I don’t take these things lightly. Gear is expensive and I like to be selective, especially when it comes to something as important as a gym bag. In fact, in the past 12 years I’ve had exactly three. And, if you’re a regular here then you know I use the hell out of a gym bag! So when the Apera bag promotions were sweeping the inter webs, I was intrigued but not overly impressed. Why? Because I was absolutely head over heels in love with my Athleta bag. I’ve had it for three years now and, when I had a slight problem with one of the interior bags, Athleta sent me an entirely NEW bag. That’s just how they roll and I love them for it.
But, then the fine folks at Apera contacted me and who am I to say no to new fitness gear? I haven’t completely lost my mind. However, I was quite certain that I would like the bag but probably end up only using it occasionally. Well, for the first time in history, I was wrong. Yes, I’ll admit it. Wrong. Wrong, Wrong. The Apera Performance Duffel is the best gym bag I have ever had. Seriously. I love this thing like it’s the missing triplet to my twins. In fact, I could probably fit both boys in it, if they would sit still long enough!
Top 10 reasons why you need this bag in your life:
10. It has more pockets then a pack of kangaroos! Even the inside pockets have pockets. There are pockets on the very top of the bag, on the outside, inside and giant shoe pockets on the sides. I dare you to lose anything in the bottom of this bag!
My running shoes are packed neatly on one side, just waiting for me. And, don’t worry, I’m wearing shorts!
9. Two separate shoe compartments. On each side of the bag are two zippered pockets for shoes or sweaty gross clothes. These days, since I’m often cycling and running in the same session, I can easily haul around two pair of shoes and switch them out like magic! Plus, the outside of the pockets are all mesh so there’s a constant air flow which is certainly needed for my sweaty shoes.
8. It’s PINK. Normally, I’m not a big fan of pink, however I chose it so my husband can’t even think about using it. Ever.
7. It’s huge! At first I thought there wouldn’t be enough room for the sheer amount of crap I carry around with me, but, I’m able to fit all of this and more…
6. It has a stink sack. You know, a separate bag to put wet or smelly and wet clothes, socks, hats – you’re typical stink sack. Plus, the bag itself is washable. I know this because I wash it about three times a week and it’s come out unscathed each time. Bonus!
Waterproof stink sack.
5. It can double as a diaper bag. God do I wish I knew about this thing when the twins were babies! I used to have to carry around a rolling piece of luggage with all the stuff they needed just to go to the grocery store. Well, not really but that actually would have been helpful.
4. The company is awesome. Every interaction I’ve had with the people at Apera has been professional and downright pleasant. There is zero chance of a “conscious uncoupling” here.
3. Discounts galore! Currently they’re offering 40% OFF their entire BLUE line of bags. Any style of bag, including the Performance Duffel, will be 40% OFF. Also, all of their Duffel Packs, any color, are 40% OFF too.
2. The bottom of the bag. That’s right, the bottom. What’s so great about it? It’s totally wipe-able. So, say you put it down outside because you’re kids are fighting in the gym parking lot, and it gets snow/mud covered because isn’t it supposed to be snowing in April?…and once you make it to your car in one piece, you can wipe it down with an errant towel before putting it onto the seat next to you. At least one thing in your car will be clean.
1. Because I said so. And so have many, many bloggers including Cori at Olive To Run and Christine at Love, Life, Surf. Be a follower on this one, trust me!
If you want a chance to win one (and who wouldn’t?) Apera is offering a pretty cool deal in the month of April. Basically you can win a new Apera bag just by showing them how completely beat up your current gym bag is. For all the details and a chance to win your very own bag – with your choice of color – check out the April giveaway HERE.
[Tweet “10 Reasons Why You NEED this @aperabags Gym Bag and how to get 40% off!”]
What’s your favorite bag – gym or otherwise?
Did you ever feel you would never want to replace a certain product until you discovered a new one?
If you bought an Apera bag, what color and style would you chose?
I’m i hVe this exact bag (and color) and I’m obsessed!!!
Of course you do! That is beyond awesome.
I love my Apera bag! It is my go-to weekender bag….so much space in there!
Isn’t it roomy?? That’s the best feature…besides all the pockets. Love it!
Glad you got one and I’m even more glad that you LOVE it….told ya! I LOVE my pink yoga tote…I’m tempted to go buy the duffel now that you mentioned it was on sale!! Great review!
Thanks Sue!! I seriously want another one too. They’re addictive like that!
You had the pink girl in me at pink! Seriously, looks like a great bag and totally going to have to check it out now 🙂
You absolutely should. The pink is very PINK but easily identifiable 🙂 It would be great for trips to the park with the girls!
I keep seeing these floating around. I need a new bag but am torn between a few different kinds. Will have to check out the discount. I have always loved that Athleta bag but never purchased. When I initially read the reviews they were too mixed. Good to know you like that one too.
I have to say, the Athleta bag served me well for many years. I prefer the Apera one simply because it’s bigger and has more pockets – particularly the shoe compartments! As you know, it all depends on what you’re training for. Good luck and happy shopping!
I think MY favorite part of the bag is that I can pay for it using Paypal. With my balance, the hubs won’t know how much I really spent. 😉
And we have reason number 11! Perfect. Thanks Tina 🙂
That IS an amazing amount of stuff that will fit in there! Love the “stink bag”… and must admit I never thought I’d find myself writing that sentence! 🙂
So true but it’s a great thing to have when you have wet, sweaty clothes and nowhere to put them!
