First off, let's talk looks—the Fit Gym Bag comes in four colors that are muted enough to go with any outfit (I hate a garish gym bag that looks like you're being sponsored at the U.S. Open). It measures 19.25 inches by 12.75 inches by 8 inches, weighs 1.5 pounds and has a 25-liter capacity. That means it's a bit bigger than the lightweight Luca tote I use now, yet 25 percent lighter (and it holds the same overall capacity). The material is wipeable and soft, yet tough—it's made from recycled water bottles.
What makes me want to use this as my new gym bag are the well-thought-out design modifications from a traditional square bag design. The straps curve upward to a padded shoulder strap, so it's easy to carry up the stairs to the yoga studio when the elevator's broken. And exterior straps adjust to fasten a yoga mat crossways, keeping my hands free to lock the car or pay for something without having to rest my mat on a public walkway (ewww). There's an interior key clip that is easy to locate by feel without looking, and of course there's the trademark Calpak bottom shoe compartment and numerous mesh zippered pockets inside.
At first I was concerned that the longer profile of the bag would mean it would be too big to be an underseat carryon if I needed to use it as luggage, but the soft shape of the bag means it will fold nicely right under the seat. And yep, there's even a luggage trolley sleeve for docking it on a rolling suitcase. For now, however, I'm dedicating it to in-town workouts, glad of its extra-large interior water bottle pocket and anti-microbial lining, a boon for those of us taking hot yoga in a heat wave.
Thank goodness I can hop into the yoga studio shower or out of the surf, post-beach workout, and freshen up with this well-organized bag, as well as its accompanying new Fit Hanging Dopp Kit ($80). It's essential, since it lets me see all the gels, lotions and makeup I need to put myself back together after a workout.
That settles it: I'm keeping my gym bag at the ready right by my front door, where I can admire it while it mocks reminds me to get moving.
