Great video as always. I had a Built for Athletes bag. It broke after about a month. The zips went so quick. I never overfilled the bag it was just a cheap zip I assume. I then bought the Miltech bag which again broke on the zip (but lasted a bit longer). In the end I went for the more expensive (£99) Bear Complex bag and it seems to be bullet proof. I’ve used it for over a year now and the main differences would be that the zips are bigger and much more sturdier, the straps are well stitched into the bag material and the bag material is of a higher quality and seems to be less plastic and less prone to wear and tear. It also has a handy shoe compartment on the bottom of the bag. I’ve brought it to multiple competitions and I stuff it full of my gear. I’d definitely recommend reviewing one of these if you do another review.
Thank you for taking the time to watch and join in the conversation! Yes, Ruth and I looked at the Bear Complex bags when we were whittling down our favourites, I must admit, the aesthetic of the BFA won me over, but I was impressed with the Bear Komplex one and what it had to offer; I just wasn't sold on how it looked and add to that the extra cost. However, I will definitely bear them in mind (ha) should the need arise. Out of interest, was it the Hero 1 bag with the dodgy zips? I'm hoping and praying I get at least two years out of this BFA one...! We shall wait and see...!
I have the exact same Mil-tec bag I’ve had it for over five years. It has been battered dropped run over once. It’s been all around the world And it’s still going strong for 30 quid.
Run over too?! I am impressed, I expect nothing less of a military backpack to be fair. Sounds like you’ve had some great times with it too! We still have these backpacks - 3 years going strong! 💪🏻
@@JustDoingThisNow yer left it next to my mates car luckily it was empty he left I forgot about it till i saw it go under the wheels not my finest hour 😂😂
Awesome review. Before I’ve seen this video I’ve bought Built for athletes over their website, unfortunately I never got it because it got lost on the way, now I’m hopping I will get my money back because I will definitely go for Mil Tec and won’t make a new purchase even though they gave me 10% discount😂
Very glad I found you. Good to see how these fit on a woman's back - I know we're all different but you guys are closer to my size than a dude who wild camps for 3 days. Even if I can deadlift a lot of weight. Subbing, I need more of this in my life :)
As promised here is my comment! considering my previous gym bag was called "my car" I'm thinking the Mil-Tec is the way to go. My wife actually said she needed a big bag for when she is out with the kids. Problem solved! And yes the other bag is better but not £50 better!
The CrossFit Bath Podcast yes! The major differences are the waterproofing and bottle holders, otherwise, before researching them, I would have never known the difference. The real test will come in two years time after wear and tear! Thanks again for watching!
Really appreciate the review, ended up buying a built for athletes 45L 2.0 in the new black multi cam! Not many vids on TH-cam looking at the new 2.0 pack so thanks!
I splashed out on the Reebok Training weave backpack. Big enough to fit everything in during winter & opens wide so you can find everything. Not enough Velcro for patches though!
@@chalkingfitness You clearly just have a problem where you can't stop buying anything for CrossFit. We need to address this the next time we speak. I'm worried about you!
As with most thing, I think you get what you pay for. Wish they hd bigger YKK zippers 8-10 and duraflex bucklets. Maxpedition got some killer bags. Durable af.
I agree with you there, you do get what you pay for, and for me, if the customer service is there too should something go wrong, then I'm happier with that (I just want an easy life!) I've just checked out the Maxpedition products - man, that's a serious brand! I love the look of their classic backpacks 😍 Thanks for the comment @Dreamforger and sorry for the delay in replying, I'm such an amateur at this TH-cam stuff! haha!
Great review. But as you must know now, the built for athletes bag is just a copy of the mil-tec (military) backpack, cleverly aimed at people who gym. And will never look online for comparisons. For the same price as the built for athletes bag you can get an even better military bag with much more storage and attachments. Military 1st online has every military bag ever and you'll be wowed when you see that the BFA bag has just been copied and for the same price as theirs you can get really great products. I hope i don't sound like im ranting, Love the video. :)
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, I hope anyone thinking of buying a BFA bag reads these comments and use them to help make their decision as this is a great bit of advice too! I wasn't as knowledgeable when we were looking last year, maybe I should do an updated video!? Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it 😊
also I recently got my 25L built for athlete bag and the bag is way too small and the water bottle holders are atrociously small, so do you think a 40oz hydro flask can fit in the 45L pockets?
