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    23 Best Workout Sandbags for a Great Workout Anywhere, Anytime [with handles, kettlebells, and more]

    Getting in a workout at home or outside that builds strength and power can be tough. A full-weight set is expensive and cumbersome to move and callisthenics make it difficult to generate the resistance required to build strength and muscle. Luckily, the newest training sandbag options on the market make it easy to get in a strength-building, functional workout at home, relatively cheaply.

    As a consummate traveler and nomad that values fitness (strength and stamina) and just so happens to be a Crossfit trainer, sandbags have become my go-to workout equipment. Whether I’m doing curls, thrusters, and cleans in my apartment, rucking down the beach (with a sandbag in my backpack), or mixing it up with weighted pull ups and kettlebell swings, sandbags have proven to be limitless in building tough, functional strength.

    The GORUCK Sandbag posing between beach workout sessions

    This article contains affiliate links

    Getting the right sandbag allows you to do any Olympic Lifting movement or powerlifting movement – and having my sandbag of choice allowed me to continue doing my Crossfit workouts at home, through the pandemic and quarantine. Even further, having the right sandbag allowed me to do kettlebell training as well, completing a 10,000 kettlebell swing challenge with a sandbag. And on sunny days, the sandbag slid into my pack as I walked 10 miles on the beach with a weighted pack for a workout worthy of a legionnaire.

    However, getting in such versatile, functional workouts requires getting the right sandbag with the right features. Durable material (ideally Cordura Nylon), burly handles in the right places, filler bags (for easy weight adjustment and preserving the zippers), and getting a bag with the right shape that allows you to recreate barbell movements. Don’t worry, we’ll save you some research time.

    In this review of the best workout sandbag options, we’ll share the only 20 sandbags for workouts that you should consider, and tell you exactly which one is perfect for you.

    Read on to discover the one sandbag that’ll add a whole new level of awesomeness to your home gym.

    CONTENTS OF THIS BEST SANDBAGS LIST

    QUICKLIST OF THE BEST SANDBAGS BY CATEGORY

    SANDBAGS WITH HANDLES

    SANDBELLS

    SANDBAGS WITH LIGHTWEIGHT OPTIONS

    OTHER SANDBAG OPTIONS

    WHAT IS A WORKOUT SANDBAG? HOW ARE SANDBAGS FOR WORKOUTS DIFFERENT THAN SIMPLE SANDBAGS?

    A workout sandbag is a specially designed nylon bag that holds sand, to be used as a weight, and has handles attached that allow the sandbag to be used as a resistance tool for functional training – similar to barbells and dumbbells in powerlifting, Crossfit training, and bodybuilding.

    Workout sandbags differ from simple sandbags, whether simple construction sandbags or duct taped “ruck pills,” in that the bags are constructed of a tough fabric, to extend their lifetime, have tough zippers that allow you to frequently reopen the sandbag and adjust weight, and have specially designed handles that allow the sandbag to be used for versatile exercises.

    WHAT MAKES A GREAT WORKOUT SANDBAG?

    • Tough exterior material – abrasion resistant 1000 denier Cordura Nylon is best, however TPU coated nylon will work too, just don’t plan on having as much abrasion resistance
    • Tough, nylon stitching throughout – to resist the pressure of shifting weights, double stitching with heavy duty thread is a must
    • Tough internal filler bags that are easily adjustable – having separate internal sacks of sand or “filler bags” keeps sand out of the zippers on your main sandbag, and makes indoor workouts easier without getting sand everywhere
    • Handles in the right places and in the right directions – that allow the bag to be used as a barbell and as a kettlebell. Minimum 4 handles, with 2 on the top and 2 on the ends which ensures the bag can be used as a kettlebell or an Olympic barbell
    • Decent price – ideally less than the cost of a one to two months gym membership
    • Long, sausage like shape – allows use as a barbell or dumbbell and stacks easily on the back
    • A solid brand reputation for making durable products and solid customer service
    • A max weight that will push your limits, and a design that allows you to adjust weight easily
    • Zippered enclosures with extremely heavy duty zippers, and a redundant strap enclosure option if possible

    WHY EVERYONE SHOULD GET A SANDBAG – THE BENEFITS OF SANDBAGS AND SANDBAG TRAINING

    For anyone that’s a fan of getting in a resistance workout, to build functional strength, without a gym, sandbags offer a slew of benefits you’ll appreciate without the high cost of a gym, or without needing other cumbersome equipment.

