You may work hard in the gym, but dare we say your gym bag works even harder? If you’re lugging it around to and from the office, it needs to have enough pockets and compartments to fit multiple sets of clothes, gear, your laptop and other essentials—plus, have the ability to mask any unfortunate odors. And, ideally, you want it to be sophisticated enough that you don’t mind hauling it around all day. To find such a workhouse, we consulted the pros who literally exercise like it’s their job (because it is). These are the ones they consider the strongest, most stylish options.
Designed as a travel carryall, with a 7-by-5-inch pouch for gadgets and a 13-by-15-inch one for laundry, this duffel doubles as a gym bag for Megan Roup, a Los Angeles-based former professional dancer and creator of The Sculpt Society. It’s made of durable neoprene, which means “it’s really practical for all seasons and easy to clean,” says Roup. And yet the minimalist design is also “elevated enough to wear if you’re running errands after the gym.” No wonder she’s snagged a version in both Storm, a rich blue, and Onyx. Lady Pu Tote Bag
This pick passes the literal smell test for fitness icon Tony Horton, founder of the supplement line Power Life. The 22-inch duffel has a roomy interior and four zippered exterior pockets, making it a top choice especially “when I’m traveling and need to carry around all my gear,” Horton says. But his favorite feature is the ventilation built into the bag’s polyester fabric, which ensures “sweaty clothes and shoes get properly aired out.”
Horton shoulders this bag whenever he hits the trail or takes his workout outdoors. Tough Cordura nylon fabric makes it durable and water-resistant, he says, and at nearly 20 inches tall there’s “ample space to hold water and protein shake bottles” in two zippered side pockets. Another fan of the bag is Jeff Morin, founder of the at-home boxing workout Liteboxer, who appreciates its versatility-forward features: zippered laptop compartment; front zip organization panel for chargers, headphones and other gadgets; and the myriad options to lug it all. “It has one top and two front grab handles,” he explains, “for a few different ways to carry it.”
The phone, keys, wallet, AirPods type might appreciate Morin’s choice for “quick grab and go workouts.” Less than 7 inches long, the compact polyester and PVC satchel still has space for a dedicated wet pocket and, Morin points out, includes “a clear side panel where you can keep your phone during workouts to use tracking apps without getting too distracted.”
At first glance, the Italian leather detailing and gold hardware don’t exactly scream “I’m carrying around my sweaty clothes,” which is precisely what Amanda Freeman appreciates about this bag that can be carried as a satchel, backpack or crossbody. The founder of cult celeb favorite SLT—a mix of strength training, cardio and Pilates—has “been obsessed with this bag since it launched several years ago,” she admits, “because it looks just as chic as a high-end handbag, but has the practicality of compartments, materials and functionality that are perfect for toting gym clothes around.” Other standout features: an interior made of antimicrobial nylon and waterproof bags for your shoes and dirty duds.
With a business and kids to tend to, Freeman often has her hands full both figuratively and literally, which is why she carries a backpack when walking around New York City. Her pick, from a female-founded bag brand, checks a lot of boxes. With padded straps made of stretchy, premium neoprene, “it’s cute and comfortable,” she says. And at 17.5 inches tall with a laptop pocket, tablet sleeve, shoe bag and dust bag, it’s also “the perfect in-between size.”
Rachel Katzman, New York City-based founder of the low-impact, functional-training method P.volve, is “obsessed with everything” from the travel-focused brand Beis, including this pretty little piece. Equal parts fashionable and practical—with five interior pockets, plus straps to wear it crossbody or as a backpack—“it’s so comfortable to carry and fits all the essentials,” says Katzman. “And who doesn’t love a good neutral beige moment?”
Products from outdoor-clothing stalwart Patagonia come with a lifetime warranty, but it doesn’t seem necessary to Peloton instructor Rebecca Kennedy, whose Patagonia backpack “has lasted for years,” she shares. And the durability of the recycled polyester ripstop is just one plus. “I love that this pack is waterproof and has two bottle holders, convenient small pouches and a large inside compartment,” Kennedy adds, “plus a laptop and notebook sleeve.”
Should her schedule include an aprés workout brunch or other meetup, Kennedy reaches for this sophisticated tote. A sleek design in vegan leather (also available in premium nylon twill), it has “a very chic athleisure look,” she says. Along with the standard laptop and zippered pocket, it comes with a snap on-and-off kit to hold toiletries and other essentials.
If you’re an everything-in-its-place type, consider this favorite of Cassie Costa, a Boston-based, NASM certified personal trainer and C4 Energy brand ambassador. The “hidden gem” boasts separate zippered sections for wet and dry clothes and an individual shoe compartment, which immediately hooked Costa. “I love the amount of storage for items such as your clean clothes, gym gear, a snack, water bottle, supplements, sneakers and more,” she says. “There’s a pocket for all of it.”
The “ultra-sleek and modern” design is what initially drew Jason Wersland, Los Angeles-based co-founder and chief wellness officer of Therabody, to this sturdy bag—but its biggest selling point, he says, is the ability to truly pack it all in. With seven internal pockets plus a laptop sleeve, it’s designed to secure office items like a laptop and headphones as well as gym clothes, a water bottle and workout gear. For travel, the expander compartment is key, Wersland notes. Unzipping it adds an extra six liters of space, he says, “so I can stuff it with even more items.”
With a strap to secure your yoga mat and six exterior pockets (including a structured one to hold sunglasses without their bulky case), this poly-blend bag was designed to get you through the day, no matter how jam packed it is. A water bottle can slip in on either side, and “the multitude of pockets makes it easy for me to ensure I have everything I need before traveling or just heading to a workout,” says Dave Long, Boca Raton, FL-based cofounder and CEO of Orangetheory Fitness. Depending on the agenda, he uses his to get him through a quick trip or to tote pre-workout protein bars and hydrating tablets with all his gear. Even with all the pockets, the water-resistant bag still has a sleek, streamlined look, which makes it appropriate for practically any setting. Says Long, “It’s become my go-to when I’m on the move.”
Whether you’re on the hunt for an everyday bottle or a gym hydration companion, these durable and stylish options are worth investing in
Find the pair that suits your exercise style.
Canvas Tote Bag Set up an inspiring workout space with this expert-approved gear, from cardio machines to kettlebells