In an attempt to get better organized with my transitions, I was thinking of purchasing a transition bag. What do you use? What would like to have?
I would like you to have the biggest bag available so you can screw the space for people around you.
Why you hating on the bags like that? I mean clearly a tent is the way
to go.
To the OP: There have been a bunch of posts on this. Use forum search.
There does not seem to be a consensus “best bag”.
-Jot
I really like my DeSoto bag.
Why? Let me tell you why. have you ever done a sprint race? Or an olympic? I am not asking Half ironman. just sprint or Olympic. look at all the crap people bring to the transition. And look at ironman races. They give you a standard plastic bag and bam you fit everything in a small plastic bag. yet people still caryy 2-3 times the stuff to the race maybe going to last 10 hours less.
I like the TYR backpack. Big, durable, with lots of pockets, and reasonably priced (you can find them for $49). The one downside is that the bungee cords on the front don’t hold my helmet very well.
As for clogging the racks, I put mine at the end of the rack to help in locating my bike.
I like to use a Timbuk2 messenger for just a large bag (that is also waterproof.)
Store clerks at multiple stores all convinced me to buy a zoot transtion. I’m waiting for it to come in now.
I picked up a ironman hawaii transition bag, not sure who mad it for them, but its big enough, has a couple good pockets, a change mat!, and is comfyon your back.
I love my Zoot bag. Its the medium sized one… one size down from the model with rollers. 
Its got a sealed wet storage big enough for a wetsuit, 2 pockets for shoes, mesh compartments, *Velvet lined sunglasses compartment (This is what sold it for me), and a helmet compartment that looks like it will fit an aero helmet.
Its not THAT big… I’ve never felt it took up more than my allotted space in transition. I’m always kinda nervous having a nice bag that someone is going to walk off with it though.
BT dubs, I talked to a bunch of people (called around) and was told that none of the bags are really made to fit an aero helmet well. They told me to just try to twist it in there.
My wife and I both have a Rocket Science “Real Joe & Jane Bag.” Only $60, and more than enough room for everything you need.
http://www.rocketsciencesports.com/RJ_Bag_Page.php
Enjoy!
I have had various bags and packs in the past, but I have found the Zipp bag to be really outstanding. Not only is it good for its primary purpose of carrying your needs in to the transition area, but its also a really good check in bag for trips that require jet travel. I have pulled my Cervelo P3C around many miles of airport hallways in a All 3 sports bike box with the Zipp bag siting on top of it with out any trouble. One of the things that you want to have in a tri bag are lots of compartments that you can put spare gear into, because if something breaks before an event it will likely be before dawn and either you have a back up spare part or you are screwed. Tim
I just received my Zoot bag and I am WOWED by it! It is way better than I expected. I seriously don’t think there is a better bag out there after seeing how awesome this thing is in person.
For whatever reason I have resisted purchasing Zoot stuff in the past, but now I own a wetsuit and this bag from them…I LOVE this company now. The bag is really over-the-top perfect. Compartment for EVERYTHING, easy to organize, easy to transport. It is a bit on the tall side (almost 2 feet tall) so it might not be good for someone who is under 5’4" or so (but I don’t know if you’d find a better alternative.) I STRONGLY recommend this bag. In fact, I like it so much that I might post a review later on…
I use a Jandd bag that I bought for $35 six years ago. I use it for every race and about 200 days a year for training gear. It still looks like the day I bought it after dozens of washes.
I also use a USAT Timbuk2 bag for the summer…great lightweight bag.
I really like my DeSoto bag.
Big fan of mine as well. Can fit everything in it for traveling, then just bring what you need to transition on race day and fold it up. Plus the little pad is nice to lay things on or sit on the wet ground.
I also use a USAT Timbuk2 bag for the summer…great lightweight bag.
Is that just a regular messenger bag? I really love Timbuk2 quality. I wish they made a professional looking briefcase.
Yes, but I think it is a bit bigger than the regular ones. Doesn’t handle a helmet along with other gear, just strap it on the outside.
I agree with the briefcase idea.
Yes, but I think it is a bit bigger than the regular ones. Doesn’t handle a helmet along with other gear, just strap it on the outside.
I agree with the briefcase idea.
Have you seen that Timbuk2 now makes luggage? They are on the pricey side but I think I might try one out. The luggage is a departure from the San Francisco bohemian thing (although the model uses foul language and is pretty unprofessional, which I kind of liked, in the descriptive videos); it makes me hopeful about a briefcase solution in the future. I LOVE EVERYTHING TIMBUK2 MAKES!!! Love.
I wonder if this bag is any good: http://www.usatstore.com/USATDetails.html?cat=903&item=UTBBP I wouldn’t get it over the zoot i just received, but this one is made by deuter (pretty good brand–they make nice panniers) and it also looks pretty cool.
Howdie TriMike, There are several awesome bags out there and it depends a little on where you race and how much you travel for races.
There are many very well thought through solutions. We just finished off a transition bag test and will publish it soon. Shoot me an email to info@trinited.com and I will send you a copy of it.
Best,
Till
SBR has house-branded bag that looks interesting, on sale for $38. http://www.sbrshop.com/store/product.php?pyid=sgt-0026
I use a Zoot bag, but I won it at a race.