    • No Gym Fitness: Workout at home or anywhere – I routinely do Crossfit training on the beach with just my sandbag
    • Allows for barbell style movements, powerlifts, kettlebell exercises, and other versatile movements, and uniquely sandbag exercises, making for functional strength promoting and muscle building workouts
    • Train for strength and power: With sandbags that hold 120lbs+ worth of load, its very possible to build strength. Then add in dynamic movements to your strength routine to build functional power
    • Train stability: The shifting load of sandbags forces stability training via odd lifts, just to mount the sandbag in most exercise start positions and is equally suited to training strength at your motions’ end ranges – aka mobility
    • Builds injury resistance: The nature of sandbag training, lifting a shifting load from the floor to overhead and in various directions, trains flexibility and strength in the normal movements of daily life and an active lifestyle, building strength and mobility in the areas of your body and performance that will make you more injury resistant
    • Adaptive: Easily increase or decrease the weight by adding or removing filler bags or adding/removing sand from the individual filler bags
    • Cheap relative to the possibilities and the gym: A good sandbag will still cost less than a one membership at a gym, and once purchased, you’ll have your “sandbag gym” for life
    • Portable: Though sandbags can pack loads of 120lbs+, simply empty the sand out and you’re left with a nylon bag that only weighs a couple of pounds

    OUR FULL LIST OF THE BEST WORKOUT SANDBAGS

    SANDBAGS WITH HANDLES

    SANDBELLS

    SANDBAGS WITH LIGHTWEIGHT OPTIONS

    OTHER SANDBAG OPTIONS

    SANDBAGS WITH HANDLES

    The most versatile and practical type of sandbags are sandbags with handles. These log shaped sandbags tend to have strategically placed handles along the bag, and filler bags that distribute sand throughout the bag, in a way that allows you to lift these bags as you would barbells, dumbbells, curl bars, and kettlebells, making for a very versatile piece of fitness equipment.

    If you’re aiming for one, portable piece of fitness equipment to get in a full body resistance workout at home or anywhere, start with a sandbag with handles.  

    GORUCK SANDBAG

    Best All Around Workout Sandbag, Most Durable Sandbag

    • Highlight: Tough, 1000 denier Cordura nylon, double velcro’ed filler bags
    • Best for: Recreating Olympic lifts and barbell movements
    • Pros:
    • Cons: Can’t buy additional GORUCK filler bags separately
    • Price: $135
    • Materials (Outer, inner): 1000 denier Cordura nylon for abrasion and tear resistance, big YKK zippers
    • Filler Bags Included: Yes
    • Handle Setup: 8 thick, padded nylon handles with two on the left and two handles on the right side running vertically, 1 handle running horizontally each side and bar tacked to create smaller handles, and 1 handle on each end.
    • Weight range: 20lbs to 120lbs
    • Where to buy for the best price: Click here to get the best price at GORUCK.com

    MEISTER ELITE FITNESS SANDBAG W/ REMOVABLE KETTLEBELLS

    Best Handles and Ties for Most Versatile

    The Meister Elite Fitness Sandbag is a high quality, tough, and arguably the most functional sandbag on the list thanks to 8 separate, thick solid core rubber handles accommodating all lift types, and the 20lbs and 10lbs kettlebells contained within. Last, the foam wrapped core helps the bag maintain shape to better be used for barbell, dumbbell, and curl bar movements.

    The downside is this piece of gear maxes out at 50lbs capacity, however, used correctly – with unilateral exercises, controlled reps, and HIIT workouts – this 50lbs may be all you even need.

    At the price, this level of functionality (all free weight style grips and movements, additional kettlebells) is a great value and – used correctly – all you’ll need for your home gym.

