The Best Sandbag
There is no better way of mixing up your workouts than adding filled sandbags, to get a wide range of functional training into your workout.
These days sandbags have become a staple fitness tool in CrossFit or WOD-style sandbag training.
Sandbags offer dynamic resistance, requiring you to use your core to provide stability through various movements.
You get to strengthen the torso and hips, which enables you to do a range of powerful military-style lifts.
No matter what your current exercise level is or your fitness goals are, sandbag training is an excellent way to incorporate strength and power training, conditioning, and a multitude of compound movements allowing you to train several muscle groups simultaneously, getting faster results.
After rigorous review, we've brought you the shortlist of the best sandbags available on the market, leaving you free to swing and hurl a sandbag to stay fit!
Table of Contents
7 Best Sandbags in 2024
VIEW ON AMAZON If you’re looking for a sandbag for functional training that creates power and neurological integration, the Bulgarian Bag original model from Suples is an outstanding option.
Ideal for fighters, wrestlers, or CrossFit junkies who are seeking a uniquely designed bag versatile enough to suit all training needs, perfect for upper and lower body training while emphasizing grip strength.
The Bulgarian bag comes pre-filled in 15 different pre-calibrated weights and is constructed from premium leather that doesn’t break easily.
Three different types of handles allow you to execute a variety of exercises using different grips, stimulating core stabilization, and activating back muscles or adding in benches.
It comes complete with instructional videos from the creator of the sand bags and is backed with a generous 2-year warranty.
Once you start training with the Bulgarian Bag, you’ll find it hard to curb your pace like a traffic control warden!
Key Features- Different weights from 6 to 84 pounds
- Comes pre-filled
- Made with real premium leather
- Durable
- Access to instructional videos for exercise by the inventor Ivan Ivanov
Specifications- Brand: Suples
- Model: Bulgarian Bag
Pros- 2-year warranty
- Durable material
- Available in 15 different pre-calibrated weights
- No shift of weight distribution
- Ideal for multifunction exercises
- Perfect for improving back & muscles grip
Cons- Price is expensive
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON If you are looking to develop total body strength, stability, and endurance, look no further than the SKLZ Super Sandbag.
This versatile training tool allows you to execute countless training exercises, outdoors or in buildings, working your upper and lower body.
It comes equipped with 4 inner filler bags, and you can fill about 10 pounds of sand in each of the filler bags. Just a side note, that the SKLZ sand bags don’t come pre-filled with sand
Featuring 6 soft-grip handles allows you to conduct a variety of exercises with different hand grips comfortably, without chafing your hands and working up a storm.
The SKLZ Super Sandbag comes in a dynamic black and yellow color, bright enough to jazz up any customers’ workout.
Ideal for CrossFit and functional training enthusiasts at beginner or medium level. With a maximum weight of 40 pounds, the SKLZ Super Sandbag may be too light for hardcore bodybuilders looking for stacking or bulking up.
If however, you want to add this sandbag to kick your cardio routine up a notch or two, you won't be disappointed.
Develop explosive power on-demand with the SKLZ Super Sandbag!
Key Features- 6 soft-grip handles
- 4 inner weight bags included, which can have 10 pounds of sand packed into each filler bag
- Maximum weight of 40 pounds
- Color: Yellow & black
- Durable outer shells for long-lasting use
Specifications- Brand: SKLZ
- Model: SKLZ Super Sandbag
Pros- Easy to use with filler bags included
- Adjustable weight
- Ideal for anyone trying to improve explosiveness or incorporate functional training into their cardio routine
- Good for CrossFit enthusiasts, cardio & for runners for throwing & building form & control
- Ideal for men & women
- Inexpensive
Cons- Sandbag may be too lightweight for bodybuilders with a maximum weight of 40 pounds only
- Does not come pre-filled with sand
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON You don't have to go to expensive gyms or have a full set of weights in your home gym to work up a storm when the sun rises when you have the FITSHIT Sandbag.
Available in 3 colors, 2 sizes of 25-65 pounds or 50-100 pounds, has never made it easier to incorporate compound movements into your fitness regime, from weighted burpees, deadlifts, and squats. Giving you full control of your fitness regime.
The sandbag outer shell has a double-stitched zipper for protection and large filler bags, that come empty (sand is not included).
