We recently had the chance to take the Speedo Large Teamster Backpack out for a spin, and we’ve come away quite impressed. Aimed at competitive swimmers, the pack’s robust design and thoughtful features meet the demands of athletes who hit the pool often.
The Teamster stands up to the rigors of daily use with its durable, abrasion-resistant shell and water-resistant bottom. It even includes a pull-out foam bleacher seat – a nice touch for those long meets. Multiple pockets keep everything organized, while a designated laptop sleeve protects your tech on the go. Plus, the removable dirt bag™ is a game-changer for separating wet gear from the dry.
- Durable exterior shell is built tough with abrasion resistance
- Primary zippers are the highest quality YKK Zippers
- Webbing loops and d-ring on side panels for accessories/bag tags
On our outing, the backpack’s capacity was adequate without being overwhelming, and we found the YKK zippers to be of top quality – no snagging or resistance. The versatility enhanced by webbing loops and a d-ring for accessories makes it more than just a swim bag.
Despite the praise, we did note that it lacks a dedicated dry bag. This could be a drawback for those who need to ensure their wet suits stay separate from other items.
Bottom Line
For those in the competitive swimming circuit, the Speedo Teamster Backpack provides durability, organization, and comfort. While it might miss a dedicated dry compartment, it still ranks highly for its convenience and thoughtful design. Our gear stayed secure and was easy to carry, which makes it an item we feel we can comfortably recommend.
Considering a new swim backpack? Take a closer look at the Teamster and see if it fits your poolside needs.
Overview of Speedo UnisexAdult Large Teamster Backpack 35Liter One Size Pink 2.0
After putting the Teamster Backpack by Speedo to the test, we’ve gathered some noteworthy insights. This backpack’s durability stands out, thanks to its abrasion-resistant exterior and a water-repelling base – essential for competitive swimming environments. It’s not just tough, but also considerate of swimmers’ needs, featuring a hidden ventilated front pocket that perfectly stores wet gear away from the dry.
The organizational design of the bag impressed us with its multiple pockets, including a protective laptop sleeve, making it versatile for daily use. The inclusion of a removable ‘dirty bag’ is a clever addition, keeping damp swimwear or dirty workout clothes separate from clean items.
However, it’s important to note that despite its ample space, some users felt the bag’s size was a bit too generous for their personal use. Yet, the volume can be a boon for those toting gear for multiple people or looking for an all-in-one sports bag.
Interestingly, the bag integrates webbing loops and a D-ring for easy attachment of accessories or tags, adding a convenience factor for personalization. And the YKK zippers? They’re a reassurance that your belongings are secure with top-notch closures.
Taking a step back, the bright pink hue of the backpack might not be for everyone, but for those who love a pop of color, it adds a vibrant touch to the poolside or locker room.
In short, based on what we’ve seen and experienced, Speedo’s design caters to the practicalities of aquatic athletes without compromising on style and function.
Durable Exterior Shell
In our experience, the Teamster backpack from Speedo stands out with its resilience. It’s crafted to take on the rigorous demands of competitive swimmers, which speaks volumes about its durability. With an abrasion-resistant exterior, we’ve found that it holds up remarkably well against rough surfaces and daily use. Even when we’ve dragged it across pool decks and stuffed it into crowded lockers, the wear and tear have been minimal.
The water-repelling bottom is another feature that’s proved its worth, especially when placed on wet surfaces. Our gear stayed dry, which is a testament to the thoughtful design. One aspect that genuinely caught our attention was the pull-out foam bleacher seat – an innovative addition that not only provides comfort but also exemplifies the backpack’s robust construction.
While the primary zippers are of the highest caliber, YKK, we must mention that they are also integral to the backpack’s overall robustness. They glide smoothly even after repeated use, securing your items without a hitch. On the downside, some may find the exterior shell a bit rigid at first, but we see this as a sign of its long-term durability, rather than a flaw.
High-Quality YKK Zippers
In our recent usage, we’ve observed that a key feature contributing to the durability of the Speedo Teamster Backpack is its zippers. They’re YKK, widely recognized for their quality and resilience. These zippers glide smoothly along their tracks, which is crucial when you’re quickly packing or retrieving items from the backpack.
While using this bag, we noticed that the zippers could handle a good amount of pressure without jamming or breaking, which is essential when the backpack is stuffed with swim gear. We appreciate how the primary zippers are designed to withstand frequent use, a common necessity for swimmers who are always on the move.
The main compartment zipper didn’t snag or show signs of wear after numerous open-close cycles. The zippers also contribute to the backpack’s sleek appearance, seamlessly blending with its design. However, it’s worth noting that while the zippers are robust, they do not guarantee a completely waterproof seal, which might be a consideration if you are storing wet gear inside.
On the downside, we found that if the bag were overpacked, some strain could be seen on the zipper ends, implying that while they are strong, overloading the backpack isn’t advised. Overall, the YKK zippers are a reliable feature that enhance the Teamster Backpack’s functionality.
Accessory-Friendly Design
We found the Speedo Teamster to stand out with its thoughtful touches for those who come with accessories aplenty. The webbing loops and D-ring on the side panels offer a convenient spot to clip on water bottles, keys, or even bag tags, providing easy access and organization. Despite our initial skepticism, these features proved quite sturdy in use.
