Sports bags have been a part of our daily lives for many years. Whether it's a simple, sturdy canvas bag for carrying sports gear or a more elegant leather bag used as carry-on luggage, it's an essential piece of leather goods. But what exactly are the different types of sports bags, how do you care for them, and above all, how do you choose the right one? From materials and interior space to essential tips, Arthur & Aston provides you with a complete guide to the perfect sports bag in this article.
Cabin sports bag or trolley for a trip?
Choosing a sports bag depends on two points: the use you will have of it, a perfectly objective criterion, and, more subjectively, your personal tastes in style.
Manufacturers offer several types of sports bags: small ones with a capacity of less than 3 liters for light daily use, medium ones with a capacity of 40 liters for storing clothes or sports shoes, and XL bags with a capacity of over 60 liters, ideal for travel. But the major advantage common to all three types is their size: by definition, a sports bag is carry-on luggage. This means you can easily take it with you on your trips.
The trolley bag, for its part, embodies the spirit of a small suitcase. While its dimensions are not bulky, it is mounted on wheels and has a frame that can be reinforced, potentially making it less practical for everyday use than a cabin bag, but freeing you from the burden of carrying it. Therefore, if your priority is the ability to move freely during your travels, you might consider a cabin-sized sports bag like the one offered by Arthur & Aston.
The different types of sports bags
- The sports backpack : ideal for carrying your belongings over long distances. The quintessential sports model, it's just as comfortable for going to the gym as it is for hiking, and very popular with young people.
- The shoulder bag: ideal for carrying heavy or bulky equipment, it remains a favorite among clubs and other team sports. With its large capacity, you can easily fit your belongings, a towel, and a water bottle.
- The cabin-sized sports bag : less suitable for sports, but perfect for travel. Lightweight, durable, with ideal capacity and ergonomic handles, it is very popular with business travelers.
- The trolley sports bag: recommended for travel, it is practical thanks to its ideal dimensions and wheels.
How to choose your sports bag?
Waterproofing
Waterproofing can be an important factor for athletes: your sports bag may be exposed to inclement weather and other climatic hazards, or even splashes if you take it to the poolside. Therefore, carefully consider the waterproofing level when choosing your bag, taking into account your sporting activity and the amount of time you'll be spending outdoors with it.
Waterproof ratings exist. This is a simple code to decipher as follows: the letters IP (for Ingress Protection) and numbers from 1 to 8, guaranteeing the level of waterproofing. Only the second number is relevant to our discussion: an IPX4 bag will be water-resistant, but not waterproof, whereas an IPX8 bag will withstand complete immersion.
Space
Storage space and capacity are key factors to consider: carefully choose the size of your gym bag based on the items you need to carry. As we saw earlier, a small bag is perfect for the gym to hold your water bottle and a change of clothes.
If you need to pack sports shoes, equipment, and a change of clothes, choose a model with ample space. For business trips, a cabin bag offers optimal storage for your clothes, thanks to its depth and generous capacity.
Pockets and compartments
An organized bag means pockets and compartments: practical, strategic, and functional features that make all the difference when buying one. A small backpack will have a large pocket and perhaps a narrow compartment for your phone or keys, while a larger gym bag will sometimes allow you to pack your belongings without mixing them up thanks to its well-defined divisions.
Shoe cover, pockets for toiletries or wet clothes, waterproof and removable compartment for your documents, clothes net, water bottle cooler or attachments compatible with additional accessories… The sports bag market has greatly reinvented itself in recent years with many innovations that you can take advantage of when selecting your future model.
Even in a stylish leather cabin bag, you can find practical compartments; these are not reserved for textile sports bags only.
Comfort and ergonomics
If you have to carry your gym bag for several hours while traveling, always consider your back comfort. Brands have made significant progress in ergonomics in recent years, offering comfortable bags with adjustable shoulder straps or belts.
Also, be sure to choose the right size bag for your height, for example, by opting for a backpack that doesn't exceed the height of your back. Choosing a bag that's too big risks it not only being uncomfortable, but also quickly becoming painful to wear.
For hiking, choose backpacks with padded backs and models with adjustable, comfortable shoulder straps and a waist belt. This will ensure the weight of the pack is evenly distributed. When it comes to travel bags, make sure to select ones with comfortable and durable handles.
The material and the robustness
The quality of your bag will determine its lifespan. A low-quality canvas bag might only last a season or two, which is why it's important to always choose products made from quality materials that guarantee durability.
A sports bag is subjected to intensive use: it will be filled and emptied several times a week, so its closure system must be particularly robust. The straps are also subjected to harsh conditions: always choose thick, comfortable straps made from a good material.
Carefully check the seams of your sports bag before buying. Opt for high-quality fabrics and leathers, and choose products from renowned brands for superior quality bags. The Arthur & Aston online store offers stylish, practical, and durable sports bags to meet all your daily needs.
Care instructions for a travel bag
Regarding the care of your travel bag, dust it regularly with a soft, damp cloth, both inside and out. If your bag gets stained, clean it quickly to prevent the stain from setting. Leather develops a patina over time: apply oil to it regularly. Canvas may seem to show dirt more easily, but regular care will restore its beauty.
