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Wow…just wow! This gym…no, work…no, travel backpack can rep more than me! While that may or may not be true. I was not prepared for this gym bag. I’ve been using this backpack for two weeks now. To the gym, back home, to the office, and everywhere in between.
Overkill much? Gym bags are near and dear to my heart. I started going to the gym in 2007. I eventually opened up a 24 gym in my hometown. I owned and operated that gym and was a personal trainer there for years. I love the gym world, and even the all unnecessary gear I thought I needed. I’ve found that the Edge from King Kong is one of my all-time favorites, not because I need it (it’s overkill for me), but because I respect what it can do for those who do need it.
Looking for a good gym backpack? I was given this backpack from King Kong (big thanks!) But I’m going to give this my honest review. If you’re in the market for a great gym backpack, keep reading because I’ve tested this one, so you don’t have to. Or maybe you’ll still want to… it’s your call.
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What is the KNKG Edge Backpack?
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- It’s overbuilt, and that’s refreshing.
- Spills and forgetfulness are not an issue with the top quick-access pocket.
- I very much enjoy the shoe compartment
- It Carries It All
- Unnecessary two-step opening process, anyone?
- The front compartment only zips halfway down
- The Fidlock quick-release buckles unlock opposite directions
Let’s talk about it. The KNKG 35-liter capacity Edge Backpack is meant to be your go-to for work, gym, and travel. This is a seriously tough backpack, made with durable 1000D nylon for the body and ripstop nylon lining that will hold up to rigorous use. It has YKK zippers and Fidlock quick-release buckles. It boasts a laptop compartment (up to 17″) and a separate sealed wet/shoe compartment on the bottom. A quick-access essentials compartment is on top.
Luggage Anyone? On the front is a Clamshell Flat Pack Opening with multiple compartments for your travel, office, or gym essentials. It has two, yes, two water bottle pockets (one on each side). Finally, you can bring your pre (and post) workout drink with you. It currently only comes in one color, but it does have a Velcro branded patch that can be removed to add your own patch if you want to personalize it.
So what do I like about the KNKG Edge?
1. It’s overbuilt, and that’s refreshing.
Between the luggage-style handles and main straps, I had a lot of ways to pick it up and carry it without a problem. I never found myself searching for a handle. I wasn’t flipping the bag to one side or the other to find a solid grip. I despise cheap zippers, so I am happy with the YKK zippers (Paid Link). They feel strong, and best of all, while using the backpack, I have yet to have a single snag while opening or closing the different compartments. I’ve been throwing it around as I use it to see what it does, and I am confident that it’s going to hold up.
2. Spills and forgetfulness are not an issue with the top quick-access pocket.
I can’t count how many times I’ve opened a pocket of a backpack to grab something I needed, closed it, and took two steps away only to realize that I needed something else. That is not a hassle with this backpack. The top quick-access compartment is convenient. It’s not too big or too small. The material extends out over the zipper, protecting items from rain or pre-workout because you shake your blender bottle but don’t have the lid closed all the way. I’m not sure that can ever be fixed, but at least your essential items are safe either way.
3. Let’s keep it clean!
I appreciate the shoe compartment. The shoe compartment is located on the bottom of the pack opposite to the quick access compartment. The compartment is sealed, so that means moisture from your shoes (and not to mention the smell) is kept off your clothing in the main compartment. Going to the gym or traveling can be a germ farm!
Just walking through a bathroom coats the bottom of shoes with –I don’t want to think about it actually– but I would never want to set those same germ-carrying shoes in with my clean clothes. Most gym bags or even travel bags don’t have the option of built-in storage, so this is a welcomed improvement.
4. It Carries It All
All the gear you want. It’s not perfect, but I like that King Kong put so much design into a three-in-one bag. The more I travel, the more I find myself trying to pack less and less.
On short trips, I like to take only one bag if possible. If you are the same way, you’ll like this backpack as much as I do. I’ve kept it loaded for two straight weeks with clothes, water bottles, essentials, and my laptop with multiple charging cables. It carried it all without a single issue.