    • Highlights:
      • Great, hard handles, more similar to barbells and dumbbells
      • Convertible to 20lbs and 10lbs kettlebells
    • Best for: All in one home gyms for multiple training modalities (barbell and Olympic lifts, kettlebell training)
    • Pros:
      • Great handles, hard plastic, make them the best on this list
      • Foam wrapped co
      • Having kettlebells on the inside increases the possible exercises more than any option on this list
      • PVC outer material will work well for sandbags drags in grass areas.
    • Cons:
      • Low maximum weight (50lbs), and PVC outter is less durable long term than 1000D Cordura nylon – however, I’ve had my Meister sandbag kettlebell for 4 years and have had no issues
    • Price: $149
    • Materials (Outer, inner): Tough PVC outer material (water resistant), zipper + Velcro closure, rubber handles
    • Filler Bags Included: 3 x Kettle bell sandbag and filler bags in 10lbs, 15lbs, and 25 lbs removable to be used as their own kettlebells
    • Handle Setup: 8 thick solid core rubber handles with 2 top handles in vertical grip, 3 top and side handle horizontal grip, 2 side handles with diagonal grip, 1 horizontal grip handle end grip
    • Weight capacity: 10lbs to 50lbs
    • Where to buy for the best price: Get the best price and free shipping with prime for the Meister 50lb Elite Fitness Sandbag w/ Removable Kettlebells at Amazon.com

    ROGUE FITNESS SANDBAG 2.0

    The standard log like design with handles, upgraded with an awesome, with an integrated funnel filler bag that makes emptying, refilling, and adjusting loads much easier

     This updated sandbag combines the tested log-like shape, that is great for Crossfit and Olympic lifts, and is built with an integrated “funnel filler bag” – so there is no placing or removing bags for weight. To adjust weight, just unzip the opening and unroll the “funnel” to easily pour your fill of choice into the liner. Just pour in your sand and start your workout or un-Velcro, unzip, and pour out to adjust weight on the fly

    Integrated fill bag with zipper + Velcro closure allows you to fill up your bag without additional filler bags

    • Highlight: All in one bag, simply drag to the beach, fill, workout, empty, and go home
    • Best for: Crossfit, barbell style lifts, portable workouts (bring it empty, fill it, workout, empty it)
    • Pros:
      • All in one bag is quick and easy to fill, use, empty, and store.
      • 3 year warranty
    • Cons: Lack of use of filler bags will result in a load that shifts more – however that instability adds extra injury preventing benefits to training
    • Price: $155
    • Materials (Outer, inner): 1000D Cordura nylon (tear, abrasion, and water resistant)
    • Filler Bags Included: Not necessary – filler bags are integrated
    • Handle Setup: 7 handle setup – 2 vertical side handles, 2 horizontal side handles, 2 horizontal end handles, and a single top handle
    • Weight range: 40lb, 80lb, 150lb
    • Dimensions:
      • Small – 19.5” long x 7” diameter (when filled). Approx max weight : 40LB sand / 16LB crumb rubber mulch*
      • Medium – 24” long x 9” diameter (when filled). Approx max weight: 80LB sand / 32LB crumb rubber mulch*
      • Large – 35” long x 10.5” diameter (when filled): Approx max weight: 150LB sand / 60LB crumb rubber mulch*
    • Where to buy for the best price: Only available at Rogue Fitness online
    • Also Check out: The Rogue Fitness Sandbag 1.0 which uses the standard “filler bag + sandbag” setup in the standard (and practical) log shape with a 7 handle setup

    ROGUE FITNESS STRONGMAN SANDBAG

    Best functional, practical, and heavy lifting bag for developing “strongman strength”

    Taking inspiration from stones and stone molds used by competitive strongmen, the strong man bag is a durably built and simply designed training tool that will build real, practical strength. These bags accommodate the largest weight you’ll be able to find in a sandbag – 400lbs. The simple yet tough construction of 1000 denier Cordura makes for a solid, portable piece of training gear that is built to last.

