16 best gym bags for storing your equipment in style

As we worked out from our homes, there was no need to have a separate bag for the gym. The good news is that gyms and studios have returned to life and don’t plan to shut down in the near future. This means that a spacious, high-quality bag with ample functionality and stylish stylings will be a necessity.

A quality gym bag has more storage than a backpack, tote, or briefcase that you use for your laptop and documents. It should be close to a weekend bag in that it will have ample space for a full set of clothes, water bottle pockets, separate compartments, zip pockets for toiletries, notepads, and zipper pockets for gym shoes. It should be durable in a water-repellent, abrasion-resistant fabric with an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying.

GYMSHARK

Pros: Made by gym bunnies for gym bunnies

Cons: Not suitable for post-arm day workouts

Gymshark’s X-Series 0.3 gym bag is a great choice if you are looking for a brand that understands modern-day gym-goers. This bag is equipped with everything you need to train, including tech, food prep and notebooks. You can customize the bag to suit your needs with the removable T-frame. At uk.gymshark.com

LULULEMON

Pros: Compact but powerful. Great for running/or keeping your essentials close by during a workout. It’s easy to use

Cons: There is no room for a new set of clothes in this area. Not suitable for maximalists.

Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag, which is perfect for those sessions when you need to have your stuff close at hand, is the most compact but still highly sought-after item on this list. This cuboid pouch can hold 2l and has both interior and exterior zippers to securely store your valuables. You need somewhere to store your phone while on the treadmill, between sets? You can either carry it across your chest or adjust the straps to wear it at your waist while you do your best. Available in five stylish and sleek colors that will look great with your workout gear as well as the rest of your clothing. At lululemon.co.uk

TED BAKER

Pros: Versatile design, Mesh pocket at the rear

Cons: Bulky frame

Are you stuck between a backpack and a duffel? You don’t have to choose between a backpack or a duffel. Why not combine the best of both? Ted Baker’s multi-purpose holdall makes it easy to lift heavy gear with its shoulder straps, top handles, and padded backpack arms. The bag has plenty of storage, an inner pocket to keep your stuff, and a ventilated mesh pocket that is handy for those sweaty sessions. It measures 28x50cm and is ideal for hand luggage or gym use. Grab this bag and you can book your flight or class with confidence. At fenwick.co.uk &. tedbaker.com

NIKE TRAINING BAG

Pros: Vintage-inspired, nostalgic design. Fits everything.

Cons: We hope that your gym has lockers

This bag is huge and can hold all your sporting equipment. Rackets? In the bag. You could even fit your buddy to the gym in it. It’s big and beautiful. The muted, minimal colourway matches all of your gym clothes perfectly. It can also be used as a backpack, if you aren’t convinced. This is a great reason to follow the Nike embroidered tick and do it. Lovell-rugby.co.uk sportsdirect.com and tradeinn.com

CHROME INDUSTRIES

Pros: Ideal for post-workout gym-goers, with waterproof internal pockets

Cons: Only one color available

Chrome Industries’ tardis-like day bags are designed with functionality in mind. They offer the ultimate versatility for gym goers. The PU-coated shell has waterproof properties and adjustable straps to adjust the fit or to attach awkward accessories such as yoga mats. It can be used at work as well as in the gym with its padded notebook, notebook, and stationery sleeves. At chromeindustries.com

CASTORE

Pros: Affordable 2 internal compartments with an internal laptop bag. If it’s good for Andy Murray, it should be good for us.

Cons: Not as spacious as alternatives

Castore’s winged logo rivals the most prominent sports brands around the globe, whether it’s on Andy Murray’s cap or Premier League football kits. This super-functional backpack features the logo twice, one at the back and one on the padded strap. It has two main compartments, an internal laptop sleeve and an inner laptop bag. This backpack will get you to the gym and back, and it will also take you straight to work. Castore.com

BURBERRY

Pros: Burberry Vintage Check Patterned Main Compartment with Large, Barrel-Formed Design

Cons: No internal pockets for luxury price tag

This bag is made from calfskin and has a Burberry vintage Nova check. The compact barrel makes it ideal for carrying keys, towels, bottles, and phones. It also clips onto a crossbody strap that can be removed for easy access. At ssense.com & burberry.com

NIKE

Pros: 51-litre capacity (yes, that’s right!), Zipped exterior pockets, Ventilated design

Cons: Be careful when packing, as excess volume in exterior pockets can cause bulky bags.

