Friends, we are here to stage a gym bag intervention. Please, just put down that flimsy freebie tote that was foisted on you at that work conference five years ago or the cool thrift-store find with the non-working zipper. These literal sad sacks have no business acting as your trusty workout, weekender, and commuter bag.
In our era of competitive wellness and uniform-like devotion to activewear, there are gym bags on the market for every lifestyle, schedule, and taste — and they don’t have to cost big bucks. Even if you’re not trekking back and forth to an IRL gym, owning a functional bag where you can store your workout-at-home equipment will make even a Zoom sweat session feel a little more exciting.
Scroll through our exhaustive list ahead to choose a style that’s right for you. With a new gym bag, you’ll find yourself reveling in the process of packing up and sprinting out the door feeling organized and on top of your game.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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This bag is for the chic commuter that likes to sneak in a workout on the way home from the office. It’s roomy enough to fit everything you’ll need and stylish enough to earn you a compliment. Plus there’s an expandable compartment to store all your sweaty stuff after.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Sling Crossbody Bag 2L, $, available at Lululemon
Whether your movement of choice is hiking or not, a super-light, extra-large backpack that will accommodate all of your gym and life needs is ideal.
Shop FP Movement
FP Movement Quilted Hiker Pack, $, available at Free People
Why settle for one bag when you could have two? This option can be worn as a standard tote or a backpack.
Shop Béis
Béis The Sport Tote, $, available at Béis
If you love a touch of pink (ok, or a lot of pink), why not add a pink gym bag to your collection? This small workhorse has padded straps and handles for an extra cushy commute.
Shop Gymshark
Gymshark Small Everyday Gym Bag, $, available at Gymshark
The perfect size for a trip to the gym or a short weekend trip with plenty of compartments to fit all that stuff you can’t be without.
Shop Terra Thread
Terra Thread Cotton Canvas Gym Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters
An indestructible weekender/gym bag that comes in several sun-baked shades of canvas for those of you who prefer to channel Nantucket at the gym.
Shop Lo & Sons
Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote, $, available at Lo & Sons
This super-lightweight, roomy bag magically folds up to the size of a tablet when it’s not in use. (It can also be monogrammed, for maximum fanciness!) Bonus: Oprah gave it her coveted seal of approval.
Shop Paravel
Paravel Fold-Up Bag, $, available at Paravel
Whether your physical activity of choice requires a racket or not, this oversized canvas tote with extended handles will house all of your gear in style.
Shop Kule
Kule The Over the Shoulder Tennis Tote, $, available at Kule
We love a convertible backpack/top handle situation, and this Adidas option checks all of the gym-friendly boxes — it sports two exterior front-zip pockets, a zippered main compartment, and a 15-inch laptop pocket for keeping devices protected.
Shop Adidas
Adidas Originals Trefoil 2.0 Backpack, $, available at Zappos
Sometimes you just need a hands-free backpack — and this one from Everlane is made from recycled materials, has a magnetic closure, two water bottle holders, and several zip pockets for stashing personal items.
Shop Everlane
Everlane The Renew Rucksack, $, available at Everlane
We’re addicted to Vera Bradley’s iconic styles for their fun textures and vibrant, eye-catching colorways. This nostalgic bag comes with a detachable shoulder strap and is made of lightweight microfiber -– perfect for gym-goers who are prone to water bottle mishaps.
Shop Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley Medium Travel Duffel Bag, $, available at Vera Bradley
This water-resistant backpack is sleek, spacious, and sustainable. Made of recycled plastic water bottles, it’s perfect for gym runs before, during, or after work since it has an interior sleeve for your laptop.
Girlfriend Collective Provence Please Recycle Backpack, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
A motivational sentiment we can all get behind. (In other words. remember to be kind to yourself as you work out! You’re doing great!)
Shop Society6
Society6 Be Happy Colors Rainbow Duffle Bag, $, available at Society6
You’ll be ready for anything with this lightweight tote in a standout shade of tangerine. It’s made of 100% recycled and waterproof nylon, plus the bag folds up into a tiny pouch for easy storing when not in use.
Shop Away
Away The Packable Carryall, $, available at Away
A versatile bag made for any time and anywhere, this Sports Backpack by Baggu allows you to stay prepared no matter the season. It features a 13-inch interior sleeve to keep your tech safe and two large exterior zip pockets that allow for easy access to all of your essentials.
