If you’ve yet to invest in a proper gym bag, you’ll know the stress of squatting mid-changing room, unpacking a badly organised work backpack in the frantic search for your sports bra. Particularly if, like us, you often arrive with only minutes to spare before the start of your class.
To help solve this issue, we’ve tested the best women’s gym bags to shoulder the burden. They’re a mix of stylish and technical, but always functional. Plus many are designed to survive the commute, weekends away and poolside splashes (or UK downpours), because as we all know, a great gym bag is not simply a bag in which you carry your gym gear.
Table of Contents
What to look for in a gym bag
The best gym bags come with pockets for everything (dream!), special straps for yoga mats, clever compartments for shoes and waterproof pouches for damp swimming costumes or sweaty kit. Not to mention there should still be plenty of space for your work gear alongside your running shoes, water bottle, toiletries and towel.
Most gym bags will also be made of toughened or durable fabrics that can tolerate being stuffed into a locker or chucked on a rough gym floor — and many have reinforced bases for this purpose. Some may also be made from waterproof or water-repellent fabrics to protect your gear from splashes round the pool.
So, instead of exposing your laptop to the perils of communal showers and (literally) airing your dirty laundry, get organised and stylishly smug with one of these purpose-built gym bags.
How we test the best gym bags for women
” data-next-head/>
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Being fairly active people, the RW editors have, without knowing it, been putting gym bags to the test for years — and indeed, the list below includes some all-time favourites we just won’t ever part with. But we also expanded our gym bag collections and put dozens through their paces over several months’ use.
We used them (of course) for the gym, but also for commuting and travel, testing how they held up as cabin baggage and festival rucksacks, so it’s fair to say they’ve been through the wringer.
During use we kept note of the following:
- Comfort – Could we wear them for long periods without shoulder pain?
- Durability – How did they hold up being repeatedly stuffed into lockers or kicked across rough gym floors? Could larger bags handle carrying heavy kit, such as dumbbells?
- Functionality – Were zips smooth, were pockets placed cleverly, how many carry options did they offer?
- How much stuff we could feasibly fit in – Were they only suitable for trainer-less studio workouts or carrying basically your entire gym wardrobe?
- Extra features – Were they waterproof or water-resistant? Did they have dedicated shoe or laundry compartments?
- The all-important pocket quota – Because having a place for everything is so, so satisfying (and scrabbling through your bag for your pants post-shower is not a good look).
The gym bags we chose for the edit below serve a wide range of needs and styles, while acing the performance front too.
32 best gym bags for women in 2026
From Nike to The North Face, lululemon to Adanola and Gymshark to Sweaty Betty, these are the bags worth buying to make your gym commute not only bearable, but downright enjoyable.
Most bags on this list aren’t suitable for run-commuting (check out the best running backpacks for this) but if you’re after a gym bag to fit all your essentials and still complement your outfit at post-work drinks, we’ve got you covered.
Pros
- Just the right amount of space
- Adjustable shoulder strap
Cons
- No shoe compartment
You can always count on Nike gear to get the job done. At 24L, this staple gym bag fits all your essentials and is made from durable recycled polyester to withstand rough gym floors.
The main compartment is double zipped and has a zipped valuables pocket inside, while there’s a larger zipped pocket on the outside that you can stash laundry in or essentials you want easy access to on the move. There isn’t a shoe compartment, so bear that in mind, but there’s plenty of space for them in the main compartment.
It comes with hand straps as well as an adjustable shoulder strap, and all of that without breaking the bank. Available in three colours.
| Material | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 24L |
| Dimensions | 51 x 23 cm |
| Extras | Adjustable shoulder strap, zipped interior and exterior pockets |
| Best for | Those after a simple, does-all gym bag — that also fits all you need for a night away |
Pros
- Affordable and versatile
- Zip closure
Cons
- No dedicated shoe/laundry pockets
Adanola is the authority on stylish tote bags and this khaki quilted number does not disappoint.
Wide, padded straps make for comfortable carrying, while inside there’s plenty of space for all your essentials, including trainers, plus a zipped valuables pocket. There’s also a large exterior pocket for easy access to your phone and cards on the go.
And because the zip fastens all the way across the top it’s also brilliant for travel.
Also available in black, coffee bean and slate grey.
| Material | Recycled nylon |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Approx. 29L |
| Dimensions | 61 x 36 x 13 cm |
| Best for | Stylish gym-goers |
Pros
- Easy-access zipped flap opening
- Wet pocket
Cons
- Limited colours
Gymshark is known for its affordable yet quality range of kit, and this classic holdall-style gym bag is no exception.
With more pockets than you can shake a stick at (including a wet pocket for swimming or sweaty gear, a shoe compartment, mesh pockets for essentials and a zip pocket for valuables — see, we told you), and a durable, reinforced base, it’s ready to go as hard as you are. It’s pretty roomy too — our tester also used it for a long weekend away.
| Material | Polyester and PVC |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 40L |
| Dimensions | 55 x 29 x 25 cm |
| Extras | Wet pocket, shoe compartment, reinforced base, shoulder strap |
| Best for | Gym-goers, swimmers, outdoor fitness and travel |
Pros
- External bottle pocket
- Laundry compartment
Cons
- No dedicated shoe storage
Smart enough for the office but with oodles of space for all your kit, there’s a lot more than meets the eye in this clean, minimalist bag from lululemon.
While the outside is all sleek and smooth, inside there’s compartments and pockets galore – we particularly liked the one labelled for ‘sweaty unmentionables’ – and there’s a camouflaged bottle holder on the outside, too.
The padded laptop compartment could moonlight as shoe storage, plus it comes with reinforced detailing on the base, an adjustable shoulder strap and padded carry straps.
| Material | Recycled polyester, nylon, polyurethane |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 25L |
| Dimensions | 47 x 22.5 x 32 cm |
| Extras | Trolley-compatible sleeve, removable, adjustable shoulder strap, padded laptop pocket |
| Best for | Those who hit the gym pre- or post-work and weekend getaways |
Pros
- Pockets for everything
- Hard-wearing
Cons
- Bulky — particularly if you size up
Few backpacks have as much thought put into their production as those crafted by the good people at Built for Athletes.
There are bottle pockets on each side, three main compartments, plus multiple interior and exterior pockets to keep everything from your laundry to your pens and protein bars organised. Thanks to all this smart organisation, there’s plenty of space for gym shoes, kit and shower essentials — plus your laptop.
The entire thing folds out flat so it’s a doddle to pack and there are a ton of clever straps so you can compress and adjust the fit of the bag exactly as you want (making it as comfortable as possible).
Choose from four colours, plus it’s available in a larger 45L size.
| Material | Water-resistant and rip-proof fabric |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 25L |
| Dimensions | 42 x 30 x 14 cm |
| Extras | 15 inch laptop pocket, laundry compartments, bottle pockets, sternum and waist straps |
| Best for | Serious gym-goers, travel (it’s cabin baggage friendly) |
Pros
- Water-resistance keeps your kit protected from drizzle
- Packing cubes and yoga mat carrier included
Cons
- No water bottle pocket
It wasn’t so long ago the world went absolutely bananas for packing cubes — you could barley scroll your chosen social media platform without seeing a satisfyingly neat puzzle of mesh cubes fitted pleasingly into a suitcase.
Well, now Sweaty Betty has brought that meticulous magic to the gym bag world, as this sleek number comes with two packable cubes for shoes (although you can use them for anything), as well as a genius yoga mat strap at the base and plenty of other pockets.
The contrast quilted lining means you can find things easily, the bag zips all the way shut and is super lightweight for easy carrying — speaking of, the shoulder strap is adjustable and it has a top carry handle too.
| Material | Polyamide |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30L |
| Dimensions | 28 cm |
| Extras | Yoga mat carrier, adjustable shoulder strap, two packing cubes |
| Best for | Yogis, swimmers, any and all gym-goers |
Pros
- Shoe/laundry pocket
- Water-repellent
Cons
- Shoulder strap isn’t removable
With a price tag of just £32, you’d expect something far more simplistic when unboxing this bag. But it goes above and beyond the call of duty, with vented pockets for shoes and sweaty kit, handy exterior webbing you can clip just about anything to and a zip pocket for valuables.
