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Rei Balance Gym Bag

Rated: *** by 10 reviews.

REI

Spend more time playing and less time packing with our sophisticated REI Balance gym bag.

  • Sourced from old plastic bottles, post-consumer recycled PET polyester is tough enough to endure the daily grind and is gentle on the environment
  • Large zippered opening gives you easy access to all your workout essentials; side panel can hold a 1-liter water bottle
  • Separate compartment for your shoes or dirty clothes keeps your clean clothes looking good; large mesh vents help air things out
  • Slender bag design conveniently fits inside most lockers
  • Removable shower caddy organizes and transports your toiletries when you head to the shower
  • Hide-away straps secure a yoga mat to the front rather than the bottom so you can still set the bag down; tuck the straps away for a clean look
  • Front zippered stash pocket keeps your keys and small items handy
  • Adjustable, padded shoulder strap provides comfortable carrying

Approximate volume:1,350 cubic inches
Average weight:25 ounces
Dimensions:17 x 12 x 6.5 inches
Material:Recycled polyester
Number of pockets:3 + main compartment

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This product is available in the following colors:

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Red MapleRed MapleBlackBlack

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

Color
Black
Black
59.50
Red Maple
Red Maple
59.50

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Rei Balance Gym Bag Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****1
****5
***0
**2
*2

Positive Reviews:

Love it!

Rating:****
After going on an epic quest to find a gym bag that had everything that I was looking for I found this bag. The pictures really don't do it justice, so I actually went to an REI store to take a look. The teal is very pretty, a little shiney and the bag was larger than I expected, but fits everything perfectly. The 'shower caddy' is a bit laughable but makes a good case for jewelry/small items. I was slightly more concerned about the shoe pocket. It's a very heavy nylon/polyesther, and while I'm sure it's fine for most gym-dwellers, I'm a marathon runner which I think puts my sneakers in a whole different category of wet, rank, and sweaty. I ended up buying a spray bottle of waterproofing spray at REI and hosed down the inside of the shoe pocket where the shoes are stashed. So far, so good! I can go for a long run in the mornings and then park the bag under my desk in my office without having to offend work colleagues. I can fit a pair of women's 10.5 sneakers, my Ipod, bagged up used gym clothes (shorts and a thin T-shirt) a wicking shirt, light pants, and toiletries (full sized shampoo bottle, full sized hairspray bottle, a few smaller bottles of moisturizer, deodorant and a small make-up bag, two hairbrushes, all in the bag, no problem. I also love this bag because I take the subway to and from the gym, home and work. It's not too big where I'm knocking people over as I get on and off the subway. It's not too bulky or heavy/awkward to carry either. I highly recommend this bag!
_gatecrasher_ at REI on 04/29/2008

skinny*roomy*versatile (not just 4 gym)

Rating:*****
-skinny profile makes it super easy to carry, yet its still roomy

-fits my climbing & runnings shoes + harness + water bottle

-thoughtful design (compartments, loops, pockets)

-easily used for non gym stuff (ie laptop in protective sleeve + papers)

-great for traveling on plane because:
.skinny profile makes it easy to deal w/ for TSA xray
.outer pocket is perfect for passport, flight info papers, tickets
.fits under seat in front of you side by side w/ small backpack
.fits essentials for long flights like small pillows, blanket, snacks, water bottle (which I bring in empty, then fill w/ water after getting thru TSA)

-slightly higher price due to being a recycled product (prolly slightly more $$ to make) but worth it!!
reddirt at REI on 04/03/2008

So far, so good!

