Product Code: CK4237-010 - Nike Elite Pro Backpack
If you play footy regularly then you'll understand me completely when I talk about the hassle of bags. If you don't play regularly, what the hell are you doing here, get up off your couch and play!
If you do end up playing, well, you'll need the right kit......and by logical following, the right backpack to carry it all in. Initially, I went down the route, that a lot of players choose, a standard duffel bag. I bought a small and large one, as being admin of FC7, sometimes I have to bring a bit more kit in, other than just boots like the rest of the gang.
The problem with this, was the travel. I found the duffel variants really awkward to actually carry. Maybe it's a personal thing, but I really struggled, I found my boots and water bottle being placed at one end, would completely unbalance the bag. This would make it slip off my shoulder constantly and double that up with the fact that outside of the side boot section and a tiny internal zip pocket for your keys, there's very little compartmentalisation. It wasn't doing the job it was intended for, so I had to look elsewhere.
After doing a lot of research, I plumped for the Nike Elite Pro Backpack. I'm an Elite professional athlete after all (I can hear you laughing, stop it!). So, did it make a difference, did it de-stress my journey in? Let's see, shall we. Grab a piping hot Earl Grey, grab the jammy dodgers and find out.
First impressions? It looked a nice bag, you expect quality from Nike and everything about the backpack looked like it was worth the £50 it cost. Nike, Adidas, Puma etc, while they are big sports manufacturers, I've always been a bit hesitant of their kit outside of boots, and actual in-game accessories. Why? Because I've always thought you're paying for the label. For work, I've always gone down The North Face route, as I'm looking for endurance. I remember the old days, my school was full of people with Nike and Adidas back packs, and there were nearly as many holes, rips and tears before our first half term had even arrived.
I'm pleased to say, that nearly 2 years down the line, the backpack hasn't had any major traumas and still looks brand new.
Right, let's get to under the bonnet, did it deliver not just as a backpack, but specifically for footy, did it tick all the boxes.
YES...in a word.
The unique selling point of the Elite Pro is that it can fit a basketball, it was primarily made for the US audience, but basketballs are bigger than footballs, so my logic was this would be perfect for my needs. Having said that, I don't often carry a ball, but the fact it was a backpack and could fit one, meant that if that scenario ever arose, I'd be covered.
The other major selling point is the main compartment. It's very spacious for a backpack. It just isn't very linear and narrow. Most over the shoulder bags are meant for work or similar environments, carrying laptops, notebooks, books, folders etc, the Elite Pro is specifically for gym/sports scenarios. I've already mentioned that it can fit a ball, so it gives you an understanding of the volume we're talking about.
To give you an example of what I can pack in this main compartment:-
- Football boots
- 10 bibs and wash bag
- one pair of goalie gloves
- my 2 camera clamps (you can follow this link, for an idea of their size)
- shin pads
- jeans
- jumper
That's a lot of gear!
It's worth mentioning that this often makes the bag, bursting, it's probably not ideal for the seams, but they have survived nonetheless. Usually I wouldn't carry jeans and a jumper, as this is usually for me to change into if we go for a post match pint in the colder weather. We'd probably be near our office, so no need, but the fact it can, is great to know. I'm probably quite famous for over packing, it's the Bear Grylls in me, I like to be prepared and its my past as a Cub Scout that has conditioned me for this. Even with all the nonsense I carry, the actual bag, feels lightweight.
The other major selling point, I think this is what makes this bag, so unique and so useful, is that the main compartment's opening. It's made, so it's like a duffel bag. So you can lay the bag on it's back, and open the flap like you would a duffel.
In real terms, it makes managing your gear so easy. With normal ruck sacks, you often have to order every you put in, otherwise you annoyingly have to empty the whole bag to get to what you packed first. With the Elite Pro, you unzip the main flap, and everything is easily accessible. It's a massive bonus. When you're rushed, which you usually are, pre and post match, the benefits of acting fast, comes into it's own.
The benefits don't stop there...
In addition to the main compartment, you have a back pocket, which is padded for laptops, tablets etc, I have a huge bulky 15" laptop and it fit fine and there was space for it's bulky power pack too. There's a small mesh pocket for keys and small items too.
On the sides, to the right of the main front flap is a zipped small compartment. Not sure of its use, but I store a beanie and my cold weather gloves in there plus a plastic bag for emergencies. On the opposite left hand side, are 2 x tight open mesh compartments for easy access to a water bottle or umbrella. The mesh is split into 2 separate pockets, so you can separate your bottle and umbrella and both are stored securely within the elasticated units.
The back of the Elite Pro is really well padded, so if you are carrying heavy weight, it really cushions your back, useful for longer journeys. It's probably one of the most comfortable bags I have ever worn. The shoulder straps are top quality too. They aren't ropey are lined with plastic bubbling, akin to the Nike Air max air bubble feature, which means the whole bag is naturally supported on your frame. This is enhanced even further by the front clip strap for weight distribution.
All in all, this is one, if not the best backpack I have ever worn, which is why I wanted to do a review for it, I think it's 100% useful for anyone starting out in the game. As a generic bag, it's worth the relatively high price. But for £50, it competes just as good as the likes of Wenger, The North Face etc. Sometimes with too many compartments, you can lose track of where you have put things. The Elite Pro, keeps things simple, but practical. The price point is significantly less than those elite level backpacks on the flipside too.
Specifically for football, this ticks all the boxes and more. If I had to design a backpack for football, it would be the Elite Pro.
Nuff said. Time to pack it and get playing!
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