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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 mickeyfan - May 9th, 2010 at 15:02

    We have a couple of trips planned for this summer. Be nice for the plane to Vegas and for hiking in Colo.

  2. #2 by Kristina Bingaman - May 9th, 2010 at 21:29

    I would use it on my next trip to Napa.

  3. #3 by Dung Nguyen - May 9th, 2010 at 23:48

    I would use it on a camping/hiking trip! It’s about summer time, gotta bring those portable fans for camping! :)

  4. #4 by Tonya Dean - May 10th, 2010 at 01:11

    Use it to go camping this summer.

  5. #5 by Trisha Dowling - May 10th, 2010 at 01:53

    my boys would use this when they go on church trips!

  6. #6 by Kathy Scott - May 10th, 2010 at 13:36

    I would use it hiking in the Idaho Mountains.

  7. #7 by Aimee - May 10th, 2010 at 15:20

    I’d first use the bag for a beach camping trip out to Carolina Beach, NC!

  8. #8 by Anna - May 10th, 2010 at 15:36

    This backpack would be great on my weekly local hikes!

  9. #9 by Daniel M - May 10th, 2010 at 16:48

    on hiking trips (almost every weekend)

  10. #10 by Jeanette Huston - May 10th, 2010 at 19:35

    I used my first bag on a camping trip. It was awesome and it was great for hiking.

  11. #11 by Benita - May 10th, 2010 at 21:11

    I’d use it to travel this summer. I’d also use it for work. In fact, I bet I wind up using it for everything, weekend trips, overnight trips, even going to the gym.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

  12. #12 by Paula Hafner - May 10th, 2010 at 21:16

    I would use it at the amusement park.

  13. #13 by Tammy Kennedy - May 10th, 2010 at 23:35

    My daughter is graduating in June and because all our family live 1200 miles away they can’t make the trip so we will be driving the 1200 miles one way to visit them. Because money is tight we will be trying to budget which means instead of a hotel for a good nights rest we will be napping at a rest area.
    So the backpack would be nice to put a change of cloths in for a quick change when we freshen up.
    Then it will become one of my kids bags for traveling/school

  14. #14 by Christie - May 11th, 2010 at 02:31

    I’d use it for weekend trips all summer.

  15. #15 by Christine Sarkauskas - May 11th, 2010 at 02:48

    I would use this for my trips back and forth to the library!

  16. #16 by kelly wakefield - May 11th, 2010 at 09:32

    My husband would use it for work — he works in downtown Chicago & needs something that he can put his tools in for work that’s easily carried from place to place.

  17. #17 by Happi Shopr - May 11th, 2010 at 11:04

    I’d use it when we go biking.

  18. #18 by denyse - May 11th, 2010 at 19:44

    My husband would use it at Great Adventure to carry our supplies.

  19. #19 by Sylvie W. - May 11th, 2010 at 22:42

    A weekend in D.C. I usually take the train to D.C. and like to be hands free when I travel. So I’d have my small rolling suitcase and this great backpack for my “handbag” with accompanying snacks. But in my Ipod and books and I’m ready.

  20. #20 by Julie - May 12th, 2010 at 00:33

    Great pack, I could use this when I’m in the bayou tracking gators.

  21. #21 by James Murray - May 12th, 2010 at 06:24

    Could sure use it while hiking.

  22. #22 by John Halgren - May 12th, 2010 at 08:21

    I would use this pack for some of the kids hockey gear. With three little kids playing hockey, I can’t get enough durable, portable storage.

  23. #23 by Jill Rivera - May 12th, 2010 at 08:32

    I would use the back for my reuniting trip to see my half-brother. I have not seen him for 32 years.

  24. #24 by Kimberly - May 12th, 2010 at 09:44

    I would use this when we go to the zoo this summer. We go pretty often and carrying a purse isn’t practical.

  25. #25 by kathy pease - May 12th, 2010 at 10:24

    i would use this when i go hiking to carry all the stuff i need :)

  26. #26 by Jerry Merrill - May 12th, 2010 at 11:05

    Nice looking pack. Good for hiking

  27. #27 by Jason - May 12th, 2010 at 11:50

    I would use the back pack on our upcoming trip to the Boundary Waters in Northern MN

    jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

  28. #28 by DANIELLE WALDO - May 12th, 2010 at 12:14

    I going to use this on my hikes all year long.
    waitressdani (at) hotmail (dot) com

  29. #29 by marc - May 12th, 2010 at 13:04

    I will use it to go hiking this summer.

    monson 525 at gmail dot com

  30. #30 by joseph newby - May 12th, 2010 at 13:47

    I would use the bag for school. I have classes all day and am wearing out my current Volcom messenger bag too quick.

