13 Best Women’s Gym Bags for Workouts, Weekends Away, and More

Can you ever go wrong with a classic duffel? Spoiler: No, you cannot. This Under Armour option will have you looking — and feeling — like the fitness buff you are while offering all of the gym bag must-haves.

It has an extremely water-resistant finish so you can get going rain or shine (a blessing and a curse), a compartment dedicated to your well-loved gym shoes, and elastic straps on the front to tug along your yoga mat or foam roller. Perhaps the best part, though, is the zipper pull on the front pocket that, wait for it... doubles as a hair tie. Genius!

When we got our hands on this bad boy, we quickly realized that it checks every box. It has plenty of pockets and compartments to stay organized, a spacious interior to store your essentials, and an attractive design. It’s lightweight yet sturdy and holds its shape nicely unlike some flimsy gym bags that collapse inward.

The price is right, and Under Armour has anticipated your every need for hitting the gym. The only issue we ran into was the elastic straps, which are designed to hold your yoga mat, but they weren’t long enough to carry a standard mat comfortably. If you’re not a yogi, this shouldn’t be a deal breaker.

For under $20, this adorable, budget-friendly gym bag comes with everything you'll need — along with over 11,000 5-star ratings. Inside you'll find plenty of space for all your needs, including a spacious, waterproof PVC zip compartment for any wet items. Outside, you'll find several pockets, including one for your shoes, two for a couple of water bottles, and then some. There are numerous ways to carry this bag, including slipping it over your carry-on roller luggage when you travel.

Despite the low prices, it’s one of the larger bags on our list. It also has some of the same features as more premium options, such as water-resistant material, a padded strap, and sturdy hardware. For those looking for a lightweight gym bag, you won’t find anything lighter than this one. It weighs around a pound, which is less than half of some others we researched.

Don't be fooled: This classic gym duffel offers more than meets the eye. On one side, you'll find a ventilated compartment for your sweaty sneakers. On the other, there's a waterproof, insulated pocket ideal for any wet post-workout items or keeping your water bottle cold pre-workout. The insulated pocket also works for hot items, so you can keep your lunch warm if this will double as your work or travel bag. The design isn’t as sporty as some other options, so this one won’t stand out if you use it outside of the gym.

Plus, there's plenty of space inside for all of your needs — “Fits a pair of adult figure skates with much room to spare,” notes one reviewer. It makes a great travel carry-on, too. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including a stylish faux leather option. For the budget-friendly price and versatility, this is one to check out.

Gear up for an adventure with this sleek backpack from Adidas. It’s stylish enough that it doesn’t scream “I’m about to work out,” so it can work perfectly as a versatile backpack for traveling and weekend trips. Since it has a 15-inch laptop sleeve, it can even double as your work or school bag.

One reviewer has cleverly designated it as her diaper bag while another reviewer states that it’s still thriving after two years as a student’s book bag.

It features not one but two water bottle pockets, an easy-to-access exterior compartment for your phone or wallet, interior pockets for organization, and plenty of room for a change of clothes, sneaks, and other belongings.

After giving it a try ourselves, we’ve dubbed this the backpack with never-ending pockets. We love that it has four main compartments — some of which contain further interior organization. The compartments are deep, so this backpack can hold a ton. Even after packing it full, it was comfortable to carry. The shoulder straps are padded for comfort and designed to distribute the weight evenly.

If you’re looking for a reliable gym bag, look no further than the classic duffel. This one from Puma is simple in design but maximizes functionality. The large interior is where we were able to store the most items, but most of the zippered pockets are on the outside. It has some smaller pockets to conveniently grab your keys, phone, and wallet but also houses your sneakers in a separate compartment.

While the design didn’t wow us (it’s pretty basic, which isn’t always a bad thing), the volume sure did. This is one of the largest gym bags we tested, so if you need space for your essentials, shoes, change of clothes, a towel, equipment, and more, this is the bag for you. We wish it were fully water-resistant, but since it’s made of polyester, it shouldn’t be difficult to keep dry and clean.

When in doubt, Nike fitness items will never let you down. This quick, grab-and-go drawstring sack is the perfect option for any gym-goer who sticks to the basics. Perfect for a water bottle, your sneakers, and other small necessities, it's a simple option that gets the job done so you can get to the gym and just do it.

While it doesn’t have many bells and whistles, it doesn’t need them. The material is lightweight and water-resistant, and the bottom is ventilated for some much-needed airflow when housing your post-workout gear. And if you think you’ll end up rummaging through to find your personal items, the inside has a divider to stay organized.

It’s a bit pricier than other options with more features, but anyone who leads an active lifestyle needs a basic drawstring bag. With its compact size, it will fit into those narrow lockers at the gym — you know the ones.

This super versatile duffel — made from water-resistant and hand-washable neoprene — nearly doubles its size with just a snap of the tabs on the side. Either way, you can comfortably fit a change of clothes, a pair of sneakers, your laptop, a water bottle, and more. All with separate compartments to prevent any mishaps.

