9 Best Gym Bags for Women in 2024

The world of fitness is dynamic and constantly evolving, and contemporary women are more active than ever – working, running errands, and of course, going to the gym.

With an array of options flooding the market, choosing the best gym bags can be exhausting, but the truth is, you need one because there is quite a bit of stuff you need to take with you when you leave the house, especially if you’re going to the gym.

This article has 9 gym bags that are absolutely fantastic, and there’s something for everyone – there are totes, duffels, backpacks… We have it all. 

Let’s go ahead and check out these cool gym bags!

Our team, which consists of professional athletes and certified experts, has tested over 20 gym bags, and only 9 best ones made it to this list. They reviewed the bags on six key factors (durability, material quality, versatility, capacity, comfort in use, and price/quality) and have spent over 200 hours testing most of them.

In addition, they have gone through hundreds of online reviews and carefully analyzed them. This list is regularly updated, so feel free to share your experiences in the comment section!

Top 9 Best Gym Bags for Women Reviewed

1. ROGUE Gym Bag – Top pick
2. 2POOD Performance Backpack 2.0 – Runner up
3. GYMREAPERS Gravestone Duffle – Premium duffle bag
4. ROGUE Tote Bag – Best tote bag
5. UA Hustle 5.0 Backpack – Best gym backpack
6. ROGUE Kit Bag – Small gym bag
7. UA Undeniable 5.0 Medium Duffle Bag – Fashionable gym bag
8. WISEPACK Gym Bag – Best budget
9. TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack – Best drawstring gym sack

Product	Total	Durability	Material quality	Versatility	Capacity	Comfort in use	Price / Quality
ROGUE	58.5	10	10	9	9.5	10	10
2POOD	58	9	9	10	10	10	10
GymReapers	57.5	10	10	9.5	10	9	9
ROGUE Tote	56.5	10	10	9.5	9	8.5	9.5
UA Hustle	56	9.5	10	9.5	9	9	9
ROGUE Kit	55	10	10	8.5	9	9.5	8.5
UA Undeniable	54	8.5	8.5	9	9.5	9.5	9
WISEPACK	53.5	8.5	8	9.5	9.5	9.5	8.5
TYR	53	9	8.5	9	9	8.5	9

If you’re familiar with Rogue, you know their equipment is top-notch, so it’s no wonder their gym bag is our top pick. 

It’s made in the USA, which is a huge plus, and for a very good reason – you’re supporting jobs in the USA by buying it, and it’s safe to assume that it’s better quality than something cheaper made overseas. 

This bag is a modern twist on the timeless all-purpose carryall. It’s perfect for the gym because it’s compact, but still spacious enough that you can fit everything you need comfortably inside.

Now, if you want to travel with it, it may not be the best choice. Sure, it’s lightweight, easy to just grab and go and it’s not bulky, but it’s just not big enough to travel with, unless you take barely anything with you ( and how many women actually do?).

On the bright side, it’s going to last you forever if you use it as a gym bag because it’s made of 1000D Cordura nylon, which is famous for its durability and resistance to abrasions, fading, and mildew. You can carry heavy equipment in it and you don’t need to treat it too carefully because it can take anything you throw at it. 

It has one big main compartment, external pockets for quick access, and an internal zippered compartment that’s ideal for your valuables, such as a phone or a wallet. In addition, there are two nylon handles and a removable shoulder strap. 

The bag also features metal D rings, and all the straps and handles are reinforced. If you want something even more durable than this, you can go for the Ripstop version that has Cordura fabric both on the outside and on the inside. 

This stylish and functional gym backpack for women is suitable to be used as a gym bag, as an everyday bag you take with you to run errands, or as a carry-on. It’s a very cost-effective option because its uses go way beyond just the gym.

The first thing you’ll notice is the large loop. It’s made to fit your belt comfortably and makes sure everything you need is always within reach. If you have any patches you like, you can personalize the bag, because the exterior has a Velcro section that you just stick the patches to. 

The front has a padded pocket for your valuables that fits your phone, wallet, or keys very well. There’s also a laptop sleeve, which is especially useful if you travel with it. 

This women’s gym backpack has a spacious vented shoe compartment, and this is a big thing because these compartments keep your shoes separate from the rest of the bag’s contents, so no dirt or odor spreads from the shoes. At the same time, you don’t need to worry about your shoes because the compartment is breathable, so they’ll be able to dry if they’re wet and won’t get smelly. 

The YKK zippers are a great addition because they’re durable, but the bag itself isn’t the most robust thing in the world. Sure, the zippers can take a lot, but the material the bag is made of is a little bit flimsy and thin and feels like it could tear easily, so don’t be too rough with it. 

