Women on the go are constantly on the lookout for accessories or equipment that makes life simpler. Those who make a dash for the gym before work, or go there straight from the office, would prefer a bag that has a dual purpose. A women’s backpack for work and gym is ideal for anyone who wants the convenience of having all their essentials in one place.
While you’ll need multiple pockets, you won’t want to compromise on style, especially if it’s for the office. You won’t just want a bag that smoothly transitions between the office and gym, but one that’s easy to carry around too. That’s where the backpack comes in. Since you’ll be carrying around quite a bit of weight every day, it’s best to pick a backpack as it distributes weight more evenly. The best thing about many of the bags on our list is that they can be carried as totes or duffles to suit your style.
How To Choose The Ideal Women’s Backpack For Work And Gym
Though there is a wide choice of gym bags in the market, not many are designed to double up as work bags. So if you’re looking for something designed for both purposes, then there are certain things that you need to look out for before you put your money down.
Design
If you’re going to be using a women’s backpack for work and gym you’ll probably want one that is not only multifunctional but stylish too. While there is a good variety to choose from, it’s important that the backpack is designed to support your back.
Laptop compartment
Most backpacks these days come with a separate laptop compartment but if you’re going to put your valuable laptop into the backpack, you’ll want to be sure that it is secure. A padded sleeve or separate laptop compartment is essential. You’ll find the best laptop backpacks for women are well cushioned for added protection.
Separate Shoe Compartment
Backpacks that come with a separate ventilated pocket are ideal. You can safely store your work or gym shoes without the hassle of bad odor or the fear of damage. Some compartments are large enough for sweaty gym clothes and shoes.
Multiple Compartments
Since your backpack is going to be used as a multipurpose bag, it’s essential that you have multiple compartments. Women tend to carry quite a few extras with them, so good organization space is an added advantage. Being able to separate the smaller items into separate pockets makes the bag even more convenient.
Lulemon City Adventurer Backpack (CU)
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One of the best women’s backpack for work and gym is the Lulemon City Adventurer Backpack. This stylish backpack is perfect for women on the move with its water-repellent fabric that can be wiped clean. It not only looks stylish enough to take to work but is also a convenient option. The bag has a built-in pocket for sweaty gear so you can go from workout to work without having to lug around two bags.
The reinforced strap construction makes this a convenient option when you’re carrying a heavy load. It also has a quick access phone pocket and an exterior padded pocket for your laptop.
Pros
- Water-repellant fabric
- Padded laptop pocket
- Expandable pocket for sweaty gear
- Reinforced strap construction
Cons
- Gets dirty easily
Vera Bradley Women’s Performance Twill Campus Backpack
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There’s no denying that Vera Bradley has some of the most uber-chic bags in the market. When it comes to convenience, the Vera Bradley Women’s Performance Twill XL Campus Backpack ranks right up there. If you’re looking for a women’s backpack for work and gym this is one of the best out there.
The quilted, weather-friendly water-repellent fabric will stand up well to the rigors of your daily commute or rough handling at the gym. What makes this bag so handy is the excellent organization space for all your essentials with its multiple pockets. Besides a laptop compartment and main pocket, you’ll also find a hidden horizontal pocket and two side slip pockets.
Pros
- Chic design
- Quilted, weather-friendly fabric
- Water repellent
- Excellent organization space
Cons
- Larger laptops won’t fit into the bag
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Under Armour Adult Hustle 4.0 Backpack
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The Under Armour Adult Hustle 4.0 Backpack is a rugged but stylish women’s backpack for work and gym. It has plenty of storage space with a large gusseted front laundry/shoe pocket placed at the bottom of the bag which is ideal for your sweaty gym clothes. Two water repellent front pockets are great for storing your valuables or other small items. You’ll also find two side pockets for your water bottle. In addition to this, the bag has a soft-lined laptop sleeve that can hold a 15″ laptop.
It’s not just the storage that makes this bag stand out but also the overall look of the bag. Carrying this bag is also convenient with the adjustable HeatGear shoulder straps and a top grab handle. The UA Storm technology ensures that your bag will stay dry even in wet weather.
