Best gym bags for women UK 2024: Lululemon, Sweaty Betty and more
<h2 class=»body-h2″>What to look for when buying a gym bag</h2><p>The kind of gym bag you decide on will depend on a few factors, such as what kind of session you’re doing, whether you need to bring different shoes and if you’re coming straight from the office. Luckily, we have a range of different options on the list. Here are some of the things to consider before adding to basket. </p><ul><li><strong>Workout</strong> <strong>type:</strong> If you’re attending a yoga class, it would make sense to bring a <a href=»https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/health-leisure/g33079493/best-yoga-mats/» target=»_blank»>yoga mat</a> carrier. For leg sessions in the gym, you may need to bring extra accessories such as resistance bands or barbell pads alongside your <a href=»https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/health-leisure/g38088653/best-gym-leggings/» target=»_blank»>gym clothes</a>, so a larger carrier would be more suitable. </li><li><strong>Size and compartments:</strong> If you’re coming from the office, you may want to opt for a bag with a laptop compartment. If you’re going from home, there are a few smaller options on our list for those essentials (keys, phone, snack). </li><li><strong>Design: </strong>Utility isn’t the only thing that we considered when selecting these bags, as many take into consideration style too. Look good, feel good, right? </li></ul><h2 class=»body-h2″><strong>How do I clean my gym bag</strong>? </h2><p>When you’re carting your used gym kit and shoes back and forth after sweaty sessions, sometimes your gym bag can start to smell a little, <em>ripe</em>, let’s say. But not to worry – most gym bags are designed with this in mind, making them easy to clean. </p><p>For bags that have a canvas or plastic lining, they’re easy enough to spray or wipe down with your chosen <a href=»https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/a44052561/best-cleaning-products/» target=»_blank»>cleaning product</a>. </p><p>For material bags, we’d recommend putting them in the wash every few weeks to keep things fresh. You can also chuck in some <a href=»https://www.amazon.co.uk/SCENTORINI-Scented-Lavender-Fragrance-wardrobe/dp/B07VNCZV3P?th=1″ target=»_blank» rel=»nofollow»>scented sachets</a> to keep it smelling of roses, or lavender, so to speak. </p><h2 class=»body-h2″><strong>Gym bag essentials</strong> </h2><p>To save you from an extra, unexpected weights session, you’ll want to keep the contents of your gym bag light. Here are some essentials we’d recommend squeezing in alongside your kit. </p><ul><li><strong>Hand sanitiser and wipes: </strong>After touching all that equipment, we’d recommend a good old sanitise session, so the only thing you’re taking home is gains. </li><li><strong>Towel: </strong>When you need a brow dab or seat covering. </li><li> <a href=»https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g33499523/best-reusable-water-bottles/» target=»_blank»><strong>Reusable water bottle</strong></a>: Goes without saying really… </li><li><strong>Pump cover:</strong> A jumper or jacket is good for warm-ups and providing some extra coverage on your journey to and from the gym. </li><li><strong>Post-workout snack: </strong>Whether it’s a <a href=»https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/health-leisure/g46143402/best-protein-powders/» target=»_blank»>protein shake</a> or a <a href=»https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/health-leisure/g60023075/best-protein-bars/» target=»_blank»>protein bar,</a> you’re going to need some refuelling after a gym session. </li><li><strong>Deodorant:</strong> For those extra sweaty sessions. </li><li><a href=»https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/beauty-reviews/g35582136/best-acne-face-wash-cleansers/» target=»_blank»><strong>Face wash</strong></a><strong>:</strong> We’d recommend a quick facial cleanse to rid your skin of any excess sweat or sebum to avoid unwanted breakouts. A <a href=»https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/beauty/g41789797/best-cleansing-balm/» target=»_blank»>cleansing balm</a> could be a good option to remove makeup pre-session, too. </li></ul><p class=»body-text»>Without further ado, here are the best gym bags on our radar… </p>»/>
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1
Best gym bag
Lululemon Multi-Pocket Tote Bag
1
Best gym bag
Lululemon Multi-Pocket Tote Bag
Lululemon combines style and utility in the form of this multi-pocketed tote bag. It has a handy internal pocket, great for your phone and keys, as well as five (!) external ones for storing snacks, a water bottle, or your latest issue of Good Housekeeping. What’s more, it has a sturdy base that means it can stand up on its own – handy for when you’re digging around for that gym fob you were sure you packed…
The nylon material (which the brand claims is 100% recycled) means that this tote can be spot-cleaned with your chosen cleaning product – a spray, wipe, or even warm water and soap will do. It’s large enough to store a laptop or any shopping you pick up along the way, and the snap-close adds a layer of security.