It comes at a higher price, but Gymreapers’ Gravestone Duffle is made specifically with athletes’ needs in mind and is far more than just something you throw your stuff into. 

The bag is made of high-quality polyester and very durable. This is not one of the bags you need to be too careful with, because the stitches are neat and reinforced, while the material itself is robust. There’s no way this is going to fray or tear easily, even if you use it every day. 

It’s water resistant thanks to its PU coating, so everything you put inside is safe even if you’re caught in a downpour – nothing gets through this coating. The bag also features YKK zippers, which are always nice to see because they’re high-quality and long-lasting.

People often overlook the importance of zippers, but if they fall apart, your bag is hardly usable, and exchanging them is an added expense. Besides, the quality of the zippers is never the same once they get replaced. 

You can carry this bag cross-body or as a classic duffle, but if you decide to do the cross-body option, it may be a bit uncomfortable, because it feels slightly bulky that way.

Inside, the bag has a shoe compartment and a spacious main compartment, while on the outside it has a pocket that serves as a bottle holder. 

If functionality and durability are your priorities (and you don’t mind paying a bit more), this is the bag to go for!

Everybody loves a good tote, and you can’t get more basic and simpler than that. Rogue’s tote is functional, durable, and decently versatile. It’s not something you want to travel with, but it will serve its purpose as a gym bag or something you take with you for running errands and carrying groceries. 

The 1000D Cordura fabric the bag is made of holds up great in the wash and it dries super fast. It won’t easily show frays or tears because it’s durable and you can wear it every day if you want to — it’s not going to get damaged.

However, it’s not the most comfortable bag due to its nylon straps that tend to dig into the skin. It’s fine if you don’t wear it for too long; otherwise, it’s going to be uncomfortable regardless whether you’re wearing it on the shoulder or carrying it in the hand.

The bottom of the bag and the two exterior pockets are reinforced with the same vinyl material Rogue uses for their medicine balls, so that’s a great feature because it adds to overall durability. The bottom won’t scuff as easily as it does on most totes, and you can load up the bag as much as you want to. Or, rather, as much as it can fit. 

On the inside, you’ll find a zippered pocket and a Velcro mesh pocket. You also have a gun-hook style for your keys, which is very useful, because can you imagine digging through a filled tote and trying to find your keys? What a nightmare. 

The bag is available in two colors, which is a little disappointing, but hey, black goes with everything, and olive is a good neutral color. Overall, it’s a decent bag and the best gym tote you can find, but it’s not as comfortable as some of the other bags on the list.

This is a water-resistant backpack that you can use for all sorts of things – school, travel, gym, or running errands. It’s versatile and the material it’s made of is tough, so it should last you for quite a while.

The backpack is made with UA’s Storm technology, so it’s going to protect your belongings no matter the weather you’re caught in. The bottom is really tough and resistant to abrasions, and the Molle webbing on the shoulder straps adds extra attachment points.

The zippers, however, are not of the best quality and occasionally get stuck in the fabric. They seem like they will fall apart easily, so it would be great if UA upgraded them to be as durable as the rest of the backpack. 

The back panel is padded and has breathable mesh, and you also have the soft-lined laptop sleeve that can fit a 15’’ MacBook Pro. The front valuables pocket is water-resistant, so you can keep your phone there, and the shoe compartment is nice and spacious. Unfortunately, once you add the shoes there, the backpack can no longer stay upright if you rest it. 

This is a small gym bag for women. It’s not the most versatile option on the list, bu it’s sure to find lots of people who are going to like it because of how compact it is. Not everyone wants to carry a bulky duffle bag, so if you’re one of those people who wants a bag that can fit only the essentials, this is what you want. 

This isn’t a bag that expands a lot and that can carry a lot of stuff, but it will serve its purpose as a gym bag. It was made in collaboration with Matt Chan to meet the everyday needs of high-performance athletes. 

The fabric it’s made of is good quality and the bag has a flexible polypropylene interior panel. The two exterior zipper pockets are ventilated, so they’re perfect for storing and airing out knee sleeves or anything else that needs to dry after your training session. Inside, there’s one main compartment that opens on either end and it has a mesh zipper pocket and a closed Cordura pocket.

There’s also a 2’’ wide strip of loop Velcro on top of the Cordura pocket that can serve as an attachment point for wrist straps. The handle is made well, and it has powder-coated D-rings.

Rogue’s Sewing Department tests each bag extensively, so you don’t have to worry about receiving a flawed product. In all honesty, though, this bag is expensive when you consider its size.  

When you think of a duffle bag, you probably think of something not too aesthetically pleasing, because duffles are made to be functional, not pretty. But this one looks really fashionable considering its type and comes in a lot of different colors.

