Gent's Approved: Every essential in our gym bag

Let’s be honest—half the battle of getting to the gym is packing the damn bag. Over the years, I’ve tried it all: protein powders I never drank, resistance bands that stayed wrapped, skincare that melted in the locker. But after enough early mornings, lunchtime lifts, and post-spin sweat sessions, I’ve narrowed it down to what actually earns a spot in my gym bag.

And with a new year creeping up, there’s no better time to rethink what’s actually pulling its weight. Whether you’re a 6 a.m. regular, an after-work warrior, or just trying to build a new habit that sticks, the toolkit doesn’t change much. These are the grab-and-go grooming staples, recovery tools, and reliable headphones that make my workouts better—and the cleanup after feel a little more human.

Consider this your no-BS gym bag edit.

Powerbeats Pro 2

I’ve tested a lot of earbuds that claim to be gym-ready—most of them tap out before I do. But the Powerbeats Pro? They don’t budge, die, or short out halfway through a heavy lift. I’ve worn these through 90-minute workouts, long runs, and even one disastrous hot yoga class (don’t ask)—they still hit. The battery life is unreal, the fit is snug without feeling like they’re crushing your ears, and the sound quality? Crisp enough to make a Drake track feel like a personal hype man.

Available at Best Buy and on the AIR MILES® Reward Program’s marketplace.

Gymshark Everyday Gym Bag

Let’s retire the dusty canvas totes and overstuffed backpacks. My current gym bag of choice? The Everyday bag from Gymshark. It’s made for real-life routines: built-in wet pocket for sweaty gear or shoes, enough compartments to keep things organized, and a main compartment that actually fits your full change of clothes. Add an adjustable strap and solid structure, and suddenly the locker room doesn’t feel like chaos.

Available at Gymshark.

ShakeSphere Tumbler Double Wall Steel Protein Shaker

There’s something about a stainless steel shaker that just feels…grown. This one from ShakeSphere pulls triple duty as a thermos, flask, and shaker—keeping drinks cold for 12 hours and hot for 8. The hypoallergenic, polished interior means no lingering smells or sticky protein gunk, and the double-walled steel adds a little quiet luxury to every sip. Trust me—your plastic shaker could never.

Available at ShakeSphere.

2XU Core Compression Sleeveless Top

When it comes to my gym fits, I don’t play—cut, quality, and performance all matter. This 2XU Core Compression Sleeveless Top checks every box. It hugs in all the right places, supports posture, and gives just the right amount of pressure to keep everything aligned and injury risk low. Whether it’s weight day or HIIT, this piece is always in rotation.

Available at 2XU.

APL Men’s TechLoom Zipline Shoes

Just when I thought the perfect gym sneaker didn’t exist, I slipped into what might be the holy grail: the APL TechLoom Zipline. Lightweight but sturdy, these kicks feel like they were built for movement—on the treadmill, in the weight room, or just running to your 9 a.m. class. The ribbed sock-like upper hugs without suffocating, while the FutureFoam™ midsole gives every stride a springy, cloud-like feel. Bonus points for the sleek design—because looking good and lifting heavy don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Available at Athletic Propulsion Labs.

Bombas Modern Rib Calf Sock 4-Pack

Don’t let the classic ribbed look fool you—these socks are built different. Bombas hit that perfect middle ground: lighter than your average crew, thicker than a dress sock, and cushioned just enough to wear with sneakers or loafers. Wear them pulled up or scrunched down—they’ll hold their shape either way and still look good doing it.

Available at Bombas.

Dove Men+Care Shea Butter + Cedar Whole Body Deodorant Spray

Deodorant is the one gym essential I refuse to mess around with. I keep two of these Dove Men+Care Whole Body Deodorant Sprays—one in my bathroom and one that permanently lives in my gym bag. It’s aluminum-free, infused with vitamin E, and safe to use from pits to privates to feet (yes, really). The scent is subtle—shea butter and cedarwood—but it gets the job done without irritation. If you’ve ever skipped deodorant at the gym, let this be your wake-up call.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Saje Recovery Zone Kit

If you’re looking to level up your post-workout recovery routine, Saje’s Post-Movement Recovery Kit is the kind of thing that makes a difference. I keep this in my gym bag for those heavy lift days or when I’ve pushed too far in spin. It pairs two of their best-sellers: a cooling joint and arthritis cream powered by L-Menthol (great for knees and elbows), and an oversized roll-on that hits every tight muscle with a deep clove-powered tingle. Trust—your body will thank you before the soreness kicks in.

Available at Saje.

Manscaped Weed Whacker® 3.0 Pro

Small but mighty, this one’s a permanent resident in my gym bag—because you never know when a quick touch-up is needed. From rogue nose hairs to unruly brows, the MANSCAPED Weed Whacker 2.0 handles the cleanup discreetly and efficiently. The dual-head system swaps easily between trimmer and eyebrow blade, and the built-in LED spotlight ensures you never miss a spot (even in the weird locker room lighting). Waterproof, portable, and ergonomic—this thing gets more reps than most people at the gym.

Available at Manscaped.

Aesop Above Us Steorra Eau de Parfum

There’s nothing better than the post-gym shower reset—until you finish it off with this. A citrus-spiced cologne that smells expensive (because it is) and feels even better. With warm notes of cardamom, vanilla bean, and encens, it’s like stepping out of the steam room and into your best self. Ambery, woody, and unapologetically bold—this one’s in heavy rotation when I want to smell fresh, put-together, and a little bit unforgettable.

Available at Aesop.

Join us on: