If you train hard - whether you’re competing or just committed to progress - you’ve probably noticed most gym bags aren’t built to keep up. They’re made for casual gym-goers, not for those hauling lifting belts, wraps, shoes, chalk, and everything else needed for real training.
At Iron Tanks, we’re lifters ourselves. We designed the Vault Series to solve the problems that every dedicated gym-goer faces - serious athletes and everyday lifters alike.
Whether you’re prepping for your next competition or just want a bag that’s built tough to last, the Vault Series delivers performance without compromise.
What Defines a Great Gym Bag for Strength Training?
1. External Belt Storage - The Game-Changer
A weightlifting belt can take up 30–40 % of your internal space. Storing it inside crushes the rest of your gear, and it is simply cumbersome to store inside your bag.
What to look for: A dedicated external belt sleeve that keeps your belt accessible and frees up internal room for wraps, sleeves, and accessories. Not all belt holders are the same. Some are flimsy, and aren't purposely built for 10mm and 13mm thick belts like the Vault is.
2. Ventilated Shoe Compartment
Lifting shoes, deadlift slippers, and trainers need their own space. Moisture build-up quickly becomes a problem for mildew and smells.
What to look for: A separate ventilated compartment made from breathable, moisture-resistant fabric like RipStop®.
3. Multi-Compartment Organisation
Knee sleeves, straps, chalk, food, and supplements - your gear deserves order, not chaos.
What to look for: At least five to six dedicated compartments (internal and external) for efficient organisation.
4. Military-Grade Durability
A real gym bag takes punishment. Poor quality nylon or polyester won’t survive heavy use.
What to look for: 900D–1800D denier, reinforced stitching, double-walled panels, and heavy duty metal hardware.
5. Modular Expandability
MOLLE flexibility allows you to customise the bag to fit your specific needs and requirements.
What to look for: A Military MOLLE system that allows external attachments like bottle holders or pouches - customisable without replacing the bag.
6. Real Waterproofing
Sweat, rain, and spilled pre-workout ruin gear fast.
What to look for: Japanese YKK® waterproof zippers and water-resistant fabrics for total protection.
The Vault Series: Built for Lifters, Perfect for Anyone Who Trains Hard
Every Vault bag was engineered by lifters who train seriously - designed to meet the standards we’d expect on the competition platform, and to serve anyone who values durability, function, and style in the gym.
Vault 40L Duffle: Daily Training Workhorse
| Capacity | 40L with 6 compartments (3 internal + 3 external) |
| Belt Storage | External belt-holder sleeve (frees internal space) |
| Shoe Storage | Ventilated RipStop® compartment |
| Durability | 900D–1800D Polyester Matrix + reinforced metal D-rings |
| Customisation | Military MOLLE System |
| Extras | YKK® waterproof lockable zips, USB charge port, battery sleeve |
“I procrastinated for ages before I purchased this bag! I wish I had of purchased it earlier! It's a great size, functional and the colour is awesome!” — Sara, W
Vault 60L Duffle: Competition Day & Max Capacity
| Capacity | 60L with structured organisation |
| Belt Storage | Dual-sided external sleeves (also fits foam roller) |
| Construction | Double-walled, buttressed for shape retention |
| Durability | 900D–1800D Polyester Matrix + reinforced metal D-rings |
| Ideal For | Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, or anyone needing serious storage |
| Extras | YKK® waterproof lockable zips, MOLLE System, USB charge port |
“This is the best gym bag EVER! A place for everything and everything in its place. I cart A LOT of gear to training and finally - FINALLY - a bag that accommodates it all (with plenty of extra room besides) and allows me to find everything quickly and easily. Just a superb piece of kit.” — Ann R
Vault 45L Backpack: For Lifters, Commuters & Everyday Athletes
| Capacity | 45L with dedicated laptop compartment |
| Belt Storage | External belt-holder sleeve |
| Comfort | Ergonomic padded straps + abdominal support |
| Versatility | Bottom straps for foam roller or folded belt |
| Customisation | Military MOLLE System + USB charge port |
“Ingeniously designed, super functional and very, very cool … this backpack is like no other gym bag. The over-the-arch spot for belts is simply outstanding. Packing my bag for training is almost as rewarding as my sessions themselves. Another brilliant product Iron Tanks and, as usual, exceptional service. Thank you!” — Jonas O
Vault vs. Competition: Iron Tanks vs. King Kong & Built for Athletes
Feature data verified from official product listings, November 2025.
