TOP 15 Best Workout and Training Sandbags Reviewed 2024
Have a WOD that includes a sandbag?
Maybe you have an upcoming Mud Run that uses a sandbag or Wreck bag, or you saw a sandbag used at the CrossFit games and that got you interested in what sandbags can do for you, or how they can up your game.
If you want to know what sandbags are good for, if they are worth it, or what exercises you can do with a sandbag you have come to the right place, I will discuss that.
Plus…
I am going to show you what to look out for before you choose a sandbag and give you an in-depth review of 15 of the best workout sandbags out there.
Contents
- Is it Worth it? What are the Benefits of Sandbags?
- Tips and Advice for Getting the Most From a Sandbag
- What to Keep in Mind before Buying Workout Sandbags?
- Workouts and CrossFit WODs You Can Do with Your Sandbag
- Top 15 Best Workout Sandbag Reviews 2024
- Rogue Sandbags
- Cerus Fitness Sandbags
- Bulgarian Bag
- Rogue Strongman Sandbags
- OneFitWonder Fringe Sport Sandbag
- Ultra Fitness Gear Sandbags
- Wreck Bag
- Brute Force Sandbags
- Rep Fitness Sandbags
- Dimok Fitness Sandbag Alternative Aqua Bag
- StrongFit Classic Sandbags
- Ultimate Sandbag
- Titan Fitness Sandbag
- Ultra Fitness Gear Handless Sandbag
- Fullbore Fitness Adjustable Weight Sandbags
Is it Worth it? What are the Benefits of Sandbags?
Make no mistake!
Sandbags have something unique to offer!
Dynamic Stability
Dynamic stability is the ability to be stable while in motion. Dynamic stability is increased or exercised when you use a tool like a sandbag in your training.
Think of farmers who carry heavy loads or loggers who also work with trees and heavy equipment, and construction workers who work with heavy unstable loads frequently.
These guys build a lot of dynamic stability naturally.
The sandbag, as a functional fitness tool and as a loaded carry tool, is designed to build this same dynamic stability as we train.
Avoiding Injury
Sandbags engage and strengthen muscles in a more complete way than isolation moves, they help you avoid injury because you are strengthening the entire body at once (not merely isolated muscles) and not leaving other muscles weak.
Tips and Advice for Getting the Most From a Sandbag
Think Outside the Barbell
Don’t treat a sandbag like a barbell, and you will get more utility and results from it.
A barbell produces a stable load, which is exactly why you want to switch up to a sandbag every once in a while.
Sandbags do not produce a stable load.
Sandbags introduce variables into our routine and are meant to be used dynamically, as in, while in motion.
Even holding the sandbag while standing still we are shifting position and our hold on the bag, changing up muscles used.
Sandbags are constantly shifting their weight and changing shape, which means with every exercise as you adjust to hold the bag, you activate more muscles.
The Right Way to Grip Your Sandbag
There is an ideal way to grip sandbag handles so you can move easily doing lifts and presses.
A video, how to grip the sandbag.
What to Keep in Mind before Buying Workout Sandbags?
Think of Weight of Size Based on Training Type
If you are training for a mud run or using the sandbag for functional fitness or everyday WODs, consider a small or medium size bag, one you can lift for many reps without failing.
This bag could be anywhere between 20 to 50 lbs, but the weight ultimately depends on your level of fitness.
If you are training for a strong man even, or the sandbag is meant to be used in place of stone or heavy ball, then you will need to look for a heavier sandbag.
Shape
The ideal shape for Mud Runs, Obstacle Courses, Spartan Races, WODs, and Ultimate Fitness Runs is a duffle bag or cylinder style sandbag.
This is the most common shape available and this bag usually has between 6 to 8 handles.
Wreck bags are also good for this purpose but only have two handles.
Stone and Heavy Ball Alternatives
If you need a sandbag that is meant to be used as an alternative to a heavy stone or heavy ball, there are a few good options.
The Rogue Strongman can be emptied and filled on site for easy transport and they have a short, fat cylinder shape that comes as close to a ball shape as possible.
The Strongfit classic bag is another good option. This bag is shaped like a pillowcase and closes at the top.
Workouts and CrossFit WODs You Can Do with Your Sandbag
Try these Sandbag WODs
The SWAT CHIPPER WOD
Instructions, follow the exercises in order once, performing the reps prescribed, for time.
Equipment needed: a wreck bag.
