The ASRV Utility Gym Duffle Bag is a great quality gym bag that (almost) justifies its $300 price tag
ASRV was not a company I was familiar with. But looking at the holistic approach it takes with regards to helping get the most out of every athlete, I am immediately onboard. This is a company that certainly walks the walk. I wonder if the ASRV Utility Gym Duffle Bag will have what it takes to make our list of the best gym bags.
Men’s Fitness verdict
If you want hidden pockets galore, this paired-back bag won’t be for you. If you want a stylish, quality bag that will last, it will be.- Long-lasting rugged construction
- Separate shoe compartment
- Fairly pricey
- Not yet available in the UK
Why you can trust Men’s Fitness
Men’s Fitness has had its finger on the pulse of the healthy lifestyle scene since 2001. That means we’ve got more than two decades of experience in the industry and have built up connections with top professionals. As such, we only offer insight and advice from those who know best – and who have the credentials to prove it. This ASRV Utility Gym Duffle Bag was reviewed and rated by regular MF contributor Laurence McJannet. Find out more about how we test
ASRV Utility Gym Duffle bag design
Unlike many of the gym bags I’ve used recently, th ASRV Utility Gym Duffle Bag (buy now) doesn’t have a plethora of pockets. Instead it’s opted for a fairly simple design. It’s a 38L classic-style gym bag – I found the name a little confusing as I’d associate duffle bags with a soft fabric, top-opening drawstring design.
On one end you have a zipped shoe compartment; on the other there’s a mesh pocket and a neoprene adjustable bottle pouch. On one side there’s a slimline, full length zipped pocket – it’s only deep enough for small items of clothing or snacks etc. On the other there are two expandable external pockets; the smaller one with a Cobra clasp, the larger with a zip around three sides and plenty of MOLLE-compatible webbing.
The top has a full-length three-sided zip and chunky plastic eyelets for the detachable shoulder strap. The strap has custom swivel buckles that don’t look they will break any time soon. A dual-loop padded handle rounds off the sensible design.
ASRV Utility Gym Duffle Bag performance
Though ASRV’s gym bag doesn’t have hidden pockets or tricks up its sleeve, it does have its own USP. This bag just oozes quality. From the external waterproof nylon to the internal Ripstop fabric, I instantly felt that this bag would be an investment. And that great, not only because it goes some way to justifying its $298 asking price.
Though I always prefer a rucksack design of gym bag, the padded over-shoulder option here always felt fairly comfortable, no matter how stuffed the bag was. The ‘backside’ pocket is flat enough not to rub against you as you walk, and the padded strap wide is enough to spread the load. Still, I’d advise not walking with a heavy cross-shoulder single-strap bag like this for too long.
The Cobra clasp is a reassuringly expensive (if a little over-engineered) touch, and the MOLLE webbing is useful too. After sticking wet football boots in the shoe compartment I can report with some confidence that it is pretty leakproof. I’ve managed to shoehorn resistance band systems, massage guns, protein shakes and hoodies in here without it coming apart at the seams so volume-wise it should be usable for most gym trips. But it is one of the smallest we’ve tested.
ASRV Utility Gym Duffle bag verdict
Despite its 38L capacity and simple design, the ASRV Utility Gym Duffle Bag will accommodate everything you need for regular gym trips, but it’s probably missing the 10L or so you’d want to make it a useful weekend-away bag. If that’s not a dealbreaker, and you just want a sleek-looking design that you know will last, this ASRV is a great option for US shoppers. The MOLLE compatibility gives you some flexibility too. It looks like UK gym goers may have to wait a while for this one though.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Features | Ripstop nylon, separate shoe compartment, neoprene water bottle slot, MOLLE webbing, Cobra buckle closure |
| Capacity | 38L |
| Dimensions | 19 x 10 x 11.5in |
| Color | Black |
How I tested the best gym bags
I’m an experienced product tester of all manner of fitness kit. I’m also a fitness enthusiast and keen triathlete – a sport where carting a large amount of kit around transition has become something of a science. While testing out these backpacks, I used each one for at least a month, testing them on weekends abroad as well as regular gym workouts and multi-sport brick sessions. I assessed them in terms of style, storage and comfort, paying close attention to the durability of the design and whether they were worth the price tag. My testing process involved packing the backpack with a range of items – from workout clothes and gym shoes to a laptop and headphones – to assess the storage capabilities, before wearing it for hour-long walks to assess the comfort factor.