That is awesome! Looks like you can get a ton of stuff in there, and a “stink bag” is crucial!! We need that just for our weekends away skiing!
I’m so glad you can appreciate the stink bag 🙂
I have one and I LOVE it!! I’m hoping my sling bag can double as a gym and diaper bag next fall. 🙂
I’m sure it will. So glad you already know the greatness of Apera!
Adding this to my wish list 🙂
You won’t be sorry! I’m sure they have the perfect bag to tote around Beantown.
I have that Athleta bag and I really love it but this Apera bag sounds amazing. I would definitely get the pink! I love having a ton of pockets. It’s so useful with all the crapola I keep with me all the time!
I have to tell you that having all those pockets PLUS more room, makes this one better then Athleta for me. I never thought I would write that it’s the truth! Of course, it all depends on what you’re carrying around 🙂
Before I even got to #5, I was thinking, “Wait, I’m not gym girl but this would make a FANTASTIC diaper bag!” And we still need those, for maybe awhile.
I like the color too.
We are kindred spirits.
By “maybe for awhile” do you mean you’re possibly having or are already pregnant with baby #3? I want to start that rumor right here on my blog 🙂
I need one of these for my son. Probably not the pink though!
If he likes BLUE they’re 40% off 🙂
I am a bag lady. And a shoe lady. And a buy-a-whole-bunch-of makeup-and-then-dont-use-it lady.
Yes. I lurrves the bag.
You can fit all your shoes and unused make-up in this bag!
When I first looked at the title of this post, I thought it said “10 Reasons Why You Need This Blog”. I thought…I don’t need 10 reasons…I already know I NEED IT. End of story!!
Then I realized it said “bag” and I was also in heaven because the only thing I love shopping for and buying more than office supplies is bags/purses/totes. My kids and husband literally have to steer me away from those sections of stores or I would lose myself in them for hours.
You are SO RIGHT!! The minute I saw you think it is the best gym bag you’ve ever had, I was SOLD. As I was reading your entire post and nodding my head, I kept thinking, “PLEASE let this be a giveaway”. This is how badly I want this bag. I need it, Allie.
But now that I think about it, I cannot let the mere luck of a giveaway keep me from this bag. I am just going to order one. DEFINITELY PINK…and since you say this style is the best bag you’ve ever had…that’s that will be my style because you know what’s what. WOOT!!! –Lisa
Who is better then you? I love that you thought this was about my blog at first – ha ha ha! I love that so much. I truly hope you get this bag as it’s amazing. It can also be used as an overnight bag for that girls weekend!! Thanks again Lisa. Let me know if you order one!
I love my Apera bag, too! I love all the pockets & the wipe-down bottom is great. I cannot even begin to imagine how much stuff you must have lugged around when the twins were babies – I felt like I was a sherpa with just one baby!
I’m so glad you have one!! And yes, I lugged around SO much stuff for those babies – and I needed every bit of it. Very happy those days are over 🙂
It looks like the perfect bag for you!!! Glad that you have a bag for all that gear.
I think that the thing I like the most about doing all of my workouts at home is not having to pack a bag every day. I did that for years when I taught – in fact, I used to carry 3 bags with me to school every single day (teaching stuff, workout stuff and coaching/misc. stuff).
So true about working out at home! What’s that like? Actually, with this weather FINALLY improving, I’ll have more days when I can just run and bike from my front door – hooray!
I really love that bag!! I can’t believe how much stuff you fit into too! I need it……I NEED IT! Great review!
It’s true. There’s probably very little I NEED but this is one of them. I can picture you toting this baby to spin class with you 🙂
I can also co-sign as to how awesome apera bags are, you are the perfect person to show it!! We are also working with them for the conference and one lucky attendee will win a performance duffel! You REALLY showed the great use of the bag though. Super smart technique getting the pink bag so hubby would stay away….its totally my favorite color 🙂
That is so great Nellie! I don’t have to tell you how great they are to work with. That’s huge for me too. I need to love the company as well as the product.
I don’t use a gym bag – I run in with my keys and a water bottle, and that’s it. But I do love a good bag, and the more pockets the better. Maybe I’d start using a gym bag if I actually had a cool one. Going to check them out now. And glad you pointed out that you were wearing shorts – I thought you were getting into naked photography 🙂
HA HA HA – when I saw that picture I was like “what the heck?” I guess it’s only good to take those if you’re wearing pants or capris 🙂 Hope you found a bag that suits you!
Sounds like I need this as a diaper bag!
Oh honey – you absolutely do! Put it on your registry. Yes – you need another baby shower – trust me 🙂
A pink bag – that’s genius! My husband normally doesn’t take my bag but it has happened. What I need is a pink water bottle. With rhinestones for good measure.
Now you’re thinking!! Find a way to mass produce those and you’ll be a millionaire.
oh and the PINK!!!!!!
I need 🙂
The pink is a fan favorite for sure!
This bag looks awesome! One can never have too many pockets but love the fact you can wipe down bottom! I think I need this bag!
I was wondering if I was the only one who loves that feature?! Thank you for the company.
I love that it has a stink bag compartment thingy! (Especially since I have a 3-year-old and a fancy runner husband–it can get smelly around here.)
I feel your pain. I’ve actually taken my stink sack from my Athelta bag so now I have two in rotation, which is very much needed!
Your passion for this love is obvious, running deep and true. And the whole time all I could think was, “Man, that would make a great diaper/potty training bag.” lol. I usually just bum my husband’s gym bag, but this might make me rethink my position on that.
It’s time you had your own bag mama! Get the pink one!!