It’s lightweight, super-durable and water-repellent, with grab handles and an adjustable shoulder strap. Let us say that again — all for £32.
Available in three colourways.
| Material | Water-repellent polyester |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 23L |
| Dimensions | 22 x 23 x 48 cm |
| Extras | Shoe/laundry compartment, webbing attachment points |
| Best for | Those looking for a quality budget duffel |
Pros
- Spacious
- Full zip across the top
Cons
- No shoe compartment
This pale khaki tote bag is one of our favourite pieces from Stella McCarney’s adidas collab. It’s light, super spacious and the recycled polyester shell feels built to last, with a reinforced base.
It zips right up, has wide, comfortable straps and has pockets for your phone, keys, padlock, snacks, you name it. Plus it packs down small for storage.
Also available in black.
| Material | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 61.5L |
| Dimensions | 25 x 70 x 45 cm |
| Best for | Going from gym to office to drinks |
Pros
- Separate shoe and laundry compartments
- Strap detaches and doubles as a yoga mat carrier
Cons
- An investment
Another day, another lululemon gym bag we’re lusting after. This versatile number can be worn two ways (crossbody or on the shoulder, with the sides strapped down and out the way), and the removable strap doubles as a yoga mat carrier or yoga strap — genius!
It comes complete with separate compartments for your shoes and sweaty kit, a zipped water bottle pocket and handy valuables pockets too, plus the straps are padded for all-day comfort.
Available in three colours.
| Material | Recycled polyester and recycled nylon |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30L |
| Dimensions | 45 x 26 x 19.5 cm |
| Extras | Shoe compartment, laundry compartment, water bottle holder, cushioned straps, yoga mat strap |
| Best for | Chic gym goers who want a place for everything |
Pros
- Separate wet/dry compartment
- Plenty of space
Cons
- No dedicated space for tech
In case it wasn’t obvious, you really can’t go wrong with a Nike gym bag. But if you’re after a little more space than the usual 24L offerings, then this is the one for you.
At 35L, there’s ample room for all your kit, including any extras you might carry like resistance bands or weightlifting gloves. There’s a separate wet/dry compartment for laundry, shoes or swimming gear, plenty of zipped pockets both inside and out and a luggage sleeve in case you decide to travel with it (it’s also a great long weekend bag).
The ruched carry handle is comfortable to hold, plus the long strap is removable and adjustable, so you can wear it over the shoulder or cross-body.
| Material | Nylon, polyester |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 35L |
| Dimensions | 61 x 28 x 28 cm |
| Extras | Detachable shoulder strap, multiple pockets, luggage trolley sleeve, separate wet/shoe compartment |
| Best for | Gym, travel, those who need a little extra space |
Pros
- Comfortable to carry
- Incredibly spacious
Cons
- The strap could be a bit longer — but it does stretch once you load the bag up
Slouchy, quilted and super lightweight, this is fast becoming our fave bag full stop, let alone for the gym. But that’s not to say it doesn’t deliver on the technical front, with a comfy shoulder strap, zipped interior and exterior pockets and a full zip closure, plus tons of space — way more than meets the eye.
It’s incredibly comfortable to carry around even when fully loaded (there’s an interior compartment that’s ideal for laptops, so it doubles as a great work bag) and it’s wipe-clean. We won’t judge you if you order more than one colour.
Available in a veritable boatload of colours that are even more beautiful IRL. Your colour not in stock? Check back soon, as they restock regularly.
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Approx. 25L |
| Dimensions | 43 x 36 x 17 cm |
| Best for | Fitness fashionistas |
Pros
- Clamshell opening
- Loads of space and incredibly versatile
Cons
- An investment
This backpack pretty much makes all other bags in your life redundant. We’ve used ours for short city breaks (it’s cabin bag-approved), commuting and the gym, and fallen in love with it a little more each time we open it. It’s designed to be super functional, and let us tell you that it delivers.