    • Highlight: The best portable strongman training tool you can buy
    • Best for: Pure, functional strength training
    • Pros:
      • Great for practical, functional, real-world strength and training
      • Simple design translates to intense durability and a lifetime of use
      • More portable than stones and concrete molds, for those that need tools for “strongnman” training
    • Cons:
      • No handles, so training specific movements (cleans, curls, back squats) can be tough
      • Round
    • Price: $95 to $165
    • Materials (Outer, inner): 1000 denier Cordura nylon
    • Filler Bags Included: No filler bag, but lined interior will decrease sang leakage
    • Handle Setup: No handles
    • Weight range: 100LB, 150LB, 200LB, 250LB, 300LB, 400LB bags
    • Dimensions: 16” diameter on all with heights as follows
      • 100LB – 7.5″
      • 150LB – 11.5″
      • 200LB – 15.5″
      • 250LB – 19.5″
      • 300LB – 22.5″
      • 400LB – 36″
    • Where to buy for the best price: Only available at Rogue Fitness online

    ROGUE FITNESS 3 IN 1 SANDBAG

    A tough sandbag with adaptable handles that allows this bag to be used in multiple ways for multiple workouts – in a “feedsack carry” (across the back and over the shoulders, a backpack (for rucking), a drag bag, and a standard sandbag for improvised Olympic lifts. Additionally, this bag has the option of a single large filler bag or multiple filler bags that are smaller, like the Rogue Brick Bags

    Exercises incorporating feed sack carries are great for functional, practical strength as they incorporate moving weight from the ground to overhead and loaded walking.

    Drags – on grass – are great for building dynamic power and training the lower legs for knee and ankle stability as well as knee and ankle injury resistance (checkout the kneesovertoesguy account on Instagram for ideas on that).

    Rucking, or carrying weight in a backpack over distances common for running, is an excellent for of more intense cardio than running that all builds a stronger frame, trains the core, and burns more calories than running.

    This is all in addition to using the sandbag as a standard log like sandbag for Olympic lifts and Crossfit style HIIT

    • Highlight: An all in one, functional gym – allowing you to do lifts, rucking, drags, and functional carries with a single sandbag
    • Best for: Home gym athletes that want a single piece of gear and are likely to incorporate “movement” leg workouts, like rucking, long distance carries, and drags.
    • Pros: The most versatile sandbag gym on the market
    • Cons: Max weight of 80lbs
    • Price: $165
    • Materials (Outer, inner): 1000 denier Cordura nylon outer
    • Filler Bags Included: No, however the bag is compatible with traditional filler bags or smaller and equally practical brick bags
    • Handle Setup: 2 x removable shoulder straps, 2 x removable “feed sack straps”, 2 side handles, 1x top handle, 1x bottom handle, and 2 x paired handles across the front
    • Weight range: Max capacity of 80lbs
    • Where to buy for the best price: Only available at Rogue Fitness online

    Similar Options to consider: The GORUCK Rucker workout backpack + Rogue Fitness Filler Bags or Brick Bags.

    GARAGE FIT SANDBAG WITH RUBBER HANDLES

    Whereas most of these great sandbags use fabric handles, which can become very taxing on the hands and grip after 10,000 kettlebell swings, this Garage Fit workout sandbag uses 6 rubber handles under fabric, for a better grip, more akin to barbells and dumbbells.

    • Highlight: Soft rubber handles and a tough build add up to a bag that is easy to use for functional lifts and strength training
    • Best for: Normal free weight lifts, Crossfit
    • Pros: Fabric wrapped rubber handles mean your hands won’t give out before the rest of your body
    • Cons: Lacks a cover for zippered port
    • Price: $80 to $110
    • Materials (Outer, inner): Cordura nylon outer
    • Filler Bags Included: Yes, the 120lbs sandbag includes 3 x 40lbs sandbag filler bags, and the 60lbs bag includes 3 x 20lbs bags
    • Handle Setup: 6 rubber under fabric handles with 2 handles on top, 2 handles on a single side, and 1 handle on each end
    • Weight range: 25lbs to 200lbs
    • Dimensions: 36” x 18”
    • Where to buy for the best price: Amazon.com

    FRINGE SPORT SANDBAG TRAINER SYSTEM

    The standard log style sandbag design for cheaper than the rest.

    Just enough handles (6, 2 side and 2 end standard handles and 2 “feed sack” handles) to get the job done and built with the standard, tough materials used by the other brands. If you want a good, cheap bag to get started in sandbag training, this is it.

