gym bag

Aer Gym Duffel 2 review | The gym bag refined

The Aer Gym Duffel 2 is a refined gym bag option for those wanting a more professional look. Features a ventilated main and shoe compartment, padded laptop pocket, and multiple accessory and quick access pockets. If you workout in the morning on your way into work, or during your lunch break, the Aer Gym Duffel 2 is a sharp-looking choice for your gym bag. See the video below for a closer look.

Advertised features:

1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior
YKK® Japanese zippers
Duraflex® plastic hardware
Ventilated main compartment for spacious storage
Ventilated shoe compartment (fits up to men’s size 13 shoes)
Padded laptop pocket (fits up to 15.6” laptop)
Separate compartment for clean clothes
Quick-access front pocket for small valuables
Multiple internal pockets for accessories
Padded, adjustable shoulder strap and dual grip handles for versatile carrying
Exterior and interior water bottle pocket
Length: 19″ (48 cm)
Width: 13″ (33 cm)
Depth: 11″ (28 cm)
Volume: 37.4 liters
Weight: 3.1 lbs
MSRP $170 (currently sold out)
Colors: Gray, navy, and black

Black Diamond Gym 30 Gear Bag

It’s been a while since I’ve been climbing and rappelling; about 20+ years. I recently took my top rope belay test at the local rock climbing facility so that I could assist with tying in climbers and belaying them. It felt good to get back into it. With that comes some new gear in my collection. That includes a climbing harness, few locking carabiners an ATC belay/rappel device and approach shoes. I’m sure more gear will follow as I get more involved in climbing and belaying. Now I need to be able to keep my gear together and ready to go when I want to take the family to the rock wall for some fun and exercise. That requires another bag to house all the ‘stuff’. After doing some looking around I came across the Black Diamond Gym 30 gear bag. Knowing that Black Diamond makes great gear and clothing, I’ve got to check it out.

Description & specs (courtesy of Black Diamond):

The Black Diamond Gym Solution 30 is the receptacle for your cord, shoes, harness and belay glasses, the answer for days in the gym. An elastic pocket keeps your gear separate from your cord, while a zippered pocket keeps important essentials locked down. A one-handed open system speeds up your session, and the padded shoulder strap is comfortable and easy. The “repo” or “assorted” color is built from repurposed fabric scraps from our sewing factory and comes in assorted colors.

Separate elastic gear pocket
Zippered essentials pocket
One-handed closure system
Padded shoulder strap
Volume 30 Liters
Average Stock Weight 24 ounces
MSRP $49.95

*Photo courtesy of Black Diamond Equipment

5.11 Flare Active Tote | CCW compatible for every day use

The Flare Active Tote is 5.11’s response to the needs of women on-the-go. Whether going to the office or the gym, staying local or traveling, this bag will expand to accommodate. 5.11 Tactical’s website touts the Flare Active Tote with these accolades: “Plenty of smart storage and flexibility live large in this lightweight, durable tote. The Flare Active Tote’s TacTec™ CCW compatibility and yoga matte storage are peace of mind in a bag.”

Here’s the deal: I love bags. Love ‘em. Like my husband loves guns & gear, I’m a bag lady… but not in a cat lady sort of way. As a wife, a mom and a businesswoman, I always need to schlep stuff around like some sort of Himalayan Sherpa. Sometimes the stuff’s not even mine, but thanks my sons early days in the Boy Scouts, I learned the motto: Be Prepared. I’ve even been accused of packing bags into bags; well yeah, that’s how you sort similar items for easy access. Compartmentalizing is simply my way of life. And my bags need to stay just as organized.

First of all, let’s challenge the Flare Active Tote with an easy trip to the gym. Mornings at the gym have provided me with a little morning escape for years. I swear I can get ready twice as fast because I’m not answering questions, emptying the dishwasher, finishing a quick load of laundry. My only task: getting dressed in peace & quiet. That’s the benefit. The downfall is relocating my closet & bathroom; this is where a good bag earns its keep. The 5.11 Active Tote has two expandable front compartments perfect for sneakers and a mesh pocket inside for a water bottle or shower essentials. The CCW compartment is secured by Velcro on both sides, so you could choose to forego that functionality and carry a yoga mat.

The next test: a Board Meeting in the capital city. The Flare Active Tote accompanied me to an industry association meeting. Packed with my iPad, a notepad, business cards and about 50 pages of meeting minutes & agenda items, I wore it crossbody and it wasn’t bulky or awkward. The black exterior remained classy and smart-looking with ready access to the hidden CCW compartment.

But the ultimate test for a bag is undoubtedly traveling. Could this Tote meet the rigors of family Spring Break? Would it be as good as the 5.11 Mira 2 in 1? In short: yes. In detail, it served as my flight carry-on, cruise ship embarking luggage, charter boat pack, shore excursion satchel and beach bag. The Flare Active Tote was durable, flexible, expandable, and wearable.

Bravo 5.11: the Flare Active Tote is functional, stylish, and earns it’s keep amongst my favorite bags.

5.11 Flare Active Tote specs courtesy of 511tactical.com

Two large front compartments store shoes or other large items
Interior water bottle mesh pocket
Interior zipped pocket for more storage
Cross body removable & adjustable strap
Padded handles for comfortLightweight fabric on body
Ultra-durable 1680D Nylon fabric on bottom of bag
Heat transfer reflective branding
Imported
MSRP $74.99

Written by Brandie Meisner (wife of author Erik Meisner)