Pros
- Two water-repellent front valuables pockets
- Large, gusseted front laundry shoe pocket at the bottom
- Two side water bottle pockets
- Tough, abrasion-resistant bottom panel
Cons
- The shoe compartment may be a bit small for larger shoe sizes
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Sherpani Soleil, Anti Theft Convertible Backpack
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A bag that hits all the right notes as a women’s backpack for work and gym is the Sherpani Soleil, Anti Theft Convertible Backpack. This convertible backpack effortlessly goes from being a tote, a crossbody bag to a backpack, to suit your style. While the bag is large enough to accommodate your laptop and clothes, fitting in a pair of shoes also may be a tad difficult. That being said, the bag with some great features that makes it ideal for both the gym and workplace.
Firstly the unique combination of melange and nylon fabrics not only adds to the durability but also gives it a sophisticated look. The lime green interior also makes it easy to find items in the bag. It comes with two exterior zip pockets plus two water bottle pockets and a luggage handle sleeve. Added to this you’ll find a deep main pocket, a laptop sleeve, and a key fob. If that’s not enough, you’ll also find excellent security features in the bag. Fully equipped RFID protection, exterior zip lock tunnels, a clip lock, chair loop lock system, and anti-slash fabric ensure total security for your belongings.
Pros
- Convertible into multiple styles
- Durable fabric
- Lime green interior for better visibility
- Excellent security features
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- It may be a bit of a squeeze to get your shoes and everything else into the bag
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The North Face Women’s Isabella Laptop Backpack
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You’ll find some of the best backpacks from North Face are popular in the market, and so it comes as no surprise that one of the best women’s backpack for work and gym is by North Face. The Isabella Laptop Backpack for Women is a multifunctional bag that is designed to stand up to the rigors of the urban environment. It has ample storage space for your work gear as well as your gym necessities.
The main compartment features a 15″ padded laptop sleeve plus and an internal organization pocket. It also has a secure zip pocket and fleece lined tablet sleeve plus a sleeve for your water bottle. Though the bag lacks a separate shoe compartment, the main pocket is deep enough for all your gear.
Pros
- Plenty of storage space for all your gear
- Specifically designed for women
- Available in several colors
- Hideaway sternum strap
- Soft breathable mesh at the back
Cons
- No separate shoe compartment
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Fjallraven, Kanken Classic Backpack for Everyday
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Known for its practical and stylish equipment, the Kanken Classic Backpack from Scandinavian company Fjallraven does not disappoint. With a mind-boggling array of colors to choose from, you can pick something that suits your style. The classic design from 1978, comes with a main zippered compartment, front zippered pocket, and two open side pockets, providing you with ample space for your essentials.
You need not worry about the bag’s construction either as the dirt-resistant and water-resistant Vinylon material is easy to clean. The bag also comes with a two-way zipper with rain flap for protection and a sitting pad. Ergonomic shoulder straps and top snap handles provide easy carrying comfort.
Pros
- Classic design
- Dirt and water-resistant fabric
- Ample storage space
- Convenient carrying options
Cons
- If you’re looking for a bag with a dedicated shoe pocket this may not be ideal
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KORIN Design FlexPack Pro -Flexibility Smart Backpack (CU)
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Another unisex bag that makes a great women’s backpack for work and gym is the KORIN Design FlexPack Pro- Flexibility Smart Backpack. The expandable thermal insulation quick-access side pocket is perfect for your gym shoes or dirty clothes with its antibacterial properties. Apart from this, you’ll find internal organizer pockets for your office supplies or personal belongings and a dedicated padded laptop sleeve with velcro closure.
The pack comes with some standout features such as a built-in USB charging port with an inlet and outlet as well as some anti-theft features. A TSA combination zipper lock in the main compartment, double layer YKK zippers, and a retractable cable lock take the security features up a few notches.
Pros
- Expandable, antibacterial thermal insulation quick-access side pocket for shoes
- Built-in USB charging port
- TSA combination zipper lock
- Double layer YKK zippers
- Retractable cable lock
Cons
- Could do with a few more exterior pockets
Targus Large Commuter Work and Play Large Gym Fitness Backpack with Protective Sleeve for 15.6-Inch Laptop
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Though the Targus Work & Play Fitness Backpack is not exclusively a women’s backpack for work and gym, the multifunctional, unisex bag is one of the best out there. The creative design on this backpack separates it from the regular laptop bags associated with the brand. As expected, the bag comes with a dedicated tablet and laptop compartment. However, it also has a ventilated front compartment for work or gym shoes.