    • Highlight: Cheap, simple, durable
    • Best for: Standard sandbag training recreating barbell movements, “feed sack” carries (over the shoulder)
    • Pros: Cheap, tough
    • Cons: No padded handles, fewer handles than the other, more expensive brands
    • Price: $52 to $100
    • Materials (Outer, inner): 1000 denier Cordura nylon and YKK zippers
    • Construction: Double stitching at all stress points
    • Filler Bags Included: Filler bags optional, sold in 10lbs, 20lbs, and 40lbs increments
    • Handle Setup: 4 “standard handles” with 2 vertical handles on the side of the bag and 2 handles on the end of the bag running horizontally, with 2 “feed sack handles” on the ends as well, for over the shoulder “feed sack carries.”
    • Weight range: Maximum of 60lbs for small bag and 100lbs for large bag
    • Dimensions:
      • Small Bag: 25″ long x 8″ wide, fits up to 60lbs of weight
      • Large Sandbags: 30″ long x 10″ wide, fits up to 100lbs of weight
    • Where to buy for the best price: Fringe Sport Online

    SANDBELLS

    Kettlebells are some of the simplest and most effective training tools and training modalities. With a fraction of the weight, and the right handle placement, you can get in an insanely tough fat burning workout or build tough, functional strength with a single kettlebell.

    Need inspiration? Try our kettlehell workout to be proven wrong. If you need more than one workout to prove to you the power a single kettlebell could have in your fitness plan, consider trying our 100 kettlebell swings a day challenge or the 10,000 kettlebell swings challenge for a tighter core and bullet proof back, glutes, and shoulders.

    For now, check out the best sandbag kettlebells on the market.

    BRUTE FORCE KETTLEBELL SANDBAG

    BEST SANDBAG KETTLEBELL

    Another tough, portable kettlebell option with a solid rubber handle and tough build

    • Highlight: Tough materials in build, solid rubber handle
    • Best for: Home gyms and travel HIIT workouts
    • Pros: Tough
    • Cons: Won’t handle being thrown well
    • Price: $80
    • Materials:
      • 1000D Cordura Nylon outer, double layer build
      • Contoured rubber handle
      • YKK Zippers
    • Filler Bags Included: Integrated filler bag with double Velcro enclosure – means quick emptying and refills with no spills
    • Handle Setup: Single, over the top, kettlebell style handle
    • Weight range: 45lbs maximum capacity
    • Where to buy for the best price: Buy the Brute Force Kettlebell Sandbag at Amazon.com for the best price and free shipping

    LUDIS IMPERIUM ADJUSTABLE KETTLEBELL SANDBAG

    A great, portable kettlebell option with a solid rubber handle (necessary for a good kettlebell workout) and max weight of 45lbs. Integrated filler bag makes emptying and refilling quick and easy and perfect for travel and portability.

    • Highlights:
      • Max weight of 45lbs is a perfect kettlebell weight
      • Solid, functional handles
      • Tough, Cordura nylon construction
      • Integrated filler bag, prevents spills, protects zippers, and makes quick emptying and refilling easy
    • Best for: Portable (travel friendly) kettlebell workouts
    • Pros:
      • Solid handle
      • Ample weight (at 45lbs)
    • Cons:
      • WILL NOT withstand being thrown or slammed (but most of the bags on this list won’t)
    • Price: $49
    • Materials: Tough Cordura nylon outer material. Integrated filling bag closes with Velcro + zipper enclosure.
    • Filler Bags Included: Integrated filler bag systems requires no additional filler bags, protects zippers, and avoids sand spills (when working out indoors). Integrated filler bag closes via Velcro enclosure and roles down into bag, then bag is zipped to be fully secure
    • Handle Setup: Single, over the top, kettlebell style handle made of solid rubber
    • Weight range: Up to 45lbs
    • Where to buy for the best price: Buy the Ludis Imperium Adjustable Kettlebell Sandbag at Amazon.com for the best price and free shipping

    MEISTER KETTLEBELL SAND BELL

    MOST TRAVEL FRIENDLY SANDBAG

    Highly portable, very simple, extremely versatile

    This simple and practical tool takes the functionality and possibilities of a kettlebell, and combines it with the ease and portability to create a tough and durable fitness tool thanks to Meister.

