Gym/Duffle Bag

[ChicagoSuit]

I'm looking for a new duffle bag to take to the gym and on weekend trips. The few previous threads on the topic have provided some guidance but I'm hoping that you fine people might be able to point me in a direction based on some experience. The following is the list that I'm considering:

• http://www.tumi.com/na/p/dorado-convertible-duffel-022352HKH?subcat=true
• http://www.nomanwalksalone.com/index.php/accessories/bags/sten-holdall-bag-in-grey-harris-tweed-with-navy-webbing.html / http://www.nomanwalksalone.com/index.php/accessories/bags/sten-holdall-bag-in-cobalt-wool-rust-webbing.html
• https://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/bags/abingdon/PRDOVR~52430/52430.jsp?color_name=dark-navy
• http://www.filson.com/products/duffle-bag-small.70220.html?fromCat=true&fvalsProduct=luggage/duffle-bags&fmetaProduct=1019/

I think that I want it to be around 20" long and I like the idea of the side pockets or at least some organization. My budget tops out around $400.

I'm leaning towards the Chapmen Sten, with the Filson small duffle being a close second. My concern with the Sten is it's apparent dearth of organization, especially considering the lack of internal pictures; although Filson doens't seem to provide any relief in that department. The Tumi seems utilitarian and fairly abhorrent but I've heard great things about their durability and organization.

I'm curious as to what you all think, especially those of you who have owned one or more of these bags. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Xiaogou]

Gym bag and your weekend bag should be 2 different bags. I really like the bag from NMWA. Harris tweed with blue webbing looks sweet. Get an Oakley bag for your gym gear.

 

[ChicagoSuit]

Interesting point. Would that be to reduce wear?

The primary use of this bag would be for the gym, as I'm currently using a polyester Nike bag that is more at home with sweats than suits. I'm not sure that my budget would provide for two nicer bags at this point so I'll likely use the bag I choose for occasional weekend trips for the time being.

 

[Xiaogou]



Interesting point. Would that be to reduce wear?

The primary use of this bag would be for the gym, as I'm currently using a polyester Nike bag that is more at home with sweats than suits. I'm not sure that my budget would provide for two nicer bags at this point so I'll likely use the bag I choose for occasional weekend trips for the time being.

Leather and canvas are not good bags for a gym environment. Mostly due to wet towels, clothes, etc. If the bag is mainly for gym use, you can get a kick-ass bag for half of what you were willing to spend, and it will still be an awesome weekend bag. I would still go with an Oakley bag. I have found from my own personal experience that they are made quite well.

http://www.oakley.com/en/mens/bags-accessories/duffel-bags/category/m0604

Hope this helps.

 

[ChicagoSuit]

It most definitely does. Thanks for all your input Xiaogou!

After this discussion I'm leaning towards continuing to use the old Nike for the gym and getting a weekend bag from that list. In that vein, I'm still curious if anybody has firsthand experience using any of the above bags as a weekend duffle?

 

[Shpirt]

Best gym bag. Period. Sturdy, will take a ton of beating, comfortable, lots of compartments and easy to carry.

 

[emptym]

I agree with using different bags for gym and travel. For the gym, I use a 35 yr old Celtics bag my aunt gave me. Been thinking of replacing it as the main zipper and one shoulder strap attachment are broken. Apera bags look good in pics but I'd like to see one in person.

 

[ChicagoSuit]

I am going to use separate bags, keeping the old Nike (for now) and getting the Filson small duffle for weekends.

It was quite difficult to choose between the Chapman and the Filson, but the deciding factor for me was the flap on the Chapman. The only way to secure the flap, as far as I can tell, is by threading the straps through those metal fixtures (I'm sure they have a name but I don't know it). This seems annoying and tedious, especially considering that I see no real benefit to the flap - perhaps as extra protection from the elements? I can't believe that a man's full-sized jacket could be draped neatly over a 21" bag, let alone my long ones (6'4").

Thanks for the input, everyone!