Equipment Bags/Mother Load?

[Thunderheads]

Well, my original Force3 bag is just about shot after 10+ years.  I was on the equipment forum looking for threads that spoke of the Mother Load brand and it resulted in 2 threads from 2013 and 2014 which surprised me.  I also only show threads from a few years ago as the most recent on any equipment bag discussion.  Maybe I did something wrong on the search, who knows. 🤔         Anyhow ............  Anything 'Earthshattering' in the world of equipment bags aside from browsing the Ump-Attire site?

Thanks!

[MadMax]

I’m about to check off Year 6 with my Fūl Workhorse, and it’s easily in the 60K-70K range in mileage. It truly has traveled by Planes, Trains & Automobiles. It’s got some scuffs, but the lower hardshell tub is fully intact, the wheels roll true, the handle still extends and secures, and the internal dividers are all present. The zippers have all been repaired or replaced by a (true artisan) luggage repair craftsman, but he points out how beneficial that tub is to the longevity of the bag. Other gear bags merely use two plastic spines, and if either crack, the bag sags and fails soon after. 

There’s only one other gear bag I’d even consider – oh yeah, Wilson ain’t it. 

@Razzer? Any insight? 

[eagle_12]

EBags is great, especially if it in/out, dragging into locker rooms. Wish it was slightly bigger when it’s colder out so everything is packed in one bag. 
 

another one I saw someone use a couple years ago, was the OGIO Sled, which I think now is the rig9800. It looked like there was tons of room. Not sure it it’s the split compartment design like pretty much all the others that are typically used. 

https://www.ogio.com/travel/rig-9800-travel-bag/spr4705202.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrfymBhCTARIsADXTabmaFqTVN14K-YBw2Ku6FYzGRZiNZDNifhdGQ3FB5xE55p89ncYebaAaAhnwEALw_wcB

[boyinr]

I got the mother lode this season after my Diamond bag started to fail.  Had it +10 years dragging it in and out of the back of a pick-up.  No complaints.  I like the Mother Lode and find it just fine.  I've had to change some packing practices but, overall I am very pleased.  

[834k3r]

18 hours ago, MadMax said:

There’s only one other gear bag I’d even consider – oh yeah, Wilson ain’t it. 

@Razzer? Any insight? 

Oooo...does this mean what I think it does?

[MadMax]

And please, whichever gear bag you choose, get a Tile or AirTag on it!!! 

 

[Thunderheads]

Thanks for this stuff guys.  How about just a bag that you keep in your car 99% of the time and is basically more for 'organization' purposes?

[wolfe_man]

On 8/28/2023 at 2:21 PM, Thunderheads said:

Thanks for this stuff guys.  How about just a bag that you keep in your car 99% of the time and is basically more for 'organization' purposes?

eBags is now cheaper than the Wilson.  All of the main umpire gear bags are great for car trunk storage and organization. I've had the F3 and Wilson. Wilson is huge and holds almost everything you could ever carry.

[MadMax]

6 hours ago, wolfe_man said:

eBags is now cheaper than the Wilson.

Always will be the case (pun!). The premium Wilson Tax™️, guys… mediocre quality, premium price, all because it has the MLB logo on it. The MLBU’s don’t even use the thing in season. 🙄

@Thunderheads, I’d actually advocate for a 2-bag solution for you. Since you likely use a travel clothes bar in your vehicle, or hang shirts from one of the handles, then you’re not going to need all that huuuuuuge storage space in Wilson and other brand bags (such as the F3, Champro, Diamond, or Fūl (my brand of choice)). Sure, you put all your plate gear and base gear in the gear bag, with all the essentials. You get a hat carrier for your caps. You get one of those canvas or nylon drawstring bags, and put in there “today’s skins” – undershirts, tights, socks – things that you’ll put right back in there when done and tote to laundry. 

Then, get yourself a decent garment bag. The UmpLife model is exceptional (and on my purchase list). I use a less-featured model from Amazon, able to hold 2-3 shirts, 2-3 pants, and a wind/squall jacket. The important feature it does have, it folds and secures in half. 

If changing in a parking lot, then everything just stays in the car. If, however, we go into a locker room or changing room on venue, then grab the (smaller) gear bag, the garment bag, and the cap carrier, and off ya go. 

That Wilson is like an Ocean Cruiseliner on a small inland lake. 

[wolfe_man]

In my car, I use plastic drawers as I use a clothes bar and change out of my trunk. 

I’ll try to take a pic. I get comments from partners and parents all the time about my setup.

I used to have the F3 and Wilson, but it was overkill and still had to dig for gear at times.

I have a Honig’s garment bag (much cheaper than a UL version).