    This kettlebell can be filled with sand or water, making it great for a travel workout, at home, in a hotel, or at the park as it is easy to fill. Available in 10bs, 15lbs, and 20lbs for an insanely great price.

    Don’t think 20lbs is heavy enough for you? Try our kettlehell workout and I guarantee you’ll be proven wrong. 20lbs is more than enough to burn fat and built Spartan like strength with the right HIIT workout.

    **

    Also consider saving money and improving your kit by purchasing the Meister Elite Fitness Sandbag with 3 Removable Kettlebells

    • Highlight:
      • Ultra portable – compact and stows into the bottom of a backpack
      • Quickly filled with sand or water
      • Very cheap
    • Best for: Travel workouts
    • Pros:
      • Can be filled with sand or water
      • Functional and versatile – as kettlebell training is
      • Extremely portable – I’ve carried mine traveling for 3 years
    • Cons:
      • Limited to 20lbs
    • Price: $12 to $17
    • Materials (Outer, inner): PVC outer material, locking enclosure handle wrapped in a soft, neoprene handle wrap
    • Filler Bags Included: No filler bag necessary
    • Handle Setup: Single, over the top kettlebell style wrapped in soft, removable neoprene handle wrap
    • Weight range: 10lbs to 20lbs
    • Where to buy for the best price: Buy the Meister Elite Portable Sand Kettlebell from Amazon for the best price and free shipping

    SANDBAGS WITH LIGHTWEIGHT OPTIONS

    SKLZ SUPER SANDBAG HEAVY DUTY TRAINING (40LBS)

    A cheap and budget-friendly bag with great, hard handles. Perfect for beginners thanks to its low weight and solid setup.

    • Pros:
      • Great handles
      • Cheap
    • Cons:
      • Low weight
    • Price: ~$48
    • Materials (Outer, inner): Nylon outer
    • Filler Bags Included: Includes 4×10 filler bags
    • Handle Setup: 6 handles with 1x handle on each end and 2x horizontal handles on each side
    • Weight range: 40 lbs max weight
    • Dimensions: 12.5″ x 24″
    • Where to buy for the best price: Amazon

    ULTRA FITNESS GEAR SANDBAGS (25LBS)

    Another tough and tiny sandbag with a size and handle placement that makes it great for pseudo kettlebell and dumbbell workouts.

    • Highlight: Tough build and light max weight would make a good kettlebell
    • Best for : Single arm/ leg exercises, endurance training, using as a weight in a backpack for rucking
    • Pros:
      • Heavy duty build and materials
      • One year warrant
    • Cons:
      • Light weight (25lbs)
      • Only 5 handles – missing a common endcap handle
    • Price: $55
    • Materials (Outer, inner): 1600 denier Cordura nylon, YKK zippers
    • Filler Bags Included: Single, PVC coated 25lb fill bag included
    • Handle Setup: 5 handle setup with 1x end handle, 2 “lower” horizontal side handles (for barbell grip) 2 side handles centered on opposite side (for kettlbell grip)
    • Weight range: Maximum weight of 25 lbs
    • Where to buy for the best price: Amazon

    BRUTE FORCE SANDBAG

    This tough bag functions best at the 25lb mark and has plenty of handles for a slew of strength training movements

    • Best for: Lightweight strength training and endurance training
    • Pros: Compact size
    • Cons: Some users did report tears after 4 months of use under heavier (~50lbs) loads
    • Price: $120
    • Materials (Outer, inner): 1000 denier Cordura nylon outer, seat belt reinforced handles
    • Filler Bags Included: Yes
    • Weight range: 25lbs to 75lbs
    • Where to buy for the best price: Amazon

    TITAN FITNESS PRO STRONGMAN SANDBAGS

    A range of bags with an even smaller sandbag option for beginners, mobility, and versatile use, ranging from 5lbs to 15lbs and extremely heavy bags built for 125lbs to 200lbs

    • Best for: Beginners, mobility training, strength endurance
    • Pros:
      • Light weight
      • Built of tough materials
      • Free shipping
      • Ample handles (6) for every possible grip and carry
    • Cons:
      • You will likely need another bag for pure, hgih weight strength training
    • Price: ~$51
    • Materials (Outer, inner): Double layered 1050 denier Cordura nylon
    • Filler Bags Included: Includes double velcro, leak free filler bags
    • Handle Setup: 6 handles made from seat belt style nylon webbing
    • Weight range: Ranging from 5lbs to 25lbs to 125 to 200lbs
    • Where to buy for the best price: Though they’re available on Amazon with free shipping, get the best price at Titan.Fitness.