Rating:****
I'm always on the go and have been looking for a gym bag that holds all my running gear but isn't large or bulky. I managed to fit in: running shoes (shoe compartment is fine for my size 7 shoes), shorts, t-shirt, sports bra, flip-flops, swim suit, goggles, swim cap, socks, and a thin long sleeve warm-up top. And there is a bit of room left! The shower caddy is a bit small, but it is fine for mini-size products. The pockets inside are great to find stuff easily. I only gave it a four because I haven't had it that long and can't yet rate how it will hold up over time.
a2runnergirl at REI on 11/20/2008

Fantastic Gym Bag - Roomy & Comfortable

Rating:****
I use this product every day as a gym bag/tote. It is lightweight, roomy and has a fair amount of pockets/compartments for organization. The shape is also great, as it fits easily in gym lockers and isn't a nuisance on public transportation.

Why I love this bag:
1. Comfortable strap
2. Pockets/compartments
3. Seperate shoe compartment to keep smelly sneakers away from my clothes
4. Great shape
5. Shower caddy is very useful
6. Made of eco-sensitive materials!

My only complaint is that the shoe compartment takes up a lot of space in the interior.
BostonGal22 at REI on 07/13/2009

Great, versatile bag!

Rating:****
I saw this reviewed in Fitness magazine and went for it. I love it! It makes for a great gym bag - has a separate compartment for sweaty clothes or shoes. It also has lots of accessible and sturdy pockets, and straps for a towel or yoga mat. Maybe a bit short on space, but it works for me because it FITS in my gym locker (unlike most duffel bags). Would also be great gear bag for hiking.
reenbean18 at REI on 04/02/2008

Useful bag

Rating:****
I initially wanted a backpack with a seperate compartment for shoes but that doesn't seem to exist so settled for this gym bag instead. Lots of pockets makes it easy to organise. One complain is that the seperate shoe pocket/area seems rather small. I have US 6 cross trainers and I have difficulty stuffing my shoes in, maybe it's the material it is made out of?
MayS at REI on 06/09/2008

Negative Reviews:

Started as a good idea

Rating:**
The design of this bag is fantastic (a vented place for shoes and dirty clothes, water bottle pocket, straps for a yoga mat) however once I put my running shoes in the side pocket, the bag is 3/4 of the way filled up! I ended up (trying) to throw my toiletry kit in there too, but as hard as I try, the bag will not fit my essentials (change of clothes, shoes, toiletry kit, water bottle, yoga mat on the side). I wish REI would upgrade this bag to the size of a standard duffel, but keep the cute design, fashionable colors and well-thought-out details. Oh, and make the "yoga mat straps" a little more heavy duty--it needs actual adjustable buckles (similar to the straps on the side of the REI cargo getaway duffle) to actually hold anything--not dinky little keychain clips. I would actually purchase the Cargo duffel if it was a tad more feminine and included the vented pockets and water bottle pocket that the Balance gym bag has. Sigh. What started out as a perfect gym duffel for women, ended up as nothing more than a fancy purse.
Snowbird at REI on 09/11/2009

Apparently I'm a Bigfoot

Rating:**
This is a beautiful stylish bag but it's not fit for serious athletes. My biggest complaint is that the shoe compartment was too small. I wear a 10 in womens and it was a struggle to get the shoes in there. I was however able to fit workout pants, shirt, bra, socks, and volleyball. There are a lot of great pockets. I especially liked the front outside pocket which made grabbing my phone or keys in between games a cinch. The mesh pocket on the inside of the top was also a nice touch. Great details on this bag, but only fit the bare essentials and even then barely.

I think this would be a wonderful bag for those with small shoe sizes and who do things that don't require a lot of equipment. I wish this bag could've worked out but apparently I'm a big foot.
Krock523 at REI on 06/19/2009

Meh

Rating:*
I really liked the bag, but as another reviewer mentioned, it wears out really quickly. I had mine for about 5 months and the strap started fraying by the seam before it ripped altogether.

I'm not planning on exchanging it for a new one. Best to buy a different bag.
fbhs at REI on 11/20/2008

cool bag -- but fell apart in 6 months!

Rating:*
Paid full price for this bag 6 months ago -- and the strap split in a way that's not repairable! Great style and practical design can't make up for lousy construction.
dallas darling at REI on 10/15/2008