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Overland Equipment All-Purpose Acadia Backpack


By Kara

We cover a lot of bags here at Practical Travel Gear. A lot. From laptop carry-ons to reusable shopping bags to rollerboards — after all, when you travel, you need something to carry your gear, clothing & groceries.

I’m a fan of the backpack for a few reasons — I like having both hands free to either grab a kid’s hand as needed or roll another bag, and I like having two straps across my shoulders avoid neck/shoulder strain (I get plenty of that simply by squeezing into economy airplane seats). I also get a lot of use out of backpacks — if I don’t use them for plane carry-ons, I use them to carry my laptop and folders to occasional in-person meetings. I also regularly carry a pack on day hikes.

This Acadia pack from Overland Equipment suits all of the above occasions. It has a side-zipper sleeve that fits 15-inch laptops, with a breathable-mesh padded back panel so the hard laptop isn’t banging against your body. On the other side is a compression water-bottle holder. Other highlights are a chest strap and multiple mesh pockets and pouches in both the roomy main compartment and smaller outer compartment. (My favorite pouch: the fleece-lined one designed for cell phones.)

The style is straightforward and simple, like other Overland Equipment bags. Simultaneously rugged and sleek, this nylon-exterior bag truly can take you from plane to cafe to hiking trail. It retails for $100 on the Overland site and comes in Storm Blue and Black. Also see availability on Amazon.com and eBags.

Feeling lucky? Enter to win your own Acadia backpack. All you have to do is tell me where you’d first use the bag — whether it’s on a trip or somewhere close to home. Leave comments below until Thursday, May 13 at 6 p.m. (EST). I’ll draw one winner via a random-number generator and announce the winners in a this post on Friday, May 14. U.S. mailing addresses only; one entry per person. Good luck!

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UPDATE: Congrats go out to lucky commenter #86 Shilo Beedy, whose number came up via Random.org. She’s the winner of the Acadia backpack — in her choice of color (black or dusty blue) by Overland Equipment.

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This entry was posted on Friday, April 30th, 2010, 12:08 am by Kara and is filed under General Gear.

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  1. #1 by Asa - April 30th, 2010 at 00:46

    I’d use this bag when I get back from our around-the-world trip and am ready to hit the urban jungle of Boston. I’m looking forward to chilling in coffee shops, pulling my computer out of the bag and firing off resumes so I can find a job, in order to make some money so I can hit the road again (maybe with backpack in tow :-)

  2. #2 by Lucius Carroll - April 30th, 2010 at 07:36

    I will use this pack to load up day gear for my trip planning session @ the bookstore/coffee shop…to plan the trip of a lifetime —

  3. #3 by Jeff W - April 30th, 2010 at 08:21

    This looks like a great bag for my trip to Scotland in June. The pack will fit all of my needs.

  4. #4 by Donna - April 30th, 2010 at 08:26

    It occurred to me that the only backpack style bags I have are bookbag-leftovers from my kids. I would use my new bag on a trip tp Mexico this summer. Vamos a la playa!

  5. #5 by Brian - April 30th, 2010 at 09:04

    Cool looking bag, would use it as I research attractions in Puerto Rico for my site :o)

  6. #6 by jill - April 30th, 2010 at 09:27

    I would use the backpack during our trip to Glacier in June. The perfect addition to our packed mini-van on the “Going-to-the-Sun” Road!

  7. #7 by Brian - April 30th, 2010 at 10:06

    I’ll use it everyday on my commute/bike ride from Brooklyn into the city!

  8. #8 by Carol - April 30th, 2010 at 10:21

    I’d use it this summer on our trip to Estes Park, Co!

  9. #9 by abi - April 30th, 2010 at 10:33

    Thanks for sharing these tips.. I will use this on my next summer trip.

  10. #10 by joni taylor - April 30th, 2010 at 10:53

    considering we have 6 kids, we carry alot of stuff so I would use this to tote their things.

  11. #11 by Mya Brooks - April 30th, 2010 at 11:48

    My family are HUGE hikers and campers! I would use it on a huge hiking trip!

  12. #12 by annie armes - April 30th, 2010 at 13:27

    I’m planning a trip to India this Fall and this would be great!

  13. #13 by Jennifer - April 30th, 2010 at 14:24

    I would use it for my first hiking trip of the year, at Mt. Blue State Park in Maine on Memorial Day weekend!