The velcro opening makes it easy and mess-free to fill the sand in the filler bags, toss them into the large outer shell and get on with working out like a storm.
With 6 industrial grade handles, the FITSHIT Sandbag offers versatility to do a variety of moves with a solid, yet comfortable grip.
The FITSHIT Sandbag is the ultimate tool for athletes tailored for optimal performance and hardcore durability!
Key Features- Double-needle box stitching
- High-quality construction 10000D Oxford Nylon
- Triple reinforced keeping sand contained
- Black webbing handles
- Adjustable
- 6 handles
- Available in 3 colors
- 2 weights: 26-65 lbs, 50-100 lbs
Specifications- Brand: FITSHIT
- Model: FITSHIT Sandbag
Pros- Available in 3 colors
- Adjustable
- Durable when exposed to different training settings from flooding, buildings, gravel training, or indoor benches
- 1-year warranty
- A good mid-range priced sandbag
- The ultimate tool for athletes
Cons- Not for customers looking for pre-filled sandbags
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON There's no better way to achieve your fitness goals than to build strength, power, and endurance with the REP FITNESS Sandbag.
It's the perfect fitness equipment to improve metabolic conditioning and increase your overall lean muscle mass.
Train better with the highest quality, filled sandbags available. The shell and filler bags are made from ultra-durable 1000D Cordura with a heavy-duty cover, triple-stitched, and cross-stitched nylon thread.
With YKK zippers, the sand stays inside the bag with no mess or residue.
The filler bags feature a double velcro design for a robust seal and maximum leak resistance. You have the flexibility to add or remove filled sandbags to adjust the weight to suit your desired level.
6 soft handles safely provide a ton of grip options without creating uncomfortable contact points.
Whether you’re a beginner or a long-time sandbag training aficionado, you'll get to do a wide variety of exercises from deadlifts, squats, presses, lunges to stand, and so much more.
Eccentric loading and adjustable weight capacity allow you to challenge your body rep after rep with the REP FITNESS Sandbag!
Key Features- Availability in 4 weights: 5-25 lbs, 25-75 lbs, 50-125 lbs, 125-200 lbs
- Quality rivet enforced straps
- Available in 14 colors
- Water-proof material prevents sand from seeping
- Eccentric loading & adjustable weight
- 1000D Cordura
- Box X stitching
- YKK zippers
- Heavy-duty filler bags are double velcro
Specifications- Brand: REP FITNESS
- Model: REP FITNESS Sandbag
Pros- 1-year warranty
- Filler bags for filled sandbags included
- Competitive price
- Adjustable weight
- Comes in 4 different weights
- Available in 14 colors
- Perfect for military, firefighters, police, first respondents & wrestlers who need to train functionally in unexpected conditions like flood control, floods & on gravel & during traffic control
Cons- The filler bags move around in the sand bags
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON Sign up for dynamic resistance, utilizing stabilization moves for a plethora of fitness benefits with the impressive Yes4All Sandbag.
Made of 1000D coated Cordura Nylon fabric, strong stitching, with X-shaped stitches at core points and zipper closure, you get protection and endurance.
Equipped with strategically placed comfortable handles, allows you to do versatile moves from lunges, deadlifts, weighted burpees, whether you are moving two feet or less to do various moves.
The Yes4All Sandbag comes in a variety of colors and weight capacities and is constructed from high-quality material with the user's goals in mind.
Choosing the perfect bag for your fitness level and training goals has never been simpler.
Take advantage of eccentric loading and adjustable weight options with the Yes4All Sandbag and take your fitness to the next level!
Key Features- 4 weights: 5-25 lbs, 25-75 lbs, 50-125 lbs, 125-200 lbs
- 7 handles
- Water-resistant material
- 1000D coated Cordura Nylon fabric
- YKK zipper
- Reinforced X-shaped stitches at core points
- Strong velcro seals to keep sand inside
- Available in 4 colors
Specifications- Brand: Yes4All
- Model: Yes4All Sandbag
Pros- 1-year warranty
- 30-day return
- Available in 4 different weights
- High-quality material, making it break-resistant
- Adjustable for every level of fitness: beginner, intermediate, pro & athlete
- Excellent multifunctional training gear for versatile workouts
- Comes in different colors
Cons- For customers looking for sandbags filled, sand needs to be purchased separately
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON One of the best sandbags for functional training, whether you slam it, toss it, beat it, or drag it, the Brute Force Sandbag is built to last, that's why it's perfect to hit the ground running in your CrossFit workouts.
