If you're looking for a new way to challenge yourself and improve your overall fitness, then a workout sandbag may be what you need. The best workout sandbags are a versatile piece of equipment to add to your home gym and a great way to add intensity and variety to your workouts. They can be used for functional fitness training, general exercise, or even strength training.
While there are a variety of options on the market, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has waded through the options to give you our top recommendations. Keep reading for a breakdown of our favorite sandbags and an overview of factors to keep in mind when shopping.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring their years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
The Best Workout Sandbags—Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Workout Sandbag: REP Fitness Sandbag
- Best Budget Workout Sandbag: Titan Weight Training Sandbag
- Best Workout Sandbag with Handles: Synergee Weighted Sandbags V2
- Most Durable Workout Sandbag: GORUCK Sandbag 2.0
- Most Versatile Workout Sandbag: TRX Power Bags
- Best Pre-filled Workout Sandbag: Hyperwear SandBell PRO
What to Consider When Shopping for Workout Sandbags
When shopping for a sandbag, there are a few things you should consider:
Construction and Materials
With sandbags, you want to make sure that the bag is made from durable materials: The last thing you want is for your sandbag to tear or leak while you are working out. The best material for durable sandbags is 100D Cordura fabric. This material is incredibly tough and built to last.
Aside from the materials, you also need to pay attention to how the sandbag was made, particularly the stitching and other reinforcing methods. A poorly made sandbag will fall apart in no time, and since they're filled with sand it can cause a huge mess, not to mention the money wasted.
Pre-filled vs Unfilled
One thing you need to decide when shopping for a sandbag is whether you want a pre-filled or unfilled sandbag. A pre-filled sandbag can be more convenient, especially if you can't get sand or if you aren't able to fill it yourself. But it also comes with some downsides. Pre-filled sandbags come in preset sizes and weights, which means you can't adjust them to suit your fitness level and training requirements. This means you would have to buy several sized sandbags for your exercise routines. The upside is that the sandbag is ready for use the moment it arrives, and you won't need to tinker around with it before putting it to use.
Purpose
When choosing a sandbag, you need to first determine what its purpose will be. Are you using it for functional fitness training? General exercise? Strength training? The type of exercises you'll be doing will determine the size, weight, and features of the sandbag you need. If you're planning on using your sandbag for throwing, slamming, or dragging, then you will need a more robust sandbag that can withstand the strain it will be put under. Some sandbags are not made for rough use so be sure to keep that in mind when thinking about your purpose in buying a sandbag.
Handle Placement
The next thing you'll want to consider is the handle placement and construction. The handles should be placed in strategic positions so you can easily grip the sandbag and perform the exercises you want. They should also be made from durable materials that won't tear or snap under the weight of the sandbag. Padded handles can make holding the sandbags more comfortable by providing more cushioning to your grip. This feature becomes more important when you're working out with heavier weights, so keep that in mind when browsing options.
Outdoor Use
If you want to use your sandbag outdoors, then you need to make sure it is made from materials that can withstand the elements. Sun, rain, snow, and dirt will all take their toll on a sandbag, so it's important to choose one that is built to last and easy to clean. Look for water-resistant fabrics and removable covers if you know you'll be using your sandbags outdoors.
Weight Capacity
Be sure to consider your personal fitness level and what type of exercises you plan on doing when selecting the weight of your sandbag. If you're just starting out, then a lighter sandbag is ideal. You can always add more sand to increase the weight as you get stronger and fitter. Unless you're buying a pre-filled sandbag, in which case you may need to buy two different sizes so you can use the heavier sandbag once you're strong enough.
Budget
Sandbag prices range from $40 to as much as $200, so be sure to consider which features are most important for your needs and which you can skip out on.
Best Overall - REP Fitness Sandbag
SPECS
- Weight: Small: 5-25 lbs., medium: 25-75 lbs., large: 50-125 lbs., extra-large: 125-200 lbs.
- Materials: 1000D Cordura nylon
- Dimensions: Small - 20" x 10", medium - 25" x 14", large - 31" x 15", extra-large - 36" x 18"
- Closure: YKK Zipper
- Color: Black, blue, red, army green, camo, tan, and pink
- Key feature: Soft grip handles
The REP Fitness Sandbag is a must-have for any gym or CrossFit enthusiast. It comes in black, blue, red, army green, camo, tan, and pink, and is made with 1000D CORDURA fabric for durability. The large YKK zipper makes it easy to open and close, and the seven soft-grip handles provide a comfortable grip regardless of how you hold it or what exercise you're doing.