  14. #14 by wolvie72 - April 30th, 2010 at 16:30

    I hike 3hours plus at a time, so i need to carry some things “just in case”. This would be perfect.

  15. #15 by Kelly Ann T. - April 30th, 2010 at 18:07

    I would use this to take to college. It would hold everything I need. On the weekends I would take it hiking and camping.

  16. #16 by Ann F - April 30th, 2010 at 18:29

    I would use it when we go hiking in the Catskills

  17. #17 by NICHOLAS ELIAS NIEVES - April 30th, 2010 at 19:00

    this will be great for my trip to germany later this spring

  18. #18 by Jaque - April 30th, 2010 at 19:00

    I would use this Overland Equipment All-Purpose Acadia Backpack on my trip this summer. I will be doing a lot of hiking and this would be fabulous!

    Thank you. :-)

  19. #19 by Annette D - April 30th, 2010 at 20:53

    I would give it to my son who is a Boy Scout, and I am sure he would take in on camping trips with the troop.

  20. #20 by Ed Chandler - April 30th, 2010 at 23:41

    My wife could use a good backpack for our international travels. Spain is next.

  21. #21 by Rebecca Graham - May 1st, 2010 at 01:20

    I would use this on a camping trip this summer.

  22. #22 by lenzima - May 1st, 2010 at 04:52

    This would be great for my laptop and other gear when I travel.

  23. #23 by Vernon Luckert - May 1st, 2010 at 06:19

    I would use the backpack to go hiking down near Table Rock Lake by Branson, MO.

  24. #24 by Tari Lawson - May 1st, 2010 at 06:48

    We are going to the Grand Canyon this year so I would use it there.

  25. #25 by Ken Bishop - May 1st, 2010 at 07:23

    I would use this backpack to take with me when I went camping and when I wasn’t camping I would use it to put my laptop in it for when I travel. It would always be in use, whether by me or other members of my family

  26. #26 by Nanci K - May 1st, 2010 at 07:28

    I would use the backpack this summer on our vacation in PA.

  27. #27 by Mike Kuhl - May 1st, 2010 at 07:52

    I would use it as a carry-on whenever I travel by air. I could also use it while hiking.

  28. #28 by ron - May 1st, 2010 at 07:58

    i’d use it to hike acadia national park in bar harbor, me this summer

  29. #29 by Janice H - May 1st, 2010 at 08:03

    I am a turtle, I carry my life with me. I work anywhere and everywhere, and my MacBook Pro is always with me whether I am writing in a coffee shop, editing photos with Photoshop or projecting the latest Prezi at a meeting. My old backpack is now worn out, and besides this matches my Overland Donner bag!

  30. #30 by brian lee mills - May 1st, 2010 at 08:25

    I would use it when I go on over-nites with the cub scouts.

  31. #31 by maxine jackson - May 1st, 2010 at 08:31

    It will be great for my trip I have planned in June

  32. #32 by Kim - May 1st, 2010 at 08:43

    I’d be using it around my campus.

  33. #33 by meg - May 1st, 2010 at 08:44

    I’ve actually been looking for a multi-use backpack that can fit in my carry-on when flying and to use upon arrival in South Africa for safari; in Morocco for holding dslr camera and equipment; in northern Spain for trekking; and for day hikes back home. I’d like to test this pack myself to determine if this Overland backpack meets all my purposes!

  34. #34 by Neva McKim - May 1st, 2010 at 09:04

    I would use this when I go to see my grandchildren that I haven’t seen in 3 years

  35. #35 by harold craig - May 1st, 2010 at 10:25

    i put it on the back of my wheel chair

  36. #36 by Amber - May 1st, 2010 at 10:48

    I’d use this to hike with my dog around the local trails in my city. We have a great state park and this pack would be awesome to carry all the necessities!

  37. #37 by Teri Myers - May 1st, 2010 at 11:28

    I would use it on our first family camping trip of the summer!

  38. #38 by louise rogers - May 1st, 2010 at 11:35

    day hike or fishing

  39. #39 by Mar - May 1st, 2010 at 12:19

    This would fit for my grandaughter’s trip to
    Germany in June.

  40. #40 by David Lale - May 1st, 2010 at 12:32

    I would use it to go camping at the beach

  41. #41 by jacqueline - May 1st, 2010 at 12:44

    It would be great at festivals

  42. #42 by cheryl - May 1st, 2010 at 13:00

    would use this bag to fit all of my 2 daughters swimming/dancing gear this summer when they take lessons

  43. #43 by John OBrien - May 1st, 2010 at 13:06

    Would use it between the office and home daily.