    YES4ALL SANDBAGS

    • Highlight: HUGE 200lbs capacity!!!
    • Best for: Strength training and heavy lifts
    • Pros:
      • Heavy
      • Handles in all of the right place
    • Cons:
      • At this weight, simple webbing handles may be painful at first and take some time to adjust to
    • Price: $84
    • Materials (Outer, inner): Cordura nylon, YKK zippers
    • Filler Bags Included: Yes
    • Handle Setup: 7 handle setup for all possible grips
    • Weight range: 125lbs to 200lbs maximum
    • Where to buy for the best price: Amazon

    REP FITNESS SANDBAG

    Large, heavy bags at a great price with rivet reinforced handles

    • Best for: Heavy lifts, home gyms, and cheapskates (like me)
    • Pros:
      • Tough, riveted and seatbelt reinforced webbing handles
      • 1 year warranty
      • Light bags (5lbs to 25lbs) and heavy bags (125lbs to 200lbs)
      • Water resistant fabric and construction
      • 1000D Cordura nylon fabric
      • Great Price
    • Price: $40 for 5lbs to 25lbs bag, $90 for 125lbs to 200lbs bag
    • Materials (Outer, inner): 1000 denier Cordura nylon
    • Filler Bags Included: Yes
    • Handle Setup: 7 handle setup for all possible grips and carries
    • Weight range: 5lbs to 200lbs, depending on the bag you choose
    • Where to buy for the best price: Only available at repfitness.com

    OTHER SANDBAG OPTIONS

    ROGUE FEEDSACK

    Where to buy for the best price: Only available at Rogue Fitness online

    GORUCK RUCKER + FILLER BAGS

     Filled with alternate filler bags such as the Meister Sandbag Kettlebell or Rogue brick bags, the rucker becomes a tough sandbag designed for abuse.

    With top and side handles designed to withstand 400lbs+ of strain, this backpack will stand up to any sandbag training you throw at it and doubles as a great daypack and travel pack

    HYPERWEAR SANDBELL

    For a smaller sandbag option, the Hyperwear sandbell is a great option. Soft neoprene wrapped sandbags in increments of 2lbs to 50lbs make for great home workout equipment pieces

    ROGUE BRICK BAG

    A compact version of the traditional sandbags, still loadable and adjustable, available

    OTHER SANDBAG ACCESSORIES

    CRUMB RUBBER FROM ROGUE FITNESS

    The industry standard filler material for sandbags used in commercial gyms and is a an efficient way to fill and achieve a durable bag with a rigid feel. Note that this crumb rubber is 40% as dense as an equal amount of sand by weight

    HOW TO IMPROVISE BARBELL MOVEMENTS WITH A SANDBAG

    To recreate the essential barbell movements, such as squats, cleans, presses, and deadlifts, simply make sure your sandbag has 1) a long, log-style shape and 2) at least 2 handles on the top of the nag that run laterally and can be grabbed as you would a barbell.

    After you have the essential boxes checked – of proper shape and handles – simply grab the handles as you would a barbell and get to work.

    For more info, check out our tutorials for each essential sandbag exercise here

    EXAMPLE SANDBAG WORKOUTS

    Best Workout: Full Body – Sandbag Andy

    Complete the entire circuit for time (as fast as possible)

    • 25 Sandbag Thrusters
    • 50 jump tucks (clear 24 inches)
    • 75 Sandbag Deadlifts
    • 1.5 Mile run (or 11 minute run)
    • 75 Sandbag Deadlifts
    • 50 jump tucks (clear 24 inches)
    • 25 Sandbag Thrusters