These sandbags also come cross-stitched, plus for further reinforcement, the cross stitches are triple stitched and feature metal grommets for extra durability. And it's available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, suiting a variety of fitness levels.
PROS
- Multiple soft grip handles for comfort and versatility
- A variety of size options for different users
- Made with heavy-duty, durable Nylon
CONS
- Doesn't come with a warranty
Best Budget - Titan Weight Training Sandbag
SPECS
- Weight: 40 lbs.
- Materials: 1050D Cordura nylon
- Dimensions: 20" x 9"
- Closure: Heavy-duty zipper and Velcro
- Color: Black
- Key feature: Suitable for throwing, slamming, dragging, and more
The Titan Weight Training Sandbag is ideal for anyone looking for a durable and versatile training tool with a limited budget. This bag comes with four 10-pound removable filler bags, so you can customize the total weight of the sandbag to your fitness level and exercise needs. It also has a tough outer layer and a heavy-duty zipper to ensure that the bag does not leak or tear. Made from ultra-tough Cordura nylon, these bags are built to withstand hundreds of pushes, presses, and drops.
The six soft-grip handles make it easy to grab and hold on to while you're performing your sets. Although this sandbag only comes in one size, it is perfect for throwing, slamming, or dragging thanks to its thick, rubber handles.
PROS
- Heavy-duty outer layer and zipper
- Customizable, comes with four removable and adjustable filler bags
- 6 soft grip handles for extra comfort
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
CONS
- Only available in 1 size
- Max weight capacity of 40 lbs. means it will not be heavy enough for heavy lifters
BUY: Titan Weight Training Sandbag
Best Workout Sandbag with Handles - Synergee Weighted Sandbags V2
SPECS
- Weight: 40 lbs. and 60 lbs.
- Materials: Cordura nylon
- Dimensions: 40 lb. sandbag: 21 ½" x 8", 60 lb. sandbag: 25" x 10"
- Closure: Heavy-duty zipper and Velcro
- Color: Black
- Key feature: Triple stitched for durability
The easier a sandbag is to grip, the easier it is to incorporate into your workout. And the Synergee Weighted Sandbags V2 is fantastic for adding extra weight to your workout thanks to its six handles. This helps you pick the bag up from virtually any side, plus you can customize the weight to your needs (each size comes with two filler bags). Whether you want to start with a lightweight or really push yourself, these sandbags give you the option to choose various weights to use in your routine.
Made with hard-wearing Cordura nylon and triple-stitched for added strength, these sandbags also come with heavy-duty zippers and Velcro closures to keep the filler bags secure and to ensure that the sand doesn't spill out.
PROS
- Adjustable filler bags for more variety
- Made with tough nylon and triple stitched for extra strength
- Features 6 handles
CONS
- Only available in 2 sizes
- The max capacity of the largest sandbag is only 60 lbs. which means it's not ideal for heavy lifters
BUY: Synergee Weighted Sandbags V2
Most Durable Workout Sandbag - GORUCK Sandbag 2.0
SPECS
- Weight: 40 lbs. and 60 lbs.
- Materials: 1000D Cordura nylon
- Dimensions: 40 lb. 22" x 8.5", 60 lb. 28" x 8.5"
- Closure: YKK zippers
- Color: Black
- Key feature: GoRucks Scars Lifetime Guarantee
The GoRuck 2.0 Sandbag is ideal for anyone looking for a durable sandbag that will withstand the toughest of workouts. It's made with 1000D CORDURA® material, which is the most durable type of nylon. Additionally, the bag has Box X stitching for reinforced handles and double stitching throughout. It also features 12 heavy-duty padded handles, which are reinforced with neoprene to provide extra comfort and support.
A YKK zipper makes it easy to close and open while keeping the filler bags secured. Plus, all the filler bags are reinforced with nylon webbing and are sealed with premium Velcro. And for extra protection, these bags come with a lifetime guarantee.