  44. #44 by CJ - May 1st, 2010 at 13:21

    I’d use it to take the my dogs to the park and carry their favorite in it!… Thanks for a chance to winnnnnnnn!…

  45. #45 by tracy davis - May 1st, 2010 at 13:41

    I would use the backpack during our trip to Glacier in June

  46. #46 by Linda Lansford - May 1st, 2010 at 14:21

    I would use it for school

  47. #47 by alexa - May 1st, 2010 at 15:48

    I would use it when I go shopping-much easier than carrying several bags.

  48. #48 by Virginia Streitberger - May 1st, 2010 at 17:29

    Just what I need for my library books when I ride my bicycle to the library.

  49. #49 by leslie arasin - May 1st, 2010 at 17:50

    To carry medical supplies on Doctor Visits

  50. #50 by Ellen Ring - May 1st, 2010 at 18:41

    My husband & I love to hike & we would be using it for our day hikes.

  51. #51 by Freddie - May 1st, 2010 at 19:01

    I’d use this for school. Looks perfect!

  52. #52 by Theresa Clift - May 1st, 2010 at 19:56

    If I received it quick enough I would take it to LA with me for my upcoming, thanks for the opportunity

  53. #53 by JULIE ARRANT - May 1st, 2010 at 20:26

    MY DAUGHTER IS STARTING COLLEGE AND I THINK THAT THIS COULD BE ONE THING THAT SHE COULD USE.

  54. #54 by vicki gonzalez - May 1st, 2010 at 21:25

    Cool I could sure use this on my next vaction

  55. #55 by Michael Williams, Sr. - May 1st, 2010 at 22:55

    This is a nice -looking backpack!!! I hope I win it!!! “Thanks for this great promotion!!!”

  56. #56 by andrew b - May 2nd, 2010 at 00:11

    i would make it my daily bag to carry my laptop and stuff, my old one tore up

  57. #57 by JENNIFER SULLIVAN - May 2nd, 2010 at 07:17

    LOVE This to use at waterpark

  58. #58 by Charlotte - May 2nd, 2010 at 13:26

    I’d let my teenage son use it at school. He is hard on backpacks.

  59. #59 by Audrey H. - May 2nd, 2010 at 15:04

    Probably use it first hiking, maybe Koko Head. Thanks!

  60. #60 by Kimberly L - May 2nd, 2010 at 17:18

    I would use it to go hiking in the Adirondacks

  61. #61 by Kristi C - May 2nd, 2010 at 18:38

    I would use this to carry my son’s stuff to his sister’s soccer games.

  62. #62 by Christopher Corwin - May 2nd, 2010 at 19:31

    I would use this to hold all the stuff I am going to steal back from my ex wife after the divorce. Payback is a Bit#@ huh? Just kidding I would use it for bank robberies….just kidding…I need something to carry all my daily crap….duh!!!!

  63. #63 by Donna L - May 2nd, 2010 at 19:49

    I would give it to my daughter ,who’s in college. She could put her laptop in it.

  64. #64 by Dawn - May 2nd, 2010 at 19:59

    We are going to Vegas in July and this would make a great carry on bag for the plane.

  65. #65 by charity de meer - May 2nd, 2010 at 20:10

    in the subway, all zipped up and watched like a hawk

  66. #66 by Deb Stewart - May 2nd, 2010 at 20:25

    I wud use bag going to Montana this summer for laptop and other essentials I don’t want to pack, but carry onto airplane.

  67. #67 by Jim D - May 2nd, 2010 at 20:41

    I recently retired. My wife and I are planning our first visit to the Grand Canyon–a trip we’ve been dreaming about for years. This backpack would be a perfect companion for our journey.

  68. #68 by kellie - May 2nd, 2010 at 22:46

    on my trip to niagara falls

  69. #69 by Joseph - May 3rd, 2010 at 01:51

    I would use it when I go mountain biking with my brother on the Oregon Coast.

  70. #70 by LeMichelle Campbell - May 3rd, 2010 at 10:54

    I would take my bag to the North Georgia mountains on a hike packed with wine, cheese, and a blanket to enjoy once we reached the top!

  71. #71 by Michael - May 3rd, 2010 at 11:04

    I would use it when I bike to the parks, so I would have plenty of water and other things that I need to spend the afternoon with my family.