There are two main compartments, the larger of which opens all the way like a clamshell, so you can easily see exactly what you have in the bag (and it makes for easy packing too). There are straps in this compartment to help you hold down your stuff, akin to a small suitcase. Then the back compartment is ideal for a a laptop, books and files, keeping everything flat and protected thanks to padding.
The bag fits loads more than you’d think, plus there are tons and tons of pockets for anything you could need — we keep all our cables, sports nutrition and work gear in there and it actually stays organised — no mean feat. Plus the bag is durable and waterproof, so you never have to worry about damaging your precious cargo.
| Material | Recycled PET, recycled TPU, recycled nylon |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30L |
| Dimensions | 31 x 50 x 19 cm |
| Extras | Clamshell opening, waterproof outer, padded 16” laptop compartment, side bottle pocket, luggage sleeve, compression straps, internal organisation and multiple pockets, air-flow back panel, padded straps, chest strap |
| Best for | Absolutely everything! |
Pros
- Very spacious
- Padded handles make carrying heavy loads easier
Cons
- One large compartment, so no separate space for shoes or sweaty kit
Adding a touch of sports luxe to any outfit, this padded number from Sweaty Betty can fit an insane amount inside, but thanks to the soft, lightweight construction and cushioned handles, doesn’t dig in on the shoulders.
The whole thing zips up across the top, and there are zipped pockets on the outside and inside for valuables (lip balms) and a small laptop or tablet.
Despite the oversized nature this still fits into gym lockers with ease, plus the material is water-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about any splashes from the showers.
| Material | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Approx. 30L |
| Dimensions | 48 x 60 cm |
| Extras | Water-resistance, zipped pockets |
| Best for | Hefty gym kit, long weekends, carrying the shopping… we could go on |
Pros
- Durable
- Zipped pockets
Cons
- No shoe compartment
Make like the winged goddess of victory (aka Nike) with this cute retro gym bag. With a large interior compartment for sweaty kit, a zipped pocket for valuables and handy exterior pockets too, there’s a place for everything.
It has a reinforced base and shoulder and carry straps, but it’s worth noting the straps aren’t padded. It scores some eco points too, as it’s made from at least 65% recycled materials.
Currently available in black and grey, but keep your eyes peeled, as new colours are released on the reg.
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 24L |
| Dimensions | 33 x 50 x 22 cm |
| Extras | Removable shoulder strap, reinforced base |
| Best for | Vintage workout vibes |
Pros
- Shoe compartment, plus lots of other pockets
- Clamshell opening
Cons
- An investment
This backpack is as neat as it is useful, with the clever clamshell design allowing you to fully open it out flat — ideal when you’re scrabbling around for kit.
There are multiple pockets, including expandable water bottle pockets on the sides and even pockets for pens, plus there’s a shoe compartment with a waterproof lining (the whole exterior is waterproof too, by the way). We’re also big fans of the zips in the straps, which reveal expandable pockets that are ideal for carrying your phone, lip balm, keys or anything else you need close at hand.
There’s also a soft laptop compartment that can be accessed via the large main compartment or separately from the side, so if you’ve got a lot in the bag you don’t need to fight your way through to get at your tech.
The back is padded and very comfortable, with even weight distribution and a breathable feel. The backpack is also not so wide or bulky that someone with a smaller frame looks swamped by it. It’s slick, well-made, excellent quality and fit for purpose — we fit in all our work stuff plus full gym kit, shoes included. And the green colour (pictured) is even better IRL.
| Material | FortiWeave fabric (from recycled plastic bottles) |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 23L |
| Dimensions | 49 x 30 x 19 cm |
| Extras | Shoe compartment, tech compartment, multiple pockets, luggage trolley sleeve, bottle holders, clamshell design, lockable main compartment, waterproof |
| Best for | Those hitting the gym pre- or post-work |
Pros
- An insane amount of pockets, including shoe storage
- Super sturdy, waterproof and durable
Cons
- An investment — but we think a worthy one
If you’re not familiar with Stubble & Co bags, jump aboard the hype, because these things are simply brilliant. Strong, sturdy and durable, we’re convinced ours will last beyond a lifetime.
