Pack It In
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Just prior to leaving for Ironman race week in Kona, I received a much
needed new travel bag – the TYR Alliance Team Backpack II. As much as I travel,
I am incapable of packing lightly – I haul around an overloaded mix of work,
workout and play gear, enough that it sometimes seems I have piled my entire
closet into my luggage. In addition to checked bags, I also need a good sized
carry-on to transport my laptop, paperwork, reading material, a change of
clothes (to account for shifting temperatures or the potential of lost luggage)
and a variety of snacks and beverages.
The TYR backpack was the perfect solution – it held all my goodies with
room to spare, and was far more comfortable than the standard single-strap
shoulder bag that I’ve carried in the past. The various accessory pockets
helped me maintain order amidst my cargo, and the bag fit perfectly into the
airplane’s overhead compartment.
I also made great use of the backpack throughout my time in Kona,
transporting items all about the island on my back as I rode a rental scooter (lacking
a basket) to and fro. Of course I made certain to test the backpack out as a
beach bag as well, and it withstood the sand and sun perfectly!
I know the Alliance Team Backpack II was designed for use as a swim team
bag, but it’s ideal for anyone who needs a large volume, yet comfortable
sport-styled pack.