The longer you train, the more Jiu Jitsu Gear you will accumulate over time. Eventually, you might think slinging your Gi over your shoulder before and after every class just isn’t working anymore. Instead, it’s time to upgrade and get a bag for all your Jiu Jitsu based needs. Well, if this describes you, look no further than the Revgear “Travel Locker Urban” Backpack.
Aptly dubbed The Mini Beast
Editorial Disclaimer:
Revgear sent us one of their backpacks, in exchange for an open and honest product review. If you’re interested in picking up this backpack, please consider using one of our links! You can also save 10% using our promo code at checkout.
Promo Code: JJL10
Revgear Website
The Importance of Having a Jiu Jitsu Bag
We’ve all been in the situation where you are running out the door to get to practice. But when you get there, maybe you forget your mouth guard or your water bottle. While these small things might not seem like a big deal at the time, your training journey will be easier when you are prepared.
Having a Jiu Jitsu backpack will help you carry things like:
- Notebooks
- Extra Gi’s
- Water Bottles
- Grip Tape
- Mouthguards
- No Gi Equipment
- Face Wipes
- Head Gear
- Knee Pads
- MANY other essential items
Some bags also have slots for electronics and ear pods, to help you get in the zone before a competition.
When you think about it, there are actually lots of small items of equipment that can help improve your Jiu Jitsu experience.
Quick Product Overview
The Revgear ‘Travel Locker’ is a backpack that has been designed with martial arts in mind. It is spacious, with a whopping 19 compartments that can hold everything from Gi’s, to Muay Thai gloves, and electronic compartments.
The measurements for the ‘Travel Locker’ are:
- 19″ Wide (Side Pocket to Side Pocket)
- 18″ Height
- 13.5″ Depth
Revgear says they had this backpack tested by real martial artists for two years before they released it. These martial artists all came from different disciplines like BJJ, Muay Thai, MMA, and others.
The backpack also has two waterproof pockets on the side.
It also comes with two compression straps on the side. These are used for zipping down the sides as tight as possible. Great on those long days you will be hiking around big open spaces at tournaments.
First Impressions and Unboxing
The first thing that leaps out about this backpack, is how extraordinarily tough it is. The material can definitely take a lot of abuse (as all martial art gear should be able to.) The shoulder straps look like they have been reinforced with extra stitching. This is definitely a martial arts pack that is made to last for life, not just a while.
The shoulder straps are also built to keep the weight up higher on your shoulders. Many packs allow the weight to sink to the bottom making the backpack sag, and you are constantly adjusting the straps. However, when you put on the Revgear “Travel Locker” you can definitely feel the pack clinging to my shoulders, keeping the weight up top.
Keeping the weight near your shoulders is actually my favorite feature about this backpack. BJJ Competitions are notorious for having you run around from mat-to-mat to watch your fellow teammates. Having a backpack that can store heavy weight, but also feel comfortable walking around all day, is essential. Any long distance backpackers will know the feeling.
The “Locker” Build:
Another great feature about this bag is the way the main compartment opens. It is more akin to a locker door than a simple bag opening:
Many BJJ bags (which shall remain nameless) have more of a “pit” with a draw string at the top. These bags might look like they make sense at first, but in reality they make it difficult to get to small things during practice. With this “Locker” style door, it makes it easy to lay your pack down flat, organize your equipment, and find the essentials when you need them.
Great for Digital Nomads and Tech Guys
While having a laptop compartment might seem pretty standard for backpacks nowadays, you would be surprised how few BJJ/martial arts bags have them. However, Revgear spared no expense. Not only does this have a laptop compartment with a strap, it also has an easy top compartment. Great for phones, airpods, or any other little gadget you need during training.
If you are someone who always likes to have your laptop close by, this is a great backpack to help you balance your work and gym life.
Possible Downsides
This backpack offers a lot in the way of space. Practitioners who train every day should have more than enough room for a backup Gi, large water bottles, and even gloves. However, if you are someone who needs to carry gear for others, you should check out Revgears bigger version of this backpack, the Revgear ‘Travel Locker’ XL.
Verdict: This is My New Competition Bag, 10/10
With more than enough room to fit two, maybe three Gis, this bag is a huge upgrade. I am someone who loves to jot down in my notebook during the drilling session of class. This bag makes it great to reach for my notebook when I want to write down. It’s also great if I want to organize
I definitely think this bag is a huge upgrade from my older BJJ bags, and I can’t wait to go to competition with it.
Jack is a D who holds a bachelors degree in English Literature. He enjoys traveling, reading, and the Bow and Arrow choke. One day he hopes to teach English overseas and become a published author.