Moves:
- 50 Wreck bag Back Squats
- 40 Wreck bag Deadlifts
- 30 Wreck bag Alternating Lunges
- 20 Wreck bag Power Cleans
- 10 Wreck bag Burpees
- 20 Wreck bag Power Cleans
- 30 Wreck bag Alternating Lunges
- 40 Wreck bag Deadlifts
- 50 Wreck bag Back Squats
- 400 Meter Wreck bag Carry/Run
“Collin”
Instructions: Six rounds of the listed exercises for time.
Equipment needed: 50 lb sandbag, Plyo box.
- Carry 50-pound sandbag 400 meters
- 12 reps of 115 pound Push press
- 12 Box jumps using a 24-inch box
- 12 reps of 95 pound Sumo deadlift high-pull
Looking for more you can do with a sandbag?
This compilation of the 30 best workouts you can do with a sandbag is a two-part video you can check out.
It is a great resource to demonstrate how versatile and useful a sandbag is.
Part 1
Part 2
Top 15 Best Workout Sandbag Reviews 2024
Rogue Sandbags
Review: This Rogue training sandbag you will see used at the CrossFit games. It is a classic, tried and true CrossFit training sandbag with a special feature other bags don’t have, a funnel filler bag option.
If you chose the funnel filler bag to use with your Rogue Sandbag you will discover it is less expensive and easier to fill than using the traditional filler bags.
Pros
- Made in the USA.
- Super tough 100 Denier Nylon duffle style outer shell.
- Sandbag has 7 double stitch reinforced handles, heavy duty zipper and Velcro flap close.
Cons
- Funnel filler bag is not as convenient when changing weight. If you change bag weight a lot opt for the traditional filler bags.
Takeaway
Durable sandbag that will last for years. Simply one of the best CrossFit sandbags in the classic style.
Cerus Fitness Sandbags
- WEIGHT AND DESIGN - 35 to 75 lb Max Capacity, Includes 3 Double Velcro Fill Bags: (25-30lb Capacity each) with set. Two Handles on Every Fill Bag. The Most Versatile Fitness Tool You Will Find to Boost Your Training.
- MATERIALS - 1000D Cordura- US Military Grade Outer Shell, 4 Panel Seatbelt Webbing (Reinforced on outside AND inside of the bag), YKK Heavy Duty Zipper, Kevlar Nylon High Test Stitching, Military Strength Velcro-- Durable Quality Construction Because Your Sand Bags Should be as Tough as Your Training
- HANDLES - 4 Sets of Soft Handles- End Caps, Neutral, Barbell, Horizontal --Allow for Easy Grip of Weight Without Being Hard on Your Hands.
- FITNESS ANYWHERE - Perfect for a Workout at a Variety of Weights and Locations- At Home, in the Gym, or Outdoors.
- DURABLE -The highest quality materials and design. A tough as nails training tool--Sand NOT Included
Review: The Cerus Sandbag is a great value especially considering the 3 fill bags are included with your purchase.
The bag is well made, double stitched in high-stress areas, with quality zippers and reinforced handles, 1000 denier military grade nylon and seatbelt material handles so you know they are indestructible.
Pros
- Made in the USA.
- 3 filler bags included at a great package price.
- Uses heavy duty, brand name YKK zippers.
Cons
- The grey bag is better built than the black one, with 4 handles instead of two, and reinforced stitching.
Takeaway
High quality American made sandbag that is a great value.
Bulgarian Bag
- If it doesn't say Suples it's not a Bulgarian Bag!
- Comes with FREE instructional Video Link! 2 YEAR WARRANTY! No B.S.
- Hand Made - High Quality Genuine Leather (You get what you pay for)
- Full body workout! Extremely versatile! Follow Suples Training Systems on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to see training videos.
Review: The patented Bulgarian bag sandbag by Suples is designed with grip and multi plate functional movement as its focus.
This bag comes prefilled with precision. No shift weight distribution right out of the box. This Bulgarian bag is great for improving your grip and working your back muscles too.
Pros
- Available prefilled in precisely calibrated weights of 6 lbs up to 84 lbs.
- Made by hand with real leather.
- Bags come with useful instructional exercise video by inventor Ivan Ivanov.
Cons
- The bag may have a strong odor when you first receive it.
Takeaway
The best Bulgarian bag is the Original Bulgarian bag made by Suples.
Rogue Strongman Sandbags
Review: These Rogue Strongman Sandbags are the perfect alternative to stones or heavy balls because they can be emptied so they are light enough for easy transportation.