Shop Baggu
Baggu Sport Backpack, $, available at Baggu
This ultra-lightweight tote bag backpack features a roll top to accommodate a variety of loads. With a water-resistant finish, drawstring top, and designated water bottle pocket, this chameleon-like bag will be a great companion for a variety of adventures.
Shop Patagonia
Patagonia Arbor 30L Roll Top Backpack, $, available at Backcountry
This taupe weekender is certainly roomy enough for the gym, but it will also look very cute tucked into the backseat of the car in preparation for a weekend out of town.
Shop Open Story
Open Story Weekender Bag, $, available at Target
If you’re looking for a bag that doesn’t add extra weight to your gym load, look no further than this waterproof option from Caraa. It’s light as air and features ample space and compartments to suit your needs.
Shop Caraa
caraa Nimbus Weekender, $, available at caraa
If you’re a gym minimalist and like a hands-free situation, this shiny black fanny pack may do the trick. It’s made of technical material to keep your belongings protected from damp weather and features an internal pocket for cards or keys.
Shop Vuori
Vuori ALOHA-Mini Hip Pack, $, available at Vuori
For those who haul a little less stuff to the gym, this lightweight and multifunctional bag will do the trick. (Bonus: It’s strategically designed to satisfy even the most draconian carry-on restrictions.)
Shop WANDF
WANDF Foldable Nylon Gym Bag, $, available at Amazon
This nifty tote has plenty of (expandable!) space for storing gym equipment, workout gear, extra clothes, a water bottle, and towels. We’re also awarding extra points for the yoga mat holder, which means you can finally stop lugging that thing around under your arm.
Shop Y.U.M.C.
Y.U.M.C. Travel Yoga Gym Bag, $, available at Amazon
There’s lots to love about this versatile bag, but don’t just take our word for it. It’s got an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon and customers are in agreement that it’s the perfect size for hitting the gym.
Shop Dalix
Dalix Signature Travel or Gym Duffle Bag, $, available at Amazon
Going to the gym sucks sometimes, so we suggest finding a bag that’s going to cheer you up a little. Enter this super retro and nostalgic duffle that will put a definite spring in your step.
Shop Fila
Fila Sprinter 19″ Sport Duffel Bag, $, available at Amazon
A sturdy classic with proven durability and style, along with a lifetime warranty. (Lifetime, people.)
Shop Adidas
Adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag, $, available at Amazon
A fanatically rated (we’re talking 4.8 stars, people) duffle that has many a gearhead satisfied. “I love this bag,” says Amazon reviewer CW. “It’s a beautiful color, nice material, holds a ton of stuff — 40 oz. water bottle, speed rope, knee sleeves, supplements, wraps, gloves, lifting belt, etc — with plenty of room without being too bulky. I love the wet bag and the shoe compartment, too.”
Shop Leolake
BOOST Gym Bag with Shoe Compartment, $, available at Amazon
This duffle-backpack combo is roomy enough for any gym essential you could ever need. Plus, it’s made of 50% sustainable material and features several internal and external pockets for your dirty clothes, water bottle, and sweaty essentials.
Osprey Daylite 30L Duffle Bag, $, available at Nordstrom
This brand new carryall from Girlfriend Collective is made of 100% recycled materials and includes two side pockets big enough for your water bottle, plus additional interior and exterior pockets to store all of your bits and bobs.
Girlfriend Collective Please Recycle Tote Bag, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Stay organized without compromising on style. This sleek and classic duffle bag offers compartments and pouches for storing all your gym-going essentials. It even has a separate compartment for shoes and a coated bottom to keep your gear dry.
Shop Nike
Nike Brasilia 9.5 Training Duffel Bag, $, available at Nike
This fancy French luggage brand is one of our go-tos for super-sturdy duffles in colors better than they need to be. Their Nylon Duffel is exactly as described — the cute, roomy, rugged carry-all will take you throughout your day in style.
Lipault Nylon Duffel Bag, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
This understated classic duffle has plenty of pockets to stash your valuables and exercise accessories. And at over 50% off, the deal can’t be beat.
