REVIEW: Custom Bags from MyGiBag
Any jiu jitsu student can relate to having a favorite gi. Whether you keep a simple white gi collection, or sport funky colors & patches; they mean a lot to us–we spend a lot of time in them. If you added up the total hours… some gis may rack up a couple weeks or months of total wear time!
Sadly, the inevitable times comes when you need to retire ole faithful. I knew it was time when my gi pants slowly shrunk themselves into summer capris. I had come across MyGiBag when a grappler in one of my Facebook groups shared their custom bag.
How It Works
Step 1: Fill out the form on the website to get your free shipping label. Include your contact info & mailing address here to get started. Make sure you fill out a good contact email, because the process is really interactive to get you the perfect custom design.
Step 2: You’ll get a label to slap on your package, then you just mail in your gi along with any additional patches you would like sewn on (I sent in a handful!).
Step 3: DESIGN MODE (the most fun part)!
- Pick your bag style from these two options:
The Shopper – starts at $125
an open-top tote with vinyl straps and lined with fabric.
The Backpack – starts at $225
a roll-top style backpack lined with fabric; includes a large front pocket, two side pockets, straps made from your gi material, and nylon webbing reinforcing the straps and to fasten the top. - Webbing: pick a color for the vinyl webbing for your straps–available in all the belt colors, navy blue, grey, and red.
- Lining: select your lining material, options rotating from a stock of surplus fabric.
- Add-ons: The add-ons available for each of these styles include additional pockets, embroidery, and… “any crazy ideas you may have”. So, if you have a unique idea you think would look awesome, give it a shot!
Step 4: You’ll get some check-ins along the way to show you the progress of the design. If you have patches that are being sewn on, you’ll receive photos showing you the placement so you can decide if you want to rearrange before the bag is finally sewn together.
Step 5: Be UTTERLY AMAZED at how awesome your creation looks.
Timeline
I was seriously shocked at how quickly my bags were designed and constructed. After I sent in my gis, from the time the gis were delivered, to when the bags were complete and shipped out to me took just 12 days for the two bags. Of course, the timeline will vary based on your mail carrier as well as how elaborate you choose to get with customization–but I was really pleasantly surprised with the speed of service.
My Custom Bags
I had two gis from Fenom Kimonos that were ready to retire from the mats, but I absolutely loved the unicorn & donut patches on them. I decided to create one shopper from my blue gi, and a roll-top backpack with the white gi.
For my shopper, I added on an external pocket with my Tap Cancer Out patch (perfect for storing my wallet or keys), and this is now my go-to training bag for jiu jitsu practice. It’s super roomy for storing my gi, rashguards, water bottle, and extra supplies.
The backpack comes already designed with the external front pocket and two side pockets, which I love for organizing smaller items. I also customized this bag with a few of my favorite patches, and had one turned into a little zipper pull. While I wasn’t so sure about making a white-colored bag, I was so happy with the final outcome–this bag is what I normally use to carry my laptop, notebooks, and other supplies for work. It also had plenty of space to use as a training bag for carrying my gi and other gear.
Shopper with External Pocket
Backpack
Taking Care of Your Bags
Since the bags are made from your gi material, they are washable just like when you used to throw them in the laundry for practice! Note: for my backpack, I used a heavily-worn white gi, so the fabric is a bit more delicate than the tote bag–if you have a more worn-out gi, I would recommend washing on a delicate setting and hanging up to dry. You can also pull the linings out to air-out easily or spot-clean as needed.
Bonus Goodies!
Aside from getting my super-cute handmade bags in the mail, there were a few bonus surprises in the package to make my day.
MyGiBag has partnered with a few businesses to include extra goodies, so I was excited to find samples of Tiger Balm & Punch Gunk pain relievers, a roll of Gripp Tape, stickers from Gripp Tape & Tap Cancer Out, and some coupon codes to use for other jiu jitsu gifts.
