9 Best Workout Sandbags in 2024
If you are looking for the best workout sandbags then you have come to the right place. Our complete guide has everything you need to make sure you buy the perfect exercise weight bags. You don’t want to buy a sandbag that falls apart after only a few workouts so make sure to have a look and see what products we recommend.
Our group of certified experts and professional athletes have thoroughly evaluated 25 workout sandbags to bring you the top choices – 9 best currently on the market. They conducted detailed assessments of the sandbags across 5 key criteria and collectively spent more than 400 hours testing them.
Apart from the extensive testing process, we’ve also looked at hundreds of user reviews online. We update our list regularly, so we encourage you to contribute your thoughts, share your experiences, and start a conversation!
Top 9 Best Workout Sandbags Reviewed
- REP Stone Sandbag — Top Pick
- ROGUE Strongman Sandbags — Premium Pick
- STRONGFIT Classic Sandbags — Budget Pick
- Titan 40lb Sandbag — Top Pick
- Brute Force Sandbags — Runner Up
- Ultra Fitness Sandbags — Premium Pick
- ZIVA Power Core Sandbag — Budget Pick
- Meister Elite Sand Kettlebell — Best Combination Of Types
- Hyperwear Sandbell — Best Sandbell
Product | Total | Size | Durability | Comfort | Price | Quality |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
REP Stone Sandbag | 48 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
ROGUE Strongman Sandbag | 47 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 10 |
Strongfit Classic Sandbag | 46 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
Titan Fitness 40lb Sandbag | 48 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Brute Force Sandbag | 47 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Ultra Fitness Sandbag | 46 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 |
ZIVA Power Core Sandbag | 44 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 8 |
Meister Elite Sand Kettlebell | 45 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Hyperware Sandbag | 44 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
1. Stonebags: REP Stone Sandbag — Top Pick
This REP Stone Sandbag are heavy duty and can be filled with sand or other materials. They have a secure fastening top that stops anything from spilling out of the bag, these filler bags are also double-lined, just to give you that extra peace of mind.
There are three different sizes of bag available, a 50lbs, 100lbs, and finally a 150lbs bag. Although these have weights on them the weight will vary depending on the material you use to fill them. So the weight is more of a guide and the heavy bags can just hold more material.
- Type: stone sandbag
- Weight: 50lbs, 100lbs or 150lbs
- Outer Bag Dimensions: 50lbs – 15×5”, 100lbs – 15×9”, 150lbs – 15×16”
- Material: durable synthetic fabric, triple reinforced seams, industrial standard hook & loop closure, strong zip
- Color Palette: black & red
- Design: cylindrical bag
Size
Available in three different sizes this sandbag has a wide range of weights to suit all users. If you want a lightweight bag then keep it simple with the 50lb option or if you really want to push yourself then these bags go all the way to 150lbs.
Durability
Made from tough fabric this bag is made to last. Attention has been paid to the details too with features like triple reinforced seams and industrial-grade hook and loop fastenings.
Comfort
While undoubtedly being tough the fabric is still comfortable enough for use, it doesn’t rub or chafe against your skin and feels good, even in the carry position.
Price
Even when bought individually these bags are great value, but REP actually offers a discount if you buy all three of the sizes, making them exceptional value.
Quality
The heavy-wearing fabric and extra details paid to the durability of this bag really make it exceptional in terms of quality. No matter what you do with them, these bags are going to last a while.
REP Fitness sanbags have a secure fastening top that stops anything from spilling out of the bag, these filler bags are also double-lined, just to give you that extra peace of mind.
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2. Stonebags: ROGUE Strongman Sandbags — Premium Pick
Our premium pick for sandbags is these ROGUE strongman sandbags. These bags come in a very wide range of sizes and are suitable for being filled with a range of materials including Sand, Stone, Lead Balls, and Crumb Rubber.
The bags come complete with a built-in filler bag which has an extra zipper and hook and loop fastening, this ensures there are no leaks and that whatever you decided to fill your bag with stays inside and doesn't end up all over your gym!