So what did I not like about this backpack?
1. Unnecessary two-step opening process, anyone?
While the Fidlock quick-release buckles are a great product. I don’t know why the four side straps are there. Yes, they are meant to be able to tighten so you can lower the profile of the bag. At least, that is my understanding. Here’s the problem, every time you need to access the main compartment, you have to unlatch the two buckles and then re-attach them when you’re done.
I know that a two-step verification process is needed to keep our data secure, but do we need it to open gym bags? This is my least favorite component. I feel like they were added to look great, and they do give a tough aesthetic to the bag. The Fidlock buckles work perfectly, and the straps are durable. All that aside, for the love of all, that is efficient.
Please, King Kong, at least make an option for it not to come with the buckles because, after two weeks, I’m already thinking about how I can cleanly cut them off.
2. The front compartment only zips halfway down
It only zips about halfway down, which can make it difficult to get to the bottom. When you open it, there are lots of great mesh pockets inside and open pockets to organize office gear. I do like the clamshell-style opening, however, I just want it to open up more. I’ll admit that this one and the con are just me being picky so that you know what to expect. So, –if I can be picky– I’ll bring up one more thing I don’t like…
3. The Fidlock quick-release buckles unlock opposite directions
The four buckles are the same buckle on each side. This means there isn’t a right side / left side buckle, so when you release them, you always pull them up or down.
Because it is the same buckle on both sides, you have to remember that one side slides up and the other slides down. While I don’t like this very much, I am okay with it. Just know It’s going to take a little longer to get the muscle memory down. Okay, I’ll quit picking on the Fidlocks straps! Is this gym bag for you? Let’s see if I can clear it up.
Who should buy this pack?
This 3-in-1 gym bag (Paid Link) is absolutely for those who, like the band Queen, would say, “I want it all.” It’s for the gym goer who takes everything with them to the gym. You see them all over. They section off 10 square feet on the gym floor to lay out their bands/belts, rollers, towels, wrist straps, protein tubs, and all the camera gear for recording their workout routine. This is the bag for you! You will not be let down. A casual gym goer… it’s overkill.
It’s also for anyone with a busy lifestyle. Someone approached me a few days ago in the gym and asked about this bag. He said he was looking for a good gym/travel bag. He actually just spent more than $100 on a backpack he thought would meet his needs–I didn’t come close. So now He is going to have to go buy another backpack. No one likes throwing their money away. So, If you have a lot going on and don’t want three different backpacks for gym, work, and travel. This would be a safe bet for you.
Who is it not for? Casual gym goers, beware! I don’t think that this bag would be a good fit for a casual gym goer… it’s overkill. If you want to just throw a bag on your shoulder and get a quick workout in, there are better options out there. If this describes you, then you may want to consider something less intense. King Kong has other simple options available. I am about to start testing one of those options here, so I will check back soon.
If you’re not traveling a lot. There may be a lot of features and compartments that may start to collect cobwebs due to lack of use. When you are paying over $200 for a backpack, you want to be sure you are going to use it all. So, I would recommend a different bag. If you’re not actually going to the gym and are just using it for work, then… again, overkill.
I’ll add one more thing: If you want a bag that looks unbelievably tough and stylish, then you’ve found it. Almost everything from King Kong that I’ve seen has incredible aesthetics. This bag will impress all who see it. They’ll run away, fearing King Kong is here, and then come back asking where you got it! I kid, but not really. In a world where most things are underwhelming, it’s nice to see that some things still arrive overbuilt!
Where should you buy the KNKG Edge Backpack?
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- It’s overbuilt, and that’s refreshing.
- Spills and forgetfulness are not an issue with the top quick-access pocket.
- I very much enjoy the shoe compartment
- It Carries It All
- Unnecessary two-step opening process, anyone?
- The front compartment only zips halfway down
- The Fidlock quick-release buckles unlock opposite directions
