Sponsored Post: Need a new #gymbag? Consider @Aperabags!

The following post is sponsored by Apera Bags. I was not compensated for my review, but they did send me my bag of choice on which to base the following opinions. Which are, of course, my own and in no way influenced by the free product (because that would just be wrong).

I'm a bag lady, meaning, I love me an awesome bag. Maybe that just means I'm a true woman. Us women and our purses, right? But guys, you dig awesome bags, too. Admit it! This is a no-judgement zone. So when Apera Bags contacted me with an offer to send over my gym bag of choice, you know I jumped on it because 1) I love bags (obvi), and 2) I'm all about checking out new fitness gear. It's my industry, yo. And I've been reading A LOT about Apera bags in the fitblogosphere lately.

Curiosity was killing this cat, that's for sure.
This was my current gym bag:

A trusty, spacious Lululemon that satisfied my every gym bag need. Really, I loved it. And still do. But if I'm to be completely honest, there's one quirk about it that always seemed to bug me just ever so slightly: The way it hung across my shoulder. It just...it never really hung flat against my body and I think it's because the strap anchors sit a bit lower on the purse body.

Needless to say, I looked past it because in the grand scheme of things it really wasn't that big of a deal, considering how well the rest of the bag was working out. I would probably still be using it if Apera hadn't reached out. Because, look:

It's pink. And I mean, I don't like pink or anything. (<—That's a lie.)

I picked out the Sling Tote because it offered up space without being too big. And it would, ahem..."sling" across my shoulder which is how I prefer to carry such bags. Plus, pockets galore.

You're probably wondering: Okay, but so what. Puh-lenty of bags out there are cross-body and full of pockets. So what makes this one different? Well, for starters, Apera donates bags to Special Olympics athletes. For every three bags sold, one goes to a well-deserving, completely inspiring athlete. What's not to love about that?

And then there's this:

The gym is funky dirty, y'all. And when you're compiling gym gear in one bag, it's bound to make a funky dirty gym bag, too. So Apera built antimicrobial product protection into the bag, which "helps resist the formation of bacterial odor on the inside and outside of the entire bag.

They go on to say: "our bags’ ventilated compartments, wipeable linings and washable inserts, ensure your bag stays clean, odor-free and most importantly, healthy."

If that sounds fake or unreal, believe you me this stuff exists. Antimicrobial product protection can also be a feature on things like dishwashers and refrigerators, maybe even your washer or dryer. (Trust me, I spent a good five years writing about that in my old advertising life.)

Anyway, anything that makes my gym bag less of a germhole is worth believing in.

Now, the big test: Would all of my stuff fit into this bag from Apera?
Here's what I need when I teach:

And I usually have my wallet, phone, calendar and notebook, too.

Here's how it fits:

One of two shoe pockets, situated on the side of the bag. And there's still plenty of room for more.

Consider me sold (and not the least bit pregnant):

If you're looking for a gym bag, I highly recommend you consider an Apera Bag. They have a wide variety of styles, and I bet you'll find at least one to fit your needs. I mean, active moms, are you thinking diaper bag, too? Because it could totally be one. If I needed one, I'd be using this Sling Tote for that purpose. But I'm all set there, so I'll keep Pinkie filled with gym gear.

(Did I really just name my gym bag?)

If you're interested in purchasing an Apera gym bag, head on over to their store and browse the collection. If the color blue is your thing, then you should know that any style bag in blue is currently 40% off. As are all of the Duffel Packs (in any color). They're also running a contest throughout the entire month of April, and if you win, you'll obviously get the bag of your choice.

I think they want to see your worn-out, funky dirty gym bags. Sounds like they'll pick the worst and replace it. Gosh, can you imagine the pictures they'll get?

Follow Apera on Facebook and Twitter to keep up.

Question: What is the current state of your gym bag? Funky dirty? Totally organized? Is it strictly for gym use or do you use it elsewhere, too?