- Type: stone sandbag
- Weight: 25lb, 50lb, 100lb, 150lb, 200lb, 250lb, 300lb, or 400lb
- Outer Bag Dimensions: 25lb - 16x4.5”, 50lb - 16x6”, 100lb - 16x7.5”, 150lb - 16x11.5”, 200lb - 16x15.5”, 250lb - 16x19.5”, 300lb - 16x22.5”, 400lb - 16x36”
- Material: 1000D MIL Spec Cordura complete with durable, reinforced stitching for extra long life
- Color Palette: black
- Design: cylindrical bag
Size
With weights going up to a massive 400lbs this is easily the heaviest sandbag on the list. A range of sizes from 25lbs to the 400lbs limit also means there is a size for everyone.
Durability
Made from military-grade materials and featuring reinforced stitching this sandbag is made to last. If you are looking for a really high-quality product that will last a long time then you can go far wrong with the rogue offering.
Comfort
The military-grade fabric that these bags are made from is incredibly tough while not being too rough, meaning it is still comfortable to carry and work out with.
Price
These bags are reasonably priced, and the heavier ones are a massive saving on other equipment of the same weight.
Quality
Made in the USA and to exacting standards rogue only makes high-quality products and these strongman sandbags are definitely no exception.
Rogue sandbags come in a very wide range of sizes and are suitable for being filled with a range of materials including Sand, Stone, Lead Balls, and Crumb Rubber.
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3. Stonebags: STRONGFIT Classic Sandbags — Budget Pick
If you are on a budget then you definitely be interested in our stone bag budget pick from STRONGFIT. These bags come in two different sizes with the smaller bags being pillow case shaped and the larger bags being cylindrical and shaped more like punching bags.
These bags come in a very wide range of sizes and can be filled with a range of materials. The bags have a unique closure system to eliminate leaks, the closure system includes a metal ring, lacrosse ball, and a zip tie.
- Type: stone sandbag
- Weight: pillow case style - 60lb, 80lb, 100lb, and 120lb. Punching Bag Style - 140lb, 160lb, 180lb, 200lb, 220lb, 240lb, 260lb, and 280-400lb
- Material: heavy-duty Cordura
- Color Palette: black, pink, or gray
- Design: pillow case or punch bag style
Size
Available in a huge range of sizes, each taking a different weight, there is sure to be a bag for you here. The smaller bags are pillowcase shaped while the larger ones are more cylindrical and shaped like a punching bag. The heavier bags are great strongman sandbags.
Durability
These bags are really tough and are actually made for competition-level training, meaning they are built to handle abuse.
Comfort
While being tough they are still comfortable enough to use day in and day out, even when filled to the brim.
Price
These are some of the most competitively priced sandbags on this list, with even the heaviest bags still being really affordable.
Quality
Made in the USA these bags are really tough and come with a 12-month warranty for extra peace of mind.
STRONGFIT sandbags are really tough and are actually made for competition-level training, meaning they are built to handle abuse.
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4. Sandbag With Handles: Titan 40lb Sandbag — Top Pick
Looking for a sandbag with handles then our top pick is this Titan sandbag. This bag features six different rubber handles in various positions across the bag. This allows it to be used for a wide variety of exercises, this bag is made to be carried, thrown, dragged, tossed, and more.
Inside the bag, there are four individual heavy-duty weight bags that can be removed and filled with whatever material you like. The max weight that the sandbag is rated for is 40lbs.
- Type: sandbag with handles
- Weight: 40lb
- Outer Bag Dimensions: 20x9”
- Material: durable outer shell with four individual heavy-duty weight bags, soft-grip rubber handles
- Color Palette: black with red and white accents
- Design: cylindrical bag with six separate handles
Size
This 40lb bag is a great size to pick up and throw around. The multiple soft grip handles mean you can do a lot of different exercises just with one bag.
Durability
A heavy-duty bag made from durable materials, this one will last a while. The bag also includes a heavy-duty zip fastener and reinforced velcro for extra toughness.
Comfort
The soft outer lining of this bag makes it really comfy, even when resting on your shoulders and packed to the brim with sand.
Price
One of the cheaper bags on our list, this bag is great value and is a good addition to any home gym.
Quality
The bag is well made and the individual weight bags are high quality and have a good seal on the to prevent spillages.
The soft outer lining of TITAN sandbag makes it really comfy, even when resting on your shoulders and packed to the brim with sand.
