The 14 Best Gym Bags for Carrying All Your Gear

By Elaheh Nozari

There's a lot to be said about having a dedicated bag for the gym. For one, the best gym bags keep all your workout gear organized and in one place, so you don't have to worry about forgetting your resistance bands, foam roller, or running headband at home. It's also a great place to store an extra pair of leggings, another sports bra (or a comfy wireless bra for changing into after), a clean white T-shirt, a fresh set of socks—and any other wardrobe essentials you might need before or after your workout.

Another benefit of gym-specific bags is their ample storage space—the best gym bags have more pockets than your average canvas tote or running fanny pack, since keeping your workout shoes and dirty clothes in closed-off areas is key. And finally, having a bag that looks good definitely adds a bit of motivation for going to the gym.

When looking for the best gym bag, consider all of the above factors, as well as your workout routine or sport of choice—are you looking for a bag that can hold a tennis racket, yoga mat, or cycling shoes? Below, we’ve rounded up 14 of the best gym bags to buy now, from elevated totes to duffle bags with space for multiple pairs of shoes.

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Don't let the minimalist look of the Lululemon All Day Essentials bag fool you—the sleek design has a lot of storage, including a zippered exterior shoe pocket and multiple interior pockets. It has both adjustable shoulder straps and front handles for easy carrying, as well as a sleeve that fits onto a suitcase handle if you want to double as a travel carry-on.

Pros: Zippered exterior shoe pocket, multiple interior pockets, adjustable shoulder straps, suitcase sleeve

Cons: Heavier than some other gym bags

This Lululemon gym bag is a great option if you’re looking for a lightweight, multi-purpose tote. A cinched detail on the sides lets you customize the shape and feel: Pull the elastic taut to tighten the opening and keep your things extra secure (it doesn't have a zipper), or leave it lax for more storage space (and quicker access). The large interior pocket easily fits a change of clothes, running sneakers, and other gym essentials.

Pros: Versatile shape, interior pockets, lightweight

Cons: No zipper

The Nike Run backpack might look like a regular backpack, but it's designed to reduce movement so you can comfortably wear it to run to the gym, school, work—wherever. The large interior storage space includes a laptop sleeve and zippered mesh pockets, while the exterior has a breathable mesh back and a buckle strap to help keep the bag in place while on the move.

Pros: Breathable mesh back, buckle strap on the chest, laptop sleeve

Cons: Not as roomy as other daypacks

The ultimate space-saver, this compact Paravel backpack literally folds flat and zips into a small, 6-inch-wide pouch. When expanded (it measures 13x16x9"), it can fit a pair of sneakers, a change of clothes, and other gym gear, like sliders and a Pilates ball. The soft and smooth nylon material is double-layered for extra durability.

Pros: Compact, packable, lightweight

Cons: No supportive back or base

This roomy duffle from Dagne Dover has enough storage space for even the most gear-heavy gym goers. The interior features a 15-inch padded laptop sleeve, two side pockets for shoes or large water bottles, and a stretch key leash. It also comes with a removable zip pouch and a nylon bag for dirty shoes or clothes. Top carry handles and a removable shoulder strap allow it to be worn multiple ways, and the neoprene material means it's extra durable.

Pros: Durable, multiple pockets, padded laptop sleeve

Cons: Lighter colors can show scuffs easier

From Madewell's athleisure collection, this ripstop nylon duffle bag has everything you need for a long session at the gym. It has tons of pockets both inside and out, including a mesh interior one for shoes and a small sleeve on the outside for a gym card.

Pros: Convertible straps, plenty of pockets inside and out, made from recycled ripstop nylon

Cons: No carry-on sleeve, some reviewers wish the straps were thicker

By Bella Cacciatore

By Perrie Samotin

By Jake Smith

Why shouldn't you make The North Face's iconic base camp duffle your gym bag? The small version of the classic expedition bag features a main compartment plus zip mesh pockets and sleeves for shoes and a water bottle. It can be worn as a backpack, carried by the side handles, or worn across the shoulder. We love the bright color options, like yellow, bright red, or sky blue.

Pros: Super durable, convertible straps, fun color options, comes in smaller and larger sizes

Cons: No duffle handles (just backpack straps), some say the straps are too wide for smaller frames, reviewers also say it doesn't fit as much as the bigger sizes

Upgrade your basic cotton canvas tote with this affordable Amazon find that has a large sleeve to hold a yoga mat. An extra internal zip pocket holds small essentials like a wallet and keys.

Pros: Lightweight, dedicated space to fit a yoga mat, folds down

Cons: No main compartment zipper only a small internal pocket

Another classic bag that doubles as one of the best gym bags, the medium L.L. Bean everyday tote is perfect for storing a water bottle, cycling shoes, resistance bands, a change of clothes—whatever your gym session requires. A small zip interior pocket ensures that none of your personal items will fall to the bottom, and a zip-top closure keeps everything secure.

Pros: Lightweight, can be used outside the gym, comes in three sizes, double-layer bottom

Cons: Some say the straps are too short to carry as a shoulder bag, and some found the bag too big

We love Baboon to the Moon's line of versatile, brightly colored duffle travel backpacks, and the 32-liter Mini Go bag makes for one of the best gym bags. Stash your Theragun in the zippered mesh compartment, gym clothes and sneakers in the main compartment, and post-workout shower essentials in the zip stash pocket.

Pros: Lockable zippers, rain-resistant top flap, lifetime warranty

Cons: Bag is larger than it appears in the image

By Bella Cacciatore

By Perrie Samotin

By Jake Smith

This simple, waterproof handbag from Alo Yoga gets the job done when you just need something to hold a few things…in style. It has a crinkled, foiled look, thanks to durable Tyvek material, and a zippered and buckled closure that keeps everything secure.

Pros: Compact, waterproof

Cons: No carrying straps

Not all workout bags have to look like they’re designed for the gym. Case in point, this open-top woven tote that's large enough to fit a yoga mat. It's made of durable woven neoprene—so it can handle a bit of wear and tear—and comes with a matching zipper pouch for your small essentials. Oh, and don't sweat the stains: All of Naghnedi's neoprene bags are machine-washable.

Pros: Machine-washable, roomy, stylish design, includes a small interior pouch

Cons: Short handles, open-top (no main compartment zippers)

Elevate your tennis look with this striped-coated canvas tote from Tory Burch. A removable front pocket holds up two tennis rackets and interior mesh compartments fit an extra pair of shoes, while additional pockets have ample space for a change of clothes, water bottle, and small personal items.

Pros: Dedicated tennis bag with many extra features

Cons: Expensive

We love the retro look of this simple cotton tote with the New Balance logo. The open-top design and external front pocket allow for easy access to everything you need.

Pros: Simple, retro design, external front pocket

Cons: Shoulder straps may be too long for some

By Brigitt Earley

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