Going to the gym is hard enough, and being ill prepared only makes it that much harder. There’s nothing worse than booking an overpriced gym class to arrive and find that you forgot your sneakers or sports bra. Scratch that, maybe the worst thing is finally getting the motivation to go to the gym and work out yourself, without the aide of some overly peppy fitness model to motivate you, only to realize you forgot your water bottle and headphones. It’s like, do I go home and get my stuff? No, because then I know I’ll sit on the couch and fall into a Netflix blackhole. But how do you push yourself through a workout with no water or music?? It’s an impossible dilemma, and one that should be avoided at all costs. So to help prevent you from forgetting your sh*t and thus either missing your workout, half-assing it, or being forced to buy one of your boutique fitness studio’s overpriced sports bras, we’ve rounded up the most functional but not bulky gym bags to keep you organized. You can thank us later.
1. Caraa Cirrus Backpack
As the only backpack on our list, this Caraa bag can fit way more than meets the eye. The waterproof backpack itself is lightweight AF, which is great considering you’re going to be attempting to stuff as much as possible in it. With a ton of interior and exterior pockets, including built-in phone and battery pockets for our constantly dying devices, there’s a place for every sweaty unmentionable you’d need for the gym. The best part is that the inside is red, providing a contrast to your all black items, allowing you to actually find your stuff while digging through your bag.
2. ADIDAS Studio III
If it has Adidas’ stamp of approval, it already has ours. But this duffel bag’s shape is why it made it onto our list. The wide opening at the top makes it easy to stuff your spin shoes alongside your gym clothes. Various smaller pockets within the main compartment help to keep your items organized and easily accessible. The ventilated exterior pockets are the perfect place for your clothes post gym class in case you’re heading out to drinks afterwards.
3. Sol and Selene Women’s Dream Big Tote Gym
If you’re looking to add a bit of color (yes, I consider gray a color) against your all-black workout wardrobe, this bag will be your go-to. With a cross body strap in addition to a handle, you’ll be able to pack this bag to the fullest without feeling like it’s tugging on your back.
4. MZ Wallace Large Sutton Bag
With six interior pockets and three detachable pouches, this camo bag can stretch to fit your sneakers, workout clothes, water bottle, and whatever else you could need to increase your chances of actually making it to the gym. It’s foldable, rollable, packable, and crushable—making it the ideal bag to schlep around all day long. Plus, the pattern is far from your basic gym bag without screaming redneck.
5. Go! Sac The Sport Tote Bag
Yoga lovers, rejoice! This bag has one of the least intrusive yoga mat holders we’ve yet to see. No longer will you be unintentionally jousting with passersby on the street. Your yoga mat will be tucked beneath the bag in a secure pocket so it won’t fall out while you walk.
Images: Carl Raw / Unsplash
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