Buying guideSwim and Water Sports section

Best swim bag for pool gear: Amazon picks

Swim bag capacity in liters, whether it has a separate wet compartment for wet swimwear and towels, ventilation for wet gear, whether it works as a backpack or tote, mesh exterior pockets for goggles and fins and material water resistance determine which swim bag organizes pool gear effectively.

By Pickspry EditorialUpdated September 28, 20264 picks

The short answer

Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Backpack at $40 is the best swim bag for most competitive and serious recreational swimmers: the separate ventilated mesh bottom compartment holds wet swimwear and a wet towel isolated from dry gear in the top compartment, and the backpack carry style distributes pool equipment weight across both shoulders.

Product buttons open Amazon search results. As an Amazon Associate, Pickspry earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Quick picks

01
Best swim bag for most swimmers
Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Backpack
Competitive and regular lap swimmers who carry goggles, a swim cap, a kickboard, fins, a towel and a change of clothes to the pool regularly, where Speedo Deluxe Ventilator uses a ventilated mesh bottom compartment for wet gear isolation alongside a dry main compartment for clothing and accessories.
02
Best mid-size swim bag
TYR Alliance 45L Backpack
Competitive swimmers and coaches who need a large-capacity swim bag that holds a full competition kit (multiple suits, multiple pairs of goggles, fins, paddles, kickboard, water bottle and change of clothes) in a single bag, where TYR Alliance 45L provides 45 liters of organized storage for a complete competition day's equipment.
03
Best mesh swim bag
KONA Mesh Beach Bag
Casual pool and beach visitors who want a simple, lightweight mesh tote that allows water to drain from wet gear, sand to fall through and the bag's contents to be visible without opening pockets, where KONA mesh uses an open weave material that the pool environment actually benefits from compared to closed fabric bags.
04
Best small swim bag
Swim Elite Mesh Swim Bag 18L
Minimalist swimmers who carry only essential items (swimsuit, goggles, cap, small towel) and want the lightest, smallest swim bag that still has backpack straps, where Swim Elite 18L mesh backpack provides swim-specific organization in a compact 18-liter size that weighs almost nothing when empty.

How we chose

Swim bags are evaluated by capacity, wet/dry compartment separation, ventilation for wet gear, carry style, exterior pocket organization, material durability and price. Specs from manufacturer product pages. We did not test these products.

The picks, in detail

4 picks reviewed

Best swim bag for most swimmers

Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Backpack

Brand: Speedo

Best for

Competitive and regular lap swimmers who carry goggles, a swim cap, a kickboard, fins, a towel and a change of clothes to the pool regularly, where Speedo Deluxe Ventilator uses a ventilated mesh bottom compartment for wet gear isolation alongside a dry main compartment for clothing and accessories.

Skip if

Only a swimsuit, goggles and towel are carried. For minimalist swimmers who bring only 3 to 4 items, the Speedo Deluxe Ventilator's capacity is excessive and the $40 price is more than necessary for light gear load. A smaller mesh tote bag (Swim Elite, KONA) provides adequate storage for minimal gear at lower cost.

Check price on Amazon

Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Backpack uses a two-compartment design with a ventilated mesh lower section for wet swimwear and towels, and a zippered upper compartment for dry clothing, shoes and accessories. The mesh ventilation allows airflow through the wet gear section, reducing the mildew odor that builds in closed wet gear bags.

The backpack design with padded shoulder straps distributes the weight of a full pool equipment load (fins, kickboard, water bottle, clothing) more comfortably than shoulder tote bags for the walk between the pool and changing area or car.

At $40, Speedo Deluxe Ventilator is the premium swim bag option in this guide.

Specifications

Specifications for Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Backpack
Capacity	Large (30L+)
Wet compartment	Yes, ventilated mesh bottom
Carry style	Backpack
Exterior pockets	Yes
Price	$40

Specs from Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Backpack swim wet dry compartment, pool gear mesh Amazon search

Best mid-size swim bag

TYR Alliance 45L Backpack

Brand: TYR

Best for

Competitive swimmers and coaches who need a large-capacity swim bag that holds a full competition kit (multiple suits, multiple pairs of goggles, fins, paddles, kickboard, water bottle and change of clothes) in a single bag, where TYR Alliance 45L provides 45 liters of organized storage for a complete competition day's equipment.

