These packs and duffles designed specifically for runners excel on the road and at the gym
By: Sarah Tuff
Runners ask a lot of their luggage. Travel bags must be versatile enough to keep up with our active itineraries. Gym bags should keep our gear organized (shoes stowed separately, thank you) so we can focus on running. Here, seven bags that meet these demands--and more.
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LONG HAULER
You've got your dirty running shoes, damp tank top, and a brand-new Nano. No worries, the OGIO LAYOVER TRAVEL BAG ($179) has a compartment for each. This spacious, wheeled duffel features two large internal mesh pockets, compression straps for cinching down a week's worth of running outfits (plus clothes to see the sights in), and three external pockets that provide easy access to passports, keys, and race packets. On the return flight, you can take advantage of the bag's expansion zipper to fit all of your souvenirs and race schwag.
INFO: Ogio.com
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QUICK-CHANGE ARTIST
For runners tackling a life-list race like, say, the Great Wall Marathon, the versatile OSPREY MERIDIAN 22" ($299) helps you (or at least your gear) arrive intact. The bag wheels along via a retractable handle, or it can strap to your shoulders as a backpack with a supercomfy hipbelt. Once you're checked into the hotel, you can zip off the daypack, which is roomy enough for a few changes of clothes (with a mesh pocket to stash wet, stinky items). This clever trick also lets the Meridian meet strict airplane carry-on requirements.
INFO: Ospreypacks.com
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FREQUENT TRAVELER
The JANSPORT 20" WHEELED DUFFEL ($150) is made for quick changes on the go. It's small enough to roll into a bathroom stall, but still has enough space for your race-day outfit, warmup sweats, toiletries, and some extra outfits for celebrating that PR. It also has a small accessory pocket for quick-access items like passports. The Jansport's rugged corner-mounted wheels and edge bumpers allow type-A runners to sprint to the airport, throw the bag in the overhead, and make it back to the office by the boss's 8 a.m. meeting.
INFO: Jansport.com
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CARRYALL
The LULULEMON RETRO GROOVE BAG ($98) is partly a nod to the running-heyday '70s and partly a workhorse for modern-day demands. The bag holds 50 pounds of stuff, making it ideal for runners who like to shed layers as they go. Inside is a removable, washable pouch that holds everything from sneakers to sports bras, and a neoprene pocket that's just right for a laptop.
INFO: Lululemon.com
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BARE NECESSITY
The compact METALLIC DUFFEL ($40) from Adidas is so stylish you won't mind leaving it out in the office as a subtle reminder of your next workout. At 15 inches long and eight inches wide, the bag is just big enough for shoes, shower stuff, and running clothes. The inside pocket can hold keys and a wallet, while the external pouch can fit an iPhone.
INFO: Adidas.com
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DAY RUNNER
If you have a full day planned--errands, run, and dinner with friends--the PUMA TRAINING SPORTS BAG ($55) has you covered. You can put your shoes in the bottom zip pocket, your training gear in one of the two side zip pockets, and your work stuff in the four pouches inside. And you still have a spacious main compartment for everything else, plus a choice of shoulder strap or handles.
INFO: Puma.com
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THE TRANSFORMER
In the what-will-they-think-of-next category comes the NIKE PINNACLE PERFORMANCE RUNNING BACK PACK ($90). It can serve as a gym bag, a companion for the road and trail, or your ticket to the tech convention. First, it adjusts eight different ways for a custom fit and has reflective materials all around. Inside you'll find a separated shoe area, a laptop sleeve, and an insulated pocket. Finally, the backpack features a removable rain cover and a spot for a 70-ounce hydration reservoir, if you decide to start running to work.
INFO: Nike.com
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