PROS
- Reinforced and padded heavy-duty handles
- GoRuck Scars Lifetime Guarantee
- Weight capacity embroidered onto the sandbag for easy identification
- More expensive than other options
CONS
- Only 2 sizes available
- Max weight capacity of 60 lbs. is the largest size
Most Versatile Workout Sandbag - TRX Power Bags
SPECS
- Weight: 10-40 lbs.
- Materials: Vinyl cover
- Dimensions: N/A
- Closure: N/A
- Color: Black
- Key feature: 6-year warranty
TRX Power Bags are a great way to add resistance and novelty to your workout. Available in 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-pound pre-filled bags, and triple-stitched for durability, these bags can be used for a variety of workout needs. Looking for a lighter bag to throw around? Go with the 10-pound option. Or if you want a bag to compliment heavier compound lifts, go with the 30- or 40-pound option.
The moisture-resistant vinyl cover keeps them safe from the elements, plus they come backed with a six-year warranty. With the wide variety of sizes available and the moisture-resistant cover, this sandbag is a versatile option for anyone looking to add a challenge to their workout, whether it be indoors or outdoors.
PROS
- Several sizes to choose from
- Triple stitched for durability
- Vinyl cover for moisture protection
CONS
- Sandbags are prefilled therefore they aren't adjustable
- Might have to buy several sizes to get a suitable range of weights
Best Pre-filled Workout Sandbag - Hyperwear SandBell PRO
SPECS
- Weight: 2-50 lbs.
- Materials: Neoprene
- Dimensions: N/A
- Closure: N/A
- Color: Black with piping in various colors
- Key feature: Dynamic grip design
Looking for a pre-filled sandbag option that comes in a variety of sizes? Our pick in this category is the Hyperwear SandBell PRO, a sandbag that uses a unique disc shape to help you slam, throw, and press to your heart's content. It comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 2- to 50-pounds. Featuring a dynamic grip design, these sandbags are ideal for anyone looking to increase their grip strength or strengthen their wrists. Made with Neoprene, these bags are suitable for both indoor and outdoor training.
The SandBell Pro is a unique sandbag since it is not shaped like typical sandbags, and it also doesn't have handles. Because of the design of the bag, the sand shifts around in the disc, which forces you to engage your core and stabilizer muscles.
PROS
- A wide variety of sizes for different fitness levels
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor training
- Pre-filled for convenience
CONS
- Max weight available is 50 lbs., which may not be suitable for stronger users
- No handles due to disc shape
Why You Should Buy Workout Sandbags
Sandbags are fantastic functional fitness tools that you can use to help you achieve your fitness goals. Because the sand within the sandbags shifts while you work out, it forces you to utilize other muscles (namely, your core), putting more strain on the body and pushing you to work harder.
Sandbags are also incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix up any exercise program without breaking the bank. If you're looking for the ultimate at-home workout to build strength and up your heart rate, pair your sandbags with battle ropes and a weighted vest.
FAQs About Workout Sandbags
What exercises can you perform with workout sandbags?
The options are nearly endless. You can use a sandbag as a substitute weight in almost any exercise where dumbbells or barbells are used. Squats, deadlifts, bent-over rows, lunges, hammer curls, good mornings, plank pulls, glute bridges, bear crawls with a sandbag pull through, and more. You can also slam, throw, and ruck with the sandbags for a combination of cardio endurance and strength building.
Are workout sandbags good for building muscle?
Workout sandbags are excellent for building muscle. The center-of-gravity shifts constantly while you work out with a sandbag, making it more difficult than exercising with traditional exercise equipment. Most sandbags are also adjustable, which allows you to increase the weight as you get stronger. Since progressive overload is one of the contributing factors to muscle growth, sandbags are a fantastic tool for building muscle because of their adjustability.
What weight workout sandbag should I use?
Sandbags are more difficult to work out with than traditional weights. Therefore, it might be better to start with a lighter weight, then progress to heavier options once you feel comfortable. Most sandbags are adjustable, so you may purchase one that has the same maximum capacity as your existing weights but reduce the weight until it's comfortable but still challenging to lift.
For example, if you press with a 50-pound barbell normally, you might buy a sandbag with a weight capacity of 50 pounds. You can then reduce the amount of sand in the filler bags until the weight is challenging but still manageable.