Updated October 26, 2026 · 9 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best overallTYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack4.7★, 14,900+ ratingsCheck price on Amazon →
Best drawstring mesh bagSpeedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Baglight, quick-dryCheck price on Amazon →A swimmer’s bag has a tough job. It has to carry wet suits, towels, goggles, caps, fins, kickboards and snacks, keep dry clothes dry, and not smell like a chlorine swamp by Thursday. Whether you are a parent packing for swim team, a lap swimmer heading to the gym pool or a family going to the beach, the right bag makes every trip easier.
This guide picks the best swim bags: mesh bags that let gear dry, backpacks with separate wet and dry compartments, and a waterproof backpack with a shoe pocket. We also include a simple packing checklist and tips to stop swim bags from smelling.
Best overall
TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack
A roomy mesh backpack with a large main compartment and shoulder straps, made to hold fins, kickboards, towels and the rest of a swimmer’s kit while letting wet gear breathe.
With nearly 15,000 ratings and a 4.7★ average, it is one of the most popular swim bags on Amazon, praised for quality, capacity and pockets.
Quick answer: the best swim bags
- Best overallTYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack · 4.7★, 14,900+ ratings
- Best drawstring mesh bagSpeedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Bag · light, quick-dry
- Best wet/dry backpackTYR Alliance Wet/Dry Backpack · 45 L, separate wet pocket
- Best waterproof backpackMaelstrom Waterproof Swim Backpack · shoe compartment
Pick by how you swim
TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack
The classic swim team bag: big enough for fins, a board and a towel, and the mesh lets everything breathe.
Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Bag
A drawstring mesh bag for wet gear that dries fast. Easy to throw in the car.
TYR Alliance Wet/Dry Backpack
Separate wet and dry compartments, so you can go from pool to work or school.
Maelstrom Waterproof Swim Backpack
Waterproof fabric and a shoe compartment for beach days and wet weather.
The best swim bags, reviewed
TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack
You need this if: you carry a full set of training gear to the pool several times a week.
- TypeMesh backpack
- CapacityLarge main compartment
- CarryShoulder straps
- Rating4.7★ (14,900+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: Swim teams love it because it swallows fins, paddles, a kickboard, towel and water bottle, and the mesh lets wet gear dry instead of going moldy. Buyers praise the quality, size, pockets and how well it suits swimming.
Keep in mind: Durability reviews are mixed after a season or two of heavy use. Mesh also means dry clothes are not protected, so pack them in a separate pouch.
Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Equipment Bag
You need this if: you want a light, simple bag for wet gear that dries fast.
- TypeDrawstring mesh bag
- Material100% polyester mesh
- FeatureQuick-dry ventilation
- Rating4.7★ (10,700+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: The mesh lets wet suits, towels and gear breathe and dry quickly. Buyers like the size, capacity, pockets and value, and it is light enough to fold into a bigger bag.
Keep in mind: It is a drawstring bag, so it is less comfortable for heavy loads than a padded backpack, and it does not keep anything dry.
TYR Alliance Wet/Dry Backpack
You need this if: you go to the pool before work, school or the gym and need to keep dry things dry.
- Capacity45 L
- CompartmentsSeparate wet and dry
- UseGym and pool
- Rating4.8★ (1,700+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: Separate wet and dry compartments mean a laptop or clothes never touch a wet swimsuit. Buyers praise the quality, capacity, durability and many pockets.
Keep in mind: It costs much more than a mesh bag. Clean and air out the wet compartment often to keep it fresh.
Maelstrom Waterproof Swim Backpack
You need this if: you want to keep gear dry at the beach, in the rain or on the pool deck.
- MaterialWaterproof polyester
- ExtrasShoe compartment
- Pockets3 interior zip pockets
- Rating4.7★ (450+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: Waterproof fabric protects phones, clothes and towels from splashes and rain, and a separate shoe compartment keeps wet or sandy shoes apart. Buyers mention quality, storage space and versatility.
Keep in mind: Some buyers mention zipper quality. A waterproof bag does not let wet gear dry, so empty it after each swim.
Comparison table
| Bag | Type | Best for | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| TYR Big Mesh Mummy | Mesh backpack | Swim team | 4.7★ (14,900+) |
| Speedo Ventilator | Drawstring mesh | Light and simple | 4.7★ (10,700+) |
| TYR Alliance | Wet/dry backpack | Gym and pool | 4.8★ (1,700+) |
| Maelstrom | Waterproof backpack | Beach, rain | 4.7★ (450+) |
Mesh vs waterproof vs wet/dry swim bags
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesh | Wet gear dries, light, cheap | Does not keep things dry | Swim team gear, fins, boards |
| Waterproof | Protects phone and clothes from water | Wet gear stays wet inside | Beach, rain, boats |
| Wet/dry backpack | Keeps wet and dry apart | Costs more, heavier | Pool before work, school or gym |
Many regular swimmers use two bags: a mesh bag for training gear and a backpack for clothes and valuables. A wet/dry backpack combines both in one.
What to pack in a swim bag
- Swimsuit and a spare
- Goggles and a spare pair; see the best anti-fog swim goggles
- Swim cap; see the best swim caps
- Towel, ideally a quick-dry microfiber towel
- Flip-flops or pool sandals
- Water bottle and a snack
- Training gear: kickboard, pull buoy, fins, paddles
- Shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer for after-swim care
- A plastic or waterproof pouch for wet suits
- A padlock if your pool has lockers
▶ What’s in my swim bagA swimmer shows what she packs for practice. The video loads from YouTube only when you press play.