[Thunderheads]

12 hours ago, MadMax said:

@Thunderheads, I’d actually advocate for a 2-bag solution for you. Since you likely use a travel clothes bar in your vehicle, or hang shirts from one of the handles, then you’re not going to need all that huuuuuuge storage space in Wilson and other brand bags (such as the F3, Champro, Diamond, or Fūl (my brand of choice)). Sure, you put all your plate gear and base gear in the gear bag, with all the essentials. You get a hat carrier for your caps. You get one of those canvas or nylon drawstring bags, and put in there “today’s skins” – undershirts, tights, socks – things that you’ll put right back in there when done and tote to laundry. 

 

Thanks Max, this actually isn't too far off from what I do.  I have an F3 that I use and it holds my hat carrier, spare socks, jocks, cups, gloves, etc....   I do use the "daily drawstring bag" concept as well, and yes, I do have a clothes bar where I hang my shirts, jackets, pants, and CP.

11 hours ago, wolfe_man said:

In my car, I use plastic drawers as I use a clothes bar and change out of my trunk. 

I’ll try to take a pic. I get comments from partners and parents all the time about my setup.

I used to have the F3 and Wilson, but it was overkill and still had to dig for gear at times.

I have a Honig’s garment bag (much cheaper than a UL version).

Thanks Keith .... I'd be interested to see your layout.  As I said above, I do have an F3 and it sits in the back of my SUV, but I'm typically not going into it on a daily basis, except for my cup, and my indicator.    The back of my vehicle is set up where I can just grab my daily stuff.  My F3 is used to 'store' things and on the rare occasion, go into a venue to change, etc.  But, once the season starts, I'm not "in and out" of the bag every day.  The plastic drawer concept is intriguing for sure, so photos could help. 

P.S.  I also have a Honigs garment bag that can come in handy.

[wolfe_man]

25 minutes ago, Thunderheads said:

Thanks Max, this actually isn't too far off from what I do.  I have an F3 that I use and it holds my hat carrier, spare socks, jocks, cups, gloves, etc....   I do use the "daily drawstring bag" concept as well, and yes, I do have a clothes bar where I hang my shirts, jackets, pants, and CP.

Thanks Keith .... I'd be interested to see your layout.  As I said above, I do have an F3 and it sits in the back of my SUV, but I'm typically not going into it on a daily basis, except for my cup, and my indicator.    The back of my vehicle is set up where I can just grab my daily stuff.  My F3 is used to 'store' things and on the rare occasion, go into a venue to change, etc.  But, once the season starts, I'm not "in and out" of the bag every day.  The plastic drawer concept is intriguing for sure, so photos could help. 

P.S.  I also have a Honigs garment bag that can come in handy.

I’ll set it up and get a pic later.

[Thunderheads]

Hey all ....

Well, thanks to @wolfe_man .... I have a NEW organizational set up for my gear for next year.  Keith's 'plastic drawer' concept got me to thinking.  I could have everything I need organized better and more accessible for a FRACTION of the cost of a new bag.  AND, .. while my new bag has a tear in it, and is 11 years old, it could still be used for those situations (rare) where I need it to roll into a locker room, or stadium, etc, etc.  So, I'm keeping my old F3 for that reason, and just picked up the Sterilite bins Keith uses.  Photo below is after purchase in the back of the SUV.

It'll be fun to get this all organized (a great winter project), and what's better, there's plenty of room in front for shoes, and the old 'Finnerty Supply Bucket' ... (if you know, you know )

[The Man in Blue]

You might need some bungie cords ... I use one plastic-3-drawer (the narrower one in your picture) and it tends to tip over in my van.  I have it strapped down to keep it from tipping and to keep the drawers from spilling out.

Looking at your set up, you may not get the side-to-side tip, but you may get the drawers sliding out.

[Thunderheads]

12 hours ago, The Man in Blue said:

You might need some bungie cords ... I use one plastic-3-drawer (the narrower one in your picture) and it tends to tip over in my van.  I have it strapped down to keep it from tipping and to keep the drawers from spilling out.

Looking at your set up, you may not get the side-to-side tip, but you may get the drawers sliding out.

Thanks.  @wolfe_man and I have the same vehicle, which was another plus to the whole thing because this was apples to apples.  He didn't indicate drawers coming open when we were discussing it, but I'll keep an eye on it.   I drove home from the store with them in the back as shown in the photo (obviously empty) and they never moved, but ...we'll see.  I'll have shoes in front of the wide one, and my supply bucket in front of the small one, so I may be ok 👍   Thanks again

[wolfe_man]

Once I add my bin and my shoes onto the floor of my Escape, there isn't really much opportunity (or room) for things to try to open on me.  Occasionally, one may open up if I take off too fast or something like that, but never to the point of falling out or spilling contents. 

[Velho]

2 hours ago, wolfe_man said:

but never to the point of falling out or spilling contents. 

