What Is a Crossfit Backpack? A Shopper’s Guide
As a CrossFit athlete, your equipment serves as an extension of your body – one that must hold up to rigorous demands session after session. For athletes just beginning their crossfit journey or aggressively pursuing competition goals, having the proper tools helps with maximizing performance while simplifying transportation of equipment between training locations.
Yet selecting a versatile backpack capable of accommodating diverse needs presents its own challenges. How do you identify durability rated for rope climbs and deathly marches under loaded weight? This in-depth guide unpacks answers to this question and a lot more, evaluating attributes that place versatile carriers above run-of-the-mill alternatives.
What Is a Crossfit Backpack?
A crossfit backpack, sometimes referred to as a rucksack, is a hardy bag specially designed to transport all your Crossfit gear and equipment in comfort. Unlike a traditional gym bag, this kind of backpack provides superior carrying capacity through dedicated compartments and pockets. They also distribute weight across both shoulders for reduced fatigue compared to single-strap duffle bags.
What Fits in a Crossfit Backpack?
One of the first considerations when shopping for a crossfit backpack is size. A crossfit backpack should accommodate all your daily gym essentials with room to spare.
At minimum, you’ll want to ensure your bag has enough room for all your essentials like shoes, clothing, water bottle, jump rope, and other accessories like lifting belts or bands without overflowing.
Look for models with dimensions of 15 to 30 liters capacity. Bigger bags allow for extras while still remaining comfortable to wear. However, be wary of packs much larger than 30 liters as these may feel unwieldy when loaded down.
Pockets and Organization
Beyond adequate space, great pocket organization is equally important. The ideal backpack should feature multiple compartments to prevent items from jostling around together.
External pockets are convenient for storing items you need quick access to like phones, keys, and ID cards. Interior organizational pockets help separate clothes, shoes, and gear for easy retrieval.
Consider packs with dedicated shoe compartments, laptop sleeves, and mesh pockets too for optimized practicality.
Materials and Comfort
When it comes to comfort during intense training sessions and long treks to and from the box, choose a crossfit backpack made from breathable, padded materials. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics, well-cushioned straps, and sternum or lumbar supports for a secure, sweat-free fit.
Adjustable straps also allow for a customizable carry experience. Meanwhile, durability is key – aim for 600D nylon, polyester blends, or other rugged, abrasion-resistant fabrics built to withstand weights, equipment, and everyday wear and tear.
Customizability
Part of the appeal of crossfit is personal expression, and many top backpacks cater to this with customizable features. Some allow add-ons like bottle holders or equipment loops via MOLLE webbing for infinite expandability. Others offer signature designs, pockets, or panels ready for custom embroidery, patches or prints. This adds personality while aiding pack recognition in busy gym spaces. Removable waist straps or hip belts also provide versatile carrying options.
Going the Distance
When training regularly involves longer daily hikes or weekend adventures, energy efficiency matters. Opt for a crossfit backpack utilizing frame technology through lightweight aluminum or padded spines. These redistribute up to 30% of weight load from shoulders to hips for reduced energy expenditure over lengthy distances. Additionally, built-in hydration compatibility allows hands-free mobility with integrated water bladder sleeves.
Investing in the Future
While a quality crossfit backpack necessitates greater initial expenditure than basic sports bags, factor in long-term savings through projected usage lifespan. Durable, abrasion-resistant materials and zippers should withstand years of intense athletics whereas cheaper bags may stretch their limits within months.
Repairability through replaceable parts like reinforced seams or welting also increases longevity. Additionally, more expensive crossfit backpacks maintain higher resale value if upgrading in the future, versus disposable generic bags.
Standout Options
While trying backpacks in-store is ideal for fit assessment, some top-rated options leading the industry include the Bear KompleX Tactical Backpack and Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack.
The Bear KompleX backpack stands out for its rugged construction and durable materials making it suitable for intense crossfit workouts. It features a contoured strap system for optimal weight distribution and comfort. Compression straps and multiple pockets provide organization.
Meanwhile, the Reebow Gear backpack excels for durability with its high-density fabric and quality materials. Its MOLLE system allows customization with add-ons. Ventilated padded straps and a back area also prioritize comfort. Both backpacks promote longevity through robust builds.
Region-specific brands like QT&QY and LHI also offer dedicated crossfitters support. Their military-inspired designs bring tried-and-true utility to each workout. Regardless of brand, choosing packs like these upfront sets athletes up for success by fueling every sweat-filled WOD with optimal gear.
Finding Your Perfect Match
With such variety filling the market, identifying the perfect crossfit backpack requires assessing individual sports and lifestyle needs. Consider projected content load, preferred carrying experience, build quality demands, opportunities for customization, and anticipated usage frequency and setting.
While upfront investment appears higher, quality crossfit backpacks designed for maximized functionality pay dividends in optimized training over both short and long haul.