Sporting 4 sets of soft-grip handles, with 8 handles in total and made with smooth and rough 1000D Cordura, a durable material used by the US military, the Brute Force Sandbag is made in the USA with the highest quality and protection.
Filled with sand, sandbags filled can have the sand added or removed to vary the weight in each filler in the Brute Force Sandbag shell, zip it up, and work out.
The sand is not included in the purchase price of the sand bags.
With a 30-day money-back guarantee and backed with a 2-year warranty, you get to train worry-free and focus solely on your form with Brute Force!
Key Features- Availability in 3 weights: 0-25 lbs, 25-75 lbs, 50-125 lbs
- 4 colors
- With 4 sets of flexible soft grip handles (8 in total)
- Handcrafted & made in the USA
- Double-needle stitching
- 5-panel seat belt webbing
- Box X stitching triple-reinforced
Specifications- Brand : Brute Force Sandbags
- Model: Brute Force Sandbag
Pros- 2-year warranty
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Perfect for your CrossFit or WOD style workout
- Ideal for functional training or tough mudder training with flood water, debris flows & flood control
- Protected from outdoor soil
- Durable
- Machine washable
Cons- Expensive
- Sand not included
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON Why train with a static lump of metal when you can get dynamic resistance with shifting sand working your core muscles and engaging your grip with the Hyperwell Sandwell Sandbag.
You don't get better value for your money, than with Hyperwear Sandwell Sandbag which comes pre-filled with sand in heavy-duty neoprene leak-free construction, ready to use straight out of the box.
Protected with a water-resistance seal for outdoor training with floods, gravel, storm, and boot camps.
Available in various sizes ranging from 2 to 50 pounds caters to every fitness level, lock, stock, and barrel.
Ideal for grip strength, strongman, CrossFit, or alpha style workouts, cardio, conditioning, and endurance training.
Move filled sandbags and get your body working in new ways with the Hyperwear Sandwell Sandbag!
Key Features- Different weight ranges from 2 to 50 pounds
- Sold pre-filled with sand
- Stackable space-saving design
- Water-resistant material
- Easy to grip neoprene
Specifications- Brand: Hyperwear
- Model: Hypwear Sandwell Sandbag
Pros- Great for HIIT circuit
- Versatile & dynamic for building & stacking moves
- Suitable for all ages, levels, flooring & facilities
- Great for boot camps, small group training, home gym & personal trainers
- Ideal for indoor & outdoor training, along with training with benches
- Excellent value for money when compared with other options of filled sandbags
Cons- Does not have a handle for easy grip
Show Product Details
Sandbags Buying Guide
Sandbags are fantastic to incorporate versatile functional training into your fitness regime.
They allow you to build up a sweat through a combination of weight training and cardio, so that you’ll be under traffic control watch to slow down .
Filled sandbags help you to build muscle and strengthen your body from your core to your back, shoulders and chest, and your legs.
Before you buy a sandbag, you should read our reviews and know what features to screen for to ensure you pick sand bags that answers all your wants and training needs.
Sandbags
Sandbags are simple exercise tools made from material with a filling of sand or other types of filling that can be used to do a wide range of functional training, no matter what your fitness level.
The weight in sandbags shifts, making it difficult for you to get into a workout flow and thus making the workout more challenging to control and leading you to engage your muscles to stabilize each rep over and over again.
Sandbags are hugely popular in CrossFit style workouts and general strength training.
Benefits of Sandbags
Sandbags are great to add to your workout to mix it up and to add a new challenge, with a range of benefits. Sandbags can be used for a wide variety of exercises, from squats to rows and planks.
Sandbags are ideal to help build strength and muscle and for endurance training, for the latter, you want to do 20-30 reps per set.
Sandbags are spectacular in doing cardio training where your heart rate is increased, with moves with jumps and squats to help increase cardiovascular endurance and burn fat.
When doing dynamic exercises with a sandbag you engage your core with all the stabilizing you have to do.
