A wet compartment sounds like a small feature until a damp towel spends the afternoon beside your work clothes. Separating those items can make a gym bag much easier to live with. The useful question is how the compartment behaves when it is full and how easily it dries afterward.
Check whether it is genuinely lined to contain moisture or merely another fabric pocket. Read the description rather than assuming a zipper makes it waterproof. If you carry a very wet swimsuit or towel, a suitable removable wet bag may be easier to clean than a fixed compartment deep inside the main bag.
Pack it as you would on a normal day
A shoe pocket can take space from the main compartment even though it has its own opening. Put shoes or a similarly sized object inside and see what room remains. The bag should still hold the clothes and equipment you actually need without forcing zippers closed.
Look for an opening large enough to remove damp items without brushing them across the clean section. A pale or contrasting lining can make small objects easier to find. Avoid judging the bag only when empty and neatly arranged on a display shelf.
Think about the journey after exercise. If the bag will sit under a desk for several hours, remove and air damp contents when possible. A closed compartment contains moisture; it does not make wet fabric dry. Empty the bag at home even when you expect to use it again the next morning.
Check care instructions before purchase. Some linings can be wiped, while others have specific washing restrictions. Pay attention to seams and corners where dirt collects. A removable pouch is useful only if you will actually take it out and clean it.
Carry comfort still matters. Test the handles and shoulder strap with a realistic load. A clever compartment arrangement is less valuable if the bag pulls awkwardly on one shoulder or is too large for your locker.
The right bag need not have the most pockets. It should separate what needs separating, fit the storage space available, and be simple to reset after use. If unpacking requires turning the whole bag inside out every night, the organizational feature may be creating more work than it saves.
