From totes to backpacks, here’s our verdict on the best gym bags
When it comes to finding the best gym bag, size and portability are two of the key things to consider. But you probably want something that looks good too, right?
Luckily, the market is flooded with options, from chic tote bags to practical backpacks and everything in between. To help you find your perfect gym buddy, we’ve scoured the market to hunt down the best of the bunch.
Here are our top picks at a glance, but read on for advice on gym bag essentials, and how to keep it fresh.
What to look for when buying a gym bag
The kind of gym bag you decide on will depend on a few factors, such as what kind of session you’re doing, whether you need to bring different shoes and if you’re coming straight from the office. Luckily, we have a range of different options on the list.
Here are some of the things to consider before adding to basket.
Workout type: If you’re attending a yoga class, it would make sense to bring a yoga mat carrier. For leg sessions in the gym, you may need to bring extra accessories such as resistance bands or barbell pads alongside your gym clothes, so a larger carrier would be more suitable.
Size and compartments: If you’re coming from the office, you may want to opt for a bag with a laptop compartment. If you’re going from home, there are a few smaller options on our list for those essentials (keys, phone, snack).
Design: Utility isn’t the only thing that we considered when selecting these bags, as many take into consideration style too. Look good, feel good, right?
How do I clean my gym bag?
When you’re carting your used gym kit and shoes back and forth after sweaty sessions, sometimes your gym bag can start to smell a little, ripe, let’s say. But not to worry – most gym bags are designed with this in mind, making them easy to clean.
For bags that have a canvas or plastic lining, they’re easy enough to spray or wipe down with your chosen cleaning product.
For material bags, we’d recommend putting them in the wash every few weeks to keep things fresh. You can also chuck in some scented sachets to keep it smelling of roses, or lavender, if you prefer.
Gym bag essentials
To save you from an extra, unexpected weights session, you’ll want to keep the contents of your gym bag light. Here are some essentials we’d recommend squeezing in alongside your kit.
Hand sanitiser and wipes: After touching all that equipment, we’d recommend a good old sanitise session, so the only thing you’re taking home is gains.
Towel: When you need a brow dab or seat covering.
Reusable water bottle: Goes without saying really...
Pump cover: A jumper or jacket is good for warm-ups and providing some extra coverage on your journey to and from the gym. We love this oversized crew neck sweat from BAM Yoga.
Post-workout snack: Whether it’s a protein shake or a protein bar, you’re going to need some refuelling after a gym session.
Deodorant: For those extra sweaty sessions.
Face wash: We’d recommend a quick facial cleanse to rid your skin of any excess sweat or sebum to avoid unwanted breakouts. A cleansing balm could be a good option to remove makeup pre-session, too.
Without further ado, here are the best gym bags on our radar...
Multi-Pocket Tote Bag
Lululemon combines style and utility in the form of this multi-pocketed tote bag. It has a handy internal pocket, great for your phone and keys, as well as five (!) external ones for storing snacks, a water bottle, or your latest issue of Good Housekeeping. What’s more, it has a sturdy base that means it can stand up on its own – handy for when you’re digging around for that gym fob you were sure you packed...
The nylon material (which the brand claims is 100% recycled) means that this tote can be spot-cleaned with your chosen cleaning product – a spray, wipe, or even warm water and soap will do. It’s large enough to store a laptop or any shopping you pick up along the way, and the snap-close adds a layer of security.
The brand also offers a wide range of different-sized and shaped bags, including this yoga mat carrier, which is fabulous for swinging over your shoulder.
Quilted Nylon Bag
This quilted tote from popular lifestyle brand Adanola is proof that gym bags can be stylish and practical.
The zip opening will keep your contents safe inside the extra-large main compartment, all wrapped up in a quirky padded material that will help you stand out from the crowd. It’s also priced at just under £30 – which, for such a big bag, is great value for money.
All Day Tote 2.0
The All-Day Tote from Sweaty Betty not only considers what you’d need from a bag nine-to-five but also five-to-nine. Its tall silhouette means you can fit your laptop and work essentials alongside your gym kit. There’s a large main compartment with two internal pockets, as well as three external pockets, all tied together with a secure zip.
The chic black colourway means there’s no fear of picking up any grubby stains, but if you do, thanks to the nylon fabric, it can also be wiped down. All things considered, this bag is a stylish buddy for any sweat session. The adjustable strap also means you can wear it as a shoulder bag or a cross-body tote.
Pioneer Backpack 3.0
This gorgeous Troubadour backpack offers the ultimate combination of style, comfort and utility. It’s large enough to fit all your essentials, whether you’re commuting, hitting the gym or enjoying a weekend away.
Your belongings won’t get lost at the bottom of this well-thought-out bag either. It boasts a variety of neat compartments and pockets to keep everything organised and in place, including a cushioned section for your laptop and a dedicated shoe compartment to prevent your belongings from getting dirty. There are also bottle holders on the sides, a lockable main compartment for safety, and easy-access pockets on the shoulder straps.
It has a waterproof lining and zippers to help keep your bits and bobs dry, and an ergonomic design with breathable panels at the back and padded straps for all-day comfort. It’s worth every penny of its £275 price tag.
