TriJungle Gear

Rocket Science Sports, a triathlon-based equipment company based in Austin, TX that offers high-end wetsuits, race apparel, bags. Yeah, the same guys the make the fancy-schmancy aerodynamic dimpled water bottle that we recently reviewed.

Next in line is their top of the line water resistant race day gear bag – the Rocket Bag. My first impression upon opening the box was the obvious thought to detail and design. The bag is rugged but very contemporary in its appearance. The black water resistant material that covers the bag from head to toe, including all exterior zippers, is what sets it off. In addition, a number of reflective strips are incorporated into the panels to help keep you safe in the dark. The choice of materials and their composition is very unique and will scream to your competitors that you mean business. Or maybe you’re just a poser…

As I began to examine the Rocket Bag a little more I began to notice the numerous exterior compartments, straps, zippers, pads and other little gizmo’s. So I started to search for some directions to tell me what’s supposed to go where because I’m used to dumping everything in one spot. This bag, on the other hand, has a specific compartment for every piece of your gear. Crap!!! I’m not that organized. I guess that’s why I still occasionally show up to races without vital necessities such as SHOES!!!

Exterior Storage

Water Bottle Storage
Storage for one water bottle is provided for on each side of the bag. The water bottle storage compartments are sealed with a water resistant zipper.

Helmet
The helmet storage compartment is in the typical location as found on other bags. The helmet is secured snugly with the combination of an elastic band integrated in the outer material and two plastic locking clips.

Electronics
A smaller water resistant compartment behind the helmet storage is provided for storing electronic devices such as iPods.

Personal Items
Identification, car keys, and other miscellaneous personal items can be stored in a water resistant compartment on the outermost portion of the bag.

Cell Phone
Storage for a cell phone is provided for in a specific case located on the front of the main harness strap so you can easily answer your phone when you’re on the go. The container is removable so you can take it with you.

Lower Compartment
Finally, a storage compartment accessed by a water resistant zipper of the bottom of the bag is intended for storage of the transition mat. But it could be a good spot for storing your nutritional needs or other secret “stash”.

Interior Storage

The needs of the triathlete were definitely addressed with the design and function of the interior portion of this bag. The interior compartments were designed in a manner to separate the gear of the swim, bike and run disciplines. The mesh compartments helps with ventilation and lets you see what inside without having to open up each individual compartment.

Shoe, Eyewear, Heart Rate Monitor, & Pre-Race/Post-Race Gear Storage
Two separate mesh compartments were provided for on the inside of the outer portion of the bag to store running and cycling shoes. A larger mesh compartment in the main body of the bag is large enough to hold post-race clothing. Inside this are separate holders for your eyewear and heart rate monitor. The entire compartment can be unzipped to reveal what? Yep, another storage compartment! This water resistant compartment was designed as a wet-dry storage area. The wet-dry gear clothing compartment is also removable so it can be transported separately if you choose.

Transition Mat
Included with the Rocket Bag is waterproof transition mat (13”w x 25.5”l) with a non-slip PVC coating. It’s good for keeping your gear what the guys at Rocket Science Sports describe as “clean and happy”.

Fit

Padding
The padding for the back and shoulder strap areas of the Rocket Bag consists of numerous cushy gel pads described as RSS Gel Technology. Eight generous pads, referred to as the Air-Flight™ Padded Back, are located on the back of the bag to help keep you cool on the bike. In addition the shoulder and waist harnesses are gel padded to keep things comfy when it’s all locked down.

Straps
What really tops off a nice looking bag is one that has good ergonomics for cyclists. Securing the Rocket Bag to your body are two padded shoulder harnesses that can be secured together with an adjustable locking strap at chest level. In addition, another padded strap is provided for at waist level which includes a convenient storage area for your photo id or racing license. If you choose not to strap the Rocket Bag to your back a nylon strap wrapped with a flexible rubber handle has been provided for on the top of the bag. Lastly, a nylon strap with a 360 degree rotating plastic fastening clip allows you to hang the bag from a locker or transition area.

Durability
I’ve only had this bag for a little over a month so I can’t really vouch for its durability but I did get a chance to talk to the Rocket Science Sports guys for a little bit at Interbike. I asked how the exterior material of the bag would hold up over time and was shown a Rocket Bag that had been in use for a year and it was comparable to a new one on the rack.

Stitching
The stitching for the Rocket Bag is of high quality and well thought out as they have concealed the majority of the stitching to the interior of the bag. This provides for a very clean exterior appearance and more durable product.

Overall

Would I recommend this bag to others? Yeah, it’s probably one of the highest quality gear bags I’ve come across. The only possible downside to the concept of this bag is the number of storage areas it offers becasue I found the number of interior compartments reduces the physical amount of the bag’s potential storage capacity. However, I think it makes perfect sense for the triathlete because of the need to keep race gear separate. Now that I think about it, this bag would make a very good computer bag because of its versatility. So it comes down to what works best for your personal needs and preferences.

The guys at Rocket Science Sports spared no expense with this bag. Even though it’s geared primarily towards the triathlete, this bag will easily accommodate the needs of others as well. It looks good, it’s versatile, and at the very least can help you keep your gear organized on race day. The Rocket Bag is quickly becoming a hot item. Just ask Rock Racing’s Rahsaan Bahati. Apparently someone five-finger-discounted his Rocket Bag that he won at a race earlier this year before he ever made it back to the team bus. I guess he was a little distracted with the podium girls, picking up his prize, and all those other things winners get to do.