I've yet to find a bottle I can't fit in the pockets of the 45L bag, if it's a large bottle you use for the gym that should be fine but any heavier I probably wouldn't want it on one side and would carry it in the main compartment if I had room. I hope that's kinda helpful! x
Thank you! I will see what I can do for you (very busy at the moment and my content creation is at the bottom of the pile) but I can say, I'm still using my BFA backpack, carting to and from the gym minimum 3X a week and it's very durable, robust and no major issues!
Hi, Thanks for this video! I'm considering the BFA bag but after reading trust pilot there are many horror stories on there regarding the bad quality of BFA bags (falling apart after only a few months, not waterproof etc) and that customer service was terrible. What was your experience with BFA and how is your bag holding up? Any signs of wear and tear? These bags look very durable I just couldn't quite believe that they would fall apart so quickly! Thank you!
Hi Dan, thank you for watching! Full disclosure, I've not used my BFA bag a massive amount due to UK lockdowns but it's going still in very good condition. I've not exposed it to the elements yet - so can't comment on that, but did take it to the gym when I could! After looking over the bag this evening, the only wear and tear I've noticed is a small amount of fraying on one of the arm straps. With regards to the reviews, I can only assume it's the way people handle and store their bags? I can only assume those bags slipped through quality control...? If it's for CrossFit, since I filmed the video there's been a rise of smaller brands releasing their tactical bags which might be worth a look at. Patchy Patchy and Heavy rep Gear off the top of my head. I hope this helps you in some way, happy to keep up the conversation though! ☺️
Thank you! Yeah, they’re both still holding up really well, no complaints, they’ve survived hurling them in and out of the car on trips to the gym. Bear in mind though, we’ve been in lockdown for half of the last year….! Still really happy with them, it literally just comes down to budget in my opinion ✌🏻
Hello, I love the review! I m thinking of getting the bag as well but I am skeptical about the size(I need the 45lt for use on airplanes as well).When I don't fill up the bag for example when I go to my university and bring my laptop,couple of books and my meal prep for the day can it be compressed to a point it appears to be smaller(mostly thinner from the side) or the straps are for minor adjustments? Thanks again loved the review!
I think you should go for it! It can be compressed very easily and with a larger bag you can make it smaller, you can’t make a smaller bag bigger...! Thank you for watching! 🙏
Me again, I've rearranged my patches and I'm struggling for space on my bag, did you manage to get hold of a skull patch? If not, hmu, I have a gift for you! 😋
Probably the best comparison video on TH-cam! I already have a built for athletes pack but wanted to get a second smaller one too and this confirmed it for me to spend the extra money
I've just checked out the website, you're right, they're very similar bags! Such is the way with most manufacturing these days; probably all made in the same factory. Although I will say, buying from a brand can have its perks when it comes to customer service issues and the odd bit of customisation etc.
Thank you for your comment, I immediately had a look and found the exact bag for £23 rather than £85. I bought a patch with a dinosaur wearing sunglasses as he’s shredding some waves to go with it 🌊
Well yeah… Where else do you suggest people put their expensive items when they go to the gym…? Or should I have said something more “tactical” like bullets and carabiners? 😂
Great video as always. I had a Built for Athletes bag. It broke after about a month. The zips went so quick. I never overfilled the bag it was just a cheap zip I assume. I then bought the Miltech bag which again broke on the zip (but lasted a bit longer). In the end I went for the more expensive (£99) Bear Complex bag and it seems to be bullet proof. I’ve used it for over a year now and the main differences would be that the zips are bigger and much more sturdier, the straps are well stitched into the bag material and the bag material is of a higher quality and seems to be less plastic and less prone to wear and tear. It also has a handy shoe compartment on the bottom of the bag. I’ve brought it to multiple competitions and I stuff it full of my gear. I’d definitely recommend reviewing one of these if you do another review.
