I’ve coveted friends’ Overland shoulder bags, so I was thrilled to receive and review one of my very own — and give away some of these quality products to lucky Practical Travel Gear readers. (More on that below, but no skipping ahead.)
Overland Equipment has been making durable bags for women since 1981. These are sporty and stylish products that are meant to be used everyday — and because they are so functional, they’re great for travel, too. I dig my medium-sized Donner ($58) bag because it has an adjustable shoulder strap; I can wear it across my chest messenger-style when I’m in a crowd or on a mission to get somewhere (I walk faster when bags aren’t dangling off one shoulder).
Another favorite feature: the integrated water-bottle pockets on either side. They are fashioned such that you can’t see the water-bottle tops peeking out from the pockets at all. Just a nice discreet way to carry water when I’m out and about shopping or sightseeing. The front organizer pouch has five different pockets to carry small items like pens, a point-and-shoot camera and loose change. The fleece-lined pocket is designed for sunglasses or phone, another feature I dig, since I’m always digging through my purse to find my phone when it rings. I like the idea of having one special spot for it.
The main compartment — also with an interior pouch — is surprisingly big, but at 10 by 7.5 inches, it’s also tall-ish and deep. I think I prefer shorter and wider, since I find it easier to locate items in a bag with such dimensions. Another thing I’d change on the Donner: the front organizer pouch has a Velcro fastener. I don’t like that “rippppp” sound I get when I open the flap; a magnet closure would be much classier.
So perhaps my ideal Overland bag is the 10-by-12-inch Auburn ($50; above left). This bag (still considered “medium size” by the manufacturer) has a magnetic closure and still more room to store stuff — but no water-bottle holders. The cute Bayliss ($45; below) also has a magnetic closure, but it’s compact at 6.5 by 7.5 inches. I think the Bayliss would make a great little purse for travel if you need something just to carry the bare essentials. Plus, it’s designed to be worn as a waist pack or over your shoulder with the 1-inch-wide adjustable strap — we love double-duty items at Practical Travel Gear, so I give that feature a huge thumb’s up.
Want to have an Overland Equipment bag of your very own? Again, the company is giving away one of each of these styles. All you have to do is tell me where you’d first use the bag — whether it’s on a trip, to your kid’s soccer game, or during a weekend of errand-running around town. (You’re a guy entering to win a bag for your wife, girlfriend or mother? Tell me how and where you think she’ll use the bag.)
Leave comments below until Thursday, September 17 at 11:59 p.m. (EST). I’ll draw THREE lucky names via a random-number generator — each will win either the Auburn, the Bayliss or the Donner style bag. I’ll announce the winners in a new post on Friday, September 18. U.S. mailing addresses only; one entry per person. Good luck!
9/17 UPDATE:
Here are the winners of the Overland Equipment bag giveaway:
Auburn – #46 Tammy
Bayliss – #43 McKim
Donner – #78 amy
Email me at kara [at] PracticalTravelGear [dot] com with your full name and snail-mail address, and I’ll get your prizes out to you. Enjoy your new bags!
#1 by Yoko - September 11th, 2009 at 10:58
I’d use it on a trip to Greece next month.
#2 by Tricia Z - September 11th, 2009 at 14:31
I would definitely use this awesome bag while traveling ;-)
Thanks!
#3 by Jason - September 11th, 2009 at 17:56
I’d use it on my travels of course! If I had to guess where I’d first go with it, I’d think hiking or snowshoeing in the mountains of Colorado…but that all depends on when I’d get it!
#4 by Suzanne - September 11th, 2009 at 17:57
I would use this bag on a weekend in Vermont with my family, and on a weekend in the Catskills with some girlfriends.
#5 by Danielle - September 11th, 2009 at 18:28
I think I would just use it everyday.
#6 by krystal d. - September 11th, 2009 at 21:34
I think I could use it for when I go to school. Lots of compartments where I can put things.
#7 by steven lewis - September 11th, 2009 at 21:51
my fiance will use it to go to work,,,,packing her lunch wallet with id’s etc
#8 by Lisa D - September 11th, 2009 at 21:51
I travel to see my Mother in Arizona and my Sister in New York all the time. I would use it doing this. I also take weekend vacations so that would come in handy for me.
#9 by Abby - September 11th, 2009 at 21:54
I REALLY want this bag it would be so perfect for the girls weekend I am going to in NYC!
#10 by sandy - September 11th, 2009 at 21:59
everyday use
#11 by Jenn H - September 11th, 2009 at 22:00
I have two toddlers so this would be my grab bag. A pre-packed and ready to go outing back. Love it.
#12 by Jane - September 11th, 2009 at 22:09
I’d use it tomorrow and all weekend; then I’d use it again on Monday, take it to Knit Night on Tuesday, then throw it in the car for a trip next Thursday. I’d probably use it just about all the time!
#13 by Joseph - September 11th, 2009 at 22:25
My wife would use the Overland Equipment bag when we go to our Sons Fall Ball (Baseball) games. They look big enough to carry our camera for those not to miss moments for the Grandparents, snacks that he is always wanting after the game or even some bottle water for during the game.