A great thing about this bag is that it unzips completely which makes it easier to find things. You can hang it in your locker from the handy integrated hook for easy access to your belongings. It includes an internal zippered pouch and a detachable laundry bag. You can be sure that your valuables will be safe from minor bumps or water as it has a laptop cradle for a snug fit. The water-resistant base will also protect your belongings if you accidentally place your bag on a wet surface.
Pros
- Lined, ventilated front compartment for work or gym shoes
- Internal zipped pouch for small items
- 2 water bottle pockets
- Laptop cradle for a snug fit
- Water-resistant base
Cons
- Could use more organization compartments for cables and smaller items
- Laptop compartment has the same opening where the bag flips open for the gym which can be an annoyance
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Adidas Women’s VFA Backpack
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One of the most popular women’s backpack for work and gym is the Adidas Women’s VFA backpack. Available in a wide range of colors, the stylish bag is ideal for the city. The bag comes with good organization space with internal organization pockets as well as a padded laptop sleeve. It also has five exterior pockets for the smaller items as well as dual water pockets. The polyester material is durable and easy to clean. It’s also easy to carry with padded shoulder straps and a back panel.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Good organization space
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Does not have a separate shoe pocket or laptop pocket
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Sweaty Betty All Sport Backpack 2.0, Black, One Size (404)
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The stylish and handy design of the Sweaty Betty All Sport Backpack 2.0 makes it stand out as a convenient women’s backpack for work and gym. With five internal compartments, it’s large enough for all your workout gear as well as your work supplies. It also has a padded laptop section.
Crafted from durable, lightweight nylon fabric, the bag is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. The new and improved design comes with a secure clasp that stays in place. It also has two external zip pockets and adjustable padded straps for extra comfort.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Five internal compartments which include a padded laptop section
- Adjustable padded straps
- Made from durable matte nylon fabric
- Easy to wipe clean
Cons
- We couldn’t find anything to fault with this bag but if we’re nitpicking then it’s missing a separate shoe compartment
Starter Backpack with Laptop Sleeve and Shoe Pocket (CU)
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The Amazon exclusive Starter Backpack has all the features that make it a great women’s backpack for work and gym. It has a large main pocket plus a shoe pocket at the bottom that is separated from the main body. Added to this, you’ll find several smaller pockets inside for storing your smaller items. There’s also a mesh side pocket for your water bottle.
The bag is crafted from 100% 600D polyester with heathered hexstop panels. It also has comfortable straps and reflective tape.
Pros
- Separate shoe pocket at the bottom
- Large main pocket
- Simple construction
Cons
- Not large enough for bigger shoes
- The laptop sleeve feels a little thin
KROSER Laptop Backpack
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The Kroser Laptop Backpack is stylish yet efficient enough for your essentials. It’s a great option if you’re looking for an eco-friendly women’s backpack for work and gym. The canvas poly fabric is not only environmentally friendly but is durable and water repellent.
There’s enough space for your laptop, books, and clothes. It also comes with side pockets for your bottle or umbrella. The icing on the cake with this bag is that it has a convenient built-in USB port. Padded backstraps as well as a well-knit luggage strap make it easy to carry around. This bag is so handy and lightweight that it also features on our list of the best lightweight women’s laptop backpacks.
Pros
- Crafted from eco-friendly canvas poly fabric
- Water-resistant
- Multi compartments
- Double side pockets
Cons
- Difficult to organize the stuff in the main pocket
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KJARAKÄR Classic Casual Backpack
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Women’s backpacks for work and gym come in all shapes and sizes but there’s one thing that they have in common, excellent functionality. The Kjarakar Classic Casual Backpack is one such bag that is multifunctional and stylish. It is slightly different from most of the backpacks on our list as it comes with a unique sleek, low profile design. Though it’s big on space, the bag is not bulky and sits well on petite frames.
The non-slip shoulder straps are padded for carrying comfort and the flap in front adds to the sleek look. Dual working zippers on the main compartment keep your items secure. You’ll find six pockets for other small and large items. Another great feature of the bag is the abrasion-resistant, lightweight polyester material. One of the best things about the bag is the 90 days risk-free 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Pros
- Unique low profile design
- Multifunctional
- Dual working zippers
- Abrasion-resistant, lightweight polyester material
- 90 days risk-free 100% Money Back Guarantee
Cons
- Like many bags with this shape, this one lacks a separate shoe compartment
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