Thank you for taking the time to watch and join in the conversation! Yes, Ruth and I looked at the Bear Complex bags when we were whittling down our favourites, I must admit, the aesthetic of the BFA won me over, but I was impressed with the Bear Komplex one and what it had to offer; I just wasn't sold on how it looked and add to that the extra cost. However, I will definitely bear them in mind (ha) should the need arise. Out of interest, was it the Hero 1 bag with the dodgy zips? I'm hoping and praying I get at least two years out of this BFA one...! We shall wait and see...!
You two crack me! Love your interplay
Great video, and love the comparison with a more affordable option/knock-off! Really in depth review
Thank you, happy you found it useful!
Amazing review ! Fully comprehensive answering all my questions
Keep it up ladies
Thank you, I'm glad you found it useful!
Hello, what is the exact name of the mil tec one ? And what size ? :)
Mil-Tec US assault rucksack, 36 litres, black 36L - hope this is helpful, happy shopping!
I have the exact same Mil-tec bag I’ve had it for over five years. It has been battered dropped run over once. It’s been all around the world And it’s still going strong for 30 quid.
Run over too?! I am impressed, I expect nothing less of a military backpack to be fair. Sounds like you’ve had some great times with it too! We still have these backpacks - 3 years going strong! 💪🏻
@@JustDoingThisNow yer left it next to my mates car luckily it was empty he left I forgot about it till i saw it go under the wheels not my finest hour 😂😂
@@reecevince2166 you had a lucky escape there! 😅 Thanks for sharing, this tale will definitely help someone decide on which one to pick! 🙌🏻
Awesome review. Before I’ve seen this video I’ve bought Built for athletes over their website, unfortunately I never got it because it got lost on the way, now I’m hopping I will get my money back because I will definitely go for Mil Tec and won’t make a new purchase even though they gave me 10% discount😂
Love this video and the guest appearance from Ruth! Brilliant review! xx
She's actually a natural, must be the teacher in her! ❤
Very glad I found you. Good to see how these fit on a woman's back - I know we're all different but you guys are closer to my size than a dude who wild camps for 3 days. Even if I can deadlift a lot of weight. Subbing, I need more of this in my life :)
I'm only replying to this now but know that I read this on Christmas Day and your kindness in your comment was the best gift. Thank you ❤️
As promised here is my comment!
considering my previous gym bag was called "my car" I'm thinking the Mil-Tec is the way to go. My wife actually said she needed a big bag for when she is out with the kids. Problem solved! And yes the other bag is better but not £50 better!
The CrossFit Bath Podcast yes! The major differences are the waterproofing and bottle holders, otherwise, before researching them, I would have never known the difference. The real test will come in two years time after wear and tear! Thanks again for watching!
@@JustDoingThisNow yeah well now you owe me £30 as while the Mil-Tec is cheaper I wasn't planning on buying a bag and now I am 😅
Have you compared the built for athletes with a Wolfpak?
Lovely Video! Thank you for posting. Can't wait to see more 👍
Thank you so much, thrilled you liked it! ☺
Great review!! Thanks so much!
You're welcome, Daniel!
Great review 👌🏽. Helped a lot in deciding what to get. Nice and in depth
Glad you enjoyed it, Damian! Thank you for taking the time to comment x
Really appreciate the review, ended up buying a built for athletes 45L 2.0 in the new black multi cam! Not many vids on TH-cam looking at the new 2.0 pack so thanks!
Thank you for the comment, Johnny! Glad you found the review useful! I think I might try that colour/style next, love the look of it! 🔥
Love a good backpack review! 👍🏼 I had a bag like this & always forgot where I’d put stuff.
Glad I’m not alone, Tom! Which bag do you use now?
I splashed out on the Reebok Training weave backpack. Big enough to fit everything in during winter & opens wide so you can find everything. Not enough Velcro for patches though!
