Swim Bags & Backpacks

Swim Bags for New Zealand Swimmers

From poolside to locker room, a good swim bag needs to work as hard as you do. Our Arena and TYR swim bags are built to keep your swim essentials organised and protected, handle wet gear without complaint, and remain durable against wet floors and the occasional locker shove.

At Swim Safe, we stock swim bags and backpacks from Arena and TYR, covering everything from lightweight mesh bags through to large-capacity structured backpacks.

Which Type of Swim Bag Do You Need?

A swim backpack is the most versatile option for regular swimmers. A structured backpack with dedicated wet and dry compartments keeps damp gear contained while protecting dry clothing, valuables and electronics. Padded shoulder straps make the daily commute to the pool comfortable, and most structured swim backpacks are large enough to carry a full training kit including towel, fins and training aids. Our Arena and TYR backpack ranges cover a variety of sizes and price points to suit most swimmers.

Mesh swim bags are lightweight, fully ventilated and quick-drying. They are ideal for swimmers who want maximum airflow around their gear, or those who use their bag primarily to carry training equipment like fins, kickboards and paddles. A mesh bag won't protect dry items from getting wet, so it's best suited to swimmers who keep their dry clothing and valuables in a separate bag or locker. TYR's mesh range offers solid, no-fuss options at an accessible price.

Choosing the Right Capacity

30L suits younger swimmers or those who pack light for pool sessions. Enough space for a swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, towel and a small water bottle.

35L is a practical all-rounder for most regular swimmers. Fits a full training kit comfortably without being bulky to carry.

40-45L is the standard for competitive swimmers and those who carry training aids regularly. Enough room for fins, paddles, a kickboard and a full change of clothes alongside the essentials.

50L and upward mesh bags suit swimmers who use a large amount of deck equipment and want everything to air out between sessions.

Arena or TYR?

Arena bags are built around the needs of competitive and club swimmers. Structured, durable and well-organised, with thoughtful compartment layouts that have made them a staple on pool decks worldwide.

TYR offers strong value across both structured backpacks and mesh options. A practical choice for swimmers who want reliable swim-specific features without a premium price tag.

See our full guide to selecting the best swim bag here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size swim bag do I need?

For most regular swimmers, a 35-45L backpack covers everything comfortably, including swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, towel, water bottle and training aids if needed. A 30L bag suits younger or lighter-packing swimmers. If you carry a lot of deck equipment such as fins and a kickboard, a 45L or a separate mesh bag gives you the room you need.

What is the difference between a swim backpack and a mesh swim bag?

A swim backpack is structured, with dedicated wet and dry compartments that keep damp gear separate from dry clothing and valuables. A mesh bag is open-weave, lightweight and quick-drying, but won't protect dry items from getting wet. Many serious swimmers use both: a backpack for everyday commuting to the pool, and a mesh bag for carrying training equipment on deck.

Do swim bags have separate wet and dry compartments?

Most structured swim backpacks do, yes. A dedicated wet compartment lets you store a damp swimsuit or towel separately from dry clothing, electronics and other valuables. This is one of the key things to look for when choosing a swim backpack for regular use. Our Arena and TYR structured backpack range all include this feature.

Will a swim bag fit in a pool locker?

Most swim backpacks are designed with pool lockers in mind. A 35L bag fits comfortably in a standard pool locker. A 45L bag may be a tighter fit depending on the locker size at your local pool. Mesh bags are more flexible and tend to compress more easily. If locker space is a concern, a 30-35L bag is the safer choice.

What swim bag do competitive swimmers use?

Competitive swimmers typically use a structured 45L backpack with dedicated wet and dry compartments, padded straps and enough capacity for a full competition kit. Arena's swim backpack range is widely used at club and national level across New Zealand and internationally. TYR's larger backpack options are also popular with competitive swimmers.

How do I look after my swim bag?

Rinse the interior with fresh water after each use to remove chlorine residue, particularly if wet gear has been stored inside. Leave the bag open and upside down to air dry between sessions. For mesh bags, rinse thoroughly and hang to dry. Avoid machine washing unless the manufacturer's care instructions specifically allow it, as this can damage zips, straps and structure over time. Storing the bag dry and open between uses will significantly extend its life.

Also check out our full range of swim accessories including swim caps, goggles and training aids at Swim Safe.