Transition bag or regular gym bag?

That said, I paid $30 (or less?) for a TYR backpack and I feel like it's way beyond earned its worth not just in triathlon but in international travel.

On the other hand, for smaller races I did earlier on, this $5 Target backpack worked great.

However, it's really handy having all the compartments and waterproof bag; the backpack pretty much packs itself so you don't forget anything (it's obvious--wetsuit here, shoes here, helmet here, etc).

For me it was mostly about spending money and looking like a real triathlete.  

That being said. I have a Blue Seventy large bag. Having a water proof compartment for the wet suite is very helpful. It wears like a backpack, so I have ridden my bike to the race location from the hotel many times with no problems. And it makes for a great weekend travel case as well. Fits neatly into the overhead bin. 

FWIW, I’ve seen lots of people use 5 gal buckets. Stows your gear and makes a great seat in the transition area when putting your running shoes on. 

I've got an awesome backpack (not a transition bag) and I love it!  That thing is probably close to 10 yrs old at this point.  Mine has straps with buckles on each side which are perfect for clipping my helmet and race belt to and three compartments (the main, the typical smaller one, and a loose one on the outside)

Compartments really are nice because things have their own place and it makes packing the night before as well as setting up your transition easier.  I will say that backpacks (or a backpack transition bag) are the way to go though because I've had races where I've had to park pretty far from the transition area so having the ability to bike there and/or back was appreciated.  Just make sure your helmet is on and buckled!

+1 !!

I used a gym bag for my first two tris and am much happier with my $50 TYR transition bag.  Easily the best value-for-price tri purchase I've made in four years.

I didn't want to buy a "tri" backpack, since I had an ok daypack that the wife had won. But riding from car to transition it was a bit tough getting everything in (I'd end up riding on top of my bike shoes) or I'd have a 2nd smaller bag for the wetsuit.

So after last race I caved and bought the new Desoto v5 trans bag and I can already tell it's going to be great, even just for the wetsuit section. I'm going to use it when I take my crap camping as well - 1 bag for my shoes, wetsuit, etc. I don't even think it's that big (I was expecting HUGE).

I think if you don't use wetsuits you could use almost any bag.

Any bag will work.  That being said, I love my transition bag.

First year used a big duffel-sort of bag.  I still use that one for my swim stuff for training, but it is annoying to try to find all the small things in the bottom.  Plus it slides off my shoulder if I try to ride with it to/from a race.

Very happy with my purchase.

I have a TYR swim backpack that works for all my purposes. I carry my workout stuff in it to/from work, use it for transition bag purposes, and occasionally when I travel. Best X-mas gift I've had in a long time.

John

Total waste of money.  I use a Vera Bradley beach bag.  I may look more like a suburban housewife than an athlete, but who really cares?  It gets the job done.