Nike is a trusted brand for your workout gear. The Utility Power duffel bag can help you achieve your goals. The combined 51-litre storage capacity gives you plenty of room for your shorts, tops, trainers, towels, and more. There are ample exterior pockets with zippers to keep everything organized. You won’t feel a musty pong after unpacking, unless your day has been particularly strenuous. Big tick. At nike.com

BENNETT WIND

Pros: The sleek leather construction is great for transitioning from sweaty gym classes to sharp office settings.

Cons: More suitable for traveling than going to the gym.

Bennett Winch may sell holdalls that are more suitable for daily use, but the weekender bag by Bennett Winch is an excellent choice for gym-goers due to its ample storage and separate shoe compartment. This allows you to swap out your Metcons for monk straps so you can return to work after a morning session. A separate, quick-access zip pocket on the opposite side allows you to keep sweat-soaked activewear separate from your work uniform. It can also be used as a long-term weekend bag or travel bag if you aren’t in training. At bennettwinch.com

LOS ANGELES APPAREL

Pros: Dual zip fastening, Head-turning design

Cons: Minimalists, avert your gaze, no internal pockets

Los Angeles Apparel uses a fish motif to create this fun gym garb vessel. Is this a nautical gimmick. Hardly. Two zips at the top and at the mouth allow you to wear activewear, grooming kits, and laundry. At losangelesapparel.eu

UNDER ARMOUR

Pros: Able to withstand scratches. Minimalistic appearance. If it’s good enough to be used by The Rock…

Cons: Bulky silhouette

We’ll assume that it is good enough to meet Dwayne Johnson’s fitness goals. This duffel-backpack combination is part of Under Armour’s Project Rock line. It features an abrasion-resistant nylon bottom panel, and UA Storm technology to withstand the elements. It’s not just a rugged exterior, but it has plenty of organization inside. At underarmour.co.uk & very.co.uk

PUMA

Pros: Compact silhouette, great for highly-organised people

Cons: Some packing planning is required

This handy Puma gym bag has a 20-litre storage capacity. You’ll need to pack it more than once. This bag is great for keeping your essentials organized. It also has neat organizational solutions that will help you nourish the little guy beneath the muscle. Puma.com and. tradeinn.com

BUILT FOR ATHLETES

Pros: This bag is built for athletes and has a 45-litre capacity

Cons: Too many compartments on the outside.

These bulky backpacks can be used for any purpose. Built For Athletes’ 45L backpack is so practical, you can fill it with sand to make it a useful piece of equipment for your workout. The bag has two bottle holders, two trainers and enough space to carry clothes, food prep supplies, towels, meal prep accessories, and a laptop. If you are serious about achieving your fitness goals, there is no better bag. At builtforathletes.com

GYMSHARK

Pros: A simple, compact silhouette that is ideal for minimalistic gym-goers

Cons: Very limited internal space

The Gymshark LC Bag is a gym bag that’s designed to carry the accessories you need for your workout, rather than the equipment. It’s ideal for lifting straps, resistance bands, and other items. The bag even features a side panel that can hold your smartphone and allows you to track reps. Gymshark.com

SAINT LAURENT

Pros: This is a luxe, fashion-forward take on the sporty essential. A bold, embroidered logo front & centre

Cons: Not specifically designed for gym use.

This Saint Laurent duffle, made from durable corduroy and with the brand name embossed front and center, has a sporty, elegant look. This is a big gym flex and the perfect choice for weekend getaways. At mrporter.com

HOLYLUCK

Pros: A high-quality, well-designed gym kit. It’s good, it’s on display

Cons: Cinch fastening is less secure. Better to pack it neatly

If you hide your best gym gear and activewear in an opaque polyester bag, what’s the point? Crash Baggage and Off-White have advocated showing the grails in your bag. This designer drawstring bag from Holyluck is a less expensive version of that same concept. Make sure to pack squeaky clean Nike Metcon’s, and not novelty underwear. Amazon.co.uk