Vintage Addiction Travel Duffel Bag, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
If you’re the type of person who likes to keep things streamlined, this smaller tote option is just what you need. It’s got a dependable structure with plenty of pockets for your reusable water bottle, phone, and headphones.
Shop Supreme x The North Face
Supreme x The North Face Studded Explore Utility Tote Bag, $, available at Farfetch
This lightweight and water-resistant option from Vuori features all of the pockets you’d ever need, including a zippered compartment specifically for your sweaty gym shoes.
Vuori Gym Bag, $, available at Vuori
If you’re into making a statement, this eye-catching foil backpack — featuring a mesh laptop sleeve and a matching zip pouch — may be the workout buddy for you.
Alo Reflection Backpack, $, available at Alo
This cool-looking, durable gym bag is made from 60% recycled material, so it’s easy to clean and — in true Stella McCartney form — easy on the environment.
Shop Adidas
Stella McCartney Logo Tote Bag, $, available at Stella McCartney
A high-capacity backpack with all the bells and whistles — including a croc-effect base — at the nice price of $78.
Béis Backpack, $, available at Revolve
Ask your outdoorsy friend about this cultish gear-maker and get ready for a really strong reaction — the Colorado-based brand’s backpacks and rucksacks have an ardent following. They’re designed for heavy-duty mountaineering, but this drawstring tote with two exterior pockets definitely suits the urban explorer’s lifestyle, too.
Topo Designs Cinch Tote, $, available at Moosejaw
A versatile bag with a removable strap, this chic metallic gym bag will turn heads on your way to the locker room (or just give you a little endorphin boost every time you open your closet).
Vee Collective The Porter Medium, $, available at Carbon38
While it’s on the pricier side, MZ Wallace’s Sutton duffle is long recognized for being one of the best, toughest, and most stylish all-purpose bags out there. With a durable quilted nylon exterior, luxe leather details, a detachable shoulder strap, it will accommodate a whole of gym goods or a weekend’s worth of travel gear. It has six interior pockets and comes with three extra pouches that can go in or out depending on your needs, and on top of it all, it’s crushable and packable.
MZ WALLACE Large Sutton, $, available at MZ Wallace
Get yourself a gym bag that practically does the hard work for you. It’s not exactly going to take your spot in spin class, but it will protect and carry everything you need … and then some.
Cotopaxi Del Dia Chumpi 35L Travel Duffel, $, available at Backcountry
The modern minimalism of Cos’s signature aesthetic also applies to this 100% recycled polyester gym bag. It’s just what you need for holding all those activewear essentials in the chicest way possible.
COS Recycled Polyester Quilted Oversized Shoulder Bag, $, available at COS
This bag is for the chic commuter that likes to sneak in a workout on the way home from the office. It’s roomy enough to fit everything you’ll need and stylish enough to earn you a compliment.
Lululemon Sling Crossbody Bag 2L, $, available at Lululemon
This quilted tote from Zara’s new yoga collection features side and front pockets, shoulder straps, and convenient loops to slip your yoga mat through.
Zara Nylon Tote Bag, $, available at Zara
This wouldn’t be a gym bag round-up if we didn’t include a yoga-mat friendly option. Luckily, the fitness experts at Sweaty Betty deliver, as usual. This lightweight neoprene backpack has a ton of pockets for all manner of gewgaws (fitness or life-related) and two bottom straps for safely toting your yoga mat from work to class.
Sweaty Betty All Sport Backpack, $, available at Nordstrom
This small but mighty option is made from a storm-resistant material so you never have to worry about keeping your gear protected from the elements. There’s a pocket for laundry or shoes and internal slip compartments for the smaller stuff that usually loves to get lost.
Under Armour Undeniable 4.0 Extra Small Duffel Bag, $, available at Kohls
It’s difficult to find words to explain the cult status of Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall. People really, really like this bag — R29 co-founder Piera Gelardi swears by her citron-colored one. There’s nothing that this sturdy and stylish neoprene weekender can’t do.
Dagne Dover Medium Landon Carryall, $, available at Dagne Dover
Go Dash Dot DuffelTote Bag, $, available at Anthropologie
This lightweight fabric is sewn with gentle gathers, giving it a soft silhouette. Plus, the organized interior will serve you well when prepping to head to the gym.