UA’s Undeniable duffle is supposedly made of incredibly durable materials, but the truth is, it’s made of mediocre polyester that will rip if you use this for travel or if you pack it too heavily. The material is just flimsy and not the best quality, so even though the bag is spacious and has a lot of potential, the material is definitely an issue.

You should be fine if you use this primarily as a gym bag and don’t carry anything too heavy in it. Other than the material, this is a decent duffle. It’s water-resistant, has a shoe compartment and a spacious main compartment. It would be great to see a D-ring inside so you can attach your keys to it, because finding keys in a duffle bag can be a real pain.

The front zippered pocket is nice and big, and the Molle webbing attachment points are also a nice addition. You also get a removable shoulder strap, and the top handle is padded, so it’s comfortable to carry. 

All things considered, this is a decent bag, although not as versatile as it could be due to the mediocre material, but the price is pretty affordable for a duffle and it's one of the most fashionable gym bags out there.

This is a very affordable ladies’ gym bag that’s ideal for travel or the gym… Or it would be ideal if it was more durable. It’s really unfortunate to see a bag that has so much potential to be this prone to tearing. If you’re gentle with it, you may get a year of use out of it, but that’s only if you don’t use it for travel. If you travel with it and let airport staff handle it, it will most likely fall apart. 

This is practically a feather-light bag. It weighs only 1.32 lbs, so you barely notice it unless you pack it to the full. Its standout feature is definitely the integrated trolley cover that slides over rolling luggage handles, which is very convenient to have when you’re at the airport. 

The material it’s made of is waterproof and you can separate dry and wet items in it. Think about damp clothing and towels after an intense workout – it’s great to be able to separate them completely from everything else. There’s also a shoe compartment, and although it’s pretty small, it’s still nice to have it. 

The bag has a multitude of pockets, so it’s easy to keep your things neat and organized. If it were more durable, it would be almost perfect. 

Our list of gym bags for women wouldn’t be complete without TYR’s Big Mesh Mummy Backpack. This is a great backpack to take with you to the gym, and it’s especially good if you do any water-based sports. This is an updated version of the original backpack that now has 20% more storage space. It’s decently durable, although the material it’s made of is pretty thin.

This backpack is the most lightweight option on the entire list and weighs only 6.6 ounces. It won’t get heavy even if you pack it fully. It has a spacious main compartment and a smaller zippered compartment to make organization easier. 

Its mesh venting system promotes faster drying times and ensures optimal drainage. This is why this backpack is so good for water sports, because you can put damp towels and clothes in it and they will not only dry but also drain if they’re wet. Unfortunately, if you put anything smelly inside, the material will retain that odor. 

With the backpack, you also get over-the-shoulder straps that are relatively comfortable to wear and can be adjusted. It also has a secure barrel-lock closure for quick access to your things. The side zipper pocket is a nice addition, and there’s also a water bottle pocket. However, the latter is sadly not of the best quality, and your water bottle will probably fall out of it more times than you can count, but you can just keep your water bottle inside. 

3 Types of Women’s Gym Bags to Choose From

Finding a perfect bag can be difficult, and finding the right gym bag even more so, because you want it to look nice but it also needs to be functional – it should allow you to organize your things well, it needs to protect everything that’s inside from damage, and you probably want it to feel comfortable. 

It all starts with deciding on which type of bag you want, and then you can go from there to see what features it has, what brands you like, etc. Let’s go over the main types of workout bags for women and their characteristics. 

1. Gym Backpacks

Gym backpacks are very versatile and practical. They usually have multiple compartments, like water bottle pockets, a shoe compartment, a laptop sleeve, and pockets for smaller essentials.

The straps on them are often padded and adjustable, and their design is ergonomic and distributes the weight evenly. They’re comfortable to carry, even for prolonged periods of time. 

They’re excellent for people who want to be hands-free but have all their essentials close to them. 

2. Gym Duffle Bags

Duffles are known for being spacious and having a cylindrical shape. They usually have one big main compartment and a few exterior and interior pockets. They have durable straps and a shoulder strap, so you have more than one carrying option.

Duffle bags have a lot of space that can fit workout accessories, shoes, clothes, towels, etc. Their design is straightforward and allows for easy access to everything inside.

3. Tote Bags

Totes blend fashion with functionality and often have a wide opening to make it easy to access and store gym items. They’re not as compartmentalized as backpacks, but some of them have internal pockets or separators for organization. They typically have sturdy handles and are very versatile. 

They’re ideal for people who want a functional gym bag that doubles as a fashion accessory. 

