If you’ve spent any time at a gymnastics meet, you’ve noticed something — the bags have gotten very specific. Not just any backpack will do. After years of watching athletes show up to practice and competition, I can tell you exactly what they’re gravitating toward, and why.
Under Armour Hustle 6.0: The One They Actually Choose
Nine times out of ten, my athletes show up with an Under Armour Hustle backpack. And once you see it on a small gymnast’s frame, you understand why. These bags sit sleek and close to the body — no clunky bulk, no awkward volume that swallows a 70-pound athlete. They look intentional, and they hold up.
The Hustle 6.0 is genuinely built for active kids. UA Storm technology keeps gear dry, there’s a dedicated shoe/laundry pocket (a must for this sport), a side water bottle pocket that fits a 32oz bottle, and a soft-lined laptop sleeve for the older athletes juggling school on meet days. This is a bag that works as hard as they do.
The athletes are picking colors that match their personality — and right now, three colorways are leading the pack:
🔵 Blue Atlantis — Bold, bright, and impossible to miss in a sea of gear bags. If your gymnast wants to be found in a crowded locker room, this is the one.
💜 Lavender — Spacious, durable, and very on-trend. A favorite among gymnasts and dancers who want something feminine without being over-the-top.
🩷 Posh Pink — Pretty and practical. The pink that actually looks good after a hundred practices.
The Nike Gameday Cinch Bag: For the Gymnast Who Travels Light
Occasionally, one of my athletes shows up with a Nike cinch bag instead — and it’s almost always a fashion choice. The Nike Unisex Gameday Brasilia X Drawstring Bag in red and black is lightweight, compact, and has a sporty look that a lot of girls love for the aesthetic. It’s a great grab-and-go option for shorter practices when they’re not hauling much. But for meets, full practice days, or anyone who needs to fit real gear? The Under Armour backpack wins every time. The cinch bag just can’t compete with the organization and capacity — and on a small frame, bulk matters.
Find all of Coach Mady’s current picks on the Shop My Picks page.