Summer I use my TripleXtension “bucket” bag - love it. Reviewed it on my channel last year.
@@chalkingfitness You clearly just have a problem where you can't stop buying anything for CrossFit. We need to address this the next time we speak. I'm worried about you!
I have the miltec opting now for the built4athlete... this is the review i needed! 😍
So glad I helped you make that decision 🥰 I’ve been actively using it now for a few months and I’m nothing short of impressed!
As with most thing, I think you get what you pay for.
Wish they hd bigger YKK zippers 8-10 and duraflex bucklets. Maxpedition got some killer bags. Durable af.
I agree with you there, you do get what you pay for, and for me, if the customer service is there too should something go wrong, then I'm happier with that (I just want an easy life!) I've just checked out the Maxpedition products - man, that's a serious brand! I love the look of their classic backpacks 😍 Thanks for the comment @Dreamforger and sorry for the delay in replying, I'm such an amateur at this TH-cam stuff! haha!
@@JustDoingThisNow no problem, later to the video anyway. Else check Nomatic, Boundary supply or Peak Design:)
Great review. But as you must know now, the built for athletes bag is just a copy of the mil-tec (military) backpack, cleverly aimed at people who gym. And will never look online for comparisons. For the same price as the built for athletes bag you can get an even better military bag with much more storage and attachments. Military 1st online has every military bag ever and you'll be wowed when you see that the BFA bag has just been copied and for the same price as theirs you can get really great products.
I hope i don't sound like im ranting, Love the video.
:)
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, I hope anyone thinking of buying a BFA bag reads these comments and use them to help make their decision as this is a great bit of advice too! I wasn't as knowledgeable when we were looking last year, maybe I should do an updated video!? Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it 😊
thank you for the only good review on this backpack! great video!
also I recently got my 25L built for athlete bag and the bag is way too small and the water bottle holders are atrociously small, so do you think a 40oz hydro flask can fit in the 45L pockets?
I'm thrilled you found the review useful, thank you for watching and showing the love x
I've yet to find a bottle I can't fit in the pockets of the 45L bag, if it's a large bottle you use for the gym that should be fine but any heavier I probably wouldn't want it on one side and would carry it in the main compartment if I had room. I hope that's kinda helpful! x
@@JustDoingThisNow yes this actually helps a lot thanks so much for the reply! you guys are awesome!
Haha, your laptop just died there
Great video! Love'd it!
Thank you! ☺
Hey! Awesome comparison - it’s really helped me decide. Can we get an update on which one has fared better?
Thank you! They're both going pretty strong to be completely honest! I use mine far more than Ruth (she doesn't take her bag to her new gym!)
Mil tea across the board is unmatched per cost to value, and they are built NEARLY to maxpedition levels:)
Fantastic review! 😀
Thanks Harry! ☺️
Hey! Awesome comparison - it’s really helped me decide. Can we get an update on which one has fared better? x
Thank you! I will see what I can do for you (very busy at the moment and my content creation is at the bottom of the pile) but I can say, I'm still using my BFA backpack, carting to and from the gym minimum 3X a week and it's very durable, robust and no major issues!
Hi, Thanks for this video! I'm considering the BFA bag but after reading trust pilot there are many horror stories on there regarding the bad quality of BFA bags (falling apart after only a few months, not waterproof etc) and that customer service was terrible. What was your experience with BFA and how is your bag holding up? Any signs of wear and tear? These bags look very durable I just couldn't quite believe that they would fall apart so quickly! Thank you!
Hi Dan, thank you for watching! Full disclosure, I've not used my BFA bag a massive amount due to UK lockdowns but it's going still in very good condition.
I've not exposed it to the elements yet - so can't comment on that, but did take it to the gym when I could! After looking over the bag this evening, the only wear and tear I've noticed is a small amount of fraying on one of the arm straps.
With regards to the reviews, I can only assume it's the way people handle and store their bags? I can only assume those bags slipped through quality control...?
