When it comes to buying new workout gear, you probably put clothes first (think: finding the perfect pair of leggings or workout sneakers that will elevate your training). But what about the right gym bag? Bet you haven’t thought about investing in a new one of those for quite some time.
In fact, raise your hand if you’ve been shlepping around with the same worn out duffel since college? Yep, it’s time for an upgrade.
After all, finding the right duffel, backpack, or tote can make all the difference when it comes to feeling extra motivated to crush your workout. You want something that can carry everything you need for a successful sweat sesh, but also have multi-functional usage too. Want to go straight from the grocery store to the gym? There’s a bag for that. Tote your gear on a long run? There’s a bag for that too. Or on baby duty during your hike? Yep, there’s a bag option for diapers and your favorite Yeti rambler as well.
Basically, there’s a whole world of gym bags out there ready to take your fitness game to new heights. Have your pick from the list of the best gym bags in multiple price points, styles, and colors below. It’s been compiled from top-rated styles from our favorite brands, plus recommendations from fitness pros, trainers, instructors, and Women’s Health’s own editorial team.
Girlfriend Collective Backpack
Shop the Girlfriend Collective Backpack if you want a workout accessory that’s both functional and sustainable. The body, lining, and straps of the bags are made with 100-percent recycled plastic bottles. Also, it’s designed with plenty of pockets and sleeves for storage, so you can go from a trail run to the grocery store easy.
Sweaty Betty All Sport Backpack
The Sweaty Betty All Sport Backpack is extra durable, made with matte nylon fabric and adjustable padded straps for extra comfort. You’ll also get five internal compartments for your clothes, towel, water bottle, laptop, or whatever else you might need while you’re on the go.
Under Armour Roland Duffel
If you prefer to travel light, but still want a duffel bag that can carry all the essentials, opt for the Under Armour Roland Duffel. It’s not too bulky and has adjustable straps that can be tweaked to fit your carrying style. The bag is also made with a highly water-resistant finish so you don’t have to be too worried about those rainy workout days.
Black Girl Yoga Duffel
The yogi in you will love this Black Girl Yoga Duffel from Etsy. Pack your blocks, towel, water bottle, and whatever else you need for a relaxing flow. You can snag a bag in size small or large, and personalization is available too.
Vooray Iconic Duffel
With the Vooray Iconic Duffel, you’ll never worry about mixing up your gym bag with someone else’s—it comes in a variety of colorful patterns, including this pretty floral print. In addition to helping you stand out from the crowd, it gives you ample space for all your essentials and comes with reinforced metal clips and zippers, making it durable too.
Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag
The Novel Duffel Bag from Herschel Supply Co. is a handy gym bag when you have a lot of gear to tote. It can easily double as a carry-on as well. And while the outside might look nice and compact, the inside is roomy. It even comes with a separate, lined compartment designed to store your sneakers or extra pair of shoes.
Away The Everywhere Bag
Away is a popular brand known for its stylish luggage, but did you know they make gorgeous duffle bags too? Well, The Everywhere Bag is basically made for your taking your fitness routine on the road. It’s crafted out of water-resistant nylon—so it’s sturdy enough for any trip you have in store. It also includes a handy strap that slides perfectly over the top of your suitcase handles if you have extra luggage in tow.
Nike Gym Club Bag
Sometimes, you just want a classic, no-frills bag to tote all your workout gear to and from the gym. The sturdy Nike Gym Club bag is a must, because you can easily throw the bag over your shoulder or carry it by the handles. Multiple internal compartments, including one for your sneakers, keep your gym must-haves and essentials separate.
Calpak Luka Soft Side Duffle Bag
Could this metallic plush bag be any cuter? What’s more, the Calpak Luka Soft Side Duffle Bag has enough pockets and compartments to organize all your gear. There’s a spot to store your rolled-up change of clothes, water bottle, and even a zippered section to separate your shoes from the rest of your stuff.
The North Face Isabella Backpack
The North Face Isabella backpack features a back panel designed specifically to fit women’s bodies and not weigh you down. And, it has a fleece-lined laptop sleeve to keep your computer safe from damage.
Aurorae Yoga Mat Carrier Bag
Sling the Aurorae Yoga Mat Carrier Bag makes it easy to carry your mat with you as it allows you to buckle it to your pack for easy, hands-free hauling. Its mesh pocket on the strap can securely hold your phone or wallet close to you too.
