Amelia Yeomans
When MC UK Senior Health Editor Ally tasked me with rounding up the best gym bags, I’ll be honest, I was a little stumped. I don’t actually own a designated gym bag myself, you see, and I’ve never gotten on with the classic duffel-style design.
But after a little consideration, I asked myself: do I go to the gym? Yes. Do I take a set of gym clothing, my laptop and other office-related items with me? Naturally. It was then that I realised that my go-to gym bag style tends to be an oversized tote that I can throw my gym leggings, sports bra, running trainers into alongside my work laptop and water bottle.
IMO, a bag doesn’t have to feature bells, whistles and multiple waterproof compartments to classify as a gym bag. For me, the most important qualities of a gym bag are that it’s large enough to hold my essentials, that it has a spare compartment or two to hold my keys, phone and lock and - crucially - that it doesn’t clash with my day-to-day outfits.
Of course, if you’re after a more conventional or practical gym bag design, don't worry. Ally is firmly of the bells-and-whistles camp (and having a dedicated section in your bag for your gym kit post-workout) and has given in-depth reviews of her favourite gym bags, too.
Plus, other MC UK Editors have shared their favourites, too. From cyclists and marathon runners to regular gym-goers and burlesque dancers, our definition of staying active is pretty broad, to say the least, so naturally, our gym bag selections reflect this variety. We have the best running backpacks, waterproof holdalls and oversized totes (complete with multiple handy compartments) for you to choose from. So whatever your personal style or preferred way of staying fit, we’re willing to bet that we have the perfect gym bag selection for you below.
We’re pretty scrupulous with our testing here at MC UK (which you can read up on here), so you should know that we don’t recommend products lightly. Every item in this list, therefore, has been tried and loved for at least a few months. Oh, and if you’re after the best Pilates clothes, a pair of running shorts, or matching loungewear set - don’t forget to check out our buying guides for the best options, as tested by the team.
Best gym bags: Quick shopping links
- Best swimming gym bag: £11.19 at Amazon (was £18.99, save 41%)
- Best lightweight gym bag: £24.90 at Amazon (was £32.99, save 25%)
- Best gym tote bag: £27.99 at Adanola
- Best gym backpack: £95 at Sweaty Betty
- Most fashion-forward gym bag: £55 at Glossier
- Best crossbody gym bag: £55 at Sweaty Betty
What did we look for when testing the best gym bags?
- Weight - carrying around an extra set of clothes - trainers and all - is daunting enough without adding a heavy bag into the mix, so we value a lightweight construction.
- Cost - did we get our cost per use?
- Chic design - is it a bag we would proudly wear day in, day out, and does it suit our day-to-day outfits as well as our athleisure?
- Quality - is it durable enough to wear multiple times a week without fraying or breaking?
- Material - these bags regularly hold our sweaty gym kit, so did they develop a smell over time?
Two of the gym bags team MC UK have been testing
10 best gym bags: as tested by team MC UK
1. Best lightweight gym bag
"I've had my small Nike duffel bag for years and it has held up brilliantly despite how lightweight the fabric is, and how easily it can be folded up and tucked away when you're not using it. It is deceptively large so can fit everything you would possibly need inside, and I love the different pockets on the side that can be used to keep your trainers or dirty clothes separate from everything else. It's also just the right size to use as a carry-on bag when travelling, and it has seen me through countless week-long trips - which just goes to show how much it can hold.
