Gear Bag & Kit Bag Guide
Understanding Gear Bags & Kit Bags
Learn more about gear bags and kit bags, including capacity, organisation, carrying options and weather protection when selecting a bag for work and work travel.
What Is a Gear Bag or Kit Bag?
Gear bags and kit bags are designed to provide practical storage for clothing, PPE, footwear, tools, equipment and personal gear. Unlike a conventional backpack, these bags generally provide a large main compartment that makes it easier to pack and access larger or bulkier items.
Depending on the design, features can include reinforced handles, shoulder straps, multiple storage pockets, dedicated footwear compartments, heavy-duty hardware and reinforced bases.
They can be particularly useful for workers travelling between worksites, carrying equipment to and from work, or taking work gear on overnight or extended work trips.
What Size Gear Bag Do I Need?
Choose the capacity according to the amount and type of equipment you need to carry. A 30–50L bag can suit everyday work gear, smaller equipment loads and overnight work trips, while 50–80L bags provide additional space for clothing, PPE, footwear and equipment when travelling for work.
80L+ bags provide greater capacity for larger or bulkier loads and extended work travel where additional packing space is required.
The right size should provide enough room for your equipment without creating unnecessary bulk. Always check the individual product's stated capacity and dimensions before selecting a bag.
What Is the Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Gear Bags?
Waterproof and water-resistant gear bags provide different levels of protection from water. A water-resistant bag is designed to help protect its contents from rain, splashes and wet conditions, but it is not designed to provide the same level of protection as a fully waterproof bag.
Waterproof bags are designed to provide a higher level of protection against water when correctly closed and used as intended. The Caribee Expedition Series uses waterproof tarpaulin construction, heat-welded seams and a roll-top closure to provide 100% waterproof storage.
The Caribee Kokoda, Zambezi and Titan gear bags provide water-resistant or weather-resistant protection for work, travel and outdoor use. They are designed to help protect gear from rain and wet conditions, but should not be treated as fully waterproof bags.
If your work or travel conditions require a higher level of water protection, choose a waterproof bag such as the Caribee Expedition Series and ensure the closure is correctly sealed before exposure to water.
What Features Should I Look For in a Work Gear Bag?
Start with the way you will use and carry the bag. Large easy-access compartments can make packing clothing, PPE and equipment easier, while separate pockets can help keep footwear or smaller items organised.
For bags that will be regularly loaded and transported, consider durable fabrics, reinforced bases, heavy-duty hardware and strong carry handles. Depending on the model, shoulder straps or backpack-style harness systems can provide additional carrying flexibility.
Also consider the level of weather protection required for your working environment. Water-resistant bags can provide protection from rain and wet conditions, while waterproof designs such as the Expedition Series are better suited to situations where a higher level of water protection is required.
Always check the individual product specifications to confirm the bag's capacity, construction, carrying system and documented level of water protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gear bag and a kit bag?
Gear bags and kit bags are both designed to carry clothing, equipment and personal gear, but their layouts and features can vary between products. Many gear bags provide a large main compartment for bulkier items, while selected kit bags include additional organisation such as dedicated footwear or shoe compartments.
The best option depends on what you need to carry and how you plan to use the bag for work, work travel or other activities.
What size gear bag should I choose for work?
Choose the capacity according to the amount and type of equipment you need to carry. A 30–50L bag can suit everyday work gear, smaller equipment loads and overnight work trips, while 50–80L bags provide additional capacity for clothing, PPE, footwear and equipment when travelling for work.
For larger or bulkier loads, 80L+ gear bags provide additional packing capacity. Always check the individual product's capacity and dimensions before selecting a bag.
Are Caribee gear bags suitable for work and work travel?
Caribee gear bags and kit bags are designed for a range of work, travel and outdoor applications. They can be used to carry work clothing, PPE, footwear, tools, equipment and personal gear between home, vehicles, worksites and accommodation.
Choose the capacity and configuration according to the amount of equipment you need to transport and the conditions in which the bag will be used.
Which Caribee gear bags are waterproof?
The Caribee Expedition Series is designed as waterproof gear bags, with waterproof construction, heat-welded seams and a roll-top closure to provide a high level of protection against water when correctly closed and used as intended.
The Kokoda, Zambezi and Titan gear bags are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. They are designed to help protect equipment from rain and wet conditions, but should not be treated as waterproof bags.
Always check the individual product specifications for the documented level of water protection before selecting a bag for wet-weather use.
Do Caribee gear bags have separate compartments for footwear?
Selected Caribee gear bags and kit bags include dedicated footwear or shoe compartments. These compartments can help keep work boots, shoes or other footwear separate from clothing and equipment. Check out the Caribee Kit Bag 60L that features a dedicated boot pocket.
Features vary between models, so check the individual product description to confirm whether a particular bag includes a dedicated footwear compartment.
How do I choose the right gear bag for my work?
Start by considering what you need to carry, the capacity required and how the bag will be transported. Consider clothing, PPE, footwear, tools and other equipment that needs to fit inside the bag.
Also consider carrying options, internal organisation, durability and the level of weather protection required. For wet or exposed conditions, check whether the individual bag is water-resistant or waterproof.
Always check the individual product specifications for capacity, dimensions, features and construction before selecting a gear bag for a specific work requirement.