Storage-wise it’s hard to beat this bag — to the point that we keep losing things in it, purely because it has so many pockets. Externally there’s a huge shoe compartment, a reinforced top section for valuables (you’ll never crush your sunglasses again), a large zipped laptop section that sits against your back, plus various zipped compartments and loops you can attach carabiner hooks or your bike lock to.
On the inside, you’ll find a large mesh section in the opening flap (great for laundry) and loads of small organisations pockets with sections for every conceivable accessory.
Thanks to a chest strap and padded straps it’s very comfortable to wear — even when we loaded up the 65L version for Glastonbury. You can use the backpack straps as carry handles if you want to convert it into a duffel, or remove them and use the four grab handles to move the bag around.
Available in three sizes, 30L, 40L and 65L.
| Material | Recycled PET and TPU |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30L |
| Dimensions | 51 x 22.5 x 31 cm |
| Extras | Laptop sleeve, mesh laundry sections, shoe compartment, bottle pocket, versatile wear |
| Best for | Serious gym goers, weighed-down commuters, plus people who want to fit everything in their carry-on (this is cabin bag approved) |
Pros
- Pockets for everything, including a dry bag for wet gear
- Strap on a yoga mat or foam roller with the adjustable straps
Cons
- No shoe compartment
The Built for Athletes cult backpack gets a mention further up, but we couldn’t not include the brand’s new tote bag as well.
In a more versatile carrying style, it’s just about as functional as it’s rucksack counterpart, with multiple zipped pockets, an internal dry bag to keep wet gear separate, a cushioned laptop section, an internal drinks holder and clever adjustable straps that let you both change the length for more comfortable carrying, but also allow for a yoga mat or foam roller to be strapped on the side of the bag.
As with all BFA products, the construction feels quality and durable, with the polyester shell standing up well to mild abrasion and everyday wear and tear. The bag zips all the way across the top for added security, and there are external Velcro pockets so you can grab your essentials on the go.
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20L |
| Dimensions | 41 x 37 x 14 cm |
| Extras | Dry bag, padded laptop compartment, adjustable straps (which can be used to strap on a yoga mat or foam roller), drinks holder |
| Best for | Commuting gym-goers who want pockets for everything |
Pros
- Waterproof
- Roomy
Cons
- Few pockets
Can you truly love an inanimate object? This bag from Danish outerwear brand Rains is testing that theory hard. Simple, sleek, and silky-soft to the touch, we are in lust, at least.
But we know looks aren’t everything, and luckily this bag has more going on under the surface too, with a handy external pocket, tons of space inside and it’s made from durable material. But the best part? As you’d expect from a brand named after wet weather, it’s completely waterproof, so will keep your change of clothes splash-free at the pool.
Available in two colours.
| Material | Polyester with polyurethane coating |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 27L |
| Dimensions | 25 x 49 x 22 cm |
| Extras | Detachable shoulder strap |
| Best for | Swimming and weekends away |
Pros
- Shoulder straps are adjustable
- Versatile and lightweight
Cons
- Look elsewhere for a more purpose-built gym bag
If you’re after a tote bag you can use everyday for basically everything, including the odd gym trip, then consider this minimalist tote from British luggage brand Antler.
At 19L you can fit a fair amount in — we’ve managed a laptop, water bottle and gym kit — plus it opens up nice and wide across the top, making it easy to pack.
The shoulder straps are wide and you can adjust the length, which was great for our tall tester who finds a lot of straps too short.
As well as a luggage strap across the back, there’s a soft-lined laptop compartment with a popper closure, an external zipped pocket, and a clever zip closure that doubles as a valuables pocket.
Stripped back but oozing class, this tote is supremely versatile as well as excellent quality, and will last well thanks to the ripstop material.
Available in navy and stone.
| Material | Recycled ripstop material |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 19L |
| Dimensions | 13 x 52 x 35 cm |
| Extras | Luggage trolley sleeve, soft laptop compartment |
| Best for | Casual use, commuters, travel |
View the original article here.