The hidden front ventilated gear pocket came in handy for storing wet swimwear separately, ensuring the rest of our contents stayed dry. However, we did notice the lack of a dedicated dry bag, which could be a shortfall for some who prioritize completely separate wet and dry storage.
Although the Teamster is equipped with a multitude of pockets, they are thoughtfully placed and do not feel overwhelming. Whether it’s goggles, caps, or a spare towel, we had a place for everything. This accessibility and ease of organization make it a reliable companion for anyone with a fair bit of gear to carry.
Water-Repellent Bottom & Ventilated Gear Pocket
We’ve recently taken the Speedo 35-Liter Teamster Backpack out for a spin, and we’re impressed by its practical design. What stands out are its durability features, which bring great value, especially for swimmers and athletes. The backpack’s water-repellent bottom is a game changer for anyone who has to place their bag on wet surfaces. No more worrying about moisture seeping in and getting your gear wet. The thoughtful design extends to a hidden ventilated pocket at the front, perfect for stashing wet swimsuits, caps, and goggles post-swim. It allows your gear to air out and helps reduce the chance of mildew and odor buildup, which is a common issue with less thoughtfully designed sports bags.
However, it’s worth noting that while the main compartment keeps things dry from external wetness, one review pointed out the absence of a dedicated dry bag section. This means that if you’ve got really soaked items, you might want to consider a separate dry bag to ensure that your other belongings remain dry and separated.
Overall, Speedo has crafted a reliable companion for aquatic adventures, striking a good balance between sturdiness and smart compartmentalization, although a minor tweak could perfect an already solid design.
Pros and Cons
Having had the chance to try out the Speedo 35L backpack firsthand, we’ve gathered quite a bit of insight into what makes it click and where it falls short. It’s our mission to give you a balanced view, so let’s break down the highs and lows.
Pros
- Durability: We were really impressed with the backpack’s tough exterior shell—clearly built to withstand a lot of wear and tear. It’s not just any bag; it’s your reliable companion for the toughest of days.
- Zipper Quality: The use of YKK zippers, renowned for their quality and reliability, means you’re getting a hassle-free experience every time you zip and unzip.
- Accessory-friendly Design: Need to attach extra gear? The webbing loops and D-ring are super handy for those add-ons you can’t do without.
- Ventilated Storage: The hidden front pocket is a clever addition for wet gear, providing that much-needed ventilation to keep the rest of the contents dry and odor-free.
We found that the backpack is not only good-looking but also brilliantly functional with its multitude of pockets, enough to keep even the most organization-needy among us satisfied.
Cons
- Size: For some, more is better, but for others, the backpack’s generous size can be a downside. It might be a touch too large if you’re not looking to carry family-sized loads.
- Lack of Dry Bag: We noted the absence of a dedicated dry bag compartment, a potential dealbreaker for swimmers who need to keep wet and dry items strictly separate.
- Cost & Shipping: While the backpack certainly ticks a lot of boxes, its price point, alongside shipping costs, may give budget-conscious buyers a moment’s pause.
During our time using this backpack, we came to respect its thoughtful design features geared toward heavy use—ideal for sports enthusiasts or even the casual user looking for a robust carryall. However, it’s important to weigh these benefits against the factors like size and cost that may not meet everyone’s needs.
Analyzing Customer Reviews
We’ve spent time with the Speedo Teamster Backpack and taking cues from other users’ feedback, it’s clear this backpack is a hit, particularly among those who need to carry swim gear. Most customers revel in the bag’s generous space and its plethora of pockets, which make organizing accessories effortless. The separate compartment for wet gear is a practical addition, although a few noted the lack of a designated dry bag.
Durability is often praised, suggesting that the backpack can withstand the demands of regular use, whether it’s for swim team practice, gym sessions, or even a sleepover. Users are fond of the unique prints available, expressing delight in the backpack’s ability to stand out from a sea of bags on the deck or poolside.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are remarks about the backpack’s size being too large for some individuals. Ultimately, our take on the Speedo Teamster Backpack aligns with the consensus: it’s a robust option for those needing to pack a significant amount of gear while also wanting to stay organized and stylish. However, keep an eye on size to ensure it fits your frame and needs.
Conclusion
After thoroughly testing the Speedo Teamster backpack, we’ve gathered that it’s a robust option for anyone who requires a spacious and sturdy bag. It’s undeniable that it offers copious storage with an array of pockets to keep all kinds of swim gear organized. We were impressed by its ability to handle heavy loads without sacrificing comfort, making it ideal for swimmers, students, and even for an overnight trip.
While the backpack’s durability receives high marks from us, our experience reflects that the lack of a dedicated dry compartment is a slight drawback, especially for those who need to separate wet swimwear from dry items. Despite that, the bag’s versatility has been celebrated by many users, including ourselves, for its high quality, ample space, and ease of transport, making it a reliable companion for swim teams and individual use.
Although some find the cost and additional shipping charges a bit steep, we believe the investment is justified given the backpack’s overall performance and longevity. It may not be everyone’s perfect fit due to its size; however, for those looking for a large and multifunctional backpack, this could very well be the right pick.