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5. Sandbag With Handles: Brute Force Sandbags — Runner Up
This Brute Force sandbag is a close runner-up for the best sandbag with handles. If you want a really tough bag then this could be the choice for you. It is made in the USA from ultra-tough materials such as military-grade Cordura fabric as well as seat belt webbing for incredibly tough handles.
The bag can handle up to 75lbs and also comes with eight different handles, which makes it suitable for a wide range of exercises.
- Type: sandbag with handles
- Weight: up to 75lbs
- Outer Bag Dimensions: 30x13”
- Material: 1000D Military-Spec Cordura, Seat belt Webbing, Military Grade Hook and Loop Fastenings
- Color Palette: khaki green
- Design: cylindrical bag with eight separate handles
Size
The athlete size can take between 25-75lbs making it very versatile and suitable for a wide range of different people. There are also different options from brute strength, one heavier and one lighter.
Durability
This bag is made from some of the strongest materials available and the seat belt webbing used for the handles and straps is incredibly tough. This sandbag is definitely made to last.
Comfort
Cordua is wrapped around the handles to ensure they are still comfortable to use and it really works. You won't have any complaints when it comes to comfort and this bag.
Price
This bag is great value, especially when compared to other gym equipment that does the same job. Due to the wide weight range, this bag can replace several others, making it a great deal.
Quality
Made in the USA and thoroughly tested by elite athletes this a brilliant bag and one that is certainly made to last.
Brute Force sandbag is made from some of the strongest materials available and the seat belt webbing used for the handles and straps is incredibly tough.
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6. Sandbag With Handles: Ultra Fitness Sandbags — Premium Pick
If budget is of no concern then our premium pick for sandbags with handles is this one from Ultra Fitness. This bag is made from high-grade 1600D Military-Spec Cordura for extreme durability, it also features reinforced stitching on all seams to ensure it lasts and lasts.
The bag comes in a range of weights and also features five separate handles placed around the bag in a variety of positions. These handles are useful for many different exercises.
- Type: sandbag with handles
- Weight: 25lbs, 25-75lbs or 50-125lbs
- Outer Bag Dimensions: 46x19 cm
- Material: 1600D Military-Spec Cordura
- Color Palette: tan or black
- Design: cylindrical bag with five separate handles
Size
Available in a fixed bag with a max weight of 25lbs or two variable bags which can handle all the way up to 125lbs. The variable bags have multiple inner pockets which can be filled or left out which helps adjust the weight.
Durability
This isn't our premium pick without good reason, made from military grade 1600D Cordura this bag is made from some of the highest quality materials available. It is made to be tough and made to last.
Comfort
The bag features soft grip handles to add to the comfort while the actual bag is still soft even though it is incredibly tough.
Price
Even though these bags are really high quality they are still really affordable and if you go for one of the variable weight bags then they become even better value. This is because you only need to buy one bag to do the job of 5 fixed-weight bags!
Quality
This is a really high-quality product, made from the highest quality materials and featuring diamondback cross stitching and car seat belt webbing for extra toughness. This quality is then backed up by a one-year warranty that covers all wear and tear.
Ultra Fitness sandbag features soft grip handles to add to the comfort while the actual bag is still soft even though it is incredibly tough.
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7. Sandbag With Handles: ZIVA Power Core Sandbag— Budget Pick
Need a sandbag with handles but you're on a tight budget? Then this sandbag from ZIVA might be the one for you. These bags are prefilled so you don't need to worry about adding weight or the material leaking out of poorly closed bags.
The bag also features six different handles in a wide range of positions, which makes the sandbag incredibly versatile.
- Type: sandbag with handles
- Weight: 10lbs, 15lbs, 20lbs, 25lbs, 30lbs, 40lbs or 50lbs
- Material: foam-lined PVC outer
- Color Palette: teal & white or black & yellow
- Design: pre weighted, cylindrical bag with six handles
Size
These are pre-filled bags so you don't get any flexibility in the size, with that said they still come in a wide range of sizes from 10lbs all the way up to 50lbs.
Durability
With these bags being pre-filled you don't have the vulnerability that an open and closing feature adds to the bag. This reduces the chances of leaks making this a really durable bag. The bag is also made from tough PVC and is designed for use in commercial gyms.