Skip if

Daily training with moderate gear load is the case. At 45 liters, TYR Alliance is a large bag appropriate for competition meets where multiple suits, warmup gear and full equipment sets are carried. For daily practice with a standard training gear load (one suit, goggles, cap, kickboard, fins and a towel), the Speedo Deluxe Ventilator or a smaller bag is adequate.

Check price on Amazon

TYR Alliance 45L uses a large main compartment with a separate wet/dry section alongside multiple exterior pockets for water bottles, phones and accessories. The 45-liter capacity is among the largest in the swim bag category, designed for swimmers who carry full competition kits on meet days.

TYR Alliance backpacks are used by club and collegiate swimmers for both daily training and competition travel. The bag accommodates a kickboard vertically inside the main compartment.

At $35, TYR Alliance 45L provides slightly more capacity than the Speedo Deluxe Ventilator at a lower price.

Specifications

Specifications for TYR Alliance 45L Backpack
Capacity	45 liters
Wet compartment	Yes
Carry style	Backpack
Best for	Competition meets
Price	$35

Specs from TYR Alliance 45L Backpack swim pool training competitive, large capacity Amazon search

Best mesh swim bag

KONA Mesh Beach Bag

Brand: KONA

Best for

Casual pool and beach visitors who want a simple, lightweight mesh tote that allows water to drain from wet gear, sand to fall through and the bag's contents to be visible without opening pockets, where KONA mesh uses an open weave material that the pool environment actually benefits from compared to closed fabric bags.

Skip if

Dry clothing and valuables need to be carried in the same bag as wet gear. KONA mesh bag is an all-mesh design with no separate dry compartment, meaning everything inside gets wet or sandy from contact with other items. Wallets, phones, dry clothing and other items that should stay dry cannot be reliably protected in an all-mesh bag. Carry valuables and dry clothes in a separate waterproof bag.

Check price on Amazon

KONA Mesh Beach Bag uses an open-weave mesh construction that allows water, sand and pool deck debris to fall through the bag material. The mesh is appropriate for carrying wet towels, swimsuits, flip flops and water toys from the pool or beach without the wet-bag odor that develops in closed wet gear bags.

The tote handle carry style is more casual and appropriate for pool deck use. The bag is lightweight and compresses small when empty for storage.

At $20, KONA Mesh provides the most casual pool tote option in this guide.

Specifications

Specifications for KONA Mesh Beach Bag
Material	Open mesh
Wet separation	No (all mesh)
Carry style	Tote handles
Draining	Yes (water drains through mesh)
Price	$20

Specs from KONA mesh beach bag large tote swim pool wet gear, drain water bottle Amazon search

Best small swim bag

Swim Elite Mesh Swim Bag 18L

Brand: Swim Elite

Best for

Minimalist swimmers who carry only essential items (swimsuit, goggles, cap, small towel) and want the lightest, smallest swim bag that still has backpack straps, where Swim Elite 18L mesh backpack provides swim-specific organization in a compact 18-liter size that weighs almost nothing when empty.

Skip if

Fins, a kickboard or large training equipment are carried regularly. Swim Elite 18L is sized for minimal gear and cannot accommodate kickboards (typically 17 to 20 inches long) or large training equipment. For swimmers who carry training equipment regularly, Speedo Deluxe Ventilator or TYR Alliance provides adequate capacity.

Check price on Amazon

Swim Elite 18L Mesh Backpack uses a combination of mesh and solid fabric panels in a compact backpack design sized for essential swim gear. The small footprint fits in a gym locker comfortably. Interior organization includes a main compartment for a wet swimsuit and towel alongside smaller pockets for goggles and swim cap.

The lightweight design is practical for swimmers who walk or cycle to the pool and prefer minimal gear load.

At $15, Swim Elite is the most affordable swim backpack in this guide.

