In my many years as a gym member, I’ve tried a variety of gym bags, backpacks, and duffels. My all-time favorite is the Plus Backpack from KNKG. It changed my bag preference from duffels to backpacks for my trips to the gym.
I was interested to see if the Plus Duffel could change me from a backpack to a duffel user for my every day gym bag needs. I was fortunate to receive the KNKG duffel as a gift in exchange for my honest opinion and review after using it.
I assessed whether the duffel is worth the price, if it will hold up to everyday wear and tear and how it would compare to the KNKG backpack I am currently using. I have been using this duffel for over a month now, and there are some things that I definitely like about it, and some things that I don’t.
If you are thinking about purchasing this duffel keep reading so you can buy with confidence (on our shop right here).
What is the KNKG PLUS Duffel?
- The Unique dual water bottle pocket.
- Internal shoe compartments
- Compartment closure variety
- Lacking a single water bottle pocket
- Difficult shoe compartment
The KNKG Plus Duffel is an upgraded version of KNKG’s original duffel. The PLUS Duffel is a gym bag that is meant to be durable and functional with sleek aesthetics for users who need a reliable and versatile bag for gym sessions, travel, or everyday use.
It is made from 1000D nylon, which provides durability and abrasion resistance. The inner lining is rip-stop nylon. It comes with steel buckles, YKK zippers, and like other bags from KNKG, it is reinforced with Hypalon trim for aesthetics and abrasion resistance.
It comes with dual internal shoe compartments, dual water bottle pockets and multiple additional pockets. It comes in three sizes: small 33 L, medium 45 L, and large 63 L. It also comes in three different color options.
What I liked about this duffel
1. The Unique dual water bottle pocket.
I found the simplicity of the dual water bottle pocket to be refreshing. Use of this compartment is easy and hassle-free.
There are no difficult closures, tight fits, or anything getting in the way of simply getting your water bottle in and out. The compartment offers quite a bit of space, and the elastic band that holds it tight seems to work well.
I found that I liked being able to store my Nalgene with clean, fresh water and another water bottle for pre-, intra-, or post-workout supplements. And bonus, there was room to spare!
2. Internal shoe compartments
I have the 33 L duffel, so the shoe compartments are a bit small; however, they still work. The compartment can be used for shoes or anything else you want.
I liked having these extra closed compartments that give you the option to carry what you need and to be able to keep it all separate. I found I used one for shoes and the other for dirty laundry, and this worked very well. I am curious to see how other people end up using the dual shoe compartments.
3. Compartment closure variety
I must say, I don’t think there has ever been a gym, backpack, or duffel that has had so many different types of closures, from elastic to zippered to magnetic buttons.
This duffel has an excellent variety of closures for different types of compartments. And the metal buckles and big zippers with pull tabs are amazing.
The carrying straps are of good width and make it comfortable to carry even when the duffel is fully loaded. I was recently on a trip with a different duffel, and the bag I used did not have a handle wrap for the straps, and it quickly became very frustrating. That experience made me appreciate that this bag comes with comfortable carrying straps and handle wraps.
What I did not like about this duffel
1. Lacking a single water bottle pocket
While I am a fan of the style and uniqueness of the dual water bottle pocket, I have found that I miss having a compartment that is able to hold my Blender Bottle or Nalgene bottle a bit more securely.
I’ve been using the dual compartment to hold a single bottle, and that leaves room for the bottle to move around or tip slightly. So far, it has not caused any problems, and if I do want to carry two, then it can easily do it, which is excellent.
If you will only ever carry one, then the dual compartment might be a little bit wasted for you.
2. Difficult shoe compartment
I was a big fan of the shoe compartment in the plus backpack from KNKG. I was looking forward to trying this one out, but ultimately, I think the shoe compartment in the plus duffel is frustrating. It’s difficult to get your shoes in without flipping the bag upside down and spilling things out or having to empty out the main compartment.
Now I have the 33 L. so I don’t know if I would experience the same trouble if I had the 45 or 63 L. It has been difficult to simply unzip the pocket and slide the shoes in without having to take everything inside out because the shoe compartment slides into the bottom of the main compartment.
Who is the Plus duffel for?
1. Organizer, Pro or Wannabe
If you’ve got lots of little items to carry to the gym or anywhere else you’re going and you like to have each thing in its own space, this is going to be an excellent duffel for you!
The exterior of the bag has almost 7+ pockets, and each one is different with different types of closures and sizes. To me, this means lots of great organization.
If you’re not very good at organizing your own stuff, give this a try because it gives you lots of good options to test and see what will work best for you.
2. Anyone who needs a good duffel, gym or not.
There is really no way that you’re going to go wrong with this duffel. As far as the construction I have no fears or worries that it can stand the test of time.
The aesthetics are clean and simple, while I will admit sometimes it looks a little messy because of all the different compartments and maybe that’s just because I’m using the 33 L. Either way, I think 95% of gym goers would absolutely enjoy this duffel bag.
It has everything that you need and I can’t think of anything that it lacks. If anything, it may have too many pockets but if you know what size you need and you know what color you want this is a safe bet for almost every gym goer.
Who is the Plus Duffel not for?
It’s not for people who carry very little gear. I find that most gym goers do something for a time and then to keep things fresh they switch up their routines.
For instance, I’ve seen people who’ve worked out for 10+ years who will at times bring in a lot of gear to the gym and then, at other times arrive at the gym with almost nothing.
The variety of pocket options, pouches and sleeves that the Plus offers might be wasted if the only thing you’re bringing to the gym is a key pass and a water bottle.
Where should you buy the KNKG Plus Duffel?
- The Unique dual water bottle pocket.
- Internal shoe compartments
- Compartment closure variety
- Lacking a single water bottle pocket
- Difficult shoe compartment