The brand also offers a wide range of different-sized and shaped bags, including this yoga mat carrier, which is fabulous for swinging over your shoulder.
Key specifications
Size
L 51 x H 15 x W 35 cm
Volume
20L
Material
Nylon, Polyester
Colours
Black, Mauve, White opal
2
Best value gym bag
Marks and Spencer Gym Tote Bag
2
Best value gym bag
Marks and Spencer Gym Tote Bag
M&S may be more known for shopping bags, but this gym tote from the brand’s Goodmove collection has caught our eye. Choose from either a black or khaki colourway, both made from the brand’s water-repellent fabric, which is perfect for disguising any marks and keeping clean.
It’s certainly large enough to fit your standard gym kit and water bottle, but nothing is stopping you from picking up a dine-in for two meal on the way home either.
Key specifications
Size
L 14 x H 36 x W 46.5 cm
Material
Polyamide, polyester
Colours
Black, khaki
3
Best gym bag for multiple compartments
Amazon Sports Duffel Bag
3
Best gym bag for multiple compartments
Amazon Sports Duffel Bag
If a rainy day isn’t stopping you from heading to the gym, then this water-resistant bag is a great option for keeping all your bits and bobs dry. The soft polyester material makes it easy to wipe down and fold away to store on rest days too.
It has multiple external pockets for easy access to your phone, water bottle or keys. It also has a separate shoe compartment, which scores extra points for hygiene. With all of this, plus 25 colourways to choose from for the bargain price of £21.99 – we think this is a steal.
Key specifications
Size
L 45 x W 24cm x H 28cm
Material
Polyester
Colours
25 colourways, including black, pink and green, purple, teal
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4
Best duffel gym bag
Gymshark Everyday Holdall
4
Best duffel gym bag
Gymshark Everyday Holdall
A lot of thought went into designing this duffel gym bag by the pioneering fitness brand, Gymshark. It’s a great size for transporting shoes, kit and added accessories, and the soft strap means it will be comfortable on your shoulder. The holdall also comes in a miniature version, good for WFH days when you don’t need to cart your laptop to and fro.
Function aside, the sage green colourway gets a big tick for aesthetics alone. You can also pair it with the vital seamless set in the same colour.
Key specifications
Size
L 55 x W 25 x H 29 cm
Material
Polyester, PVC
Colours
Sage green, Lilac, Black, Pebble grey
5
Best for commuting
Sweaty Betty All Day Tote 2.0
5
Best for commuting
Sweaty Betty All Day Tote 2.0
The All-Day Tote from Sweaty Betty not only considers what you’d need from a bag nine-to-five but also five-to-nine. Its tall silhouette means you can fit your laptop and work essentials alongside your gym kit. There’s a large main compartment with two internal pockets, as well as three external pockets, all tied together with a secure zip.
The chic black colourway means there’s no fear of picking up any grubby stains, but if you do, thanks to the nylon fabric, it can also be wiped down. All things considered, this bag is a stylish buddy for any sweat session. The adjustable strap also means you can wear it as a shoulder bag or a cross-body tote.
Key specifications
Size
L 38 x W 15 x H 37 cm
Material
Polyester
Colours
Black
6
Most stylish gym bag
Adanola Quilted Nylon bag
6
Most stylish gym bag
Adanola Quilted Nylon bag
This quilted tote from popular lifestyle brand Adanola is proof that gym bags can be stylish and practical.
The zip opening will keep your contents safe inside the extra-large main compartment, all wrapped up in a quirky padded material that will help you stand out from the crowd. It’s also priced at just under £30 – which, for such a big bag, is great value for money.
