5 Best Fitness Sandbags (That Are Also Affordable)

Whether you want to do overhead carriers, zercher lifts, shouldering exercises, or any other sandbag exercise, you’re going to want a quality fitness sandbag.

But which one to choose?

Thanks to the growing popularity of sandbag training, all the major players in the equipment space are producing their own sandbags, with different shapes, sizes and functionality. 

In this article, we’re looking at the best fitness sandbags on the market, looking at their qualities across a number of different aspects. By the end of the article you’ll be given opinions on the best quality, most durable and useful sandbags in your budgets.

As a gym owner and a sandbag user for years (I started making my own in 2010), these opinions come from a lot of sweaty experience!

If you’re in a rush, these are my top 2 picks that I highly recommend:

1. Rogue Feed Sack –  Best Overall Quality
2. Rep Sandbags – Best Budget Option

The 5 Best Sandbags on the Market

When putting together this review, I’ve considered a number of things – quality, versatility (not everyone has the space/budget for a lot of bags), functionality, weight and price. 

This list is my opinion of the best fitness sandbags…

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#1 Pick Rogue Feed Sack – Excellent quality, value, and versatility

This one from Rogue won’t be an obvious choice, but hear me out. 

This thing is awesome. It’s well made (thick nylon handles, triple stitched seams, 1000D Cordura fabric), can be loaded to 100lbs, is moderately-priced, easy to fill and has so much in the way of workout variety.

With a home gym (and therefore smaller budgets and tighter space constraints), I have to consider the use case for each item. In terms of quality, it sells itself. What makes this number one for me though is it can be dropped, carried, run with or lifted like a standard sandbag on account of the handles. 

It’s a level of versatility other models can’t match.

At $75 (50lb) or $85 (100lb) it’s slap bang in the middle of the price range, but in terms of versatility, it’s in a world of its own. I’d urge you towards the 100lb because of the versatility and in reality, the size difference between the two isn’t much (15” x 35” for 100lb compared to 12” x 29” for 50lb).

Tested at the CrossFit games, it’s a proven quality item and one I’d urge you to buy if you were in the market for a versatile sandbag.

Well reviewed, showing this is a great product. Not the most popular of the range, but definitely the most versatile.

Pros

• Great price
• Fantastic construction
• Unrivalled versatility
• Free shipping

Cons

• More handles would offer extra versatility
• Only available up to 100lb

Verdict

This Rogue Feedsack has been used in the CrossFit games, so it has been tested to the limit on the professional fitness scene. I’ve ranked it top because I think in terms of carrying, run and lift variety, it’s the best out there. Great price too.

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#2 Pick Rep Sandbags – Tough, versatile, incredible value

There’s a lot of the standard shaped sandbags on the market, but for me this sandbag from Rep Fitness is a clear winner. 

It’s only number 2 in this list because I believe the feedsack from Rogue at #1 is slightly better shaped for running. That being said, I have no problem recommending this ahead of it if you’re on a tighter budget. It’s a fantastic sandbag, well made, excellent value and the variety of handles make it really versatile.

The range runs from small (5-25lbs), medium (25-75lbs), large (50-125lbs) and XL (125-200lbs). They’re filled with multiple filler bags, so you can adjust within the range of the bag. 

I’d always suggest you go for the heaviest bags you can cope with at the lower end, so for example, if you can carry 70lbs, rather than go for the medium bag, opt for the large because you’ve got more room to progress.

The quality here is excellent–it’s made with 1000D Cordura, which is a hard wearing military grade material that is wear and tear resistant. The zipper is a large YKK model, used in high quality textile manufacture and designed for tough environments. There are also 7 soft handles to avoid uncomfortable contact on your shoulders, cross-stitched and triple/quadruple stitched with a heavy-duty thread handstitched and reinforced with metal grommets. This build quality is second to none.

Filler bags are double velcroed for leak resistance. At $34.99, you won’t find better.

If I was being picky, I prefer a direct fill over filler bags, but at the price I’m willing to overlook that.

A 4.8* rating across 495 shows we’re not the only ones who love this sandbag!

Pros

• Great price
• Lots of handle variety
• Plenty of options for different abilities
• Well made

Cons

• Shipping isn’t free – price varies depending on weight of the cargo, so check that out before you buy!
• Uses filler bags rather than a direct fill

Verdict

If I was reviewing the best ‘standard’ bags on the market, this one from Rep would be number 1 all day long. It’s a great bag and ideal for standard training. Great price and quality, beaten only because the feed sack is better for running and carrying.

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#3 Pick Rogue Sandbag 2.0 – Good to great

This is the newly-updated version of the Rogue Sandbag and I’m pleased to say, it is a massive improvement on the first version. A major criticism of the original was that it didn’t carry the advertised weight (bags claiming to carry 100lbs were full at 75lbs for example). That has been rectified now.

I also like that the 2.0 is filled directly into a filler bag, rather than by filling multiple smaller bags. This means the weight distribution is far more natural and user-friendly, making for more effective training.

The bags come in the following sizes: Small – 19.5” x 7”, Medium – 24” x 9”, Large – 35” x 10.5”, so there’s something for everyone there. 

In terms of build quality, it’s made from 1000D Cordura, the seven handles are made from nylon webbing and the nylon backing on the zipper has been re-enforced to ensure consistent, secure closure and smooth operation whether the bag is filled to capacity or just put through multiple drops.

It’s not the cheapest on the market, but it’s a solid bag. If you like Rogue and want to buy USA made, it’s a great choice.

