Lets face it, we’ve all used the excuse of a forgotten hair tie to skip a dreaded workout. Which is why it’s important to pack a gym bag with all of the essentials.
Here’s the deal:
According to the Journal of Neural Transmission, exercise not only builds muscle and makes you look better, but it also makes you a happier person.
Choosing a gym bag deserves as much careful consideration as picking out a new pair of running shoes. It has to be big enough to stash towels, shoes, water bottles, and protein bars. But it should also be comfortable enough to carry.
Want to know the best part?
Whether you’re looking for a gym bag that will fit both work and gym items or just looking for one to take to yoga, deciding on the perfect one can be difficult.
In order to make your life easier we at Lovablepicks have done the research for you to compile a list of the best.
We even went a step further and categorized them based on what you might be looking for. Our list includes some of the best gym bags for women. So go ahead, upgrade your workout.
#1 Best Gym Backpack
G4Free 3-Way Duffle Backpack Gym Bag
- Comes with carrying pouch to fold and store easily without taking up too much space
- Water and tear resistant nylon fabric
- Perfect for travel, sports, camping, hiking, or everyday life
Pros
This bag by G4Free is extremely versatile and can be used as a duffle or backpack, with removable and adjustable straps for three separate ways of carrying. It’s also extremely durable and includes a ton of storage compartments and pockets for easy organization.
Product Ratings
Style
9.7/10
This gum bag is essentially a duffle-backpack hybrid, featuring adjustable and detachable padded shoulder straps so you can use as a backpack, throw it over one shoulder, or carry by two handles as a duffle.
With one large compartment and mesh zipper pocket inside, as well as a ventilated shoe compartment, redesigned side pocket perfect for a water bottle, headphones, or gym towel, and a front zippered pocket perfect for an iPad or Kindle, this bag has tons of storage and organization—making it ideal for transporting all of your gym essentials.
It comes in a variety of attractive colors, including: black, blue, cyan, dark blue, green, grey, orange, and rose.
Quality
9.9/10
The G4Free backpack is a 40L 3-way duffle backpack made from water and tear resistant Nylon fabric, with high quality SBS sippers and pull string. With solid stitch in stress points, this backpack is extremely durable and built to last.
Value
9.8/10
At just over $30, this bag is a steal for the size, durability, and versatility it offers.
Overall Editor Score
9.8/10
#2 Best Tote Gym Bag
Under Armour Women’s Big Logo Tote Bag
- Lightweight and roomy, yet sturdy
- Expect lots of compliments
- Can easily carry a laptop, gym clothes, lunch and anything else you need
Pros
This tote bag not only fits all your gear, but also compliments your workout outfits.
Product Ratings
Style
9.5/10
Although the Under Armour tote is available in a variety of color combinations, we at Lovablepicks love the Mechanic Blue and Cloud Gray. The dreamy blue color with the foggy gray logo is casual, yet chic, and goes well with just about any workout ensemble. The wide tote features a zippered top with a large Under Armour logo on the side. As a bonus, it includes a removable zippered pouch with a wristlet strap that you can use as a handy wallet or toiletry bag. This tote is so stylish and versatile that it can even be used outside the gym as a work bag or diaper bag.
Quality
9.5/10
The Under Armour tote is made with 100% polyester. Which means the exterior is somewhat waterproof, repelling water and spills, while the interior lining can be easily wiped clean.
Value
9.5/10
The price of this gym bag is $25 which is very reasonable for a brand name bag. And, it’s one of the cheapest on our list.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
#3 Best Gym Bag for Yoga
Aurorae Yoga Multi Purpose Crossbody Sling Back Pack
- Functional and stylish
- Featured shoulder strap allows you to conveniently toss it over your shoulder
- The perfect bag for biking to yoga
Pros
This yoga backpack has a designated spot for all of your yoga necessities, including your mat and cell phone.
Product Ratings
Style
9.4/10
The Aurorae is a yoga backpack with one ergonomically curved and padded crossbody strap. Although the Crossbody Sling Backpack comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including blue, purple and gray, we at Lovablepicks favor the striped pattern. This backpack also includes a yoga mat locker system that will hold your mat in place even if you have to bike to the studio.
You will never run out of storage with this backpack as it has two main compartments that are designed to fit your yoga block, change of clothes, towels, and even your laptop. The front of the backpack features a handy spot for your water bottle in addition to a small front zippered pocket for your valuables and toiletries. Now that’s impressive. As a bonus, it has a built-in cell phone pocket on the front shoulder strap so you can easily take a call or listen to music.
Quality
9.4/10
The fabric of this gym bag consists of a heavy duty polyester that can easily be wiped clean. This bag is truly made to last. Additionally, rest assured knowing that your Crossbody Sling Backpack also comes with a 2-year limited warranty! Aurorae seriously stands behind their product.
Value
9.4/10
For the quality and functionality of this gym bag, $35 is an incredibly reasonable price.
Overall Editor Score
9.4/10
#4 Best Cheap Duffle Gym Bag
Travel Inspira Foldable Travel Luggage Duffle Bag
- Can be used as a gym bag, carry-on bag, or day bag
- Small enough to fit in your glove compartment
- Fits easily into a cramped gym locker
Pros
A lightweight and foldable duffel bag, which is made of durable and water resistant ripstop fabric that comes in a variety of colors. Also comes with a zippered storage bag for when you’re not using it.
Product Ratings
Style
9/10
The design is casual yet sporty, perfect for those of you looking for something to carry all of your workout necessities. In addition to velcro padded handles, the Travel Inspira gym bag also comes with an adjustable messenger strap for cross body wear. Additionally, the bag includes a zippered storage bag. When you’re done using it, you can fold it away neatly into the little bag it comes with. This duffel bag comes in three sizes: 23L, 40L, and 60L. But, we suggest the smallest size if you’re going to be using it primarily for the gym. As a bonus, there are seven eye-catching colors to choose from including black, blue, pink, and orange.
