If you are like me, you have a collection of bags, duffels, rucks, and totes. I like having the right bag for the right job. I have been searching for a basic duffel to use as a gym bag. One that is durable enough to take a beating, but also small enough so that I have to limit the crap I carry with me to work out.
If the duffel is too big, I can never find what I’m looking for, and I tend to let it accumulate things that I don’t need and never use. If it’s too small, It’s useless.
The 5.11 PT-R® Daily Grind Duffel is perfect. At 32-liters, it’s big enough to carry the essentials without being too large. It has a removable shoulder strap, dual padded carry handles, and a 3-sided zipper opening so it is easy to find what you need.
I’ve been beating it up for a few weeks, and it still looks new. The bag measures 10″H x 18″L x 10″D, and has a rubber backing called TPE, that does a great job of keeping your gear dry in case you get caught in a rainstorm, but it also has a mesh vent near the top to let the stench of your sweaty gym clothes out.
By the numbers:
Comfort – 4/5 The bag comes with a removable shoulder strap that does not have a pad, but you really shouldn’t need one for this bag. It’s comfortable to carry with an appropriate load. The carry handles have a Velcro warp-around strip that keeps them together which is a nice feature.
Durability – 4/5 The duffle is made of 600D Polyester backed by TPE or Thermoplastic Elastomer. This is basically a rubber-like backing that helps the duffle hold its shape and does a great job of keeping your gear dry. The YKK zipper is heavy-duty enough to withstand being jerked on and stitching seems rugged enough to last. One feature I liked is the TPU no-skid strips across the bottom of the duffle that help protect the bag and keep it from sliding on slippery surfaces.
Functionality – 4/5 There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles to this bag. It’s a duffle with one mesh pocket on the outside for your water bottle or phone. Inside is a small conveniently placed zippered pouch to hold your car keys, so they don’t get lost in the bottom of the bag. The 3-sided zippered opening folds open to keep the contents readily available while you use it. It had a Velcro patch on one side and a Velcro strip on the front for a nametag.
Weight – 5/5 The duffel weighs just over a pound, but you won’t sacrifice durability. It is definitely not made to haul huge loads, but it’s robust enough to do what it was intended for.
Value –5/5 At $55, you can’t go wrong. This duffle is sized well enough that you might consider picking up a few extras for gear storage. I’m thinking of using one for a vehicle emergency kit.
Overall rating – 4/5 It’s a solid medium-sized duffle bag that will serve you well for a long time.
Final Thoughts: When you just need a solid gym bag you can count on without breaking the bank, pick up the PT-R® Daily Grind Duffel
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience with the product.
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