Best Gym Bags and Supplement Storage
Nobody talks about the logistics of gym life. You've got protein powder, a shaker bottle, pre-workout, maybe some electrolyte packets — and it all needs to get to the gym without spilling in your car or making your bag smell like a locker room. We've tested the most popular shaker bottles, gym bags, and storage solutions to find the ones that actually keep things organized and leak-free. Because we've all had that moment where your protein shake leaked all over your gym bag. It's not fun. It smells terrible for weeks. The right setup is simple: a good shaker that seals properly, a bag with separate compartments, and containers that don't let powder go everywhere. It's not exciting gear, but it makes your daily routine way smoother.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blender Bottle Classic Shaker (28oz) | Shaker | BlenderBall mixes smoothly | Buy on Amazon |
| Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32oz with Straw Lid | Water-Bottle | Excellent temperature retention | Buy on Amazon |
| Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein (2 lb) | Protein | 24g protein per serving | Buy on Amazon |
| Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (16-Pack) | Hydration | Hydrates faster than water alone | Buy on Amazon |
| Nalgene OTF (On-The-Fly) Water Bottle (24oz) | Water-Bottle | One-handed flip-top operation | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Blender Bottle Classic Shaker (28oz)
28oz shaker bottle with patented BlenderBall wire whisk. Snap-shut leak-proof lid with screw-on cap. BPA and phthalate free. Dishwasher safe. Embossed ounce and milliliter markings.
- BlenderBall mixes smoothly
- Leak-proof design
- Dishwasher safe
- Very affordable
- Can retain odors over time
- Plastic scratches with use
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32oz with Straw Lid
Double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel water bottle. Keeps cold drinks cold up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot up to 12 hours. Wide mouth opening for ice cubes and easy cleaning. Straw lid for convenient sipping during workouts.
- Excellent temperature retention
- Durable powder coat finish
- Wide mouth for easy filling
- Lifetime warranty
- Dents if dropped
- Straw lid can be hard to clean
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein (2 lb)
Industry-leading whey protein powder with 24g of protein per serving from whey isolate, concentrate, and peptides. Mixes easily in a shaker with water or milk. Double Rich Chocolate is the best-selling flavor for good reason.
- 24g protein per serving
- Mixes smoothly
- Great tasting flavors
- Trusted brand for decades
- Contains artificial sweeteners
- Some flavors are very sweet
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (16-Pack)
Electrolyte drink mix using Cellular Transport Technology to deliver hydration faster and more efficiently than water alone. Each stick packet mixes into 16oz of water for quick recovery after workouts, travel, or long days.
- Hydrates faster than water alone
- Convenient stick packets
- Great for post-workout recovery
- Tasty flavors
- Contains added sugar
- Expensive per serving
Nalgene OTF (On-The-Fly) Water Bottle (24oz)
One-handed flip-top water bottle with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental opening in bags. BPA-free Tritan construction is virtually indestructible. Narrow mouth with splashguard for mess-free drinking while moving.
- One-handed flip-top operation
- Locking mechanism prevents leaks
- Virtually indestructible
- BPA-free Tritan
- No insulation
- Narrow mouth harder to add ice
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best shaker bottle that won't leak?
The BlenderBottle Classic is still the king. That twist-on lid and snap cap seal tight, and the wire whisk ball actually breaks up clumps. We've tossed it in a gym bag sideways hundreds of times with no leaks. It's like $10. Just get one.
Should I use a protein shaker or a regular water bottle at the gym?
Both, ideally. Use the shaker for your protein shake and a separate water bottle for hydration. The Nalgene OTF is great for drinking during workouts because it opens with one hand. Trying to drink water from a shaker bottle that still has protein residue is... not recommended.
How do I keep my gym bag from smelling?
Wash your gym clothes after every session — don't just stuff them back in the bag. Get a bag with a ventilated shoe compartment so your sneakers aren't touching everything else. And toss in a small moisture absorber or dryer sheet if things get funky. The single biggest cause of stinky bags is damp clothes sitting in there overnight.
Is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard worth the hype?
It's the best-selling protein powder for a reason. It mixes well, tastes decent, and the ingredient label is clean. Is it the absolute cheapest protein per gram? No. But the quality and consistency are hard to beat. Double Rich Chocolate is the crowd favorite if you can't decide on a flavor.