I wrote this post as a natural followup to my bike essentials posts. Interesting enough I did a Google image search for “gym bag contents” and found that many bloggers have a post on this topic. Check them out. They range from organized, labeled perfection to gym bags exploding with gear.
Contents: Starting on the left with the 1st column from top to bottom: Iron Man towel, Crocs, running socks, casual socks, sweatband. 2nd column: combination lock, athlete’s foot cream, baby shampoo, Dove body wash, deodorant, razor. 3rd column: Reebok gym bag, singlet, lightweight long sleeve shirt, underwear. 4th column: Aqua Sphere Kayenne swim goggles, TYR ear plugs, swim trunks, swim trunks, running shorts with t-shirt on top.
Discussion: or why do I have all of this crap. Shirts: I carry a singlet, short sleeve tech t-shirt and a long sleeve tech t-shirt so I’m ready for a variety of weather, and if necessary I can layer. I use the Crocs as shower shoes. I’ve never been that comfortable in flip-flops. The running and casual socks ensure that my feet at least start off dry. The sweatband is essential for indoor treadmill runs. The razor is for those rare occasions that I find myself in the locker room and realize that I was in such a hurry to get there that I forgot to shave. Spare clean underwear is always good to have when changing after a long trail run or bike ride.
So what do you carry in your gym bag and why? I’m especially interested to hear from trail runners and triathletes.