1. BlueSeventy Transition Bag
This bag is lightweight, compact and has some great features. There’s a soft, micro-fleece lined pocket on top for items like goggles and sunglasses.
The bottom of the pack makes up a 12-Liter waterproof, insulated compartment which ensures your dry gear stays dry and your wet gear doesn’t drip down your back as you carry the pack or in your car on the way home. There is also room for two wetsuits plus other wet clothing or gear items. The helmet storage compartment has reflective piping and is elasticated to stabilize your helmet when you’re on the go.
This tri bag’s spacious, exterior side mesh pockets enable you to pack your racing hydration bottles outside your bag for constant availability. Besides providing enough space for everything you’ll need on race day, this convenient gear pack design is compact and easy to carry. If you’re biking to your race, you’ll be happy to find that this pack has a padded back panel and cushioned shoulder straps that make it easy and comfortable to wear. The bright orange strips are reflective and provide great visibility for nighttime or during fog.
Besides having loads of storage pockets for things like snacks and sunscreen, there is also an additional inside zippered pouch for storing your keys, charge cards, ID, cash and other credentials, making it ideal for the traveling triathlete. This bag also meets airline regulations as a carry-on and can be stored overhead after removing your helmet (or travelers can use this space to hold a laptop).
2. Speedo Tri Clops Backpack
This lightweight yet durable multisport gear bag is tops when it comes to organization. Triathletes will find that there is room for every race-day essential, including an ambidextrous hydration port. It has a three-headed triathlon pack with zip system allows for quick entry without removing your helmet, pockets designed specifically for running and cycling footwear, with a separate fleece pocket for sunglasses or swim goggles. The pack’s shoulder straps are padded for comfort and perforated for ventilation, which has been an issue with other backpacks on the market. There is a space for your hydration, as well a special section to keep clean or wet or dirty or clean contents separated. The bag’s expandable bottom section allows you to carry large, bulky items. You will no doubt have room for everything you need on race day and then some. A nice feature this bag offers are dedicated pockets for running and cycling footwear, with a separate fleece pocket for sunglasses or swim goggles. This bag is a little more expensive than other options, so if you’re willing to make an investment on a triathlon bag, this may be the pick for you.
3. De Soto Transition Pack V8
This great pack is also the lightest of the tri-packs we reviewed, which made it a standout. The top-loading main compartment can be expanded to include the entire interior, almost like a duffel bag. Access to items stored at the bottom of the bag is made easier with a vertical zippered opening at the bag’s mid-section. The bottom-entry wetsuit compartment has heat sealed seams, making it waterproof. The interior is light-colored for easy viewing of what is inside, and the sturdy nylon pull-cords are also a nice feature. The bag also includes an interior soft-lined fabric pouch for carrying goggles, sunglasses or other small essentials. For hydration, this bag has you covered - there is a second interior pouch at the back of the bag that can hold a water bottle or hydration bladder. There is also a mesh water bottle compartment, and a special external zippered pouch that can hold a water bottle up to 32 ounces - or anything that size you’d like to keep handy. An external mesh pocket has a hidden key ring loop, while the vertical daisy chain on the outside provides a space to attach straps for carrying additional items like a floor pump, transition towel, shoes, or warm jacket.
The foam ventilation in back will provide comfort while keeping the contents well-aired, and the ergonomic shoulder straps and waist strap will help keep the bag secure if you plan to wear it on your bike to transition or to training. The dual option of having many compartments and divisions to stow triathlon gear or just opening it up and using it like a duffel bag make this triathlon pack a winner in our book.
