But, which one do you buy? With so many gearbags to choose from, how do you narrow it down to the right one for you?
We have done some of the homework for you, and have highlighted a number of features we look for when choosing a gearbag that will fit our needs.
1. Size
The most important feature of a good gearbag is its size. It is important to be sure you have enough room in your bag to hold all of your gear, including boots, helmet, chest protector, and assorted smaller items such as gloves, socks, and goggles. If you only have one set of gear, then you can afford to go with a smaller gear bag that will be easier to carry and load, as well as store when not in use. If you have multiple gear sets or more than one helmet or pair of boots, then you will want to either find a larger gear bag or, if you can afford it, buy a second smaller bag that can hold and store your extra gear.
One thing to consider if you travel with your gear and have to check your bag onto an airplane is that there is usually an "oversize" fee that will cost you quite a bit of extra money if your gear bag is considered too large. If you are a frequent traveler, it's a good idea to check size restrictions with popular airlines and buy a bag that fits within those measurements.
2. Compartments
Finding a gearbag with the right type and number of compartments for your needs is also important. When you spend the kind of money that a good gearbag will run, it's good to do your research and find the right bag for you the first time around.
We always look for a bag that has boot specific compartments. Many times these are vented compartments and they will allow your boots to "breathe", and help to control any odor that may or not emit from your riding footwear! They are also the right size and shape to fit most boots, and make packing the rest of your gear a pretty simple task.
If you do a lot of riding in the mud or rain, look for a bag with a waterproof compartment that will allow you to store your muddy, wet gear without getting the rest of your gear dirty for the trip home. Just don't forget it's in there, or you will be in for quite the surprise two months later when you finally open the forgotten compartment!
Not all gear bags have a lot of extra storage pockets, so if that is important to you, look closely to be sure that there are enough smaller pockets and compartments for you. Also, some gearbags have a built in changing mat that will allow you to change your boots and shoes without having to step in the dirt.
3. Wheels
If finding a "roller" bag is important, then it helps to pay attention to the quality and size of the wheels when you are choosing a bag. Some bags have smaller, cheaper plastic wheels that will clog with dirt or sand easily and make dragging around a real pain in the you-know-what. Better quality bags have larger, more durable wheels that roll easily, and have plenty of clearance so as not to jam small rocks and dirt between the bag and the wheel itself.
Handles are also a big deal. If you have a large gear bag with a cheap, flimsy pulling handle, you are just asking for trouble and a miserable traveling experience. A good bag will have a sturdy pull handle that will be able to handle (pun intended!) the weight and load you will be carrying.
4. Zippers
Ah, the zipper. Such a small, seemingly unimportant detail, until you are zipping up your bag in a hurry to get to your race and find yourself suddenly at war with a cheap zipper and teeth that are easily deformed or torn out.
YKK zippers are the industry standard, and most good gear bags use their sturdiest offerings when it comes to designing a gear bag that can take some abuse.
A beefy zipper system is important when choosing the bag that is going to haul all of your riding gear. You will, at some point, max out that zipper's capability and truly test what it's made of by stuffing your bag to it's fullest limits - you will need a zipper that won't fail you when it's "go" time. You will also need a zipper system that will work well in dirt, sand and mud if you plan on using your gearbag for years to come.
5. Durability
Overall durability of a gearbag is important. We have touched on several key items that can make or break a good gear bag, but overall durability is going to be key. The less expensive bags tend to be of a lesser quality than the pricier gearbags, but that isn't always the case. Many times you are simply paying for the logo on the bag, so it's important to do a little research on the materials being used and overall quality of the bag you are interested in.
If you won't be using your bag much, or will only be carrying a few things in it, then durability won't be so important. If, however, you will be using your gearbag on a regular basis and stuffing it to capacity, you will probably want to spend a bit more and get a bag that will last for a long time to come.