The 32 Essential Items That You Should Actually Keep in Your Gym Bag

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Whether you’re a gym rat or just starting a new fitness routine, it’s important to be well-prepared when you enter the building. Because the gym is rarely a place where you just enter and leave (and if you do, teach me your ways). You want to make sure you have the items that make working out, showering, heading off to work, and more, easier and streamlined. The list of must-haves can start adding up, so I’ve put together a roundup of the essentials you actually need in your gym bag.

Starting from the ground up, you want to make sure you have a breathable, water-resistant bag that can fit all your items and feels lightweight. From there, you need the items that can make working out and the entire gym experience more pleasant and tolerable. And finally, having your toiletries, beauty, and skin accessories, and products that can get you ready for work, dinner, or coffee, will also be important. From a backup pair of earbuds to a rechargeable electric toothbrush, from deodorizing body wipes to a pair of flip-flops, these are the items that you’ll be glad you have on hand when you’re working up a sweat.

Because beginners, pros, and everyone in between, can benefit from a little gym bag glow-up. So keep on scrolling below, plus all the lifting, running, squatting, flowing, swimming, and spinning you’re going to do.

Basic Gym Bag Essentials

ETRONIK Gym Bag for WomenThis water-resistant gym bag has over 8,000 5-star Amazon reviews for good reason. It has a separate, vented compartment for your shoes (or for keeping your lunch separated from the rest of the bag), features a waterproof PVC-lined pocket for sweaty clothes, and includes a charging port on the side for connecting a battery. 

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray, 3-PackBeloved by celebs and TikTok, Touchland hand sanitizer sprays are a must for any gym bag. They come in lavender, rainwater, and vanilla scents and actually moisturize your hands as you use them. Plus, they’re easy to throw into a bag for when you need it.

Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running ShoeAvailable in narrow, wide, and regular options, along with half-sizes, Brooks’ shoes have something for everyone (and they’ve been my go-to workout shoe for a decade). They’re cushioned for running at the gym or on the road, and offer a supportive fit for any kind of gym activity.

BALEAF Freeleaf Women’s 7/8 Yoga LeggingsI have a pair of these leggings and they slide on so soft and smooth. They’re compressive, without being tight, and are opaque enough to be squat proof. Plus, they have pockets.

ALVABABY Wet Dry Bags, 2-PackIf your gym bag doesn’t have a separate area for wet and sweaty clothes, you might want to get these wet/dry bags. They’re made of waterproof polyester, feature two zippered pockets, and are easily folded for storage. Best of all, this pack features two so you always have a backup.

Alcala Deodorizing Body Wipes, 30-PackWhen you don’t have time to shower or just need a refresh, these deodorizing body wipes are a solid pick. They’re bamboo, measure 10 x 10 inches, and enriched with aloe, tea tree extract, green tea extract, and more. Plus, they’re durable, good for sensitive skin (according to reviewers), and come in individual packets so you can throw them in your gym bag for later.

Saucony Women’s Multipack Performance Heel Tab Athletic Socks, 8-PackA good pair of socks are invaluable for any kind of workout. And a great choice would be these Saucony athletic socks with over 94,600 5-star Amazon reviews. They’re breathable and feature compression in just the right places so you’ll feel comfy and supported.

Pogo Plastic Water Bottle with Chug Lid and Carry HandleFeaturing a chug lid, this dishwasher-safe plastic water bottle is perfect for getting in your H2O while you work out. It also includes a carry handle for easily carrying around the gym or attaching to your gym bag, and it’s available in 18, 32, and 40-ounce containers.

Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning ConnectorThere’s nothing worse than getting on the treadmill, putting in your wireless ear buds, and finding that they need to be charged. That’s why I always recommend having a backup pair of headphones (like these). They plug into your phone with a Lightning port, include a built-in remote, and don’t need to be charged. And, it doesn’t hurt to have a pair that plug into most exercise equipment like these ones with an aux port.

ZHEGE Combination LockDepending on the locker room situation of your gym, it’s always good to have a small combination lock on hand. This one has a four-digit passcode, is easy to set, and since the lock weighs just 4.6 ounces, it won’t feel too heavy in your bag.

Old Navy Patterned Flip-Flop SandalsYou never know what the shower situation at the gym’s going to be, so it’s always advisable to have a pair of flip flops handy. I like to keep these partially plant-based sandals in my bag and only use them for the gym. 

AERLANG Mini Massage GunPost-workout recovery can be a little easier with a mini massage gun. This portable massager comes with a variety of heads for targeting your sore muscles, a carrying case, and one reviewer reported, “this mini one is a perfect size for carry in my bag to use outside of home.”

Charmast Small Portable ChargerKeep your phone at max power with this portable iPhone charger. It’s lightweight and this fan raved, “This portable charger is so convenient and small. It makes charging my phone when I’m at the gym or doing other activities

Arm & Hammer Deodorizer Odor Busterz, 3-PackKeep your gym bag smelling fresh with these deodorizing balls. They’re filled with odor-eliminating baking soda and feature a fresh scent that will last up to 60 days. Reviewers have called it a “life changer.”