I don't use that setup but have wondered when I see it. Glad to hear nothing escapes.

[wolfe_man]

28 minutes ago, Velho said:

I don't use that setup but have wondered when I see it. Glad to hear nothing escapes.

If you were truly worried, you could always prop up the front (opening side) with a scrap piece of 2x4 and then I can guarantee it won't open.   I've never had any trouble though with mine as-is. 

Honestly, this is the best method I have found for working out of a car trunk/SUV.   The gear bags are huge and you have to dig for stuff all the time which is irritating. But the bins are semi-translucent, so you can see what is in each one much quicker and it stays in place.   The bins will hold two masks side by side in the larger drawers, your CP or shins will fit in the next one and so forth.  Or you can choose to put your mask any of the smaller drawers as it'll fit there too.  One small bin can hold a mask, skully, hats or spare parts.  There are a lot of options, especially if you use hat & shoe keepers outside of the bins which will free up even more space.

I use the clothes bar across the rear seat and these bins in the back and I can keep everything very neatly organized.  It also helps me to clean each piece of gear before I put it back into my car and storage area.  I use a version of the Finnerty bucket, it's a foldable fabric bin that's available from any box store for $6-8.  It's lower profile than the bucket and can hold more too - but you can't sit on it, so there's a con also.

The main decider for me after consider I work 99% of the time from my car and not a locker room was cost.  A new gear bag is $115-200 whereas these new are under $40.  And I don't need a bag at this point - and even IF I did find the need for a bag, then I have a huge rolling duffel that I can use that's bigger than any of the existing ones on the market - and it'll still fit in my trunk, so I won't be spending $$$ on gear bags anytime soon.  YMMV

[Thunderheads]

7 minutes ago, wolfe_man said:

If you were truly worried, you could always prop up the front (opening side) with a scrap piece of 2x4 and then I can guarantee it won't open.   I've never had any trouble though with mine as-is. 

Honestly, this is the best method I have found for working out of a car trunk/SUV.   The gear bags are huge and you have to dig for stuff all the time which is irritating. But the bins are semi-translucent, so you can see what is in each one much quicker and it stays in place.   The bins will hold two masks side by side in the larger drawers, your CP or shins will fit in the next one and so forth.  Or you can choose to put your mask any of the smaller drawers as it'll fit there too.  One small bin can hold a mask, skully, hats or spare parts.  There are a lot of options, especially if you use hat & shoe keepers outside of the bins which will free up even more space.

I use the clothes bar across the rear seat and these bins in the back and I can keep everything very neatly organized.  It also helps me to clean each piece of gear before I put it back into my car and storage area.  I use a version of the Finnerty bucket, it's a foldable fabric bin that's available from any box store for $6-8.  It's lower profile than the bucket and can hold more too - but you can't sit on it, so there's a con also.

The main decider for me after consider I work 99% of the time from my car and not a locker room was cost.  A new gear bag is $115-200 whereas these new are under $40.  And I don't need a bag at this point - and even IF I did find the need for a bag, then I have a huge rolling duffel that I can use that's bigger than any of the existing ones on the market - and it'll still fit in my trunk, so I won't be spending $$$ on gear bags anytime soon.  YMMV

I'm picking up what you're puttin' down! LOL!  Makes way too much sense, ...heck, I even bought mine totally OFF -SEASON I was so excited about it.   Hey Keith, ...are you in 'sales'? 

[wolfe_man]

7 hours ago, Thunderheads said:

I'm picking up what you're puttin' down! LOL!  Makes way too much sense, ...heck, I even bought mine totally OFF -SEASON I was so excited about it.   Hey Keith, ...are you in 'sales'? 

Banking, but I’ve done sales. 😇

[MadMax]

I’m genuinely glad you two – @wolfe_man and @Thunderheads – have found a solution. So what I’m about to say is not directed at you, or anyone else in a similar situation / environment. However, because you posted about gear bags, Jeff, this is relevant to all those looking for a gear bag… 

There is nothing more frustrating for an assigner than to arrange – often at borderline incessant & obnoxious prodding and negotiation – for on-site changing rooms / locker rooms, than to have guys not use them, instead “work out of their car(s)”. TDs / LDs get inundated with all these complaints about us (umpires) anyway, then compounded by reports – however dubious – of us smoking, drinking, using foul language, using derogatory language, being in states of undress, pi$$ing, etc. If one “does it”, we’re all implicated; or, at the very least, the TDs / LDs hold us that much more in contempt, which affects how much they “back us” when there are game issues. 

If an on-site changing room is provided, it must be secured – that must absolutely be the condition, non-negotiable. But, if there is one, your assigner expects you to use it, so have the flexibility and efficiency of placing your gear in a gear bag, some essentials, and a few shirts, and work out of that changing room. 