Boost Sports Gym Bag
If your regular routine includes swimming laps, you’ll need something with a designated wet pocket to stick your bathing suit and towel in after your workout. The Boost Sports Gym Bag has that, along with a separate shoe compartment for storing your sneakers or flip flops while you’re in the water.
Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Duffle Bag
Who says gym bags (or leggings, for that matter) have to be limited to neutral colors? Take your athleisure out to play, or on a long weekend trip, with this little red number, with easy-to-clean neoprene fabric, and a removable nylon shoe or laundry bag to keep the rest of the interior clean.
Sherpani Soleil AT
You may not have the luxury of bringing a large bag with you on the train or subway. With the Sherpani Soleil AT, you can travel smart and carry it three ways: as a backpack, crossbody, or tote.
UnderArmour Undeniable Duffel Bag
This is a bag that will get you through any storm—the UnderArmour Undeniable Duffel Bag is made with super water-resistant fabric and has lots of room for holding all your stuff. Not to mention, the price is right at only $40.
Livewell 360 Tote
Some gym-goers could use a little extra help keeping their gym bag neat and tidy. The Livewell 360 Tote has you covered: It has separate exterior pockets for shoes and laundry, as well as pockets for your water bottle and for your protein shaker cup, and separate interior pockets for jewelry and valuables.
Ban.do Lady of Leisure Gym Bag
This pretty floral Ban.do Lady of Leisure Gym Bag is made with minimalists in mind—it won’t hold a ton besides your change of gym clothes, but you’ll be toting your workout gear in style.
Moleskine Metro Weekender Tote
Like its famous notebooks, this Moleskine Metro Weekender Tote is sturdy enough to take it everywhere with you. The top not only zips, but it also folds over to make sure your belongings are extra secure.
The Lo & Sons Canvas Weekender Bag
Attention eco-conscious workout warriors: This bag is for you. The Lo & Sons Canvas Weekender Bag is made from sustainable organic cotton, and also has a sleeve to slide it over a suitcase handle if you want to travel further with it, so it’s a win-win.
MZ Wallace Metro Tote
No shame in not wanting your workout bag to, well, look like a workout bag. If that’s the case, then the Medium Metro Tote is a great pick for you, thanks to the quilted nylon that’s sporty but also a bit dressed up. This one’s big enough to fit your laptop but also handily folds flat when you need to shove it in one of those small gym lockers.
Tentree Mobius Backpack
The Tentree Mobius Backpack is made from 31 recycled plastic bottles and excess algae (yes, algae!). What’s more, for every backpack sold, Tentree plants 10 trees at one of its planting sites (hence, the name). Beyond being an Earth-friendly product, this backpack is ultra-functional thanks to multiple pockets and a secure roll-top opening.
Gaiam Tote
It’s a pain to carry a yoga mat in one hand with a bag slung over your shoulder. If you’re looking for a hands-free way to haul your mat, the Gaiam Tote is a perfect pick. It’s lined with sweat-wicking nylon, to keep the inside of your bag dry, even after a sweaty flow. Plus, it has a bit of extra room to store basics, like your keys, phone, and other essentials.
Matt & Nat Vignelli Backpack
When you don’t want it to look like a gym bag, reach for the Matt & Nat Vignelli Backpack. The gorgeous vegan leather—with a lining made from recycled plastic bottles—is not only sustainably produced but also waterproof. (Score!)
Cotapaxi TAAL Convertible Tote
If you want something a little more petite that still gets the job done, this Cotapaxi TAAL Convertible Tote is the perfect fit. It functions perfectly as a lightweight gym bag, fully equipped with a surprising number of storage pockets despite its size. The straps easily convert to a backpack depending on your toting needs of the day. And unlike many muted gym bags, this one offers a number of bright, colorful patterns to help you stand out in the best way.
Osprey Daylight Plus Daypack
Looking for a pack that functions just as well at the gym as it does on a long hike? Enter: the Osprey Daylight Plus Daypack. It’s made with super-breathable mesh material on the back panel and shoulder pads to keep you comfy and cool throughout the day. It has plenty of room to store snacks, a change of clothes, and your laptop if need be—along with handy pockets to keep everything organized.
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