Comfort
The bags feature a foam lining inside the bag to add to the overall comfort. They also have soft grip rubber handles which makes this bag comfortable, no matter what you are doing with it.
Price
With this being our budget pick you know it is going to be available at a great price. When you couple that with high quality and great comfort then these sandbags are a really tempting product.
Quality
The high-quality PVC, reinforced stitching and sealed bag all add up to make this a great quality product.
ZIVA sandbags are prefilled so you don't need to worry about adding weight or the material leaking out of poorly closed bags.
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8. Best Combination Of Types: Meister Elite Sand Kettlebell
Looking for a workout sandbag that does it all? Then this Meister elite sand kettlebell might just be the one for you. Essentially this is a kettlebell that you fill up yourself with sand to get the weight.
This means you can use it for all the exercises that you would normally use a kettlebell for but at a fraction of the price.
- Type: sand kettlebell
- Weight: 10lbs, 15lbs or 20lbs
- Outer Bag Dimensions: 10lbs - 14x11”, 15lbs - 16.5x11”, 20lbs - 19x11”
- Material: polyvinyl chloride
- Color Palette: black with red & white text
- Design: sand fillable kettlebell with single handle
Size
These kettlebags are available in 10, 15 or 20lb bags. So while there isn't a massive variance in size available you still have a few different options.
Durability
A one-piece construction means these bags are really tough and not likely to leak. The seams are always the weak point of any bag and that's what makes the one-piece design so good. The bag is also made from a heavy-duty flexible PVC to add to its strength.
Comfort
The bag features a really comfortable neoprene grip which makes workouts comfortable and enjoyable.
Price
When you compare these kettlebags to equally weighted kettlebells they are an absolute bargain. These are great buys if you are trying to set up your own home gym on a budget.
Quality
The innovative design and high-quality materials used make these bags great value and quality. They last a long time even when used every single day.
A one-piece construction means Meister Elite sandbags are really tough and not likely to leak.
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9. Best Sandbell: Hyperwear Sandbell
If you want a sandbell then we recommend the Hyperwear sandbell. A sandbell is almost like a cross between a kettlebell and a weight plate, and as such, it can be used for any of the exercises that you would normally do with a kettlebell or while holding a weight plate.
- Type: sandbell
- Weight: 2lbs, 4lbs, 6lbs, 8lbs, 10lbs, 12lbs, 15lbs, 20lbs, 25lbs, 30lbs, 40lbs or 50lbs
- Outer Bag Dimensions: 6x2”, 5x5”, 7x7”, 9x2”, 10x3”, 11x3”, 12x4”, 14x4”, 14x5”, 16x5”
- Material: vinyl
- Color Palette: black
- Design: disk-shaped bag prefilled with sand
Size
Available in a huge range of sizes these prefilled bags cover a lot of bases. While they are not available in anything above 50lbs they can be bought in small increments up to that limit.
Durability
These bags are suitable for slamming, so you know straight away they must be tough to stand up to being thrown around. The neoprene material is tough and the stitching is reinforced to add to the durability of the bag.
Comfort
Because these bags are made from neoprene and filled with sand they are soft and flexible, meaning they are really comfortable to use.
Price
These sandbells are great value when compared to kettlebells or dumbbells, all while having the same weight. If you are looking for a great value way to start setting up your own home gym then these are a great place to start.
Quality
Made from high-quality neoprene and with reinforced stitching, these bags are designed to last and can stand up to heavy workouts.
Hyperwear sandbags are suitable for slamming, so you know straight away they must be tough to stand up to being thrown around.
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What are the Benefits of a Workout With Sandbags?
Why would you even want to use a sandbag? Let's have a look at some of the benefits of a sandbag workout.
✅ Functional Training
Because of the odd shape and unbalanced weight that comes with a sandbag it is more awkward than a barbell or dumbbell. This means it will work out different muscles than you are used to and it will also mean you work your core muscles and stabilizing muscles a lot more.
This means that the training will transfer to the real world more than a barbell or machine workout would. This makes it great for first responders hoping to do a little training, as well as anyone who just wants a good workout.
✅ Full Body Workout
Because of the nature of working out with a sandbag you end up with a full body without. It is really hard, if not impossible, to work out with a sandbag and isolate muscles. Just lifting the bag up you will get a full body exercise.
