Is Your Transition Bag a Transformer?

Most bags, my Xterra bag included, are essentially the same as the backpack you had when you were in grade school: one or two big pockets + one or two small pockets. It might be fancy and have sealed zippers and waterproof storage for your wetsuit, but it's overall structure is no different than what you see here.

I shared a photo of my recent transition area in a previous post. My issue with "standard" bags is that they're great for carrying your gear between your car and transition area, but once there, I think it's just in the way. You can lay out your cycling and running gear on top, but it rolls off or gets kicked and moves all around.

The guys at GYST Concept found a way to address all these issues. Their Backpack 1-10, originally made for surfers, should become the new staple among triathletes everywhere.


-- It opens up in the middle to lay flat, revealing 2 compartments: T1 & T2 anyone?

-- One of the compartments has feet outlines: once you wipe off the sand/grass off your feet, your bag gives you an area to set your foot down where it won't get dirty again.

-- The compartments have 3" high walls so your bike rack neighbors can knock into it all they want: your stuff stays in place, so no scrambling around for your shoes or extra water bottle or nutrition.

-- One of the compartments has a sand/water drain: no more musty race jerseys or wetsuits ever again!

-- Clean up is a breeze...and clean: the way the bag unfolds and folds back up, the surfaces that touch the dirt, grass, or mud get wrapped up inside the bag.

I had the benefit of meeting the owner of GYST Concepts, Dominique Aris, and he gave me a personal demo as well as the message behind the corporate moniker. Unfortunately, I didn't film the demo and put it on YouTube. Instead, check out what @AricInTraining thought:

GYST Concepts also makes a second backpack style in addtion to duffel and messenger bag versions and Dominique recommended these for the gym, yoga, or hiking.

These bags are sold in some local sports stores (read: not currently available at big box stores like Dicks, Sports Authority, Big 5, or the like) and range in prices from $93-$166. Don't be surprised if you start seeing these pop up more frequently at upcoming races. They're pretty cool. Check them out.