#14 by ShootingStarsMag - September 11th, 2009 at 22:58
I’d have to use this at school first I think. It would be great!!!
#15 by Margaret Smith - September 12th, 2009 at 05:06
These bags look wonderful. I would use this bag as an everyday bag, running errands and such. With kids, it seems like I never have enough room with my purse and I would use this instead. I really love the water bottle holder on these bags too.
Thanks so much.
#16 by Tracey Byram - September 12th, 2009 at 06:13
I’d use the bag as an everyday bag. Where I go, it goes. It would be great for holding all my junk that I carry when I go shopping.
#17 by Francine S. - September 12th, 2009 at 09:04
I would use it every day and every way! Since my bi lateral knee replacement surgery, I need to have both hands free, especially when navigating steps. I travel a good deal, and have multiple opportunities to do tours of the Historical Philadelphia Area, Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD and NYC with visiting International Naval Officers, having a great bag like this gives me an opportunity to carry everything I need, hands free and be able to use my hands while discussing the area and pointing out points of interest to our visitors.
#18 by Elena - September 12th, 2009 at 09:29
I’m planning on taking a trip to Italy next year–this bag would definitely go with me! Thanks for the contest!
#19 by susan varney - September 12th, 2009 at 10:08
at the harness races at scarbourough downs
mverno@roadrunner.com
#20 by patricia - September 12th, 2009 at 11:07
I would use the bag while running errands around town. Grocery shopping, etc.
#21 by Amanda Kieszek - September 12th, 2009 at 11:10
I would use this bag for my upcoming trip to Canada…
#22 by Clint Hatton, Jr. - September 12th, 2009 at 11:23
Wife would use it on our Mediterranean cruise this fall.
#23 by randi - September 12th, 2009 at 11:25
I’d use it everyday!
#24 by Linda Lansford - September 12th, 2009 at 15:18
I would use it to vacation in the bahamas
#25 by Angela J - September 12th, 2009 at 17:47
I’d take it shopping, any time, I love all the compartments.
#26 by Shannon Finer - September 12th, 2009 at 22:14
This would make an awesome diaper/kiddo bag!
#27 by Monique Rizzo - September 13th, 2009 at 00:12
I would use this all the time. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
#28 by Michelle Draveski - September 13th, 2009 at 05:05
so for everyday looks perfect for all my life crammed in it
#29 by Carla Maggio - September 13th, 2009 at 06:44
I would first use this bag everyday for everything. I teach classes at different gyms 6 days a week – so I would be able to organize my music, cell phone, IPod, choreography, water bottles and snacks along with personal items. This bag is a must when I travel to Aruba in June 2010. Morning walks on the beach, afternoon strolls to the downtown area and evening walks – the bag will provide me with enough security for items as well as water – the island is hot. Would love this bag when I shop – so much more comfortable when the strap is over the opposing shoulder – I would organize my coupons and shopping itenary and sneak a peanut butter sandwich as well inside this very organized bag. Love the bag – great idea.
#30 by Fionen - September 13th, 2009 at 06:52
Well, I would use it right away. So probably for errands.
#31 by Djp - September 13th, 2009 at 07:54
nice! i;d love to win one of these for me, no one else, just for me, for once
#32 by MaryBeth I - September 13th, 2009 at 10:17
I would use it on family outings. Yesterday we went to the museum and this would have been great.
#33 by Sonya Sparks - September 13th, 2009 at 13:43
This would be great for ball games. Thanks!
#34 by Amily Beidelman-Almy - September 13th, 2009 at 16:12
I would use the bag on my upcoming trip to Las Vegas!
#35 by Laura - September 13th, 2009 at 17:17
I’d use it everywhere. It would most likely become my day bag to bring with me for those days where I’m running around to 12 different places that all require me to have different things with me.
#36 by Jessica J. - September 13th, 2009 at 17:30
This is a lovely bag! I am a high school English teacher, and I have a major problem with organization, especially when it comes to bags and purses. I could carry this one back and forth to school and it would have compartments for all my little necessities! Thanks for the great giveaway!
#37 by Dave - September 13th, 2009 at 18:30
Just got back from a baseball(Detroit Tigers) game with the family. Man, the el cheapo drawstring “backpack” just can’t get the job done.
We need to take: sunscreen, Flip video camera(mine), traditional camera(wife’s), transistor radio & earphone, four bottles of water – you do know those things cost $4 inside the park? and do you have any idea how heavy they become while lugging them to the 3rd deck? – and a package of sausage pieces from Costco.
Of course, we add to that haul at the park. Today we picked up a pair of bobblehead dolls. It was Kids Day. Really. Isn’t every day Kids Day at the ball park? If we had a proper bag we could have stored the bobbleheads pristinely in their boxes. Instead we tried first letting the boys carry them.