Key specifications
Size
L 13 x W 61 x H 36 cm
Material
Nylon
Colours
Black, Olive Green
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7
Best for on the go
Lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet
7
Best for on the go
Lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet
Not quite a gym bag, but sometimes the essentials – your keys, card and phone – are enough, which is why this wristlet from Lululemon is a great option for storing them without weighing you down.
There’s a whole range of colours to choose from, but the eye-catching paradise green is sure to avoid losing it while you’re focused on your workout. The pouches are both detachable too, so you can use them in or outside the gym.
Key specficiations
Size
L 11.5 x H 7 x W 0.5 cm
Material
Nylon, Polyester
Colours
Green, Pink, Black, Grey, Sage
8
Best gym backpack
Adidas Prime Backpack
8
Best gym backpack
Adidas Prime Backpack
Duffel bags and totes are great options for carting your kit, but a trusty backpack is great for comfort and storage. The squared edges and additional padded laptop compartment of this bag make it ideal for getting post or pre-work sessions in.
The side compartments are perfect for stashing a water bottle, so there’s no fear of any spillages or awkward conversations with the IT department. Simply throw this boxy backpack over your shoulders and off you go.
Key specifications
Size
L 13 x H 28 x W 40 cm
Material
Polyester
Colours
Green, Coral, Black
9
Best for runners
Sweaty Betty Motion Belt Bag
9
Best for runners
Sweaty Betty Motion Belt Bag
Running-slash-fast walking to the gym? Then this compact Motion Belt from Sweaty Betty is a great option. Its lightweight material won’t slow you down, and the adjustable strap means you can decide between a cross-body or bum bag.
Inside, there are three convenient internal pockets for important stuff and a larger compartment for chucking in some extra bits.
Key specifications
Size
N/A
Material
Polyamide
Colours
Black
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10
Best XL gym bag
Alo Foxy Sherpa Tote
10
Best XL gym bag
Alo Foxy Sherpa Tote
Mary Poppins would be jealous of the size of this tote, which is certainly spacious. Expect to fit your gym kit, work stuff, makeup bag, probably a whole cabinet’s worth of toiletries, and anything else you fancy taking with you. Its large compartment means you can chuck everything in one, but it also has a handy internal zipped pocket for easy access to the essentials.
The foxy sherpa finish makes it a stylish and functional option. It comes in three different colours: black, white, camel, and limited-edition fog too – if you weren’t sure what shade fog is, it’s a mix of blue and grey gorgeousness.
Key specifications
Size
L 47 x H 41 x W 16 cm
Material
Plush sherpa (faux fur)
Colours
Black, camel, grey
11
Best for travel
Rains Trail Gym Bag
11
Best for travel
Rains Trail Gym Bag
Rains has made quite the name for itself when it comes to making strong, smooth and durable bags from its signature waterproof PU fabric. PU = polyurethane, or rather, a coated fabric that, unlike leather, remains soft, supple, and doesn’t crack. The flexible material is still firm enough to hold its boxy shape and looks great on too.
This spacious duffle has a large main compartment, as well as a couple of external zipped pockets. It’s big enough to fit your gym kit and shoes, as well as a few days’ worth of clothes for trips – an option for making moves inside and outside the gym.
Key specifications
Size
L 22 x H 25 x W 48.5 cm
Material
100% polyester with polyurethane coating
Colours
Black, earth, green
12
Best for versatility
Nike Gym Club
12
Best for versatility
Nike Gym Club
Nike gets a big tick from us for developing this simple and sleek sports bag. It’s big, so you’ll be able to fit all your gym bits in, and the soft material means there’s no unnecessary bulk. It also comes in either a bright pink or black.
Use the removable strap to sling it over your shoulder, or the handles for carrying; either way, it’s a great-sized bag for getting it done, or just doing it, if you will…
Key specifications
Size
W 51 x D 23 cm
Material
Polyester
Colours
Black, pink
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Soy una apasionada que siempre busca como mantenerse en forma a través de probar distintas dietas y alimentos con el fin de ampliar mi experiencia y compartirla.