Best Women's Gym Bags UK

The best women's gym bags for commuting and training: backpacks, totes and holdalls with shoe compartments, wet pockets and laptop sleeves.

The best gym bag depends on your routine. If you go straight from work, you need a laptop sleeve and a separate shoe pocket. If you drive to the gym, a roomy holdall works. If you travel light, a tote or compact backpack is enough.

Quick picks

BagStyleBest for
Built for Athletes Hero 2.0Backpack (25 L or 45 L)Commuting and heavy kit
Under Armour Project Rock Gym BagHoldallLots of kit and a yoga mat
adidas All Me ToteToteLight, stylish gym trips

The best women’s gym bags

Best backpackResearched

Built for Athletes Hero 2.0

Price: Check current price.

  • StyleBackpack
  • Capacity25 L or 45 L
  • MaterialWaterproof
  • ExtrasSternum and waist straps, 2 bottle holders, load up to 15 kg

A tough, waterproof backpack from a UK brand, with lots of compartments. The 25 L size suits daily gym and work trips; the 45 L size suits travel.

Pros

  • Rip-resistant, waterproof materials
  • Two sizes
  • Comfortable harness

Cons

  • Bulky
  • Expensive

Check price on Amazon

Best holdallResearched

Under Armour Project Rock Gym Bag

Price: Check current price.

  • StyleHoldall
  • Sizeabout 53 x 39 x 24 cm
  • ExtrasExternal straps for a mat or foam roller, mesh side pockets

A big, sturdy holdall with external straps for a yoga mat or foam roller. It’s ideal if you drive to the gym and carry a lot of kit.

Pros

  • Holds a lot
  • Light but sturdy
  • Mat straps

Cons

  • Fewer pockets than some rivals
  • Too big for some commutes

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Best toteResearched

adidas All Me Tote

Price: Check current price.

  • StyleTote
  • Sizeabout 33 x 15 x 39 cm
  • ExtrasLong top zip, deep interior pockets

A compact, stylish tote for quick gym sessions when you don’t need much more than clothes, a bottle and your keys.

Pros

  • Compact and stylish
  • Top zip

Cons

  • Limited storage
  • Few pockets
  • No shoe compartment

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What to look for

  • Shoe compartment to keep trainers away from clean clothes
  • Wet pocket for swimwear and sweaty kit
  • Laptop sleeve if you go straight from work
  • Water-resistant base for changing-room floors
  • Comfortable straps, as a full bag can be heavy

See our gym bag buying guide for sizes and styles.

Frequently asked questions

What size gym bag should a woman get?

Around 20 to 30 litres suits most gym trips. Go bigger if you carry a laptop, swim kit or a yoga mat.

Backpack or holdall for the gym?

Backpacks are better for walking, cycling and public transport. Holdalls are easier to pack if you drive.