There are 6 sizes available, with bags that can be filled up to 400 lbs. They are made in the USA from 1000 Denier nylon and have high-quality zip close with Velcro cover and a built-in filler bag.
Pros
- Sandbag alternative to stones and heavy balls.
- Weight capacity of up to 400 lbs, depending on what size you order.
- Filler bag is built in, no need to buy anything extra.
Cons
- It is not perfectly round like a stone. Has no handles like other sandbags.
Takeaway
Take your stones on the go with this awesome sandbag alternative to stones and heavy balls.
OneFitWonder Fringe Sport Sandbag
- HEAVY-DUTY: Crafted using cordura construction, the same material used in military issued rucks, which makes it perfect for your CrossFit Workouts and Weighted Training. The zipper (a common failure point) is a military-grade YKK zipper, which is protected by a Velcro closure.
- EASY: Heavy duty filler bags make changing out weight easy and convenient. Our internal filler bags are built to withstand any slam, toss or beating you put it through.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Perfect for Weighted Training, CrossFit Training, and Functional Training. It will withstand any drop, slam, drag, throw, or beating you give it.
- SIZING: Small trainer comfortably fits up to 60lbs of weight. Large trainer comfortably fits up to 100lbs of weight.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Our Sandbag Trainers are built to last, and are backed by a 1 YEAR warranty!
Review: The Fringe Sport sandbag is a good bag if you like a longer sandbag, just be sure to get the filler bags placed inside evenly.
The filler bags are included. This bag has two top handles and two end handles, but no handles on the side.
The bag is reinforced with sewn on nylon straps/lashing to help support the up to 100 lb max weight.
Pros
- Constructed with military grade YKK zippers and Rucksack worthy Cordova nylon.
- Included filler bags make it easy to adjust weight mid-workout.
- Sewn-on reinforcement straps/lashing.
- Long length for a unique challenge.
Cons
- Needs more handles.
Takeaway
A decent heavy sandbag with reinforcement and a nice challenging length.
Ultra Fitness Gear Sandbags
- HANDLED FITNESS SANDBAG. The ultimate strength training tool for any athlete. Train better with the highest quality fitness sandbags available.
- ULTRA DURABLE. 1600D Military-Spec Cordura Sandbag Shell with Diamondback Cross Stitching, 5 Panel Seat Belt Webbing, Heavy Duty YKK Zipper, and 2X Reinforcement Stitching for unparalleled strength and durability.
- ADJUSTABLE WEIGHT. Double Velcro Design with Easy Pull Tab and PVC Coated Fill Bag is Guaranteed not to leak. Allows For Variable Weight Options Up to 25 Pounds. Sand not Included.
- HANDLES. 5 Comfort Grip Cordura Handle Sets: Neutral, Barbell, Suitcase, Horizontal, and End Cap Grips. The multiple grip options give you the freedom to perform hundreds of highly effective sandbag training workouts.
- ULTRA GUARANTEE. All Ultra Fitness Gear Sandbags come with a 1 year warranty that covers any wear and tear. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we will do anything we can to make it right!
Review: This sandbag is extremely durable with features like diamond stitching, 1600D nylon, seatbelt reinforcement lashing and the same seatbelt material is used for the 10 handles.
This bag has more handles than any other I have seen, plus the super strong seatbelt material they are made with is soft so they won’t shred your hands.
Pros
- Diamond Cross Stitching on the 1600 Denier Nylon material. The strongest you can get!
- 5 panel seatbelt material for reinforcement and as handles.
- 5 sets of handles (10 handles total) more than any other sandbag.
Cons
- A lot of empty space if not completely filled so the filler bags shift.
Takeaway
Best training sandbags in terms of durability, they cannot be beat.
Wreck Bag
- ALL IN ONE GYM: This workout sandbag provides heavy duty exercise in one dynamic weighted bag! Perform over 100 sandbag workout exercises with one Wreck Bag that tone every muscle group. Great for Crossfit and Endurance training, this fitness sandbag for weight training can be used both indoors and outside
- SAND-FREE STRONGMAN SANDBAG: Unlike most sandbags for fitness on the market, the Wreck Bag provides a solid sandbag workout without the sand! Pre-weighted with a clean bead fill, this fitness sandbag eliminates the mess and hassle of sand so you can focus on your workout
- DURABLE: The Wreck Bag is constructed with a weather-resistant outer shell, making this weight bag perfect for both indoor and outdoor use
- WEIGHT BAG WITH HANDLES: Ergonomic handles provide a sturdy grip for a heavy carry, total body workout, or some family workout fun. The durable handles on the Wreck Bag are designed for intense workout sessions with squats, presses, deadlifts, and throws
- VARIETY OF WEIGHTS: The Wreck Bag is available in a variety of weights designed for every fitness level-20 lb, 35 lb, 40 lb, 50 lb, 60 lb, 70 lb, 80 lb, 90 lb, and 100 lb weighted bags available
Review: The wreck bag is a functional fitness tool you will get a lot of use from. It comes prefilled with clean rubber filling, so it will NEVER leak sand or get water logged.