Old Navy Dynamic Fleece Half-Zip TunicWhen you leave the gym, but still want to look chic, this oversized fit tunic is the way to go. It has thumbholes, zippered pockets, and delivers a cozy warmth that will preserve your post-workout glow.

Treefrog TravelerAnother item that’s great for post-workout recovery are these packets of Treefrog gel. They’re easy to slip in your gym bag and deliver topical pain relief to keep you going the distance.

icyzone Workout Athletic Tank Tops, 3-packThese racerback tank tops are great to wear while you’re working out or for keeping in your gym bag as a backup. They’re soft, sweat-wicking and 3 for $24.

Gym Bag Beauty Essentials

Kitsch 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash BarStreamline your shower products with this shampoo and body wash bar. Not only does it save on bottles of shampoo and conditioner, but it’s fragrance-free and designed to nourish your skin, scalp, and hair.

4Monster Fast Drying Microfiber Travel TowelSometimes the gym is out of towels or just doesn’t offer them (both of these options are tragic). Or sometimes you just want your own towel on hand. That’s why this microfiber towel is great to have. It’s light, fast-drying, and comes in a carrying bag that can easily fit in your gym bag.

Kitsch Spiral Hair Ties, 8-PackExtra hair ties are a must-have for any gym bag. These spiral ties are waterproof, durable, and won’t give you any hair headaches.

MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 Sunscreen for FaceYou don’t need a separate moisturizer and sunscreen for your face when you have this mineral creme. That’s because it’s SPF 50 and feels like a luxe cream when you apply it on your face. It also comes in a compact size that easily fits in your bag.

SkinSmart Facial CleanserJust spray this cleanser on your face, chest, or back, and it’ll fight bacteria, no scrubbing needed. It’s safe for sensitive skin and one user raved, “this is a holy grail!!! I literally hate doing skin care sometimes I get so lazy and this works MAGIC! Also it’s a gym MUST for all my girlies who break out from literally anything and everything this prevents breakouts caused by sweat and bacteria.”

Alleyoop Portable Travel RazorsYou don’t need loose razors in your bag when you have this portable razor. It’s made for travel and features refillable components, like a spray bottle, moisturizing bar, and two razor cartridges. This reviewer glowed, “This is staying in my gym bag forever and I’m going to get another one for my car … and for my purse and for all my friends!! lol”

ALAZCO Folding Hair Brush, 2-PackBrush your hair and tame flyaway strands with a handy folding brush. You get two in a set and they even feature a mirror for touchups on the go.

R+Co Death Valley Dry ShampooRich in antioxidants, this dry shampoo is designed to absorb extra oil, add texture, and strengthen strands. If you’re not washing your hair post-workout, it’s a great solution. Just a few sprays and you’re good to go.

Panleding Stretchy Headbands, 12-PackSince these stretchy headbands come in a 12-pack, you’ll have plenty on hand for working out or throwing in your gym bag for later. They’re perfect for keeping your hair out of your eyes while you’re on the treadmill, or for keeping your hair in check when you leave the gym.

Gym Bag Essentials If You’re Going Before or After Work

Philips Norelco OneBlade Unisex Intimate Pubic & Personal Body Groomer & TrimmerYou never know what you’ll be doing after the gym. Be prepared with this personal body groomer and trimmer. It’s designed to not irritate your sensitive areas, plus it’s waterproof and can run for 30 minutes on a full charge.

Native Deodorant, Buttercream & French VanillaAluminum-free and made with baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, and more, this Native deodorant will keep you fresh when you’re on the move. Plus, it has a buttercream and French vanilla scent that one reviewer noted, “my favorite scent. i’m super picky about deodorant and vanilla. this is my holy grail, if i start sweating, it just smells like cake batter. it’s sooo sweet and rich.”

Amazon Essentials Women’s Cotton Bikini Brief Underwear, 6-PackMade of breathable cotton with some stretch, these bikini briefs will keep you covered during your workout and after. Plus, they come in five, six, and ten packs so you don’t have to do laundry every day (thank goodness).

CLIF BAR – Crunchy Peanut Butter, 15-PackIf you’re heading right to work after a workout, then a little snack can carry you through to lunch. I love these Clif bars because they keep me satisfied and they’re not overly sweet. They also come in a ton of flavors if peanut butter isn’t your thing.

Repel Umbrella The Original Portable Travel UmbrellaStay dry and protected when you leave the gym with a portable, sturdy travel umbrella. It’s easy to fit in a bag and features over 72,600 5-star Amazon reviews. 

PHILIPS Sonicare One by Sonicare Rechargeable ToothbrushThis rechargeable toothbrush is great for keeping in your gym bag or for any bag, for that matter. It comes in a sleek case that’s easy for travel and the battery lasts for 30 days of use. There’s even a two-minute timer with 30-second notifications to make sure you’re brushing properly.

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-Originally published on January 2, 2024 at 4:58 p.m. PST.