Most swimmers don't think much about their swim bag until it lets them down. A zip that breaks mid-season. A soaked change of clothes because wet gear wasn't separated properly. A bag that fits everything except the one thing you actually needed to bring.
Getting the right bag from the start saves you the hassle. This guide covers everything worth knowing before you buy, from the difference between mesh bags and backpacks through to sizing and the key features to look for.
Mesh Bag or Backpack: Which Do You Need?
The first decision is the most fundamental, and the answer depends on how you use your bag.
Swim backpacks are the more versatile option. A well-designed swim backpack has dedicated compartments for wet and dry gear, padded straps for comfortable carrying, and enough structure to protect the contents. You can pack a full change of clothes, keep them dry, and walk to and from the pool without everything getting mixed together. For most swimmers making a daily trip to the pool, a backpack is the practical choice.
Mesh bags take a different approach. They are lightweight, fully ventilated, and quick-drying. Everything is visible through the open weave, which makes it easy to grab what you need on deck. The trade-off is that mesh bags offer no separation between wet and dry. If you put a damp swimsuit in a mesh bag alongside dry clothes, the dry clothes won't stay dry for long.
Mesh bags work well as a secondary bag for carrying training equipment on the pool deck, or for swimmers who use a locker for dry clothing and just need something to transport their kit between sessions. For everything else, a backpack is the better fit.
Many serious swimmers use both: a backpack for the commute to the pool, and a mesh bag for deck equipment like fins, kickboards and pull buoys.
What Capacity Do You Need?
Swim bags are typically measured in litres. Before settling on a size, think about what you actually need to carry to and from the pool. Personal items like a towel, swimsuit, goggles, swim cap and a change of clothes require a lot less space than a full set of training equipment including fins, a kickboard, hand paddles and a pull buoy.
A useful approach many swimmers take is to keep these two things separate. A smaller, structured backpack handles personal items and keeps dry gear protected. A dedicated mesh bag carries bulkier training equipment, where ventilation and quick-drying matter more than organisation. This combination often works out more practical than trying to fit everything into one large bag, and mesh bags are affordable enough that the two-bag setup makes sense for anyone training regularly.
If you prefer to keep everything in one bag, choose a capacity that matches your full kit without forcing the zip. A bag that is consistently overpacked will wear out faster and is less comfortable to carry.
Key Features to Look For
Wet and dry separation. The single most useful feature in a swim backpack. A dedicated wet compartment lets you store a damp swimsuit and towel separately from dry clothing, electronics and valuables. If you are buying a backpack for regular pool use, this is non-negotiable.
Durable materials. A swim bag lives a harder life than most bags. It gets thrown on wet pool decks, pushed into lockers, and packed with chlorine-damp gear on a daily basis. Look for reinforced base panels and quality zips. A bag that saves you $30 upfront but falls apart in three months is not a saving.
Padded straps. If you are carrying a fully loaded 45-litre backpack to and from the pool each day, padded shoulder straps make a meaningful difference over time. Worth prioritising if the bag will be carried any real distance.
Ventilation. Even in a backpack, ventilation around the wet compartment helps prevent odour build-up. Mesh panels or ventilated construction on the wet section are a practical feature for regular use.
Size and locker fit. Most swim backpacks are designed with pool lockers in mind, but a 45-litre bag is a tighter fit than a 35-litre bag in a standard locker. If locker space is limited at your pool, factor this in when choosing capacity.
Arena and TYR: What's the Difference?
Both Arena and TYR produce swim-specific bags designed around the needs of regular pool swimmers, and both are well represented in our range.
Arena bags are built with competitive and club swimmers in mind. The construction is structured and durable, the compartment layouts are designed around the practical demands of squad training, and the quality holds up to daily pool use over a full season. Arena bags are among the most widely used on pool decks in New Zealand and internationally.
TYR offers strong value across both backpack and mesh options. The structured backpack range gives you swim-specific features at a more accessible price point, while TYR's mesh bags are a popular choice for swimmers who want lightweight, ventilated storage for deck equipment. If you are buying your first swim bag or looking for a reliable option without spending top dollar, TYR is worth a close look.
Both brands produce bags in a range of sizes and colours, and both are built to handle the demands of regular swimming. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference and price point rather than any significant performance gap.
Browse our full range of Arena and TYR product, or view the complete swim bags and backpacks collection.
Looking After Your Swim Bag
A swim bag that is properly cared for will last significantly longer than one that isn't. After each use, shake out any debris and leave the bag open to air dry, particularly if wet gear has been stored inside. For mesh bags, hang them up to dry fully between sessions rather than bundling them away damp.
Avoid machine washing unless the manufacturer's care instructions specifically allow it. Machine washing can damage zip mechanisms, degrade padding, and cause structural panels to warp over time. A manual wipe-down of the interior and a thorough airing out is the safer approach for most swim bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best swim bag for regular pool training in NZ?
For regular pool training, a 35 to 45-litre backpack with dedicated wet and dry compartments is the most practical choice. Arena's backpack range is widely used by club and squad swimmers across NZ. TYR's structured backpack options offer similar functionality at a slightly lower price point. The right bag depends on how much gear you carry and whether you need it to fit in a standard pool locker.
Can I use my swim bag for general use?
Yes, and many swimmers do. Most structured swim backpacks are well built enough to double as an everyday bag for work, school or travel. Several Arena and TYR backpacks include a dedicated laptop sleeve, making them a practical choice for swimmers who want one bag that works at the pool and at the desk. The robust construction and quality zips also make them reliable travel bags. Mesh bags are similarly versatile outside of swimming and work well for carrying general sports equipment, beach gear or anything else that benefits from ventilation and quick drying.
Can I use a regular backpack instead of a swim-specific bag?
You can, but there are a few reasons swim-specific bags tend to work better for regular pool use. The most important is wet and dry separation. A standard backpack typically has one main compartment, which means wet swimwear and towels end up alongside dry clothing and valuables. Swim backpacks are designed with dedicated wet compartments to keep things separate. The materials used in swim bags are also chosen to handle daily exposure to chlorine, damp gear and poolside surfaces that would wear down a regular backpack more quickly over time.
Do swim bags have separate wet and dry compartments?
Most structured swim backpacks do. This is one of the most useful features to look for when buying a swim bag for regular use. It lets you store damp swimwear and towels separately from dry clothing, electronics and valuables. Our Arena and TYR backpack ranges both include this feature.
Will a swim bag fit in a pool locker?
Most swim backpacks are designed with pool lockers in mind. A 30 to 35-litre bag fits comfortably in a standard locker. A 45-litre bag may be a tighter fit depending on the locker size at your pool. Mesh bags are more flexible and compress easily. If locker space is limited, a smaller capacity bag is the safer choice.
How do I prevent my swim bag from smelling?
The main cause of odour in swim bags is damp gear left inside for extended periods. The most effective habit is to unpack your bag as soon as you get home, hang wet gear to dry separately, and leave the bag open to air out rather than zipping it shut while still damp. For mesh bags, hanging them open after each session prevents any build-up. If odour does develop, a wipe down of the interior with a mild solution of white vinegar and water is effective at neutralising it without damaging the lining.
Are TYR swim bags good quality?
Yes. TYR bags are durable, practical and well-priced. The mesh range is particularly popular for its lightweight, ventilated design. For swimmers who want swim-specific features without paying a premium price, TYR's structured backpack range is a reliable choice that holds up well to regular pool use.
Ready to find your perfect swim bag? Browse our full range of swim bags and backpacks from Arena and TYR at Swim Safe, and check out our swimming accessories collection for everything else you need at the pool.