✅ Works for Strength and Endurance
You can use a weight training sandbag for training both your strength and endurance. This makes it a very versatile piece of equipment, whereas other gym equipment tends to be for either strength or endurance.
For instance, you could load your bag up quite light, put it on your shoulders and even go for a run. On the other hand, you could load it up to its max and start training your squats from a strength point of view.
✅ Very Portable
If you travel a lot then lifting sandbags could be a great idea for you. You can empty the bag out and pack it away and take it with you anywhere, as long as you can find something to fill it back up with.
This is great if you are going to the beach or away on holiday and will be near a beach. Take the bag with you empty and fill it up at the beach and then you can train to your heart's content.
When Do You Need a Workout Sandbag?
You can use a fitness sandbag for so many different exercises, but here are some of the more popular ones.
1. Lunges
Put the sandbag over your shoulders and perform a lunge. The extra weight will really ramp up the intensity of this exercise.
2. Squats
If you want to squat but don't like using a barbell then a weighted sandbag can be a great alternative, and often much more comfortable. Just place the bag across your bag, one with handles will be easier to hold, and then squat as normal.
3. Curls
Put the back across both of your forearms and curl it as if you were holding a barbell. The uneven nature of the weight in a sandbag will make this exercise a lot different from what you are used to and make even work a few different muscles to normal.
What to Look for in Workout Sandbags?
Here are some of the factors we consider to be the most important when it comes to deciding which sandbags for weight training to buy.
1. Size
What size of sandbag you want will depend on what you plan to do with it as well as your own individual strength. If you are a strongman and looking for something more comfortable than atlas stones to train with then you will obviously need really heavy bags. But if you are looking for the best fitness sandbags and are looking to run with your bag on your back or shoulder then the weight won't be as much of a concern as comfort will be.
2. Durability
Some exercises using sandbags involve throwing the bag or dragging it around. As you could probably guess this means you need one that is really durable when getting sandbags for training.
Look for high-quality stitching and high-grade materials, the bags will often break first around seams and corners which is why it is really important that the stitching is reinforced and that the fabric itself is tough.
3. Comfort
You want to get a bag that is nice and comfortable. Depending on what style of bag you get this could mean one with nice soft handles or one with soft fabric as it is going to rest against your skin. Comfort is one of the most important factors in deciding what are the best sandbags for working out.
If you are getting a sandbag with handles then you want to make sure the handles are comfortable or else they will cause damage to your hands. And even if they don't cause damage to your hands if it isn't comfortable to hold then you are less likely to use the bag.
4. Price/Quality
No one likes to overpay for anything so it is important to make sure you are getting a good deal. What we will say is that sandbags are of great value when compared to traditional weights. For the same weight capacity, they are vastly cheaper than dumbbells or barbells.
When deciding on what price you are willing to pay then you need to consider how much you will use the sandbag and also how often you will use it. If you are going to be using the bag all of the time then you should spend a little more and get a high-quality bag that is going to last, whereas if you are only going to use it occasionally then maybe you should go for a cheaper bag.
FAQs
Are Workout Sandbags Worth It?
Yes, they are a great value piece of equipment that is often a lot cheaper than equivalent weights. They can be used in so many different ways that they are very good value.
Are Sandbags Better Than Weights?
There is no right or wrong answer here, it depends on what you want. If you want functional full-body training then sandbags will usually be better than weights but if you want to isolate and train muscles independently then weights will be better.
What is a Substitute for Sandbags?
Barbells and kettlebells can be used in a lot of the same ways that weighted sandbags can be.
Conclusion
So there we have it, our complete guide to workout sandbags. If you are looking to pick one up for yourself then make sure to have a look at our top pick the REP sand or stone bag. If you want to learn anything else about training sandbags then let us know in the comments down below.
Also read:
References:
- A Sandbag Is All You Need for a Serious Strength Workout // GQ:
https://www.gq.com/story/sandbag-training - 7 Important Qualities Every Sandbag Should Have // Conitex: https://www.conitex.com/conitex-blog/7-important-qualities-every-sandbag-should-have
Why Trust Us?
With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.
All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.
The product testing process is described in more detail here
Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
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