I used to use a gym a shoulder harness gym bag but I found it was hard to manage on those occasions you have to ride your bike with your gear (if parking is far from T1 for instance).

I picked up the TYR tri backpack and I love it. It is really well designed with mesh compartments for all the gear, plenty of room for everything I need and then some. The bag has a very big main zipper that allows you to open it up like a clamshell so you aren't digging elbows deep to get whatever's at the bottom of the bag.

My only criticism would be that there is a plastic "wet goods" bag that clips inside that has failed on my bag and my girlfriend's. It either rips easily or the glue comes undone. I store my wetsuit in one of those XL sized ziploc bags instead and put that in the backpack. It works out great that way.

I have a T2 bag from triathlonbags.com. It is super solid. Two mesh compartments on the inside to keep different discipline items separate. Also came with a T2 bag for those races where T1 and T2 are not in the same spot. I highly recommend this bag and their Zeus bag as well that my wife has. It is bigger but not the traditional backpack style. More like a paperboy style but it still has backpack straps.

I also have this bag and love it. I've never had a problem with the "wet goods" bag, but then again, I've never tried to stuff a wetsuit into it.

I have a new Speedo bag that I'll be trying out in a couple weeks. It appears pretty similar to the TYR bag, only smaller, which would have advantages and disadvantages. I'll give you a quick review afterward.

They gave out the Zoot bags at St. Anthony's this year, and I think it's pretty cool. Plenty of storage and the padding on the shoulder straps (and the ass-pad) are nice. The dry storage at the bottom is pretty convenient, too. I think that most of the bags you look at will hold up well, though, plus many of them have the same features. Just don't go to Wally-World or anything.

Many thanks for the replies. There is plenty to chew on and check out and most likely I will go with the TYR although I have not seen it.

Thanks