2014 Triathlete Buyer’s Guide: Transition Bags

Speedo Tri-Clops Backpack

$100, Speedousa.com
The draw: Expandable bottom, water bottle storage

At 35 liters, the Tri-Clops isn’t much bigger than a normal backpack, but has an expandable bottom wetsuit area that connects to the main compartment if you want to make the bag bigger. (Speedo also offers a 50-liter version for $120 if you find yourself needing more space for race gear.) Two simple details that make life easier: The waistband has two handy zippered pockets so you can access your keys, phone or wallet easily while wearing the pack, and there are four outside pockets that fit water bottles.

The draw: All the essentials without the bulk

The appeal of Blueseventy’s original pack is its simplicity. It has all the essentials—a large, insulated bottom pocket to fit your wetsuit and wet clothes, a large main compartment and combo of mesh and zippered pockets to separate nutrition and valuables—in an affordable and carry-on-sized bag.

At first glance, the Endurance 9.0 looks like a duffel bag, but it offers many more options than a typical bag. It can also be carried like a backpack, and has plenty of zippered pockets and multiple handle options. The “armored” pocket (the equivalent of an attached hard sunglasses case) protects your shades and goggles from getting smashed, and the bag also features a waterproof pocket, shoe compartment and helmet sleeve to keep every piece of gear sorted.

The draw: Helmet protection, removable wetsuit compartment

Instead of acting as a top-loading backpack like most tri bags, the Zoot Ultra Tri Bag can go either way—throw stuff in from the top or unzip it to lie flat like a suitcase. A detachable compartment lets you stash wet gear separately, and a molded pocket can guard fragile aero helmets. We also appreciate the race-day essentials checklist printed on the bag’s interior.