As people who work out for a living — and test the best of the best fitness gear like it's our job (oh, wait . . . it is) — we've become experts at packing a gym bag [1] with the most necessary essentials. From the best headphones for your lift session to the cutest grip socks for your reformer classes and the most comfortable sneakers to have when you're running off to a dance class, we have more than just a few suggestions about what you need to stock up on.
Here's a peek into each of our gym bags (the bag details included!), with a little insight as to what we use our favorite products for. Sorry in advance if this incites an online shop-a-thon.
Michele Foley, Director, SF
The bag: "I've been carrying a canvas tote lately! It was free with this awesome kit from Outdoor Voices [3] ($125, originally $161)."
What's in it:
- Takeya Water Bottle in Teal [4] ($33): My go-to water bottle to use at home, during workouts, and while traveling. It has the best. lid. ever. Seriously. The sports cap makes it really easy to take a swig, even when you're in the middle of an intense workout. Keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold — what more could you need?
- AES Beauty Cleanser and Sunscreen [5] (prices start at $32): I only trust AES products on my face and would rather skip showering at the gym than use the random toiletries found there. The entire AES skincare line is made from anti-inflammatory ingredients that won't aggravate the face. Breakouts, be gone!
- Aloha Pouch [6] ($36): The midsize Aloha Pouch fits all of the toiletries and makeup I need to haul to the gym, and there are so many fun designs to choose from. It's durable, sweat-proof, and just about waterproof, making it a great choice for sweaty studio workouts.
- RXBAR [7] ($2): Nothing beats RXBARs for a quick post-workout snack. Paleo-approved, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more simple ingredient list in a protein bar. While all of the flavors are amazing, my current faves are the chocolate sea salt and mint chocolate chip.
- UltraBoosts [8] ($180): Hands down, this is my all-time favorite shoe. Period. I wear these babies to dance class, I wear them to hike, I wear them to walk down my street to grab coffee. Chances are they're never actually in my gym bag since they are always on my feet.
Dominique Astorino, Writer, SF
The bag: "Lululemon makes my favorite gym bags! I just scored the Free to Be Bag [9] ($89, originally $128) to alternate from my Lulu duffel [10] ($148) that's lasted me years."
What's in it:
- Saje Essential Oils [11] ($60): The Pocket Farmacy is an aromatherapy fan's dream come true. With energizing, pain-reducing, and stress-relieving blends, you can make essential oils part of your fitness routine [12] and add some relaxing fragrance to your yoga practice.
- APL Sneakers [13] ($165): My go-to sneakers are APLs! I'm obsessed with the "red clay" monochromatic pink color. I use these for classes like Barry's and Orangetheory!
- Gem-Water VitaJuwel Crystal Water Bottle [14] ($78): I know there's no science around the whole crystal thing, but I'm so about it anyway. Plus, the bottle is absolutely *stunning* and makes me feel amazing.
- Tone It Up Booty Bands [15] ($10): I literally have a set of these in all my bags and suitcases so I never forget them. You can create an amazing resistance workout or squeeze in a two- to five-minute strengthening session wherever you are, and they take up NO space in your bag at all.
- Grip Socks [16] ($14): I'm big into reformer Pilates and Megaformer right now, so I always have grip socks in my bag. Favorites are Tavi Noir [17] and Sticky Be [18]!
- Nuun Tablets [19] ($7): I tend to do two workouts a day at least once a week, so for my double-up days I need a boost. I love the Nuun electrolyte flavors. Current favs are definitely the cherry limeade, strawberry lemonade, and blackberry citrus (vitamin version).
Gina Florio, Editor, SF
The bag: "I love this simple, classic Sol and Selene Dream Big Tote [20] ($120)."
What's in it:
- Jabra Sport Headphones [21] ($100): They stay in my ears and they're sweat-proof. I can jam away to EDM without worrying about them falling out!
- Gymshark Seamless Leggings [22] ($54): They fit like a dream and they are so soft! I wear them to everything: running, cycling, strength training, and even yoga.
- Bobo's Banana Chocolate Chip Bar [23] ($3): I need some quick sustenance if I'm going from the gym to something else, and these Bobo bars are the perfect thing to give me quick energy and hold me over until my next full meal.
- RPM Speed Rope [24] ($53): You can get a killer workout with a jump rope, so when I don't feel like doing traditional cardio, I whip out my jump rope and either do a HIIT circuit with it or just do a jump rope workout by itself. I'm sweating buckets within minutes.
- VooDoo Floss Bands [25] (prices start at $24): I can't live without this mobility tool. It eases my sore muscles and joints, especially after a long run. Sometimes I even use it before a workout to get everything nice and warmed up.
- Jade Yoga Mat [26] ($75): I'm partial to Jade Yoga Mats because they're sticky (they never, ever slip, no matter how sweaty I get) and they're easy to clean.
Jenny Sugar, Writer, VT
The bag: "I use a canvas tote that I made myself — it's floral print! This cute Avocado Canvas Tote [27] ($4) is similar."
What's in it:
- Manduka Black Mat Pro [28] ($110): I've had this mat since 1999 when I started practicing yoga, and it looks like the day I bought it! It's durable, thick, and dense, and it cushions my knees and hips. It's the perfect mat!
- Nike Metcon 4 [29] ($130): My favorite sneaker for CrossFit! They offer lightweight stability, flexibility, and breathability, and they come in great colors.
- Contigo Glass Water Bottle [30] ($20): I love this because it's BPA-free, easy to drink from with one hand, and easy to clean, and I love that the spout closes to keep out germs.
- Larabar Cashew Cookie [31] ($2): I love Larabars for the simple ingredients, and that they're vegan with no added sugars! I love the soft texture, too.
Susi May, Senior Director, SF
The bag: "This is my everyday bag — the Lolë Lily Bag [32] ($140). I love it!"
What's in it:
- Old Navy Flip-Flops [33] ($4): Showering at gyms and studios requires flip-flops. You've got to protect your feet from picking up some unwanted issues (yeah, I am talking about athlete's foot).
- Small Wet Brush [34] ($5): This brush takes up so little room and is gentle on my wet hair.
- Cheap Hair Ties: Ever forgetful, I like to keep a stash of cheap hair ties (bought in bulk to share with my teenage daughters) in my gym bag because I hate working out with hair in my face.
- Native Deodorant [35] ($12): I love this natural deodorant, and the scents are just lovely. I put this on before a workout and after my post-workout shower.
- Lip Balm [36] (whatever I have around — Nivea, Burt's Bees, etc.): Working out with dry lips just sucks. I always have some kind of lip chap in my bag to apply before any workout.
- S'well Water Bottle [37] ($25): This is my go-to water bottle. I love that it keeps the water cold. I try to keep one stashed in my gym bag because hydration before, during, and after a workout is so important.