Ask the Edit: Gym Bags for Days

I’m on the road this week, but I didn’t want you to be without blog content.  So I asked myself: What’s the simplest thing I can do?  Reach into the reader mail bag and start answering some Ask the Edit questions.  Let’s get started.

Abra,

I know you’ve done a number of reviews on gym bags, but I recently saw someone with this gorgeous bag yesterday. After much sleuthing, I discovered that it’s the Caraa Studio Bag, but at $400, it’s a bit more than I want to spend. Have you tried the Caraa bag or found something similar that is a gorgeous/stylish and multi-functional for its size?

– Nita 

I can assure you that I have not now, nor will I ever drop four-bills on a gym bag.  If you go to the gym a lot, then you do you, but I go three times a month (tops), so I’m not the target demo for “luxury sport bags.”  But as for something similar…

Caraa has done a lower-priced collaboration with Athleta.  They made this chic, functional convertible backpack ($138) and this Vinyasa tote bag with a laptop pocket (pictured, $83).  I also thought their neoprene Perfect Tote ($98) might be the greatest “Mom bag” I’ve ever seen for under-$100.  These bags look very modern, unique, and cool.  They also seem quite versatile.

As for other options…

In my view, the key to a good gym bag is that it either a) doesn’t look like a gym bag, or looks like the coolest gym bag you’ve ever seen.  Especially if you’re going to bring it in to work.  One of my former co-workers used to bring a PINK plastic gym bag with glitter accents that she got free from Victoria’s Secret to the office each day.  While I appreciate a frugal decision, free doesn’t always mean functional.

201 Boston advertises their Balsa gym bag as a “gym bag for grownups” with a grownup price of $212.  But it has a similar look to the Caraa, and some similar features.  The Mark & Graham bags with yoga mat storage ($149) are also popular around town.

Need something under-$75?  The Nike Radiate Training Club Bag ($60) is very popular at my pilates class.  I also really like this minimalist, but cool Adidas sport bag ($38).

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