Baggallini Balance Medium Tote, $, available at eBags
It doesn’t get much sleeker — or much more affordable — than this cool-hued packable carryall. In a sturdy, super-lightweight ripstop fabrication and a stowaway pocket, it’s the perfect bag for your ever-changing workout schedule.
Herschel Supply Co. Packable Duffel, $, available at Zappos
If you’re looking for something petite that doesn’t skimp on style, this puffy mini backpack from Adidas can easily fit your small necessities: keys, phone, hand sanitizer, and facemask.
Adidas Linear Mini Backpack, $, available at DSW
A roomy and rugged tote made from recycled polyester that will pack easily and expand to accommodate all of your gym-going necessities.
Patagonia Patagonia Black Hole Tote 25L, $, available at eBags
FUN! Fun, fun, fun. With a color this optimistic, you will be pumped to hit the elliptical in the morning. Think Royln’s roomy quilted bags come in many colors other than this dazzling one, so if you’d rather stay in navy-land (which of course we endorse) you can easily do so.
Think Royln Wingman Bag, $, available at Shopbop
This Boulder, CO-based brand specializes in super-rugged backpacks, totes, and handbags designed exclusively for us gals. Their highly-rated Camden backpack has enough bells and whistles for the most active gym-goer.
Sherpani Camden Backpack, $, available at Amazon
We came for the vintage color story but stayed for this boxy convertible backpack’s roomy utility. Whether you strap it on to your back or carry it from the handy handles, the bag’s structure will accommodate everything you need to arm yourself for the day, be it leggings, laptops, or lunch.
The North Face Explore Fuse Box Small Backpack, $, available at Urban Outfitters
For those who haul a little less stuff to the gym, this lightweight rectangular backpack will do the trick. An added bonus? It can roll up into a travel pillow when you’re not toting it to workouts.
PETERPOINT Foldable Lightweight Backpack, $, available at Amazon
It’s difficult to find words to explain the cult status of Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall. People really, really like this bag — our executive creative director Piera Gelardi swears by her citron-colored one. There’s kind of nothing that this sturdy and stylish neoprene weekender can’t do.
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall, $, available at Dagne Dover
Customers attest that this roomy, indestructible tote is a great add-on for excursions — and we think it will work pretty well even if your definition of an excursion is walking four blocks to the gym.
With a waterproof interior pocket, yoga mat strap, shoe compartment, and rain-repellent fabrication, this super-roomy gym bag might just constitute the best $30 you can spend this season.
Y.U.M.C. Yoga Gym Bag, $, available at Amazon
This neat backpack/duffle bag hybrid boasts a gym-friendly detail — it unzips all the way down the middle to reveal two mesh-protected compartments. Perfect for keeping clean and dirty gear separate or just for toting everything you’ll need in your life on a given day (laptop, lunch, presentation materials), this unisex rucksack is definitely investment-worthy.
Fjällräven Fjallraven Splitpack Duffle Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters
A super-roomy option with an eco-friendly bent: for every item sold, Solgaard removes 5 lbs. of plastic through the ocean through their partnership with Vancouver-based Plastic Bank.
Solgaard The Weekender Duffel Bag, $, available at Solgaard
Meeting the running club after work? Prevent muddy sneakers from tarnishing the contents of your entire bag, thanks to the zippered compartment of this silvery, lightweight tote. Bonus: it zips neatly into a wallet-sized pouch when not in use.
Add some patriotic flair to your workout with EV1’s red, white, and blue-accented gym tote.
EV1 Sherpa Rainbow Gym Bag, $, available at Walmart
A quilted option from Ellen DeGeneres’s line is roomy and stylish, and with a lightweight nylon fabrication, can be toted anywhere you need to go.
A cool rucksack with room for all of your daily workout essentials, with devoted pocketage for your laptop and a water bottle.
Topo Designs Rover Pack, $, available at Huckberry
This ultra-lightweight duffle isn’t just surprisingly roomy — it’s packable and highly compressible, for when you want to bring your trusty gym bag on vacation.
A cheerfully-hued and roomy tote with two interior pockets — one standard, one mesh — and expandable sides for when you’re bringing home more than you left home with.
We fell for the throwback styling on this sleek and simple gym bag, with a lightweight fabrication and exterior side yoga mat pocket.
Starter Yoga Duffle Bag, $, available at Amazon
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