  31. #31 by Jan - May 12th, 2010 at 14:22

    I would use it on my next camping trip!

  32. #32 by Jennifer M - May 12th, 2010 at 14:28

    I’d use it as my carry-on and day pack for our upcoming vacation to Puerto Rico.

  33. #33 by Laura G - May 12th, 2010 at 14:50

    I would use it when we go camping.

  34. #34 by Michele - May 12th, 2010 at 15:50

    Thank you for the giveaway. I’d first use this bag on an overnight trip to my inlaws.

  35. #35 by Tesa S. - May 12th, 2010 at 16:34

    I’d use it when I go hiking this summer.

  36. #36 by dddiva - May 12th, 2010 at 17:06

    I’d use it on my travels both near and far- til one of the kids “borrows” it ;)

  37. #37 by philip halter - May 12th, 2010 at 17:33

    use in when i go camping

  38. #38 by ania - May 12th, 2010 at 17:36

    I need a bag for my trip to poland. this one would be perfect! fingers crossed!

  39. #39 by Rebecca - May 12th, 2010 at 18:18

    I would use it for an overnighter with my grandson

  40. #40 by Natessa W - May 12th, 2010 at 19:10

    I am getting ready to go on a vacation to a few different amusement parks. I would use it to carry my things for the trip. I would also use it for when I go camping in September.

  41. #41 by karen - May 12th, 2010 at 20:12

    I would use it on my upcoming trip to visit my sister. Thanks.

  42. #42 by Judy Reap - May 12th, 2010 at 20:21

    I would pack it with a nice picnic lunch, book and blanket and take it for a gentle hike into the mountains.

  43. #43 by Joshua Miller - May 12th, 2010 at 20:44

    I would use it to carry my books around the university.

  44. #44 by Christopher Chambers - May 12th, 2010 at 20:46

    I could really use a backpack, my current one is falling to pieces. I would use it to carry my art stuff with me.

  45. #45 by Chrysa - May 12th, 2010 at 21:08

    I would use it when taking my nephew to the park.

  46. #46 by Shellie - May 12th, 2010 at 21:08

    I’d take it on the plane with me when I go visit my parents. it seems durable enought to be tossed in the overhead compartment.

  47. #47 by Helen - May 12th, 2010 at 21:38

    I’d use this when I take my 2 year old Grandson to the park. He has a lot of stuff.

  48. #48 by DarcyO - May 12th, 2010 at 21:46

    I would give it to my daughter to use for school.

  49. #49 by Heather C - May 12th, 2010 at 21:58

    I’d use it anytime I need to bring my laptop around school :)

    xbeautifulcoma at yahoo dot com

  50. #50 by Charlene - May 12th, 2010 at 22:42

    I’d use it on a camping trip in the Colorado Rockies :)

  51. #51 by Bridget Combs - May 12th, 2010 at 22:50

    I’d give it to my daughter to take on her upcoming camping trip

  52. #52 by Jay F. - May 13th, 2010 at 00:17

    I would use it first to go to work, seeing how it handles with a little weight in it. Maybe hiking later.

  53. #53 by Shnazzy - May 13th, 2010 at 00:19

    I know a nice waterfall buried deep in a nearby forest with a sweet tire swing. I’d love to use this bag to tote supplies and a change of clothes for a trip out on a hot hot day.

  54. #54 by R Hicks - May 13th, 2010 at 00:28

    I would use it on an upcoming hiking trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway!

    ardy22 at earthlink dot net

  55. #55 by Sand - May 13th, 2010 at 01:03

    I’d take this bag on my trip to NYC later this summer!

  56. #56 by Justine - May 13th, 2010 at 02:12

    I would use the bag when I take my kids to their activities like the Spring Fun Fair we will be attending this weekend…

  57. #57 by Carolsue - May 13th, 2010 at 03:42

    My husband would use it when he goes to his classes at the local college
    digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

  58. #58 by Geoff K - May 13th, 2010 at 06:06

    I’d use it on my summer trip to Europe — two friends and I will be hopping from country to country on the Eurorail, so it would be great to have a sturdy bag on my back to carry my clothes and necessities while we travel. Thanks!