£275.00 at troubadourgoods.com
Sports Duffel Bag
If a rainy day isn’t stopping you from heading to the gym, then this water-resistant bag is a great option for keeping all your kit dry. The soft polyester material makes it easy to wipe down and fold away to store on rest days too.
It has multiple external pockets for easy access to your phone, water bottle or keys. It also has a separate shoe compartment, which scores extra points for hygiene. With all of this, plus 25 colourways to choose from, for less than £20 right now – we think this is a steal.
Two-Tone Canvas Tote Bag 10L
Is it a gym bag, a beach bag, or a shopping bag? We don’t think this stylish Lululemon tote would look out of place in any situation.
It has convenient, zipped internal pockets, which means your keys and phone won’t get lost in the abyss, and will be held safely in place. There’s also a water bottle pocket to keep your Stanley Quencher upright and avoid any spillages (other water bottles are available).
Choose from a two-toned ash, tan or eucalyptus design, and the added D ring means you can coordinate a matching keyring or nano pack too.
The Fraser Holdall
There’s no need to sling multiple tote bags over your shoulder with this high-quality design from Becket London. It will easily fit all your everyday essentials, with water-resistant compartments for your laptop, shoes, clothes and toiletries.
We love that the spacious holdall converts to a backpack, allowing you to wear it in multiple different ways, and it comes with a handy laundry net, a wash bag and even a luggage tag. On that note, it’s ideal for weekend getaways and is the approved size for cabin baggage on most major airlines.
Granted, it doesn’t come cheap, but it’s a premium buy that will be with you for years to come.
Everyday Holdall
A lot of thought went into designing this duffel gym bag by the pioneering fitness brand, Gymshark. It’s a great size for transporting shoes, kit and added accessories, and the soft strap means it will be comfortable on your shoulder. The holdall also comes in a miniature version, good for WFH days when you don’t need to cart your laptop to and fro.
Function aside, the sage green colourway gets a big tick for aesthetics alone.
Gym Tote Bag
M&S may be more known for shopping bags, but this gym tote from the brand’s Goodmove collection has caught our eye. The black and khaki colourways are currently sold out, but we love the aqua shade anyway, which is made from the brand’s water-repellent fabric – perfect for disguising any marks and keeping clean.
It’s certainly large enough to fit your standard gym kit and water bottle, but nothing is stopping you from picking up a dine-in for two meal on the way home either.
Prime 6 Backpack
Duffel bags and totes are great options for carting your kit, but a trusty backpack is great for comfort and storage. The squared edges and additional padded laptop compartment of this bag make it ideal for getting post or pre-work sessions in.
The side compartments are perfect for stashing a water bottle, so there’s no fear of any spillages or awkward conversations with the IT department. Simply throw this boxy backpack over your shoulders and off you go.
Branded Strap Tote Bag
Another stylish shopper that has enough space for your coordinating leggings and tee, as well as your post-gym snacks.
It’s great for the gym as well as travelling, and the bold Adanola tagline lets everyone know you’re a part of the super trendy fitness club.
Dual Pouch Wristlet
Not quite a gym bag, but sometimes the essentials – your keys, card and phone – are enough, which is why this wristlet from Lululemon is a great option for storing them without weighing you down.
There’s a whole range of colours to choose from and the pouches are both detachable too, so you can use them in or outside the gym.
Slingbag
Running/fast walking to the gym? Then this compact Motion sling bag from Sweaty Betty is a great option. Its lightweight material won’t slow you down, and the adjustable strap means you can size to your preference.
Inside, there's a convenient internal pockets for important stuff and a larger compartment for chucking in some extra bits. As well as two external zips for quick access too.
Sherpa Tote
Mary Poppins would be jealous of the size of this tote, which is certainly spacious. Expect to fit your gym kit, work stuff, makeup bag, probably a whole cabinet’s worth of toiletries, and anything else you fancy taking with you. Its large compartment means you can chuck everything in one, but it also has a handy internal zipped pocket for easy access to the essentials.
The foxy sherpa finish makes it a stylish and functional option. It comes in three different colours: black, white, camel, and limited-edition fog too – if you weren’t sure what shade fog is, it’s a mix of blue and grey gorgeousness.
Trail Gym Bag
Rains has made quite the name for itself when it comes to making strong, smooth and durable bags from its signature waterproof PU fabric. PU = polyurethane, or rather, a coated fabric that, unlike leather, remains soft, supple, and doesn’t crack. The flexible material is still firm enough to hold its boxy shape and looks great on too.
This spacious duffle has a large main compartment, as well as a couple of external zipped pockets. It’s big enough to fit your gym kit and shoes, as well as a few days' worth of clothes for trips – an option for making moves inside and outside the gym.
Gym Club Duffel Bag
Nike gets a big tick from us for developing this simple and sleek sports bag. It’s big, so you’ll be able to fit all your gym bits in, and the soft material means there’s no unnecessary bulk. It also comes in either a bright pink or black.
Use the removable strap to sling it over your shoulder, or the handles for carrying; either way, it’s a great-sized bag for getting it done, or just doing it, if you will...
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