Backpack Comparison (45L Range)
| Feature | Iron Tanks Vault 45L | King Kong Conquer 38L | Built for Athletes Hero 2.0 45L |
|---|---|---|---|
| External Belt Storage | Dedicated external sleeves and straps | External straps | None |
| Modular System | Laser cut Military MOLLE System front and sides | Front MOLLE webbing | Front laser cut MOLLE system |
| Material Durability | 900D–1800D Polyester Matrix | 500D Nylon | 900D Polyester |
| Zipper Quality | YKK® waterproof + lockable | YKK® standard | YKK® standard |
| Capacity | 45L | 38L | 45L |
| Laptop Sleeve | Up to 17" | Up to 16" | Up to 17" |
| USB-C Charge Port | Yes | No | No |
| Price | $259.95 AUD | $399.95 AUD | $375.00 AUD |
Duffle Comparison (60L Range)
| Feature | Iron Tanks Vault 60L | King Kong Plus 63L | Built for Athletes Pro 60L |
|---|---|---|---|
| External Belt Storage | Dedicated external sleeves and straps | None | None |
| Modular System | Military MOLLE System front and back | None | MOLLE on front |
| Material Durability | 900D–1800D Polyester | 1000D Nylon | 1000D Nylon |
| Zipper Quality | YKK® waterproof + lockable | YKK #10 heavy duty | YKK standard |
| Construction | Double-walled, buttressed, reinforced stitching and seams | Reinforced stitching | Triple-stitched seams |
| Waterproofing | Water-resistant with YKK® zips | Water-resistant | Waterproof compartments |
| Price | $279.95 AUD | $279.95 AUD | $545.00 AUD |
Specs and pricing sourced from manufacturer sites (Nov 2025).
The Iron Tanks Advantage
You don’t have to be a powerlifter to appreciate smart design. The same features that keep athletes organised on competition day make everyday training easier for anyone serious about their fitness.
- External Belt Storage: Keeps your belt secure and frees up 30–40% more space inside your bag.
- True Modular Flexibility: Add or remove MOLLE accessories - no wasted space or fixed layouts.
- Built for Abuse: 900D–1800D construction and double-walled frames prevent sagging and tearing. A bag that truly holds its shape!
- Waterproof by Design: Lockable YKK® waterproof zips protect electronics, chalk, and clothing.
- Value Without Compromise: Competition-grade materials and design at an incredible price point.
Choosing Your Vault Bag
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Daily Training / Local Gym | Vault 40L Duffle — compact and organised. Shop Now → |
| Competition Day / Max Gear Storage | Vault 60L Duffle — maximum capacity and durability. Shop Now → |
| Commuting / Work / Hands-Free | Vault 45L Backpack — ergonomic support and laptop protection. Shop Now → |
Pro tip: Many serious lifters use both - a duffle for competition and a backpack for daily sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Vault compare to King Kong and Built for Athletes?
Vault offers key advantages and value - see the comparison table above, and you can also review each product individually to form your own opinion.
Carry-on friendly?
Yes - the 40L duffle and 45L backpack fit most airline carry-on standards.
Do they fit multiple pairs of shoes?
The 60L fits 2 pairs; the 40L and 45L hold squat a pair of lifting shoes or runners comfortably.
Machine washable?
Spot clean only to maintain bag integrity and structure.
USB battery included?
No - the port and sleeve are built in; add your own power bank.
What can I attach to the MOLLE system?
Any standard MOLLE accessories - bottle holders, pouches, carabiners - for a setup that evolves with your training and a completely unique and customisable experience. Click to view them all!
Train Without Limits
The Vault Series was created to solve the real-world problems every dedicated gym-goer faces. Whether you’re an elite competitor or simply training to become your strongest self, every feature - from the external belt sleeve to the ventilated shoe pocket - exists to make your training life easier.
Explore the Vault Series & Save with Code VAULT →
About Iron Tanks
We’re lifters building gear for lifters - and for anyone chasing progress. Every product is tested by competitive athletes and everyday gym-goers alike. No compromises, no shortcuts - just equipment built to perform.
10,000+ 5 star reviews and counting!
Legal Disclaimer: Competitor specifications and prices sourced from official websites as of November 2025. Details may change without notice. Product names and trademarks are property of their respective owners. Comparisons are for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement or superiority.