11 best gym bags for 2026 to take you from the office to pilates

Essential Padded Tote Bag

Material: 100% recycled polyester certified by the Global Recycle Standard.
Size: L42 x H34 x W12cm.
Laptop sleeve: Yes.

If you like your bags to have plenty of compartments and organisational space, you're sure to enjoy this padded tote bag from TALA as much as us. It gets instant extra points for being made from 100% recycled polyester that's certified by the Global Recycle Standard, and further gold stars for its well-thought-out interior that features an allotted space for your water bottle and laptop (perfect for days when you don't want to use your laptop backpack). There are also three internal pockets to keep smaller items secure. We found the back zip pocket incredibly handy too, especially when hopping on and off public transport and needing our wallet close to hand.

The Nimbus Roam Tote Bag

Material: Recycled nylon.
Size: H37.5 x 42 x 13cm.
Laptop sleeve: No.

The Nimbus Roam tote bag from Sweaty Betty is well priced, well designed and seriously elevates a gym outfit. It's made from recycled polyester, which is not only a sustainable option but water resistant too. An external zip pocket and internal zip pockets also help to keep your valuables secure, plus you can carry it two ways: by the top handles or across the body with the longer strap. Our only grumble is that there isn't a laptop sleeve, which would be a bonus for days we want to head from the office to the gym.

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3-in-1 Gym Duffle Bag

Material: Polyester and nylon.
Size: 18.5" x 10.6" x 7.7".
Laptop sleeve: No.

A roundup of the best gym bags wouldn't be complete without one from the mother of all fitness brands: lululemon. We love the versatility of this 30L duffle bag that can be carried by the short top handles or across the body. There are tons of other helpful touches too, such as a separate drawstring pouch for storing sweaty clothes, exterior pockets that fit up to a men's size 14 shoe, and a side pocket for a water bottle up to 750ml. Interior pockets are also handy for smaller essentials such as your keys and lip balm.

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Pioneer Backpack 3.0

Material: FortiWeave fabric, spun from recycled plastic bottles.
Size: 19.3"/49cm.
Laptop sleeve: Yes, up to 17".

There's so much to say about this backpack that it's hard to know where to start. While the design is understated, this is a seriously luxe option that's both sustainable and super functional. Let's start with the FortiWeave fabric that's spun from recycled plastic bottles and is waterproof. Not only will this keep your contents safe and dry, but it's kind to the environment too. (Even the faux leather trims are vegan). Then there's the clamshell design that allows you to see everything in your bag easily without any of that frustrating rummaging that can come with using a larger bag. There's also a dedicated shoe compartment with a waterproof lining, and a lockable main compartment for smaller valuables. If you appreciate clever and considerate design, this is one investment you won't regret.

Pera Nylon Tote Bag

Material: 90% polyamide, 10% acrylic, cow leather trims.
Size: Size 41" x 43" x 20"
Laptop sleeve: No.

There's something so chic about an oversized tote, and the generous size of this Pera tote from Tigers of Sweden is one of the many reasons we love it. Understated and minimal, it has a discreet logo on the front and a drawstring closure at the opening, which is ideal for scooping up a gym kit. Saffiano leather trims add to its quiet luxury. We'd have liked another pocket inside to keep our essentials organised, as it is very capacious, but this hasn't stopped us from carrying it everywhere.

Hana Medium Tote Bag

Material: Faux suede.
Size: 43cm x 25cm x 13.5cm.
Laptop sleeve: No.

Love the look of Demellier's New York Tote, but think it might be a tad extravagant for carrying your pilates leggings to and from the studio? JW PEI's Hana features the same elegant style that also has enough space for your sports kit and laptop – making it one of the best work bags we've seen. Even better news: those shoulder straps are suitable, comfortable and have minimal slip. Plus, it's available in 18 (!) colours.

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Aerless Weekender

Material: Recycled, waterproof material.
Size: 54 x 28 x 30cm.
Laptop sleeve: No.

If you travel frequently and like to take your gym kit with you, but can't always find the space in your carry-on, the Aerless Weekender is your saviour. This cleverly designed bag has a 360° flat opening so you can fold your belongings neatly inside the compartmentalised interior before folding it back up into its original carryall shape. It can also be used with a vacuum kit for total space maximisation, but it's not necessary for a few days away. There's also a dedicated shoe bag and space for a hanging jacket. It's basically a Mary Poppins bag remixed for 2026.

Portobello Tote

Material: Durable, water-resistant cotton twill.
Size: 48cm x 10cm x 40cm.
Laptop sleeve: Yes.

We weren't expecting to love this tote from Roka London quite as much as we did. While understated, it really is beautifully designed and, in short, perfect. First of all,l the cotton-twill fabric it's made from feels really good quality, and would it please you to know that it's also waterproof? Cheap and flimsy, this is not. It also has a padded pocket for a 15" laptop, two internal pockets, and an internal water bottle. Outside, there's another front zipped compartment which is the perfect size for your keys and phone. Finally, it zips across the top and goes with practically everything. See, we told you it was perfect.

BLOXX Backpack

Material: Waterproof, durable tarp.
Size: 55 x 20 x 30cm.
Laptop sleeve: Yes, padded and waterproof.

Do you cycle to the gym or commute across town every day? You'll need a backpack that's up to the task. This 35-litre bag is so cleverly designed that the brand has literally thought of everything, with room for your work essentials, gym kit, trainers and anything else you might need. First off, the brand logo on the outside of the bag is reflective, which is helpful if you walk home or cycle in the dark. Secondly, the main part of the bag is made from waterproof tarp, including the padded back compartment that's designed for laptops and tablets. It can also be carried by the side trap handle, upper haul loop handle, or EVA-padded S-shaped shoulder straps with a sternum strap adjuster. The interior is also an A-type-personality dream with separated zipped compartments for keeping damp kit away from other essentials, and smaller items in order. There are stretchy bottle pockets on the outside, too, so you can keep your water close by at all times.

Kensington Tote

Material: Genuine cowhide suede.
Size: Not available.
Laptop sleeve: No.

If you have a job or profession where you need to look pulled together and professional, but also need your office bag to hold your Pilates kit, consider this option from London-based brand Mi Bolsa. While it's not a workout bag in the traditional sense, it has a soft, unstructured shape that can easily fit in a pair of trainers and a Lycra two-piece. (We took ours along to a reformer pilates class after a morning of work and can verify it works beautifully in this scenario). Another major plus is that it works for so many other occasions too - its beauty really is in its versatility. The only downside is that it's made from suede, so it isn't waterproof, and you'll need to pop your laptop in a protective case to keep it secure.

Paramount Backpack

Material: 420D nylon.
Size: 30 x 24 x 53 cm.
Laptop sleeve: Yes.

Swedish outdoor brand Thule makes equipment and accessories for people who really enjoy being on the move. Its Paramount backpack is one such example, designed for busy people who want to be equipped for every eventuality. This backpack comes in two sizes, 18 and 27L, and has tons of clever features including water-repellant fabric, a roll-top closure (to keep the contents of your bag dry if you get caught in a shower), a dedicated pocket that allows you to access your phone on the go, and side panels that unzip to give you 50% more space should you need it. The floating laptop sleeve is also positioned to sit perfectly in place on your back while riding a bike. It has really thought of everything.