You can order it in a weight of 25 lbs up to 70 lbs. The filling inside the bag is packed in such a way that the filling has a little give, but does not shift around so much it becomes annoying.
Pros
- Comes prefilled with uncontaminated rubber fill.
- Packed full, has a little play but not so much it’s awkward.
- Can be used outdoors without getting moldy or growing mildew.
Cons
- Has a bit of a rubber odor at first.
Takeaway
An outdoor friendly heavy bag that will not leak and comes filled.
Brute Force Sandbags
- The Most Used Sandbag In The Industry: The Brute Force Athlete Sandbag is the original 8-Handle Sandbag that gives you access to over 300 movements with one piece of strength training equipment. Built for intermediate to advanced weight lifting and geared towards functional strength and conditioning.
- Reliable Fitness Equipment: The only sandbag with reinforcements inside the shell. No rubber handles to break or grind into your skin. Made with tough and resilient 1000D Military-Spec Cordura, Military Grade Velcro, 5 Panel Seat belt Webbing, and YKK Zippers.
- Weight Set Includes: 4 sets of flexible, soft grip handles (8 total) neutral grips, barbell grips, suitcase grips, and end cap grips. Adjustable in weight from 25lbs to 75lbs (34 kg). Sand is not included.
- Proudly American Made: Our USA-made gear is designed to be virtually indestructible. Every product is tested and refined by some of the world’s toughest functional and tactical athletes at our 12,000 sq. ft. Brute Force Headquarters and Training Center.
- Our Satisfaction Promise: The Brute Force Shield Customer Satisfaction Program is designed to keep your training and gear in quality shape. We are happy to repair any piece of Brute Force workout gear that has experienced a beat down for a reasonable repair fee.
Review: Brute Force sandbags are one of the original sandbags on the market and they are built to last. That is why they are the chosen brand for military, law enforcement, firefighters and universities.
These sturdy bags have all the quality material you would expect, including YKK zippers, 1000 D Cordura, 5-panel seatbelt straps and handles, and mil-spec Velcro closures.
Pros
- Mil spec Velcro, YKK zippers, 1000D Cordura and 5 panel seatbelt handles.
- Made in the USA.
- This bag is strong enough to be slammed, tossed and abused, unlike some of the competition.
Cons
- Hard to fit all the filler bags inside to get to the max weight.
Takeaway
One of the Original and best fitness sandbags you can get.
Rep Fitness Sandbags
Review: This rep Fitness sandbag is the business. It has 5 panel seat belt reinforcement and handles, heavy duty Velcro, zippers and Cordura material, and it looks cool.
Plus it’s offered at a lower price than similar quality competitors. Three filler bags are included with your order, and they have many colors available to get one in your style.
Pros
- Filler bags included.
- Affordably priced sandbag.
- Performs well in rough conditions, can be tossed, slammed and dragged.
Cons
- Even fully loaded, there is quite a bit of play for the filler bags to move around.
Takeaway
Same quality with a lower price than the practically identical competition sandbags.
Dimok Fitness Sandbag Alternative Aqua Bag
- HOW TO FILL - Fill w Water (under faucet or with the tube provided - make sure the pin is DOWN for this), then push the pin in the UP position to open it for the air, attache the pump and start rocking it - the fuller it is, the heavier and more stable it becomes. Less water makes it lighter but more unstable.
- STRONG - Are you ready for a hard full body workout? Weighing only 2 lb when empty, Dimok aqua bags are easy to transport and prepare for exercise. Dimok Workout Sandbags with Water are super tough fitness sandbags, filled with air and water. Valve makes it very easy to fill and empty the bag.
- FUNCTIONAL - Get this ultimate training for your core, legs, arms. Different handle positions allow for variety in your exercises. Foot Pump included! When full weighs up to 45 lbs!