Specifications

Specifications for Swim Elite Mesh Swim Bag 18L
Capacity	18 liters
Carry style	Backpack
Material	Mesh and fabric
Weight	Very light
Price	$15

Specs from Swim Elite mesh swim bag 18L backpack pool small, lightweight Amazon search

Swim bag comparison

Product	Capacity	Carry Style	Wet Compartment	Price
Swim Elite Mesh	18L	Backpack	No	$15
KONA Mesh Tote	Large	Tote	No (all mesh)	$20
TYR Alliance	45L	Backpack	Yes	$35
Speedo Deluxe Ventilator	30L+	Backpack	Yes (ventilated)	$40

Compare the picks

Side by side comparison of every pick
Specification	Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Backpack	TYR Alliance 45L Backpack	KONA Mesh Beach Bag	Swim Elite Mesh Swim Bag 18L
Our verdict	Best swim bag for most swimmers	Best mid-size swim bag	Best mesh swim bag	Best small swim bag
Capacity	Large (30L+)	45 liters	Not listed	18 liters
Wet compartment	Yes, ventilated mesh bottom	Yes	Not listed	Not listed
Carry style	Backpack	Backpack	Tote handles	Backpack
Exterior pockets	Yes	Not listed	Not listed	Not listed
Price	$40	$35	$20	$15
Best for	Not listed	Competition meets	Not listed	Not listed
Material	Not listed	Not listed	Open mesh	Mesh and fabric
Wet separation	Not listed	Not listed	No (all mesh)	Not listed
Draining	Not listed	Not listed	Yes (water drains through mesh)	Not listed
Weight	Not listed	Not listed	Not listed	Very light
Buy	Check price	Check price	Check price	Check price

Questions people ask

How do I keep my swim bag from smelling bad?

Swim bag odor develops from mildew growing in damp gear stored in a closed bag after use. Prevention requires removing wet gear from the closed bag and hanging it to dry as soon as possible after swimming. Leaving a wet swimsuit and wet towel in a closed bag for several hours or overnight creates the conditions for mildew growth that produces the persistent mildew odor. For pool commuters who cannot dry gear immediately, a mesh bag (Swim Elite, KONA) rather than a closed bag reduces mildew because air can circulate. Wash swimsuits after every use in cold water to remove chlorine and body chemistry residues that also contribute to odor. Wash the bag itself monthly in a gentle cold cycle.

Can I fit a kickboard in a swim bag?

Standard-size kickboards (approximately 17 to 20 inches long) fit inside Speedo Deluxe Ventilator, TYR Alliance 45L and other large swim backpacks when placed vertically inside the main compartment. The kickboard typically extends above the top of the bag, which is functional for walking from the car to the pool but may create issues in lockers. A 45-liter bag like TYR Alliance accommodates a kickboard alongside other gear more comfortably than smaller bags. Small mesh totes (Swim Elite 18L) and beach totes (KONA) cannot accommodate a standard kickboard.

What should I carry in my swim bag for a pool workout?

A standard pool training gear list includes a swimsuit or two, a swim cap and goggles (plus a backup pair), a kickboard and pull buoy for drill sets, swim fins, a padlock for the locker, a water bottle, body wash and shampoo in travel bottles, a towel and a change of clothes. For competitive swimmers, a training plan or written workout printed or on a phone in a waterproof case is also useful. Most of this gear fits in a 30 to 45-liter swim backpack. For recreational swimmers, the list reduces to swimsuit, cap, goggles, towel, body wash and a change of clothes, which fits comfortably in an 18-liter bag.

Buying guide
Best swim goggles for lap swimming: Amazon picks
Swim goggle lens type (clear, tinted, mirrored), whether they are anti-fog coated, seal design (gasket versus frameless), UV protection rating, nose bridge adjustability and whether they suit pool versus open water determine which goggles perform for lap swimming.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated September 28, 2026
Buying guide
Best swim cap for pool and open water: Amazon picks
Swim cap material (silicone versus latex versus lycra), whether it is hydrodynamic, how much hair it can contain, durability with daily chlorine exposure and whether the cap is for competitive or recreational swimming determine which swim cap performs in the water.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated September 28, 2026
Buying guide
Best swim fins for training and snorkeling: Amazon picks
Swim fin blade length (short versus long), stiffness, whether the fin has an open heel or full foot pocket, material (rubber versus silicone), compatibility with swim socks and whether fins are for pool training or snorkeling determine which swim fins suit the activity.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated September 28, 2026
Buying guide
Best pool float for adults and kids: Amazon picks
Pool float size and weight capacity, whether it is an inflatable ring, lounge, or island design, the material thickness and puncture resistance, UV stability and whether it folds for storage determine which pool float suits relaxing versus play in a pool.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated September 28, 2026

Best swim bag for pool gear: Amazon picks