Both aesthetically and thoughtfully designed, this carryall bag is made from recycled water bottles, making it a sustainable option for the gym, office, or weekend getaway. With its thick material, the durable construction is hard to miss. It’s one of those bags that doesn’t topple over when you set it down, and you can place it atop your carry-on luggage using the trolley sleeve.

The inside is loaded with pockets and compartments, and it includes a smaller pouch for your earpods, an interior bag for your shoes, and a latch for your keys. Dagne Dover thought of it all with this bag, which can truly carry it all.

The limit does not exist when it comes to the uses for this large bag. It doesn’t look like your stereotypical gym bag, so it’s easy to get away with carrying this tote pretty much anywhere.

Looking for a quality tote to use for class, work, and/or the gym? Look no further than the Lululemon Go Getter tote decked out with an interior pocket for storing your “items of importance,” a separate one for zipping away your “sweaty unmentionables” post-workout, and several other mesh compartments for Type A-level organization. It’s a “great gym-to-work bag,” one reviewer says. “I can fit my shoes, clothes, makeup, hair tools, etc.!”

The exterior, of course, has a zip pocket as well as an easily reachable water bottle slot. One of our favorite features of this bag is how large the water bottle holder is. Reviewers confirm it fits a 40-ounce reusable water bottle, no problem. Oh, and did we mention how chic it looks?

No more worrying about lugging your mat to the yoga studio thanks to this brilliant and stylish tote by Aruna Project. At first glance, of course, the star of the show is the large front exterior pocket made for your yoga mat -- or towel, since it also makes the perfect beach bag.

When we got our hands on this bag ourselves, we were immediately impressed by the quality. It feels substantial, and it’s surprisingly deep. It doesn’t offer a ton in the way of organization, but most tote bags don’t. The exterior pockets make it quick and easy to grab your most essential items like your smartphone, and there’s also an interior zippered pocket for items like wallets and keys. Outside of the obvious use for the yoga mat storage, we could also fit an 11-inch tablet.

When you look even further, though, you'll learn its exterior is also made of water-repelling, abrasion-resistant recycled materials. What's more, 100 percent of profits made through Aruna go to empowering and employing artisans who are freed survivors of human trafficking (their names are even printed on the inside of the bag).

If you're on the hunt for a gym bag that looks anything but, Troubadour's Featherweight Tote is the closest you can get. Made from only two pieces of (lightweight, waterproof) fabric, its handles are made from Italian leather, and it features an interior padded laptop sleeve that can fit a device up to 17 inches wide.

The tote is made of recycled polyester with vegan leather trim and though on the pricier side, comes with a 5-year guarantee. It's a fabulous daily carry-all for the modern, multitasking professional, as its spacious main compartment can fit everything from your wallet, beverage container, and small personal items to a helmet and sneakers. And when your bag isn’t filled to the brim, the side snaps slim it down. Metal rings are hidden on the inside when you want to attach the crossbody strap, but you’ll need to purchase it separately.

There are a few things to look for in a reliable gym bag — a zippered main pocket, adjustable shoulder strap, water-resistant material, and a separate shoe compartment. This Vuori gym bag has all of the above and then some.

It has both handles and a strap, so it can be carried in multiple ways. You can even remove the strap completely and carry it like a duffel bag or as your personal item on your next flight. Reviewers say that the material “allows water to roll right off” and praise the bag for its “thicker material” and “durable quality.” It might be pricier than other options, but it also might last longer.

It has a simple design yet somehow looks more premium than the gym bags you’ll see at the department store. While most gym bags are made from polyester, this one is made from a blend of fabrics, giving it a more high-quality look and feel.

Some reviewers wish it was a bit bigger, but according to some reviews, it can hold several days' worth of clothes for your weekend trips.

When you want to appear a bit more “put together,” you carry a tote bag. It’s an easy way to elevate your gym fit while maintaining functionality. Athleta’s tote bag has a zippered closure for privacy, so no one can peek in your bag — unless you want them to, in which case you have the option of leaving it open for easy access.

While tote bags generally only have one large compartment (and everything inevitably falls to the bottom and out of reach) this tote is full of smaller compartments. It has a laptop sleeve, making it a stylish work bag, per some user reviews. What sold others on this tote, however, is the dedicated internal pocket for your water bottle. It’s lightweight, stylish, and functional, but there’s one common con we’re seeing in the reviews — the straps don’t adjust.

You may not be able to fit as much in this tote bag as a full-fledged duffel bag, but if you’re headed to spin class or have an active day ahead of you, this one will meet your needs.

If you’ve ever watched a “What’s in my gym bag” video on social media, you’ll see that the key to an organized gym bag is having smaller bags within a larger bag. Social media also tells us that this viral CALPAK duffel set is the perfect solution to your gym bag needs. It’s stylish, spacious, and lightweight. Plus, this set comes with a detachable belt bag. That, along with nine pockets in the main bag, allows for maximum organization, so nothing gets lost.

Fitness content creators rave about the bag’s trendy design — who doesn’t love a good padded bag? But the bag also wins the popularity contest for most pockets, which is why some use it as a diaper bag, weekender bag, or carryall for long commutes.

Social media users and reviewers say that the bag is incredibly versatile. It’s an obvious choice for gym goers but also for travelers with its trolley sleeve.