I love that you have the choice between a longer crossbody strap or shorter shoulder straps for extra versatility, and it can hold an impressive amount of weight - it hasn't had any damage despite me over-stuffing it for years. It also features a waterproof, wipe-down bottom that is easy to keep clean (and protect your gym gear from wet surfaces). The only downside is that it is much more sporty than stylish, so I don't tend to use it on days I know I will be in the office. But it's easily my most used gym and travel bag, and there's almost nothing it can't hold." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
2. Best waterproof gym bag
"A surprisingly spacious and well-designed bag, this Nike shoulder tote ticks all the right boxes. Not only is it waterproof, but it's unbelievably good for fitting in all your workout essentials. With nifty compartments for your laptop, yoga mat, water bottle and more, I love how organised it makes me feel. Plus, the price point isn't bad for the quality you get." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
3. Best gym bag with wet compartment
"lululemon has long been known for its innovative designs and the City Essentials bag is no exception. My fiance loves this bag so much, he uses mine regularly (he reckons it's the best bag design her's ever used). if you're after a gym bag with removable, adjustable shoulder straps, padded handles, a quick-access phone pocket and an exterior water bottle pocket, then you'll use it on repeat. Another key note from me: there's an interior pocket for helping you keep sweaty gym kit stashed away." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
4. Best gym tote bag
"I can’t really fault this Adanola tote. It goes with pretty much all of my outfits - from smart tailoring to loungewear - is incredibly lightweight (yet sturdy) and has a huge capacity. On days when I’m in a rush, it’s easy to scoop multiple pieces of clothing into this bag and be on my way. The thick strap makes it easy and comfortable to hold, no matter how many items I've thrown inside. Let’s be honest - as with any Adanola purchase I’ve made, the biggest pull of this bag is its effortlessly chic design." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor
5. Best gym backpack
"This is a great medium-sized gym bag if you're keen to evenly distribute weight across both your shoulders. While it's not big enough for larger towels or items, it is a good inbetween size if you just need to carry around a spare change of clothes and your toiletries. Do note, though: the front clasp can be a little loose and fiddly at times and also doesn't have a zip on the top, if that's something that you look for in a gym bag." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
6. Best swimming bag
"After committing to swim every other day for a month, I knew I had to invest in a proper hold-all bag instead of relying on a cotton tote that gets saturated. However, I wanted to find one that wouldn't cost a fortune and I wouldn't mind setting down on the floor of the pool changing rooms. This waterproof option from Amazon ticks every box for me - the outer pockets are so handy for flip flops or sliders, as well as stashing my goggles or swim cap post-workout when they're still damp and I don't want them in the main part of my bag. It's actually designed to be a beach bag, so it fits plenty inside including a big towel, makeup bag, clothes, shoes, and more. It's also a massive bonus that it can be machine washed as it's likely to get grubby after a few months." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
7. Best luxury gym bag
"This bag is absolutely gorgeous and easily one of my favourites out of the many gym bags I've tested. It's stylish, lightweight and durable, with plenty of handy pockets for your essentials and post-workout kit. Other need-to-knows: it's wipe clean while looking effortlessly chic, so much so I've used it for loads of weekends away and international trips as well as gym sessions." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
8. Most fashion-forward gym bag
"I'm going to be honest, I bought the Glossier duffle bag on a whim but it has to be one of the most underrated things I've bought. It is such a good size, easily fitting in both my gym gear and a change of clothes. It has handy straps, which sit comfortably on my shoulder, and it also has the longer strap for when I want to carry it across my body. The outside pocket is really handy for holding things that I want quick access to, and it also doubles up as the perfect weekend bag, for those quick getaways." - Sophie Cookson, eCommerce Analyst
9. Best gym work bag
"Not only is this Roka bag absolutely huge, but it's also extremely stylish and water-resistant too. It features two secure internal personal pockets and an internal water bottle pocket, as well as a padded pocket that fits a 15" laptop and a front external zipped pocket - so you have space for pretty much everything you need. It's a bag that I can happily wear to work without looking too sporty or casual, and the sturdy straps mean that it can easily hold my laptop and workout gear. It also comes in a light denim wash, but I think the darker colour is extra chic - and it won't show dirt." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
10. Best designer gym bag
"Last but by no means least, this Stella McCartney gym bag is roomy, versatile, and also made, in part, from recycled materials. Again, I love the fact that there are multiple pockets on both the inside and outside of the design, making organisation effortlessly easy. There's also a padded interior laptop sleeve to make sure your tech stays safe and dry. With enough room in the arm strap to carry the tote comfortably, this one gets my vote." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
11. Best gym crossbody bag
"I'm very new to the gym so still figuring out exactly what I need to take with me, but I've decided that a small crossbody bag is perfect for my needs. I usually go to the gym when I'm working from home so I don't need to cart a change of clothes with me, and I like being able to keep my belongings close to me on the gym floor. I've had my Sweaty Betty crossbody stashed in my wardrobe for a while and decided to see if it would fit my headphones, keys, water bottle, and other miscellaneous essentials, and it does so perfectly. It's surprisingly spacious with plenty of pockets, and it's a joy to carry around thanks to the thick, adjustable strap. It also works for long walks or hikes, cycling, or travelling to and from fitness classes. A true all-rounder if you don't want a shoulder bag." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
How do I choose the right gym bag?
Ultimately, it's down to personal preference. You might prefer a waterproof, sturdy option that'll support you through hikes and have specialised sections for your sweaty kit, or your priority might be opting for a tote that blends seamlessly with your day clothes. It's worth considering the type of workouts you do, how sweaty you get in your sessions, and which kind of bag you'd prefer before investing to make sure you get the most from your purchase.
