joined your local gym or are a seasoned athlete, sports totes are essential to keeping your workout clothes, gear, and personal items organized and ready to go.

Choosing Sports Totes

There are a variety of sports bags available on the market today, and along with backpacks, duffel bags, and slings, totes are a popular type of carry-all for sports and athletic activities. An advantage to sport tote bags is that the design makes it easy to toss in and grab the items you'll need. The shoulder straps of totes also make them easy to carry and allow you to keep your hands free.

There are many styles of sports totes to choose from, and deciding on the right one will depend on your activities as well as how many items you need to stow. A large, multi-sectioned tote might be a good choice for athletes needing to haul many items, while a small, open tote might be better suited for activities and sports that require light loads.

List Your Items

Before purchasing a sports tote, make a list of items you anticipate storing and carrying in the tote, including workout clothes or uniforms, athletic shoes and socks, and personal hygiene items if you'll be showering at the gym or in the locker room. Don't forget to take into account smaller items, such as hair ties, and your water bottle. Listing these items will help ensure that you'll purchase the right size and style of tote for your needs.

Materials and Enclosures

Nylon and nylon with water-resistant backing are popular material choices for sports totes. Other choices include canvas totes, cotton, mesh, leather, and vinyl.

Although some totes are open without any enclosure, many have security enclosures. A zip-top bag provides the most security since items will be completely enclosed. Snap or button enclosures ensure the tote will stay closed, although items are less secure if the bag is tipped or turned.

Features to Look For

Although you can use an everyday tote for a sports bag, those designed specifically as athletic bags often have useful features that make them more appealing. Some features you might want to look for in a sports tote include:

• Durable padded handles or straps will provide comfort and distribute the weight of the tote evenly.

• An adjustable shoulder strap will provide the right fit and keep your bag from hanging to low.

• Exterior pockets or slots are a helpful feature for things you need to grab quickly without having to dig around at the bottom of your bag.

• Interior zip pockets make it easy to store personal items or keep smaller items separated.

• Side pockets provide handy storage for water bottles. Those with enclosures also provide helpful temporary storage for items like your car keys or cell phone.

• MP3 player or ipod pockets make it easy to keep track of the music you want for your workout.

• Mesh sections offer a breathable space for damp or dirty workout clothes or uniforms.

• A tote with a reinforced bottom will protect your tote from scuffs and wear.

Prices and Where to Buy

Prices for sport totes vary from around ten dollars for a simple discount store tote to a thousand dollars or more for a sport bag from a designer name like Prada.

You can purchase totes for sports and athletics from most department stores, athletic and sporting goods stores, and online retailers.

Shopping Links

• Dick's Sporting goods
• Sports Authority
• eBags
• Adidas
• Target