[834k3r]

47 minutes ago, MadMax said:

If an on-site changing room is provided, it must be secured – that must absolutely be the condition, non-negotiable. But, if there is one, your assigner expects you to use it, so have the flexibility and efficiency of placing your gear in a gear bag, some essentials, and a few shirts, and work out of that changing room. 

I wish I had that problem.

[Aging_Arbiter]

On 9/7/2023 at 3:26 PM, MadMax said:

I’m genuinely glad you two – @wolfe_man and @Thunderheads – have found a solution. So what I’m about to say is not directed at you, or anyone else in a similar situation / environment. However, because you posted about gear bags, Jeff, this is relevant to all those looking for a gear bag… 

There is nothing more frustrating for an assigner than to arrange – often at borderline incessant & obnoxious prodding and negotiation – for on-site changing rooms / locker rooms, than to have guys not use them, instead “work out of their car(s)”. TDs / LDs get inundated with all these complaints about us (umpires) anyway, then compounded by reports – however dubious – of us smoking, drinking, using foul language, using derogatory language, being in states of undress, pi$$ing, etc. If one “does it”, we’re all implicated; or, at the very least, the TDs / LDs hold us that much more in contempt, which affects how much they “back us” when there are game issues. 

If an on-site changing room is provided, it must be secured – that must absolutely be the condition, non-negotiable. But, if there is one, your assigner expects you to use it, so have the flexibility and efficiency of placing your gear in a gear bag, some essentials, and a few shirts, and work out of that changing room. 

I know, I know......off topic.  BUT, part of the draw for the facility that I assign for, is an air conditioned umpire locker room.  The umpires call me upon arrival, I pick them (and their gear for the day) up with a cart and deliver them to the locker room.  Our guys LOVE IT.  When there is softball events held there, those guys always, set up a chair next to their truck/truck bed and make ZERO use of it.  THESE are the complaints about half naked umpires that we receive.

[The Man in Blue]

@MadMax and @Aging_Arbiter ... I cannot disagree with your statements on procuring a locker room, but I would offer you the other side.  A Rebuttal In Three Stories ...

Back when I ran our local summer program, I was ADAMANT -- with NO EXCEPTION -- that our concession stand must be open for all games.  Teams were not allowed to schedule make up games on their own, as the concession stand had to be considered.  1/3rd of our revenue came from concessions (and we would never turn players away due to financial situations).  The FIRST time a game happened without the concession stand being open, we would see a significant and lasting hit for weeks (if not the whole season).  When fans did not know if they could RELY on the stand being open, they would just stop at the gas station or McDonalds on the way.  Umpires are the same way.  The first time I am told there are facilities and there is a hiccup ... I end up changing in my car.  And you know what is easiest thing for me to do the next time?  Thank you for the facilities, but I know my car is always open.

 

 

A few years back I went to work at a local complex that I rarely worked at.  The assignor told us they were converting an area off of the concession stand into an umpire area.  It would have privacy fencing and we could change there, secure our gear, etc.  We got there ... and the area was filled with grills fired up for the concession stand.  The complex manager generously offered to lock our gear in his office ... so helpful ... especially since he was leaving and would be back to lock up later.   Any time I work there (which isn't often), I just change in my car.

 

My son and I were working at a new (to us) facility this year.  Very nice facility.  We were told the crow's nest in the middle of the quad would be available to umpires to use for our locker room.  Air conditioned, view of all fields, lots of room ... but there would be a scoreboard operator sharing the space.  Somebody assigned a 16- or 17-year old young lady to operate the scoreboard.  After the first game, they were telling us that she was uncomfortable with us using that space (which I do NOT blame her at all).  We couldn't use the space, but there was a storage closet all 20 of us could use ... 🙄  The rest of the summer we just worked out of our cars.

 

I applaud the efforts some assignors will go to in an effort to meet our needs ... but they need to be darned sure it is viable, usable, and never NOT available.  You can tell us it is ... but the first time it isn't is the last time it is.

[umpstu]

On 9/5/2023 at 10:14 AM, Thunderheads said:

Hey all ....

Well, thanks to @wolfe_man .... I have a NEW organizational set up for my gear for next year.  Keith's 'plastic drawer' concept got me to thinking.  I could have everything I need organized better and more accessible for a FRACTION of the cost of a new bag.  AND, .. while my new bag has a tear in it, and is 11 years old, it could still be used for those situations (rare) where I need it to roll into a locker room, or stadium, etc, etc.  So, I'm keeping my old F3 for that reason, and just picked up the Sterilite bins Keith uses.  Photo below is after purchase in the back of the SUV.

It'll be fun to get this all organized (a great winter project), and what's better, there's plenty of room in front for shoes, and the old 'Finnerty Supply Bucket' ... (if you know, you know )

hmmmm.