TYPE	FEATURES	ADVANTAGES
Gym Backpacks	Multiple compartments for organization, padded straps, adjustable fit	Hands-free carrying, easy organization, balanced weight distribution
Gym Duffle Bags	Spacious cylindrical shape with a large central compartment. Some pockets, durable handles, and a shoulder strap	A lot of space for accessories, clothes, shoes, towels. Easy access, ideal for a single large storage area
Tote Bags	Wide opening, potential internal pockets, or separators for organization. Sturdy handles	Stylish and versatile, transitions easily from gym to daily activities

10 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Gym Bag for Women

Your ideal gym bag won’t just complement your taste — it will also accommodate the demands of various workouts and activities. Before you make a choice, consider these characteristics when trying to find the best women's gym bag:

1. Kind of Sports You Do

Think about the sports and workouts you want to do and what accessories and clothes you need for them. Make sure the bag that you decide to use has the space suitable for everything relevant to your workouts. 

2. Capacity and Storage

Check the bag’s size and capacity, because it should have enough space to fit everything you need without being bulky. You want a balance between spaciousness and portability. 

3. Compartment Availability

A bag that has multiple compartments or specialized pockets will make your life easier because you’ll be able to separate your gym clothes, wet clothes, shoes, or electronics from other belongings and keep everything organized. 

4. Ventilation

This is crucial, especially for storing wet gym clothes and shoes. Mesh panels and breathable materials help with airflow, reduce odor, and prevent moisture buildup. If your bag is not breathable and you put something damp in it and don’t take it out on time, it can even develop mold or mildew. 

5. Water Resistance

If the bag is water-resistant, it will protect what’s inside of it from unexpected spills or rain, so things like electronics and documents will remain safe. 

6. Material Quality

Choose a bag made of high-quality, durable fabrics that can withstand frequent use and potential wear and tear. Keep in mind that some of the equipment you may want to carry can be heavy, so your bag needs to be sturdy to be able to carry everything without getting damaged. Polyester, Cordura nylon, and waterproof materials are your best bet. 

7. Security Features

Lockable zippers and hidden pockets are always good to have because they offer peace of mind, especially if you’re carrying valuables. 

8. Purpose of Use

Think about what you want to use the bag for. You may want it only for gym sessions, or you would like a bag that transitions from an office bag to a gym bag. You can also get a bag that’s good for the gym and for travel. Align the bag’s features with how you intend to use it. 

9. Comfort

Check if the bag has padded straps, adjustable features, ergonomic design, and balanced weight distribution to make carrying it comfortable, especially for extended periods. The bag shouldn’t dig into your skin or cause you any discomfort. 

10. Additional Features

Extra features like water bottle holders and key clips can be very useful and make the bag more convenient. 

FAQ

How to Choose a Women’s Gym Bag?

Make a list of criteria that are important when choosing a women’s gym bag, such as its purpose, size, specialized compartments, material quality, carrying options, water-proof materials, price, etc.

Subsequently, rank the list based on your personal preferences — it will help you in narrowing down a huge list of candidates. Continuing this method until you find the perfect bag will help you  easily find the best bag for your daily needs, goals, and routine.

What Kind of Bag Is Best for the Gym?

Every gym-goer is different. So, it would be imprecise to have one concrete answer to this. First, consider your gym activities and your daily routine. Do you go to the gym straight after work?

Do you shower in the gym, or at home? All these things will determine what type/size of gym bag will suit your needs the best. Prioritize what’s important to you, but if you can’t make a clear decision, try the backpack since it’s very versatile and practical. After using the backpack for a while, you’ll more easily be able to choose different options based on the gathered experience.

If you’re looking to pick the best women’s gym bag, your best shot is to look for a bag that is a neat blend of functionality, personal preferences/habits, and, of course, style (for those cute gym bags). Style is also important!

Conclusion

As we’ve covered in the article, go through all the suggested things that will help you in picking gym bags for girls. These suggestions will help you find the perfect fit for yourself.

On our list of 9 best gym bags for women, the ROGUE Gym Bag scored the best across all scoring categories and earned itself the “Top Pick” title. It’s USA-made, it’s very practical, as well as being reasonably priced considering how much it has to offer.

With that out of the way, we’d really love to make those pieces of content even better by implementing your thoughts and ideas and helping answer any questions you might have! Don't shy away from leaving any comments in the section below! Bagging out!

Also read:

• Best Gym Backpack
• Best Powerlifting Gym Bag
• Best Gym Bag For Functional Fitness
• Best Gym Bag With Shoe Compartment
• Best Gym Bag
• Best Grip Strengthener

References:

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2. “Mold and Mildew,” Oregon State University, https://ehsc.oregonstate.edu/mold-and-mildew (accessed December 14th, 2023).
3. Neethu N, Amisha Kumari, P Alekhya, Shalini Singh, J Sai, "Polyesters - A Review," ResearchGate (2017). 
4. Sibongile Maja, P. Emira, C. Ružica, V. Edita. "High Performance Cordura® Fabrics - Resistance to Abrasion," (2008): 882-887.