- PORTABLE and VERSATILE - Our aqua bags are perfect for cardio, high intensity interval training for Crossfit and all Opympic movements such as lifts, swings, curls, step-ups and rows
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - Includes all you need! Best Fitness Gift for Christmas or Birthday, dimok fitness equipment weights are for you or workout gift for all fitness fans
Review: The Dimok Sand-less water filled sandbag alternative is a novel choice if you are looking for a heavy bag that is portable and easy to adjust.
The bags are made by a small family-run business right here in the USA wihigh-qualityity standards so they will not leak.
The benefit of a water-filled heavy bag is the fact that water is naturally more unstable than sand or solid fillers, making for an even greater challenge.
Pros
- Easy to fill and portable because it is water filled. Just dump the water and go.
- More unstable means greater challenge.
- Really, really easy to adjust weight, just add or pour out water.
Cons
- Some athletes do not like the added instability of a water filled sandbag alternative.
Takeaway
The best alternative to traditional sandbags are the dimok aqua bags.
StrongFit Classic Sandbags
Review: The Strongfit classic sandbag has the traditional sandbag shape, but it’s made from heavy duty Cordura and is closed with a lacrosse ball and metal ring so it will not leak.
This bag is available in 12 different weights, and either a pillow case style or punching bag shape. They have no handles, so that really adds to the challenge
Pros
- Made from triple stitched Cordura.
- Real sandbags with a traditional sandbag shape.
- Metal ring and lacrosse ball closure at the bag top is secure and will not leak sand.
- Made in the USA.
Cons
- Cannot adjust the weight easily once they are filled.
Takeaway
The best classic style sandbag available.
Ultimate Sandbag
- Ultimate Sandbag Training Kick Starter Fitness Sandbag: Loadable from 10-40 pounds
- Incredibly Durable and Comfortable External Shell
- Strategically Placed Handles for Optimal Exercise Variety & Performance
- Carefully Engineered Filler Bags to Allow Movement of Weight While Still Being Adjustable
Review: The Ultimate Sandbag is my choice for an everyday WOD sandbag because it has a good weight range of 10 to 40 lbs so it is not overkill, weight wise.
It is not for slamming or dragging, but sandbag WODS do not call for that anyway, and this bag is so affordable, it just makes sense.
Plus the bag is very durable and will not leak, it is just what you need for a WOD.
Pros
- Tough rubber grip handles.
- 10 lb to 40 lb weight capacity.
- Filler bags are included, great value.
Cons
- Not designed for slamming or dragging.
Takeaway
Very affordable, smaller sandbag that is the perfect size for a sandbag WOD.
Titan Fitness Sandbag
Review: This Titan fitness bag is a good bargain considering the filler bags and sand are included.
The bag is customizable from 10 to 60 lbs thanks to 6 separate sandbags you can put inside to give it weight.
This bag has six handles to add variety to your workout and allow you to do different exercises.
Pros
- 6 filler bags at 10 lbs each make it easy to customize the weight.
- Sand and filler bags included – a good value.
- Made from strong PVC material and 6 reinforced handles.
Cons
- Zippers need to be higher quality.
Takeaway
A good starter sandbag for those who want a lower weight or lots of weight customization.
Ultra Fitness Gear Handless Sandbag
Review: Get ready for any challenge by using this handle-less sandbag. After all, many things you need to lift in real life do not come with carry handles, so why should your functional training tool have handles?
This hefty bag goes up to 125 lbs and includes 3 filler bags so you can adjust the weight.
All Ultra Fitness sandbags are made to military specs, including 1600 D Cordura, YKK zippers and double stitching all over.
Pros
- NO handles = More Challenge.
- Super strong 1600 Denier Cordura Nylon fabric.
- Up to 125 lbs, try and lift that using NO handles.
Cons
- Pricy.
Takeaway
The best cylinder/duffle style sandbag you can get with No handles.
Fullbore Fitness Adjustable Weight Sandbags
Review: The Fullbore is one of the best exercise sandbags at the low end of the price range. It comes with three filler bags, each with a max weight of 20 lbs so the total max weight of this sandbag is 60 lbs and it is super easy to adjust the weight.
This sandbag has 7 handles making it easy to manage as you workout.
Pros
- Great price, 3 filler bags included make it a good deal.
- The bag has 7 heavy duty reinforced handles.
- Adjust the weight easily from 20 to 60 lbs using the included filler bags.
Cons
- Filler bags need better seam reinforcement.
Takeaway
A sturdy bag at a great price, one of the best values around.
That wraps up the 15 best workout sandbags.
I hope you go forward and increase your functional fitness and get the most out of your training sandbag.
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