Part of taking care of yourself is good nutrition, but packing your meals for the workday or for a day trip is a real hassle…unless you have a packing system like the Expedition backpacks by Bodybuilding.com. These backpacks include meal containers, gel packs for cold storage, and additional accessories and storage for the workday or even a daylong trip or hike.
For the person with precise nutritional needs for athletic performance, or as part of a lifestyle maintenance regimen, these packs are one of the most ingenious solutions yet devised. What you take in influences what you get out; if you don’t consume good fuel you won’t get good results no matter what the endeavor.
Essentially, they’re portable coolers for the individual and his and her needs. Unlike other soft coolers, however, they’re multitasking tools. They keep food cool, but they also hold the things you need during your normal day.
6 Pack Expedition Pack Includes Backpack with Plenty Of Storage For Nutrition And More
The 6 Pack Expedition packs by Bodybuilding.com is named for two rows of three vertical padded cells on the exterior of the pack. They look like a row of abdominal muscles, hence “6 Pack.” The pack is available in either a five meal or three meal configuration; the former, of course, has more storage.
The pack is separated into two main compartments. One is for stackable snap lid plastic meal containers. This compartment is fully insulated, which can keep meals hot or cold for up to 8 hours, depending on conditions.
The containers are BPA/BPL free and are microwave/dishwasher safe as well as leak proof.
Either configuration of the pack also includes three gel packs – one large and two small – for cold storage. Toss them in the freezer and stick in the pack as you head out the door. There is also a container for “sports nutrition,” which (ostensibly) refers to a powdered beverage of some sort.
There is also a main compartment, which can hold workout clothes or other gear. There is also a fleece-lined pocket for a laptop or tablet. The 3 Meal pack holds a laptop or tablet with up to a 15-inch screen, and the 5 Meal pack can fit up to a 17-inch screen device.
A nylon drawstring shoe bag is included, as are internal pockets in the main compartment for your wallet, keys or phone. There are a couple of accessory compartments on the outside of the pack for various items. On the sides of the pack are two insulated bottle pockets, for a water bottle and/or blender bottle.
The straps are padded for comfortable carry, and there is a chest strap should you wish to use one.
You have your choice of four colors, including black, charcoal grey with neon green piping, pink with purple piping or red with grey piping.
These aren’t your typical backpack or soft coolers, however. The 3 Meal pack measures 12″ by 12″ by 17″, and weighs 8 pounds. The 5 Meal pack measures 12″ by 12″ by 20″, and weighs 9 pounds. MSRP starts at $159.99.
The pack is of decent size overall, though obviously is a bit heavy. That said, both are excellent tools for the athlete – or indeed, anyone – who is serious about their nutrition. This could be a whole day or overnight’s worth of prepackaged meals, along with any supplements you might need. You could even pack a change of clothes for overnight, and it would also make quite a picnic kit as well.
There aren’t too many backpacks or soft coolers that come close to the same level of utility. Grab your 6 Pack Bag over at Bodybuilding.com