10 Best Drawstring Backpacks 2026 in the United States

The ARENA One Go Backpack is a well-designed drawstring-style sports bag ideal for swimmers and athletes needing a medium-sized, versatile daypack. Made from nylon and polyester, it offers durability along with water-repellent fabrics and a breathable back panel to keep your gear dry and help reduce odors. Its 35-liter capacity is roomy enough to hold swim gear, gym clothes, and extra items comfortably. The adjustable shoulder straps add to the comfort, although it lacks traditional drawstring closure and instead uses zippers, providing secure closure but differing from typical drawstring backpacks.

This bag features one large main compartment with a special laptop sleeve, plus three zipped external pockets and two elastic bottle holders, which help organize wet and dry items separately. The design is simple and modern in black, making it suitable for both men and women. While it is slightly heavier than some lightweight drawstring bags at 600 grams, the added compartments and materials justify this.

It represents a solid choice if you want a multifunctional swim and gym bag that balances style, protection, and organization without the classic lightweight simplicity of a basic drawstring backpack.

The Nike Brasilia Training Gymsack is a solid choice if you want a simple and lightweight drawstring backpack for gym or casual use. It measures about 18 by 10 by 6 inches, which is roomy enough to carry workout clothes, shoes, and other essentials without feeling bulky. The reinforced bottom adds durability and helps protect your gear from wear and tear, which is a nice touch for everyday use.

The shoulder straps are made from the drawstring cords themselves, which keeps the bag light but might not offer as much padding or comfort as thicker straps if you carry heavy loads for a long time. The main closure is the classic drawstring top, making it quick to open and close, though it doesn’t provide as much security as zippered tops. A handy exterior zip pocket lets you stash smaller items like keys or phones separately, which is very convenient.

The design is clean and sporty with a black and white color scheme, making it versatile and stylish for most users. The bag does not have multiple compartments inside, so organizing smaller items can be a bit tricky. If you want a no-fuss bag that's easy to fill, carry, and reasonably tough, this Nike gymsack fits the bill well. It is especially suitable for gym-goers or anyone needing a lightweight, casual drawstring backpack.

The adidas Stadium Sackpack is a lightweight, sports-focused drawstring backpack with a 13-liter capacity, making it a good fit for gym users or casual sports activities. Its 18.25-inch height and 14-inch width offer enough space for essentials without being bulky. Made from durable polyester, it is water-resistant, helping protect your belongings from light rain or spills. The drawstring closure is easy to use and doubles as adjustable straps, but it may not feel as secure as backpacks with full zippers for heavier loads. One main compartment keeps things simple, while a zippered valuables pocket provides a safe spot for small items like your phone or keys. The hydration pockets are a nice bonus for staying refreshed during workouts. The bag’s design is sporty and tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which might appeal to fans and adds some style.

However, it doesn’t offer extra compartments or padding, so it might not be ideal if you need to carry more gear or delicate items regularly. Its hand-wash-only care means you’ll need to be a bit careful when cleaning. This sackpack suits those looking for a lightweight, practical gym or sports bag with a sporty look, but if you want more organization or sturdier straps, other options might be worth considering.