REVIEW – I go to the gym 4 to 5 days a week. I don’t carry a lot with me and have been using a small drawstring backpack for the last couple of years. As you can imagine, it’s seen better days, and I’ve been looking to replace it. But I didn’t want an oversized duffle bag and my drawstring backpack, although functional, wasn’t optimal either. As luck would have it I received an email for the chance to review a locker sized gym bag from WaterField, the Bootcamp Gym Bag. It seemed like it would be the perfect gym bag for me. Was it? Let’s find out.
What is it?
The WaterField Bootcamp Gym Bag is a sophisticated vertical duffle, sized to hold gym essentials and to fit into a gym locker or cubby. It’s also small enough to carry with you onto the gym floor without getting in the way.
What’s in the box?
WaterField Bootcamp Gym Bag and one removable, adjustable shoulder strap.
Hardware specs
- 13.5″ x 12.5″ x 6.5″
- 1.9 lbs.
Design and features
The Bootcamp Gym Bag is available in either a waxed canvas or black ballistic nylon. I chose to review the black ballistic nylon. The bag is designed to fit perfectly into a gym locker or cubby. As mentioned, the outside of the bag is made from a strong, durable ballistic nylon. I love the versatile design of this bag. It’s almost like getting four bags in one. A gym bag, an EDC bag, an overnight bag, and a carry-on bag.
Bag features
The Bootcamp may not be very big, but it does offer plenty of zipper pockets and storage for all of my gym essentials. And things like my phone, wallet, and keys.
The top of the bag features leather-wrapped handles with a unique system that compresses and secures the front and back pockets when the handles are in use. They also make the bag more comfortable to carry and give it a sophisticated look.
The two main zippers on the outside of the bag are waterproof, and the seams lay flat. Each has nylon pulleys with metal tips.
The front clamshell zipper opening allows you to open the bag on its side and pack it like you would a suitcase.
The inside of the bag features a gold ripstop lining that lights up the bag’s interior making it easier to see the two interior zipper pockets.
A second main zipper gives you quick access to the inside of the bag and zipper pockets without having to remove the bag from the locker.
On the front of the bag, there’s a pocket with a magnetic closure. Inside the pocket, there are a couple smaller organizational pockets and a key clip. The magnetic closure gives you quick access to your phone or wallet without having to fumble with a zipper. But the magnet is strong enough that when closed, the items inside are secure.
A second open-top pocket on the back of the bag is perfect for magazines or other quick stash items.
The feature I was most excited about was the bag’s two expandable water bottle pockets. I take two bottles with me to the gym, one for water and the other for my post-workout protein shake. With the Bootcamp bag, I’m able to carry both bottles hands-free. And the expandable pockets have no problem holding my larger, shaker cup.
The bag also has a removable, adjustable shoulder strap. The bag is well balanced and comfortable when using the shoulder strap. However, the strap isn’t padded, which might make it a little comfier if you’re using it for a long time.
As I mentioned, I don’t carry a lot with me to the gym, the pics below show what I carry with me and how it all fits into the Bootcamp Gym Bag.
I’ve been using the Bootcamp Bag for about a week as of writing this, and I absolutely love it! I’m able to fit all my gym essentials, and there’s still room for more. Its size makes it easy to carry and store away in a locker. The external pockets are perfect for quick reach items, and the ability to access the bag via two different zipper openings is excellent. And for me, the expandable water bottle pockets are an absolute godsend.
What I like
- Versatile style
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Fits perfectly into a gym locker
- Clamshell zipper opening
- Secondary top zipper opening allows quick access to the inside of the bag
- Magnetic closure front pocket
- Extra pockets for storing extras
- 2 expandable water bottle pockets
What I’d change
- Absolutely nothing!
Final thoughts
The WaterField Bootcamp Gym Bag is the perfect gym companion. I really like the bag’s versatility, not only in the design but in the functionality. It does have a premium price tag, but as they say, you get what you pay for. And in the case of this bag, I think it’s definitely worth it.
Price: $199
Where to buy: WaterField
Source: The sample for this review was provided by WaterField.
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The shape reminds me a lot of an old-style bowling ball bag. Overall, this has a lot more useful little pockets, so I’d definitely consider it. — Except that price tag!