Item: Rocket Bag
Manufacturer: Rocket Science Sports
Dimensions: Height (20″), Width (13″), Depth (9″), Depth with pocket (10″)
MSRP: $159.99
Website: www.rocketsciencesports.com

Fast, light and aerodynamic are the triathlon trifecta. Fortunately, Louis Garneau’s 2011 triathlon, cycling clothing and gear have it covered.

To paraphrase Star Trek fans, “wind resistance is futile.” At least when that wind is up against  new 2011 Louis Garneau cycling helmets and apparel. Among triathletes, Louis Garneau is known to create some of the most technical gear available. Well, for 2011, they shifted up to an even faster gear, with the Vorttice helmet (coming soon to Trijungle, reserve now!), Pro Shorts 6.5, Tri Pack Revo and Race Day Revo triathlon backpacks.

The aerodynamic Vorttice cycling helmet underwent wind tunnel testing in Colorado and Ontario before its debut at the Kona Ironman in 2010. And with that, the Canadian brand debuted a new way of thinking about wind management: send the wind through the helmet instead of over a long tail. Basically, Vorttice’s unique air intake positioned at the highest pressure point on the helmet directs the air along the three evacuation channels, keeping your head cooler and directing the flow of air through the helmet. Ah, the winds of change.

Garneau is also changing its shorts, so to speak. The new-and-already-popular Men’s Pro Shorts 6.5 feature a 6.5-inch inseam, which stops shorter, about mid-thigh, and ensures legs are not too restricted. These tri shorts for men feature the familiar dimpled mesh structure of the Delfino fabric, providing breathability and chlorine-resistance. But now there’s less of it, which means you’ll be showing more skin — and also more speed.

When it’s time for race day, Garneau offers the Race Day Revo and Tri Pack Revo triathlon backpacks. Both offer flaps, straps and pockets galore — perfect for lights, protein bars and other triathlete essentials. And the extremely popular Race Day bag even features a cushioned, ergonomic back. However, Tri Pack is more of a “deluxe” model, offering more comfort for your money, such as ventilated shoulder straps, a cushioned and ventilated ergonomic back, a foldable chair and adjustable sternum strap.

So shorts and backpacks are all well and good for when the temperatures rise and triathlon season kicks in. But it’s still winter and you’re going to need a little winter protection. Louis Garneau’s Electra 2 Jacket will keep you protected on milder winter days. And detachable sleeves turn the jacket into a vest – a two-fer! Maybe you should be it in multiple colors, then mix & match the sleeves. Hello, fitness fashion statement!

Product Features

• Weight: 10.1 oz/285 g
• Quickly adjust strap position
• Super MSB Technology

The Diamond Helmet represents our greatest achievement in helmets. At 285 grams and over 40 vents, we have designed a helmet to out perform the competition. Through patented technology, we have unleashed an absurd amount of ventilation while still meeting safety standards. Worn by Chrissie Wellington in her record-setting 2009 Ironman World Championship title.

• Weight: 10.1 oz/285 g
• Certifications: CPSC-ASTM-CEN-AS 2063*(*Order 1408847 for Australian certification)
• Vents: 40
• In-Mold Construction: Industrial process binding the microplastic and polystyrene together to add superior mechanical properties to these materials.
• Spiderlock Elite: Adjustable and detachable rack-and-pinion mechanism using only one hand to stabilize the helmet on the head. It is provided with ergonomic padding.
• Steplock Divider: Cam locking device to quickly adjust strap position.
• Sealed Airdry Padding: Washable sealed adjustment padding for enhanced durability, ergonomic design for optimum comfort.
• Evacuation channels: Moisture channels provide better airflow and moisture wicking.
• Super MSB Technology: Ring-shaped protection at the base of the helmet reinforces the perimeter to spread the shock of impact.
• Exo-Insert Technology: Lightweight inner plastic reinforcement spreads the shock of impact and helps maintain the helmet’s structure.
• Composite Reinforcement: Inner composite-made frame which spread the shock of impacts. It provides support and protection while being lightweight.

Click here to buy the Louis Garneau Diamond Road Cycling Helmet from TriJungle with Free Shipping

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By Angelique M.

Your friends at Trijungle hope you had a great — even championship — triathlon season. Now that you’ve made it to the triathlon off-season, you may be wondering what to do with yourself. The temperature is dropping, the days are shorter and you’re due for some much-deserved rest.

Of course, for triathletes like you, “rest” means recharging with a few weeks of light, diverse training. Fortunately, you can make cross-training fun with hiking, skiing, snowboarding, football, hockey and more. This is also prime time for focusing on form and correcting any shortcomings in your technique, allowed by the shorter and less intense off-season workouts.

And it’s a great time to improve on your racing performance. If your streets are snow-free, keep cycling. And even though the sun sets by 6 pm, you can install some Knog or Blackburn bike lights and roll with it —on familiar streets.

With months of 5Ks, 10ks and marathons now ahead of you, the triathlon off-season feels like “running season,” doesn’t it? Well, reflective gear makes running after dark safer. But don’t count on your sweat to keep you warm. Whether biking or running, layers are essential to avoiding illness and pulled muscles. Suit up with an Orca or 2XU running jacket; fullfinger gloves; arm warmers, toe warmers and leg warmers; shoe covers; 2XU, Skins or Orca Compression tights and tops; a winter jacket and, of course, a hat cover. Even running or cycling in the cold without an ear cover could give you quite a headache. And that dry winter air means you still need to keep hydrated, so choose the top-rated Fuel Belt Hydration Belt.

I know, that’s quite a wish list. However, some of this triathlon gear may already be in your closet. And the rest is a great investment, so you’ll be in top condition when triathlon season blooms again. After all, hibernation is for bears, not triathletes.