  72. #72 by Melanie - May 3rd, 2010 at 11:30

    I’m going to Hawaii in in a month and I’ve been looking for something like this. Don’t need to take much but want to take my laptop and carry on my stuff – not check. AND would love something for my travels around the island and on the beach. It sounds PERFECT!

  73. #73 by Monique Rizzo - May 3rd, 2010 at 12:44

    We are taking a trip to Disneyland and we would use it there!!
    Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

  74. #74 by john rasmussen - May 3rd, 2010 at 16:52

    I would use it for school

  75. #75 by Holly - May 3rd, 2010 at 18:25

    I would use this when I fly to visit my sister, I like that it will fit my laptop and is padded!

  76. #76 by Brendan - May 3rd, 2010 at 22:57

    I’d use it hang gliding over lava-pits and walking on water, mostly.

  77. #77 by Beverly - May 4th, 2010 at 00:00

    I’d use the bag to replace my worn out one. I use it for camping and other things.

  78. #78 by carl - May 4th, 2010 at 11:14

    I could use it for my son’s school books.He has an old school bag.

  79. #79 by Kathryn Martinez - May 4th, 2010 at 17:45

    I would first use this bag to carry my students’ assignments home with me so I could grade them.

  80. #80 by Phil - May 4th, 2010 at 21:53

    My first use would be taking my child to Isle Royale National Park in northern Michigan. There’s no place like it!

  81. #81 by John S. - May 4th, 2010 at 22:48

    Very much needed at my son’s swim meets.

  82. #82 by Brad - May 5th, 2010 at 16:48

    I’m leaving for a trip in June and this would be great.

  83. #83 by christopher h - May 5th, 2010 at 22:10

    i’d use it on our next trip to tahoe

  84. #84 by Linda C - May 6th, 2010 at 07:30

    I will use this everyday .. Why wait until vacation??

  85. #85 by Becky Nasby - May 6th, 2010 at 10:13

    I would use this to carry around children’s things when on the go.

  86. #86 by Shilo Beedy - May 6th, 2010 at 13:38

    I would first use it to pack things in it for a picnic with the family.

  87. #87 by sarah - May 6th, 2010 at 15:46

    i’d take this on all my summer camping trips!

  88. #88 by Meredith Peters - May 6th, 2010 at 16:32

    I would carry lots of practical stuff and climb Mt Battie in Maine!

  89. #89 by Susan C - May 6th, 2010 at 17:05

    I would take it on a beach trip I have planned this summer.
    smchester at gmail dot com

  90. #90 by steadycat - May 6th, 2010 at 18:48

    it would be used immediately on an urban hike!

  91. #91 by Bryanna P. - May 6th, 2010 at 22:19

    Awesome blog and thanks for the giveaway!
    Would love love LOVE to win this!…. =]

  92. #92 by nate egerton - May 7th, 2010 at 00:17

    Looks like a great bag for camping

  93. #93 by Linda - May 7th, 2010 at 13:55

    I would use the bag on my next trip, looks like it would be perfect and hold so much stuff!

  94. #94 by Regina M - May 7th, 2010 at 15:30

    Camping with my son.

  95. #95 by Karen P - May 8th, 2010 at 00:06

    I would use it camping I think.

  96. #96 by Jenn S. - May 8th, 2010 at 10:30

    I would use this backpack for our trip to Minnesota this summer and all the little trips to the zoo, theme parks, museums..etc that we take with the kids during the summer.

  97. #97 by Kimberly M - May 8th, 2010 at 15:32

    I commute to work on my bike every day and need room for a change of clothes and anything I buy at the store on the way, so I always use a backpack. I’d use this one on my commute!

  98. #98 by Ellie Alikhani - May 8th, 2010 at 18:42

    I’m looking to go to a few festivals, camping trips, etc this summer. Most likely, my most noteable and first use would be to take it to Bonnaroo! :)

  99. #99 by RICHARD SPIVEY - May 8th, 2010 at 23:35

    I WILL USE IT AS A LAPTOP AND OVERNITE CASE COMBO.LOOKS LIKE ENOUGH ROOM FOR SOX, UNDIES, SHAVING KIT AND THE COMPUTER.
    LUCK TO ME!

  100. #100 by barbara wright - May 9th, 2010 at 08:58

    I’d use it when we go college-hunting this summer!

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