Best swim bag for kids
Kids need a bag they can carry themselves, with room for a towel, suit, goggles and snack. A mesh backpack is light and lets wet gear dry, and bright colors help kids find their bag on a crowded pool deck. Write your child’s name on the bag and inside the goggles case, because lost-and-found piles at pools are enormous.
Best swim bag for families
For family trips to the pool or beach, one large mesh backpack or tote holds everyone’s towels and toys, while a small waterproof bag keeps phones, keys and wallets dry. Add a cooling towel for hot days; see the best cooling towels.
What to bring to a swim meet
Swim meets are long days, often in warm, humid pool halls or hot outdoor decks, with short races and a lot of waiting. A big backpack, like the TYR Mummy or TYR Alliance, holds everything a swimmer needs:
- Two swimsuits, two caps and two pairs of goggles, in case one breaks
- Two towels, because one will be soaked by lunchtime
- A warm parka, hoodie or sweatpants to wear between races
- Plenty of water and light snacks such as bananas, granola bars and crackers
- A marker for writing event and heat numbers on the swimmer’s arm
- Something to pass the time: a book, cards or headphones
Parents often bring a folding chair and a small cooler, because deck seating fills up fast.
Keeping your phone safe at the pool
Pool decks are wet, crowded places for phones. Keep your phone in a zippered inside pocket of a waterproof or wet/dry bag, not in a mesh bag where splashes reach it. A small waterproof phone pouch adds extra protection at the beach or on a boat. Never leave valuables in an open bag on the deck; use a locker when one is available.
Swim bag vs regular gym bag
A regular gym bag is usually made of solid fabric with no ventilation, so wet suits and towels stay damp and start to smell within a day. Swim bags either breathe, like mesh bags, or separate wet gear from dry, like wet/dry backpacks. If you only swim now and then, a gym bag with a waterproof pouch for wet items works. If you swim several times a week, a proper swim bag makes life much easier.
Swim bags for men and women
Swim bags are almost always unisex; the difference is size and style. Adults who carry a laptop or work clothes usually prefer a wet/dry backpack like the TYR Alliance. Those who just need training gear often choose a mesh backpack or drawstring bag. Pick by what you carry and where you go after the pool, not by labels.
How to keep a swim bag from smelling
- Empty the bag as soon as you get home. Never leave wet gear inside overnight.
- Hang wet suits and towels to dry, and let the bag air out with all pockets open.
- Rinse mesh bags with fresh water every week or two, and let them dry in the shade.
- Wash wet compartments with mild soap now and then.
- Keep a separate waterproof pouch for wet suits if your bag does not have a wet pocket.
Name tags and team bags
At a busy pool, dozens of swimmers carry the same popular bags in the same colors. A name tag, keychain or embroidered name makes yours easy to spot and gives it a better chance of coming back from the lost-and-found. Many swim clubs order matching team backpacks each season, often with the swimmer’s name added. If your club does, check which bag they use before buying your own, so your swimmer matches the team.
How long does a swim bag last?
A mesh bag used several times a week usually lasts one to two seasons before the mesh or seams wear out. Chlorine, sun and heavy wet loads all shorten its life. Rinse it, dry it in the shade and avoid overloading the straps, and it will last much longer.
How to choose a swim bag
- How often you swim: daily swimmers need a tougher, roomier bag.
- What you carry: fins and kickboards need a big main compartment.
- Where you go afterward: heading to work or school? Choose a wet/dry backpack.
- Carrying comfort: padded shoulder straps help with heavy loads.
- Pockets: small zip pockets keep goggles, keys and cards from getting lost.
Related guide: Training gear to pack: the best swim kickboards.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best swim bag?
The TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack is our top pick for most swimmers. Choose the TYR Alliance if you need separate wet and dry compartments.
Mesh or waterproof swim bag: which is better?
Mesh lets wet gear dry and is best for training equipment. Waterproof bags protect phones and clothes but keep wet gear wet. Many swimmers use one of each.
What is a wet/dry swim bag?
A bag with separate compartments for wet items, like swimsuits and towels, and dry items, like clothes or a laptop.
What should I pack in a swim bag?
Swimsuit, goggles, cap, towel, flip-flops, water, snacks, training gear and after-swim hair and skin care.
How do I stop my swim bag from smelling?
Empty it as soon as you get home, dry everything in the air, rinse mesh bags regularly and never leave wet gear inside overnight.
What is the best swim bag for kids?
A light mesh backpack is great for kids because it lets gear dry and is easy to carry.
Can I take a mesh swim bag to the beach?
Yes, and sand shakes out of mesh easily. Keep valuables in a small waterproof pouch inside.
Do swim bags need a shoe compartment?
It is useful for keeping wet or sandy shoes apart from clothes and towels, but not essential.
How we chose
We researched swim bags and backpacks on Amazon in October 2026 and compared ratings, the number of reviews, capacity, compartments and what buyers say about quality, durability and how well each bag handles wet gear. We picked one clear bag for each type of swimmer. Prices and colors change often, so check the current listing before you buy.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
