I have my big race…my first HIM (ok…not big for most of you, but its my first). I usually just carry an old back pack with my stuff for sprints. I was interested in getting a “real” transition bag. Don’t care if it is a Tri specific brand…fine either way…just wanting to hear which bag you like the best.
Save your money. Whatever fit into that backpack will be more than adequate for a HIM.
Unless you really WANT a new bag.
For the longest time I just used a simple backpack because I was cheap. It worked just fine and I saw no reason to buy a specific transition bag. A couple of years ago I won a Rocket Science Rocket bag in a give away and love it. I would never have spent money on it before actually using it. Now, if I lost it or it became unusable, I buy another one immediately.
The Rocket Science transition bag is expensive and worth every penny. I bought mine four years ago, and have been really happy with it. Great investment.
TYR Elite bag is pretty nice but pricey. 3 separate parts in the main bag to keep your swim, bike, and run stuff separate. Its especially nice to travel with. I know you can find some good deals on it every now and than. I don’t think I would pay full price for it though.
Hands down the Ogio 9.0.
TYR Transition Bag Backpack. Holds EVERYTHING plus there’s a compartment for your wetsuit. You should be able to find it on-sale for around $60 (retails for $80).
I went with the Rocket Science one…a ton of money for a bag, but it looked like it was the best. I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of money on this sport, but it’s still cheaper than golf!!
If all your stuff fits into your current backpack, then I don’t think you need to upgrade.
If you do want to pay the money and get a new backpack, I recommend the transition bag by desoto sports: http://www.desotosport.com/product/TP6
The bag holds a lot of stuff and fits well. I use it for non-tri events as well.
Good luck on your first half ironman.
X 2 on Rocket Science…I too won one at a Tri raffle. Love it.
I like mine, though with all the straps, you would’ve thought that there would be an easier way to carry a floor pump.
+1 on the O’gio
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I have been using the Amphipod Race-Lite Transition pack and have found it to be a durable and well organized bag. I use mine a lot as I travel with my training gear almost every weekend. I had a small issue with a zipper and Amphipod took care of it within a couple of days and seem to understand customer service.
Race-Lite Transition Pack™ - race-ready triathlon gear bag
I’m a big fan of the desoto transition bag. Best features are the bomber zippers, aerohelmet exterior pocket, and straps to carry a frame pump.
Love that bag.
Haven’t actually used it yet … but i just ordered 4 of these for me an a few mates.
Another vote for the DeSoto. Had a Tyr for 8 years, which was great, but the DeSoto has more tri-specific features. Love it.
+1.
An OLY race I do every year handed them out a few years ago. I use it for everything; traveling, transition, etc.
Originally used a backpack, which was fine. Then got the Nathan tri bag and it’s awesome. Spot for everything and if you have room for your bag to sit in transition, has some fold out pieces where you can put your shoes and stuff (like you would normally do setting your tri gear on a towel in transition).
http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Quick-Change-Triathlon-Gear/dp/B000X9RM0E
TYR Transition Bag Backpack. Holds EVERYTHING plus there’s a compartment for your wetsuit. You should be able to find it on-sale for around $60 (retails for $80).
^^^THIS ONE^^^
I’m cheap as all get out, i finally after a lot of years bought one of these. BEST purchase ever!
I don’t really care about the transition portion of the day, i could get away with a backpack for that. Its the packing FOR the race that this bag is fan-flipping-tastic for! seperate place for everything makes packing a breeze. Running stuff in one section (shoes, visor, number belt, sunglasses). Biking stuff in another (shoes, fuel, bike battery), helmet on the outside, wetsuit in the bottom, water bottles on the sides, shorts/top in the other pocket, morning dry clothes in the other pocket… then you STILL have room for misc in a few other spots!
then after i’m done with it for race morning i give it to my wife for the day to schlep all the family chet around.
after the race, the wet-wetsuit goes in the bottom seperate from everything. my sweaty nasty gear goes into a water/stink proof bag that snaps inside, and shoes back in their home
It’s worth every penny (dollar?)
Tim
Another vote for the DeSoto.