If it's for CrossFit, since I filmed the video there's been a rise of smaller brands releasing their tactical bags which might be worth a look at. Patchy Patchy and Heavy rep Gear off the top of my head. I hope this helps you in some way, happy to keep up the conversation though! ☺️
@@JustDoingThisNow Perfect! Thank you for all this I appreciate the information. Will check out those other brands too. Thank you so much!
Really nice video! Thank you girls :)
Thanks for the feedback, Nelson! 😍
Great video, Funny and helpful x
Thanks, buddy! I'm thrilled you liked it - aiming for edu-tainment...! 😜
And what's the status now i bet the miltec is still going strong. But what about the other?
Nice video thanks
Thank you! Yeah, they’re both still holding up really well, no complaints, they’ve survived hurling them in and out of the car on trips to the gym. Bear in mind though, we’ve been in lockdown for half of the last year….! Still really happy with them, it literally just comes down to budget in my opinion ✌🏻
Brilliant review 👏 and found it really helpful to make my final decision. 👍
Thanks, Ben! I'm so glad we helped you! ☺
Hello, I love the review! I m thinking of getting the bag as well but I am skeptical about the size(I need the 45lt for use on airplanes as well).When I don't fill up the bag for example when I go to my university and bring my laptop,couple of books and my meal prep for the day can it be compressed to a point it appears to be smaller(mostly thinner from the side) or the straps are for minor adjustments? Thanks again loved the review!
I think you should go for it! It can be compressed very easily and with a larger bag you can make it smaller, you can’t make a smaller bag bigger...! Thank you for watching! 🙏
So we are able to remove those patches and put whatever patch we would want is that right?
Yes Aaron! Patches can be widely found online, you can customise them yourself too!
Great video!
Thanks, Aaron! Hope you found it useful!
I know this is a super random question, but where did you get the skull patch from Sophie?
I got it from Rocket PWR Apparel - rocketpwrapparel.co.uk/ - hope this helps!
Me again, I've rearranged my patches and I'm struggling for space on my bag, did you manage to get hold of a skull patch? If not, hmu, I have a gift for you! 😋
@@JustDoingThisNow Hey, no unfortunately I couldn't find it on their website 😞
@@christophermcguinness8200 send me an email to sophiegrogan@hotmail.com with your address 👊🏻
I got the miltec for a year.. cheaper but good
That's all you could want from a bag, glad you like your Miltec! x
Probably the best comparison video on TH-cam! I already have a built for athletes pack but wanted to get a second smaller one too and this confirmed it for me to spend the extra money
Thanks for watching, Gareth! I'm thrilled you think that and we've helped you make your decision in the process 😀
I found the same BFA backpack at aliexpress for just $50...
I've just checked out the website, you're right, they're very similar bags! Such is the way with most manufacturing these days; probably all made in the same factory. Although I will say, buying from a brand can have its perks when it comes to customer service issues and the odd bit of customisation etc.
Thank you for your comment, I immediately had a look and found the exact bag for £23 rather than £85.
I bought a patch with a dinosaur wearing sunglasses as he’s shredding some waves to go with it 🌊
You both killed it! Great video!
Thanks Grace! ❤️
is that a 25L or 45L Hero 2.0 backpack?
45L 🙌🏻
@@JustDoingThisNow thanks fo tha quick reply
Me scrolling true the comments and seeing that they like every comment...!
Which size bag is the built for athletes bag? The 25L or 45L
45L
I like you guys, you can have my sub
Oh you lovely human! x
5:02 hint ITS BUILT FOR ATHLETES
Haha! Yes the clue is certainly in the name! 🧐
Of course the inside pocket of a tactical backpack it's to keep jewelry 🤔
Well yeah… Where else do you suggest people put their expensive items when they go to the gym…? Or should I have said something more “tactical” like bullets and carabiners? 😂
Great video guys. 👌
Matt Kelly Fitness thank you!!!!
That goes so deep! *long intense stare*
What can I say, you were all thinking it, I just make it more obvious! 🤪
Get those 16inches in girls.
Pride Flag 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Bigots 🫠
Stay away from kids with your make belief ideology.