The upgrades on the new model have proven really popular – clear 5* reviews.

Pros

• Big improvement on the version 1
• Lots of handle variety
• Sewn-in filler bag for more natural movement
• Rogue build quality

Cons

• More expensive than rivals
• Not as much weight variety as Rep

Verdict

I’m a Rogue fan and I credit them with listening to the problems with the first one and upgrading this bag – it’s a huge step up on the first version. I’m just not convinced there’s $90 of extra value in this over the Rep bag. If you’re happy to spend the near 90 bucks extra for the Rogue over the Rep, go for it. It’s a great bag, just a little pricey.

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#4 Pick Rogue Strongman Sandbag – The best big bag around

I’m aware that with three of the top four bags being made by Rogue, this is beginning to look like a fan page, but I’m just giving credit where it’s due. The Titan Fitness version has zipper troubles, which sucks when part way through a workout you’re having to deal with an equipment problem. 

The Rep stone fitness bag may be great, but it only goes up to 150lbs, whereas this Rogue Strongman Sandbag offering goes up to 400lbs, so it’s the only game in town as far as I’m concerned. Of course it’s not the cheapest–it’s Rogue–but I’m happy to make a recommendation when the product is this good.

The 1000D Cordura construction, top quality zipper with additional hook and loop closure for added security, built-in filler bag and a drop-resistant material make for an all-round great bag. The shape is carry friendly, it’s easy to store and can be easily emptied and refilled, so you can transport it around to different locations.

Personally I prefer the straight cylinder shape of this bag to the narrow tombstone and the inverted cyclone, because it’s a balanced weight from either end.

Pros

• Wide variety of weights here
• User-friendly shape
• Sewn-in filler bag for more natural movement
• Rogue build quality

Cons

• More expensive than rivals

Verdict: The title ‘Strongman’ is certainly achieved with this range–at a maximum of 400lbs, these bags are the real deal. They’re great quality, built to last and I like the direct fill mechanism rather than the filler bags. If you want the heaviest of sandbags, look no further.

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#5 Pick Titan Weight Training Sandbag – Tough and Durable

I’m a big fan of Titan gear–I think they offer value that few others can match. Where I don’t think their sandbag is worthy of a place ahead of others here (hence it’s #5 spot), it does have some redeeming qualities than earn it a place on this list.

The Titan bag is the toughest and most durable standard bag on the list–it can be tossed, slammed, thrown, dragged and still come back wanting more. It’s tougher than an overcooked steak. At a maximum of $54.99, that’s quite a compliment too–you’d expect to pay double that price at least for that level of durability.

The sandbag weights range from 40lbs to 100lbs in 20lb increments. The bags are adjustable within themselves too–you weight them by filling smaller removal weight bags that can take up to 10lbs each. Whilst I’ve made no secret of preferring a direct fill, this is a versatile option that will suit many.

If you envision using your bag on rough surfaces and want to throw, drag and drop the bag often, this is the one for you. The 6 handles offer plenty of grip options too.

For the money, this is a great bag. Excellent price point and solid reviews.

Pros

• Super durable construction
• 6 handles for variety
• Great price
• A good number of weight options

Cons

• Uses filler bags for weight
  

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Why is sandbag training so popular?

Put simply, because it’s so effective. 

The unpredictable nature of the weight forces you to adapt your positioning, it challenges your grip, your core and helps to develop your athleticism. Sandbag weighted carries and throws are now used by strength coaches all over the world.

Sandbags are perfect for a home gym–they’re cheap to buy, easy to use, super versatile and don’t take up much room.

Different Types of Sandbag

You’re faced with a wide variety of choice when it comes to sandbags – there’s a range of shapes, weights and handles depending on the training goal. Here’s a snapshot of the most common types of sandbag on the market

• Standard – These are sausage-shaped, often with multiple handles and designed to be used for a variety of standard exercises. Typically lighter.
• Strongman – These come in a variety of shapes including round, cube, tombstone, triangular. They’re a variety of weights and typically the heaviest of the lot.
• Feedsack – These are big, square bags with little rigidity and a couple of handles. They can be carried, lifted and thrown.
• Throw Bags – These are heavy bags with a wide, strong handle attached. Designed to be thrown repeatedly.

These sandbags are all designed for different purposes, so spend time considering how you’ll be using the sandbag in your training before you decide which shape to go for.

What to Look for in a Sandbag

Here’s a few pointers when it comes to sandbag features. Keep all of these points in mind before you click that buy button…

• Shape – If you want a sandbag to do weighted carries with, a standard sandbag won’t suit your needs. Likewise, if you want a sandbag for lunges, squats, presses etc, a throw bag will be useless. Buy what you need.
• Materials – Best quality bags will be made from Cordura, which is strong and resistant to wear. Cheaper bags are made from PVC exterior which can get slippy when sweaty!
• Zips – Quality zips are a must, because they’re a weak point on the bag. 
• Handles – If you’re throwing or carrying a bag by the handles, they need to be strong. Go for chunky handles designed to carry weight.
• Adjustability – I always advise that you should buy a bigger bag than you need, so you’ve got room to progress into. This is especially true for self-filling bags.
• Weight – some bags are a direct fill, others have smaller filler bags that you fill and place inside the bag.

I’m Buying a Sandbag – Which Should I go for?

On account of its build quality, versatility, price and weight, I recommend you buy the Rogue Feed Sack. Used properly, it’ll transform your workouts and fitness!