31 best gym bags for women, from classic duffels to backpacks and totes

<p>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 <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/clothes/a775937/16-best-running-sports-bras/” target=”_blank”>sports bra</a>. Particularly if, like us, you often arrive with only minutes to spare before the start of your class.</p><p>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. <br></p><h2 class=”body-h2″>What to look for in a gym bag</h2><p>The best gym bags come with pockets for everything (dream!), special straps for <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/g28688218/best-yoga-mats/” target=”_blank”>yoga mats</a>, clever compartments for shoes and waterproof pouches for damp <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/clothes/g36530699/best-swimsuits/” target=”_blank”>swimming costumes</a> or sweaty kit. Not to mention there should still be plenty of space for your work gear alongside your <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/shoes/a776160/best-womens-running-shoes/” target=”_blank”>running shoes</a>, <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/g32957719/running-water-bottles/” target=”_blank”>water bottle</a>, toiletries and towel.</p><p>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 <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/cross-training/g32903276/popular-lidos-uk/” target=”_blank”>pool</a>.</p><p>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. <br></p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Gym bag essentials</h2><p>The best gym bag is only as good as its contents, so make sure that alongside your gym kit and <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/shoes/g45206390/best-cross-training-shoes/” target=”_blank”>trainers</a>, you’re packing the following:</p><ul><li>Padlock</li><li>Face wash and moisturiser</li><li>Dry shampoo</li><li>Deodorant </li><li><a href=”https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B09GMPD7GP” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Fresh Wipes</a> (No time for a shower? These biodegradable body wipes are your friend.)</li><li>Hairbrush</li><li>Hair ties (we’re big fans of <a href=”https://www.lululemon.co.uk/en-gb/p/uplifting-scrunchies-textured-3-pack/prod11460166.html?dwvar_prod11460166_color=4310″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>these stay-put scrunchies</a>)</li><li>Towel</li><li>Flip flops</li><li>Extra <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/clothes/a776266/best-running-socks/” target=”_blank”>socks</a></li><li><a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/g32957719/running-water-bottles/” target=”_blank”>Water bottle</a></li><li>Snacks and gels</li><li><a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/tech/g43475750/best-headphones-runners/” target=”_blank”>Headphones</a></li><li>Any tech you use, such as a <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/tech/a30513694/best-running-watches/” target=”_blank”>smart watch</a> or <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/tech/a776637/best-heart-rate-monitors-for-runners/” target=”_blank”>heart rate monitor</a></li></ul><h2 class=”body-h2″>How to keep your gym bag from smelling</h2><p>Battling with stinky kit? Most gym bags on our list are made from easy-to-clean technical fabric, so they’ll wick moisture away, stay fresher for longer and just need a simple wipe down to keep them from smelling. But if the stench does get overpowering, simply pop a <a href=”https://www.amazon.co.uk/SmellWell-Active-Hawaii-Floral-Green/dp/B07N789J5K/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Smellwell</a> in your bag to neutralise nasty odours. <br></p><h2 class=”body-h2″>31 best gym bags for women in 2024</h2><p>Luckily for you, as well as inspiring a fitness kick in the Great British public, the New Year brings about a host of new, on-trend gym bags that have been built based on years of industry expertise — plus plenty of classics that never go out of style and always perform. </p><p>From <a href=”https://www.nike.com/gb/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Nike</a> to <a href=”https://www.thenorthface.co.uk/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>The North Face</a>, <a href=”https://www.lululemon.co.uk/en-gb/home” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>lululemon</a> to <a href=”https://adanola.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Adanola</a> and <a href=”https://uk.shop.gymshark.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Gymshark</a> to <a href=”https://www.sweatybetty.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Sweaty Betty</a>, these are the bags worth buying to make your gym commute not only bearable, but downright enjoyable.</p><p>Most bags on this list aren’t suitable for run-commuting (check out the <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/clothes/a776412/best-running-backpacks/” target=”_blank”>best running backpacks</a> 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.<br></p>”/>