Quality
9.5/10
The Travel Inspira gym bag is crafted using a super strong, 210D Nylon. The nylon fabric is water resistant, and backed by an Travel Inspira 2-Year Warranty. The interior of the bag is also made from nylon and can easily be wiped clean.
Value
9.5/10
At $26, this gym bag is one of the coolest looking and cheapest priced bags out there. So, why not get one in every color?
Overall Editor Score
9.3/10
#5 Best Gym Bag for Outdoor Workouts
Wandf Foldable Travel Duffel Bag Luggage Sports Gym Water Resistant Nylon
- Carries up to 40 liters, but easily folds down into a small carrying pouch when not in use
- Well within size restrictions for most budget airlines
- Includes a strap across the back to slide over the handle of a roller board
Pros
Carry it on or fold it into a small, compact carrying case and throw in a suitcase or purse as a backup bag; holds up to 40 liters and includes 2 handles and a removable shoulder strap for easy transport.
Product Ratings
Style
9.1/10
The Foldable Travel Duffle by Wandf was designed as a carry-on bag to be easily tucked under the seat in front of you. Our favorite feature is the strap along the back that slides over the luggage handle of a roller board, keeping your carry on in place and making it easier to navigate through the airport.
In addition to making a great carry on, this bag also folds into itself—smaller than the size of a hammer—making it perfect to throw into your purse for a reusable grocery bag or pack in your suitcase for souvenirs or other purchases on the trip home. Both practical and modern, this foldable travel duffle fits any and all style preferences and comes in over 20 colors and patterns.
Quality
9.1/10
This foldable travel duffle is ultra-lightweight, weighing in at just 9.8-ounces. Even so, its wear proof, waterproof, and tear resistant and will last you a long time. Additionally, it can be packed into itself for easy transport—making this a great to take on trips if you anticipate heading home with more than you started with!
Value
9.4/10
At a price of $16, this bag is an excellent value. Keep in mind that this bag is pretty flimsy and lightweight in order to fold for easy transport inside a purse or carry-on if needed, which is part of the reason you can snag it at such a reasonable price point.
Overall Editor Score
9.2/10
#6 Best Compact Gym Duffle Bag
Jadyn B 19″ Barrel Women’s Duffel Bag
- Adjustable shoulder strap included
- Easy access front pocket
- Fashionable gym bag that could also double as a weekender bag as well
Pros
This Women’s Duffel by Jadyn B features a 19″ barrel with a 13″ handle drop. The zipper enclosed interior pocket is large enough for all of your gym essentials, while the easy access front pocket provides a convenient place to store important items such as keys, phone, and wallet. Plus, it’s one of the most stylish gym bags on our list, making it both fashionable and functional. What’s not to love?
Product Ratings
Style
9.2/10
Major style points to this duffel bag. The Jadyn B is large enough to store everything you need for a trip to the gym, but also stylish enough to carry with you to the beach or for a weekend getaway.
It’s also Available in 6 trendy colors including, Geometric Gray (light gray and white shaped pattern with black straps), Gray Floral (light gray with pink flowers and gray straps), Navy Floral (blue with pink flowers and black straps), Tropical Black (black with green palm leaves and black straps), Tropical Vintage (black with multicolored flowers and black straps), and Yellow Flowers (white with yellow flowers and blue straps).
Quality
8.8/10
With dimensions of 19” x 10” x 10”, this bag can hold a lot of loot. It includes 2 large pockets, one on the outside and one on the inside, making it easy to keep all of your belongings organized. The bag also comes with an adjustable strap, so if you’re not into carrying it by the handles you also have the option to throw it over your shoulder.
It’s super durable and well made, reviewers indicated that the bag appears to be far more expensive than it actually is and will last for years to come.
Value
9.0/10
Under $20 for quality and style is incredibly reasonable, so if that’s what you’re looking for we highly recommended giving this bag a try.
Overall Editor Score
9.0/10
#7 Best 2-in-1 Office & Gym Bag for Women
UGRACE Slim Business Laptop Backpack
- Fits extra large laptops; perfect to take straight from class to the gym
- Spacious and roomy
- Extra strong material and cotton lined pockets
Pros
The UGRACE Slim backpack is a great option to take to the gym, with its large storage pouch and 5 extra compartments. It’s also a great casual backpack for school, travel, or business, as well, with the reinforced corners and pressure lines and built-in laptop pouch for easy storage.
Product Ratings
Style
9.1/10
The Slim Business Laptop Bag by UGRACE is one of the most stylish on our list. It’s the perfect gym bag for business professionals, as you can easily take it to the office without anyone having any idea it’s your gym bag.
This bag is simple, elegant, and vintage, with a PU leather magnetic-snap belt flap on the front that will really make it standout against the crowd.
Quality
8.7/10
Uniquely crafted with premium oxford fabric and quilted polyester lining. The high-grade fabric is both lightweight and tear resistant, making this bag both comfortable and extremely sturdy.
Weighing in at just over a pound and a half, this backpack also features a total of 5 storage compartments, including the main backpack space that also includes a laptop sleeve large enough to fit laptops up to 15.6″. As an added bonus, the soft shoulder straps can be easily adjusted for the perfect fit.
Value
8.9/10
Regularly priced at $32.99, but you can currently snag this backpack on Amazon for $23.99. You’ll be hard-pressed to find such a quality laptop/gym bag combo at a better price—we highly recommended giving this bad boy a try.
Overall Editor Score
8.9/10