Gear Bag FAQ

What is the difference between Cordura® and Ballistics?
This is perhaps our most frequently asked bag question! The biggest difference (and it's not very big) between these two great fabrics is in the feel or the "hand" of the fabric. The 11 oz. Cordura® has the look and feel of canvas and is a bit scratchy to the touch. If it were paint, it would be considered to have a "flat" finish. The 12 oz. Ballistics has slightly larger and smoother filaments, feels a little smoother to the touch, and would have a "low sheen" finish, if it were paint. Cordura® is commonly used in high-end backpacks, and Ballistics is most frequently seen in soft-side luggage. Cordura® is available in a wide range of colors, while Ballistics is limited to only a few.

Both of these 100% nylon fabrics are equally durable: abrasion-, puncture- and water-resistant, colorfast, quick drying, and rot and mildew resistant.

My Bu Jin gear bag is as old as dirt, but it's still structurally sound. How can I clean it up?
This is a pretty common question, too. If your faithful companion of a bag looks like it needs a bath, we recommend that you spot-clean it using a soft brush and eco-friendly soap and water. Dirt doesn't easily adhere to these fabrics, and what does usually comes off pretty easily. If your bag is way beyond spot-cleaning, then just put it in the washer with mild detergent and warm water on the gentle or synthetic setting. When it's done, shake it off and hang it out to drip-dry. You'll almost certainly see noticeable improvement. Be aware, however, that due to the agitation of the washer some of the original water-resistant coating may have washed out.

Why should I get a Bu Jin Dogi Pack?
Well, you could get just any old bag to schlep to the dojo. But at Bu Jin Design, we, who go to the dojo nightly, have created a bag with a rectangular shape that (surprise!) exactly matches the shape of a folded dogi and hakama. Not only that, but the bags have two separate compartments, so you can separate your dripping dogi from your only slightly dripping hakama and other dry items. An exterior zipper pocket safely stores a notebook and other personal effects. Locking YKK zippers on the main compartments accommodate a travel lock. The bags come in two sizes, small and medium. The small size comfortably fits one dogi set, hakama, and even a towel with space left over. A medium sized Dogi Pack fits two dogi, hakama, towel, and then some. One might use the small size for the daily trips to the dojo, while the medium size is good for weekend seminars and such. Both sizes can be carried by a grip on the top of the bag, or worn as a shoulder bag, or as a backpack. The adjustable, padded backpack straps zip away into a special compartment when not in use. While ideal for trips to the dojo, these packs are also great for school (think big, rectangular books), work, or sports. With two choices of first quality fabric, a wide range of colors, reinforced stitching and bound inner seams, and a reasonable price, it's a pretty good deal.