Haven’t seen a topic on what the most flexible transition bag is for carrying all gear and backpack. Wetsuit, change of clothes, helmet, shoes and nutrition. Give some help to a newbie (or close to one). What brands/models to look at.
I have a blue seventy one and apart from not really being able to cope with an aero helmet (but then what can) - I reckon its pretty good. Waterproof wetsuit pocket, backpack straps to carry it, and the biggie for me - it manages to sneak through at the airport as carry on luggage - so is awesome if you have to fly to races.
I’ll look at the web site and check em out. I am looking for a large bag as you referenced.
Check out the Zoot Sports Tri Bag. It can hold a ton of stuff.
http://www.zootsports.com/product_info.php?cPath=6&products_id=5
I went cheap and snatched the low-end level bag from Rocket Science Sports (like $70-80) and since getting it I am VERY impressed with it and had several other folks ask where I bought it. It does struggle with the aero helmet as well, but everything else packs in like a dream.
I’ve got the Rocket Science Elite bag. I can’t say it is the best out there (I haven’t tried Zoot, etc.) but I like it a lot. I even use it for riding into work, for keeping everything organized and whatnot. As far as holding the aero helmet, it doesn’t work perfect, but I can get it tucked well enough into the rear open pocket. I nudge the triangle end into the pocket, and fit through the air vent the elastic cord with attached clasp. I pull the clasp up and over the helmet to secure it to the backpack. Not perfect and definitely noticeable, but still really handy.
Peter
I have what I think is the best setup ever. I have never seen anything like it. It is just a rope bag that I used to use for climbing. It is a tarp that folds up into a bag with zipper. Everything fits, and if it rains, or the ground is wet everything stays dry. One time last year, it was pouring for the race. I just folded it over on itself. My shoes were still dry in T2 of a HIM.
Here is a link to a similar one.
http://www.buckscountyoutfitters.com/store/product/6404/Superslacker-Rope-Bag/
They are totally awesome.
t
OK, haven’t seen the new ones yet but I have used last years big Zoot transition bag. It is a good bag, people complained about too many compartments and zippers that you forget what you put but I think it was some sort of a versalite bag to be used as a transition bag or even travel. i have used it to travel to 2 half IMs holded up everything except the floor pump. Helmet section is useless due to large popularity of aero helmets. if you are not using an aero one, you are good.
My ONLY and ONLY complain was the weight! I mean I like light weight bikes but, this bag is heavier when it is emty than my current bag with gear in it!
Another downside is harness was really bad with bulky straps. All I need is to carry stuff and easy to find stuff oh and make it small so i do not have to dig a hole in the transition area to hide it. I couldnt find a location to fit the bag in 2 triathlons at the transition! Darn thing was the size of a wheelbag.
My current solution Adventure racing packs! Extra light, helmet, shoe, wet gear compartments very easy access and not dorky looking.
I have the zoot bag and I love it…
I have what I think is the best setup ever. I have never seen anything like it. It is just a rope bag that I used to use for climbing. It is a tarp that folds up into a bag with zipper. Everything fits, and if it rains, or the ground is wet everything stays dry. One time last year, it was pouring for the race. I just folded it over on itself. My shoes were still dry in T2 of a HIM.
Here is a link to a similar one.
http://www.buckscountyoutfitters.com/store/product/6404/Superslacker-Rope-Bag/
They are totally awesome.
t
So there is no possibility of stuff falling out once it is closed?
.
I have the TYR bag but I think that the ZIPP bag is the best. Just the right size and a place for everything but nothing more. Awesome.
Nothing can fall out. First you fold it up like a burrito, then it zippers the long way, and there are quick cinch straps on the ends to secure it. There is no way anything can fall out. Totally slick, I get tons of comments on it in the transition area. I am sure to see them more often.
I have often thought that I would make a triathlon spin off of them. With little pockets for each thing that you need, perhaps in order that you put them on, You just go through each pocket. Anything that can keep things orginized even as people squish their crap in late. It also would help you not have to think in transition.
t
It just depends on if you like a lot of pockets and pouches or not. I bought a big old backpack at IMC a few years ago with tons of different pockets and thought it would be great. In reality I hate it as I can never remember what I’ve put where. I got the DeSoto bag last year and love it. One big bucket with a special spot for sunglasses and a bottom zip compartment for wet stuff. It holds a TON of gear.
I have a blue seventy one and apart from not really being able to cope with an aero helmet (but then what can) - I reckon its pretty good. Waterproof wetsuit pocket, backpack straps to carry it, and the biggie for me - it manages to sneak through at the airport as carry on luggage - so is awesome if you have to fly to races.
I also have the Blue seventy one and I really enjoy it. You can pretty much fit everything in it and just strap the helmet to it. When I travel for I race I even fit it my laptop in it and use it as a carry on.
I got the Desoto one for X-Mas, but haven’t had an opportunity to use it yet. But it is pretty whizz-bang cool! Lots of pockets, folding parts and even a mat for the ground. I was really surprised at how large it expands out to when you open the bag all the way up.
That sounds great.
Your ideas for modification sound even better.