    Best Workout: Upper Body

    4. 6 Rounds for Time

    Every 6 minutes for 6 rounds

    • 20 Pull Ups
    • 20 Sandbag Push Presses
    • 20 Dips
    • 20 Bent Over Sandbag Rows
    • 20 Push Ups
    • 20 Sandbag Thrusters

    Best Workout: Lower Body

    4 Rounds for Time

    • 400 Meter Run
    • 72 Double Unders
    • 21 Sandbag Swings
    • 15 Goblet Lunges Per Leg (Sandbag Held on Chest in Front Rack)
    • 9 Burpee Broad Jumps (Burpee + Long Jump for Distance)
    • Rest 2:00

    Sandbell Workout

    Perform all movements single armed with a kettlebell grip

    • 20 Kettlebell Deadlifts (two handed)
    • 20 Sumo Deadlift High Pulls (two-handed)
    • 20 Kettlebell Swings (two-handed)
    • 10 Kettlebell Swings (right hand)
    • 10 Kettlebell Swings (left hand)
    • 10 Clean and Presses (right hand)
    • 10 Clean and Presses (left hand)

    Visit our “kettlehell workout page” for an exercise by exercise tutorial

    For More sandbag training ideas click here for our list of 31 tough sandbag workouts

    BEST SANDBAG WORKOUT RESOURCES

    SANDBAG FAQS

    What exercises can you do with a sandbag?

    Just about any exercise that can be done with a barbell (squats, cleans, presses, deadlifts, and rows), a dumbbell (curls, extensions, compound movements, manmakers) or a kettlebell (swings) can be done with a good sandbag, as long as the sandbag has handles in the correct places. Ultimate you can workout the entire body, for strength and stamina, with this one functional training tool

    Visit our sandbag training blog to learn more about the exercises you can do with a sandbag and how to do them.

    How effective are sandbag exercises?

    Sandbag training is extremely effective and possibly more than traditional free weights training, depending on your goal. Because the weight of a sandbag is more difficult to adjust and has lower maximum weight and maximum levels of resistance, we must optimize our workouts (for maximum effectiveness) by incorporating High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) by adjusting rest periods, repetitions per set, and the order in which we do our exercises.

    As a result, the instability of the load (due to the shifting sand as we lift), the versatility of movements we can do with the bag, and using HIIT style workouts is extremely effective at building a functionally strong, practical body that is conditioned for stamina, strength, and injury resistance.

    Is a sandbag workout a good workout?

    If you use a sandbag for the core workout movements – squats, cleans and presses – built into a HIIT workout structure, a sandbag workout is as effective or more effective than a traditional workout.

    What weight sandbag should you buy? How much weight should I start with?

    Aim for a sandbag with a maximum weight limit close to 2/3 to 3/4 of your bodyweight for well conditioned athletes, and 1/2 your bodyweight for those that want less intensity. Also feel free to start with 1/4 of your bodyweight with a plan to start slowly and switch to a heavier bag later, when you are ready. Lighter bags are also more suited to endurance training

    What is the best material for a sandbag?

    1000D cordura nylon outer with YKK zippers and a separate internal lining, filler bag, or integrated filler bag system are the best materials for a sandbag

    Is a sandbag better than a barbell?

    A sandbag is as good as a barbell, but each tool has its own strengths in training. Barbells have the benefit of being able to easily adjust weights in addition to the predictable rigidity of the load will allows for methodical progression and increase in weight. Sandbags have the benefits of being very portable and very cost efficient while also being a very dynamic piece of workout equipment – with shifting loads and versatile use – that naturally trains the body in movements and directions less commonly trained in barbell training but valuable for injury resistance and functional strength

    What to fill a sandbag with?

    • Sand: Clean, dry sand, available at a hardware store for ~$5 for a 50lbs bag, or at a beach
    • Pea gravel: Available at any hardware store and prevents “settling” that may come from bags overpacked with sand
    • Crumb Rubber: Generally upcycled from old car tires, this chipped rubber comes in granules 1mm to 3mm in size and is less dense and less heavy than sand, but also does not settle and allows for a more resilient load. Rogue Fitness is the best online resource for crumb rubber, available here.

    More Great Articles to Help You Get Fit

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      About A Brother Abroad

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.