  59. #59 by debp - May 13th, 2010 at 07:13

    I would use it wherever I go. It would be great to use when traveling.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

  60. #60 by susan - May 13th, 2010 at 08:18

    I would love this for school, it would hold everything I need!

  61. #61 by susan smoaks - May 13th, 2010 at 08:19

    I will use the bag on my next trip to the beach, it will be a wonderful way to carry the stuff from the car to the beach!

  62. #62 by Crystal F - May 13th, 2010 at 08:37

    I would pack it up with stuff to take to the ball games. Thank you!

  63. #63 by Chaz - May 13th, 2010 at 08:59

    My wife could use it for our summer camping trips.

  64. #64 by Shannon - May 13th, 2010 at 09:22

    I’d use it on a weekend trip

  65. #65 by Helen - May 13th, 2010 at 09:37

    I’m going to be taking a few classes in the fall, I’ll use it to carry my books and supplies.

  66. #66 by Mary - May 13th, 2010 at 09:41

    Helen :
    I’m going to be taking a few classes in the fall, I’ll use it to carry my books and supplies.

    Tried to delete this, it was suppose to be my from my daughter. Sorry.

  67. #67 by mineola - May 13th, 2010 at 09:41

    I’d use it for my netbook & all the little add ons that go with it- a tech pack, if you will! I’m forever missing this adapter or that & I’d use it as a grab & go tech pack since I have a weekly business trip it would help keep me organized, keep my purse uncluttered & can actually carry what I need.

  68. #68 by amy d - May 13th, 2010 at 09:51

    camping and hiking

  69. #69 by Buddy Garrett - May 13th, 2010 at 10:08

    I would use it on my weekend trip to Chicago.

  70. #70 by Michael - May 13th, 2010 at 10:15

    We are planning an educational/eco-hiking excursion in Florida this summer and the Acadia pack from Overland Equipment would be an ideal companion! :)

  71. #71 by Cheryl McCauley - May 13th, 2010 at 10:18

    I`m planning to hike the Appalation Trail starting in VA and this would come in so handy!

  72. #72 by Shelley Mitchell - May 13th, 2010 at 10:56

    I would use it for our annual camping trip in June!

  73. #73 by DanV - May 13th, 2010 at 11:17

    I’d use it on a family weekend trip

  74. #74 by Joanne Schultz - May 13th, 2010 at 11:42

    I’d bring it to the library with me! A great way to keep my laptop and snacks and books close at hand!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  75. #75 by Edward Drugo - May 13th, 2010 at 12:05

    This backpack will alleviate the need to carry items on trips that would normally be a burden to carry by hand. Cameras, Binoculars, First Aid kit, etc.

  76. #76 by Barbara Hunt - May 13th, 2010 at 12:16

    Thanks for the great contest!
    bahjeep@aol.com

  77. #77 by Denise - May 13th, 2010 at 12:19

    I would use it to pack all of my textbooks in at school.

  78. #78 by vivian - May 13th, 2010 at 12:30

    use it go to festevals ty

  79. #79 by vivian - May 13th, 2010 at 12:35

    use it at festevals ty.

  80. #80 by Sarah D. - May 13th, 2010 at 12:55

    I would use it to carry supplies on my next hiking adventure.

  81. #81 by DEBIJOT - May 13th, 2010 at 13:18

    My hubby & I would use this bag on our camping trips.

  82. #82 by Michelle H. - May 13th, 2010 at 13:19

    I would probably first use this at the gym.

  83. #83 by shel - May 13th, 2010 at 13:20

    I’d use it everyday as my tote to work and then it would double as my carry on when I travel..we’re headed to New Orleans this summer and it would be perfect for carrying all our essentials while sightseeing

  84. #84 by Vince B - May 13th, 2010 at 13:26

    I’d first take the bag to work, full of lunch.

  85. #85 by estella miller - May 13th, 2010 at 13:44

    I’d be using it for my first beach daytrip to Hampton beach!

  86. #86 by Sarah - May 13th, 2010 at 14:44

    I commute via bus an hour and a half to my college each day, so i’d use it for that! My laptop, lunch and books can get pretty heavy!

  87. #87 by hazel hunt - May 13th, 2010 at 14:57

    Would love to win!!

  88. #88 by Robert - May 13th, 2010 at 15:00

    it can be used for a mulitude of things

  89. #89 by Lily Kwan - May 13th, 2010 at 16:45

    I would first use the bag on a trip.

  90. #90 by Jay - May 13th, 2010 at 16:49

    I will use this on my walk to work!

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