Pack it in: The Season’s Best Bags

Packing all the equipment you need for a race or workout can be a challenge, especially if you have a long walk or ride to get there. No matter how much you’re planning on carting to your next session or race, though, you have lots of options to get the job done. We checked out some of the best. The hardest part will be choosing only one.

Training Bags

Nathan Haul-It-All $50
This super-light basic tote allows you to pack lots of gear with ease thanks to the huge main compartment. Fully adjustable padded shoulder straps keep things comfortable and supported no matter how large the load. The reinforced bottom panel will stand up to lots of abuse wherever you end up training and racing. Nathan even included ref lective trim which can be seen for 365 m, which is reassuring for those early morning trips from the car to transition.

Ogio XTrain $90
Part of Ogio’s endurance collection that offers light, durable and really well thought out bags, the XTrain has everything you’ll need to get your training and racing gear around. Once off the bike you can easily carry your helmet using the external strap. There’s a side cinch strap for a towel or mat, a separate wet gear or shoe compartment, an internal tablet sleeve and a crush-resistant pocket for your shades. Throw in the super-comfortable straps that are designed for athletic use and the breathable back panel and you have a pack you’re sure to love.

Merrell Clamshell Backpack $130
Thanks to the bike friendly profile, the uniquely shaped waterresistant Clamshell Backpack is a great pack for transporting your equipment when you’re riding. A padded laptop sleeve can be accessed from the side, and there’s lots of other zippered pockets for storing smaller items. The padded shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap, along with the breathable, air-mesh back panel enhance the comfort while on your bike. Proving that they really thought this through, the folks from Merrell even included a bike light attachment point on the front panel.

Zoot Performance Transition $80
This bag is roomy enough to fit all your gear but sleek in design so it’s easy to handle. Dual zippers on the main compartment enable easy access to contents. A separate bottom compartment hides your wetsuit, sweaty workout clothes or shoes. Memory foam adjustable shoulder straps make carrying the backpack comfortable. The bonus features make the bag incredibly utilitarian including an external mesh helmet/storage pocket, two exterior water bottle pockets, a stowaway fleece lined top pocket to protect sunglasses or phone. Divided mesh interior storage pockets, hide a handy key ring and a printed triathlon checklist.

Transition Packs

Arena Fastpack 2.0 $85
Arena might be known for their swim equipment, but this backpack makes a great transition bag, too. It’s designed to hang off the included carabiner and act like a cupboard for easy access in a change room or transition area. There’s a large compartment on the back that has enough room for a kickboard or wetsuit and a two-level compartment on the front side. Mesh inserts and pockets are great for holding bottles, nutrition and keeping things organized, while the small compartment on the top is perfect for a wallet, keys or sunglasses. The straps and meshpadded back panel keep things comfortable no matter the load.

TYR Alliance Team Backpack $80
The tyr Alliance Team Backpack is a space saving dream. Multiple compartments of different sizes will appeal to the highly organized triathlete. The goggle or sunglass saver pocket will ensure lenses are protected and an electronics pocket can double as a phone saver. The nifty swimsuit or trisuit hanger carabiners will make sure your other gear stays dry. For additional wet gear, a larger mesh dry compartment opening also allows for fast drying and easy access. This revamped model also features improved zipper function for added durability.

Blueseventy Transition Bag $110
This pack carries everything you might imagine you’ll need at a race without feeling like you’re on a camping trip. There’s a large, insulated wetsuit compartment at the bottom that does a great job of separating your wet and dry gear. The large top section has lots of room for shoes, clothes, towels and more. You’ll also find handy pockets both inside and out – four expandable water bottle (or other gear) holders on the outside and another four interior and exterior zippered pockets for essentials. The comfortable straps keep the bag in place even when fully loaded and you’re on the bike heading to transition in the morning.

2XU Transition Backpack $100
This backpack has ample room for all of your training and competition gear. The large main cavity is roomy and has a mesh pocket for either bike or running shoes. A helmet pouch and well-lined wetsuit compartment keep gear dry and safe. Additional smaller stash pockets on both the outside and inside of the bag are handy for carrying gels, swim paddles and extra bottles. The water bottle pouches are also great for airing wet shoes during a post-race commute. With comfortable shoulder straps it’s great for travelling and qualifies as airline carry-on.

Ogio Endurance 9.0 $150
With a 59 litre capacity and every feature you could ever want, the Endurance 9.0 is like the Cadillac of transition packs. Made with lightweight and durable rip-stop nylon, the Endurance 9.0 easily converts to a backpack with adjustable shoulder and sternum straps, but it can also serve as a great over-the-shoulder weekend bag. There are separate compartments for all your needs including a large main compartment and an additional end storage pocket with a lockable crush-resistant moulded eva armoured pocket on the top that protects sunglasses. Ogio has pulled out all the stops with this bag, including an expandable helmet pocket, a wet/dry compartment with 360 degrees of ventilation for sweaty gear or wetsuit, a separate ventilated shoe compartment (large enough to hold both bike and run shoes) and two insulated hydration bottle pockets. An interior Tech Vault keeps your phone and electronics free from harm and a hanger clip lets you hang your bag while setting up transition.