Due to the soft construction of a sandbag, you are able to conduct a large number of fluid movements with low impact.
Features of Best Sandbags
Material
The material of a sandbag must be sturdy and be able to protect it and withstand repeated hits. Many sandbags are made with 1000 Denier solution Dyed Cordura Nylon fabric and strong military grade Velcro.
The textured Nylon provides outstanding resistance to erosion, chafing, and dwindling conditions that occur through repeated use.
Think about whether you intend to use the sandbag for indoor or outdoor training.
If you are intending to use it for an outdoor boot camp or outdoor running, you may also need to consider whether the material is water repellent to withstand flooding conditions, being hit on the ground, whether it drys quickly and whether it can be washed if soiled.
Many sandbags are made of polyurethane leather, which is faux leather, which is a synthetic material and an alternative to real leather.
It is less expensive than real leather and is very sturdy, and can withstand wear and tear.
Weight Limit
What poundage you want for the sandbag depends on your fitness level and your strength.
You want to have a sandbag that is strong and is providing sufficient resistance to give you a workout that is pushing your body. If the load is too light, you are not being pushed to improve.
You want a sandbag that offers sufficient load to challenge you not only now but as you get fitter and stronger, the sandbag remains heavy for you.
Some sandbags have adjustable weight which is great, as you can increase the heaviness limit as your fitness level progresses.
Other options come with a fixed weight and the load cannot be increased or decreased.
Filler Bags
To make it easier for you to increase or decrease the heaviness of your sandbag and to make it easier to ship, many sandbags come with filler bags.
Some sandbags automatically come with filler bags, with other models you have the option of buying filler bags as an addition to the purchase of the sandbag itself.
The benefit of filler bags is it keeps the inside of your sandbag clean and they are easy to adjust the load level for different types of exercises. When you are switching from arms to legs exercises and you may want to increase the load level.
Durability
How durable the bag is will very much depend on the material the bag is made of and how robust and reinforced the stitching of the bag is.
If you want your bag to last and withstand more rugged workouts, look for the military-grade canvas, leather or polyurethane leather, or nylon.
Shape
These days sandbags come in a variety of different shapes. The most common shape is cylindrical or curved. Some may be shaped like a half-crescent moon. You can compare the different shapes and styles available on the market.
Bags that come in these shapes offer excellent weight distribution and functionality, which provides great training without you having to fiddle about with the structure of the sandbag mid-workout, and they are easier to hold.
Handles or No Handles
Depending on the type of sandbag and the kind of exercises you want to use it for, will determine what type of grip you require on the sandbag.
Sandbags with handles, or handles placed in multiple positions offer great comfort and versatility in the type of exercises you can do with a comfortable grip.
For example, if you want to do a squat with the sandbag held at the back of your shoulders, you want handles to hold the sandbag in place whilst your upper body remains upright, allowing you to squat safely and the bag remains firmly in place.
Price
The price of sandbags varies from as little as $25. The more premium quality the sandbag is and the higher the poundage, the greater the price.
A good quality mid-weight sandbag can cost north of $150. Select the highest quality sandbag that your budget permits.
Sandbags FAQ
How much weight should I use for a sandbag training?
How much mass the sandbag that you train with depends on your fitness level and what your goals are for strength, building muscle, or conditioning.
If you are new to using sandbags, it is advisable to start training with a lower load. Once you are comfortable with a sandbag you can incrementally increase the heaviness.
If your goal is to use a sandbag for strength training, you should have a mass that allows you to fatigue between 3-6 reps.
If you want to build muscle, you should be aiming to fatigue your muscles between 8-12 reps.
On the other hand, if your goal is endurance training, you should aim to fatigue your muscles between 20-30 reps.
The beauty about sandbags is you can do exercises that use multiple muscle groups at the same time, allowing you to train efficiently.
What are some workouts I can do using a sandbag?
There are so many moves you can do with the sandbag. Below is a video to get you started on a circuit.
Sandbags Sources
- Acute Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Effects of a Sandbag Resistance Protocol – PubMed
- A Warm-up Performed with Proper-Weight Sandbags on the Leg Improves the Speed and RPE Performance of 100 m Sprint in Collegiate Male Sprinters – PubMed
- Complexity: A Novel Load Progression Strategy in Strength Training – Frontiers in Physiology