Of course, our 7-year old son couldn’t leave well enough alone and dropped his tzotchke while attempting to liberate it from the surprisingly large box. Poor Paws cracked his foot, leading to a temper tantrum when we got home – “I am SUCH an idiot!” he wailed.
Paws and his twin brother got stashed in the 50 cent drawstring backpack we received on a May visit to Comerica Park. That started falling apart on the way into the stadium, and the sharp corners from the bobblehead boxes manage to poke a couple of small holes in the cheap nylon while we jostled for good position along the rope line separating us from the boys while they ran the bases after the game.
Oh, and I nearly forgot the souvenirs we just HAD to pick up on the way out – a pair of souvenir mini-bats Keller(our son) and Kevin(his best pal) had their larcenous little eyes on.
It was a long day. And there are more to come, because my wife thinks the bleachers in deep right field look like a good value and wants me to score some before the season ends. Though they are not nearly close enough to the Tigers’ dugout for her liking; she is convinced Curtis Granderson – our family’s official Favorite Tiger – would propose marriage to her if she could only meet him.
I think that Auburn bag could really help us out. Whew!
Though I suppose the most important thing was the 7-2 win. We are in a playoff chase after all.
#38 by Ed Chandler - September 13th, 2009 at 19:17
I’d love to give the bag to my wife as part of my continued effort to get her to pack less. We leave for Italy in the morning and she’s got (in addition to her suitcase) a backpack, a tote bag, a purse, and some kind of leather satchel thing … too much.
We’re going to Ireland in the spring and (if I win), I’d hope to have her use it there. I know if I could find a good multipurpose bag for her that I could convince her to leave the rest behind.
#39 by Lacey - September 13th, 2009 at 20:08
A better question is when I wouldn’t use it.
I’m a student, so I would use in on campus, traveling back and forth between college and home, and to wear around the city when I graduate and get a job at the end of the this year.
I’d use it every day!
#40 by Marilyn Monaghan - September 13th, 2009 at 21:53
I travel a LOT! to Haiti, to Nepal, to Europe, to Alaska… and with in the States mainly to Illinois & Florida. I would love somethin I could use while traveling AND when at home so I could stop changing bags! I would use it in ALL of these places.
#41 by kristi blackstone - September 14th, 2009 at 00:26
I’d use it on a daily routine! I’m always carrying a ton of stuff along
#42 by Kristy - September 14th, 2009 at 00:54
This bag looks so versatile.. I would probably use it every day
#43 by McKim - September 14th, 2009 at 09:04
I would use it to carry back and forth to work and while I’m shopping.
#44 by Nancy D. Brown - September 14th, 2009 at 12:07
I’d use this bag on my upcoming trip to Kauai
#45 by Carolina - September 14th, 2009 at 12:56
I’d use this bag (I’m specifically eyeing the Donner bag because of its water bottle pockets) on my upcoming six-month honeymoon-around-the-world!
#46 by Tammy - September 14th, 2009 at 13:05
I would use it to go shopping so I can have my hands free to carry all those shopping bags
#47 by Beki Hemingway - September 14th, 2009 at 13:20
On the evenig your contest ends, I will be TURNING 40! My husband’s gift to me is a month to visit my birthplace Plymouth, England, which I have never seen as well as more of the UK.
You can bet that if I win, this bag will see the top of Arthur’s Seat and the Giant’s Causeway.
#48 by Ron Douglas - September 14th, 2009 at 14:17
On a recent trip across Iceland, we first encountered these bags first hand. I must admit, for a guy, I was jealous of the bad as it looks so darn convenient. My wife would love one for her travels. We have traveled all over and plan to see Australia this winter, and Central America next spring!
#49 by Kathy Scott - September 14th, 2009 at 15:06
We are taking a five day trip to Memphis this would be perfect.
#50 by chris edwards - September 14th, 2009 at 16:45
This bag would see lots of miles on the old dusty trail!
#51 by Kimberly - September 15th, 2009 at 07:56
I would use this first for a weekend getaway we have coming up. I would also use one of these for my tools and products between school and work.
#52 by Sue - September 15th, 2009 at 10:38
I’d love a bag for everyday! Thanks for the giveaway.
#53 by Rob Robertson - September 15th, 2009 at 12:02
I would use the bag for diapers and biking to work.
#54 by Jessica O’Brien - September 15th, 2009 at 14:49
I love to travel; and I traveling organized is a huge deal for me. I want to know that when I need my ticket for the Tube or some change for a soda that I can reach down and get it without looking. These bags look cool and I would love to put one to the test!
#55 by Peggy Miller - September 15th, 2009 at 19:46
As a diaper bag and shopping purse. These would be great!
#56 by Bambi M - September 15th, 2009 at 23:19
I’d use the bag *everywhere*. My current bag is a big hobo bag with just one massive pocket, so everything jumbles together and I have to dig through to find anything. An organised bag would save me lots of rummaging!
Thanks for the great giveaway :)
#57 by Marion P - September 16th, 2009 at 01:45
I’d use the bag every day!
#58 by shawna - September 16th, 2009 at 10:00
I would use it as an extra diaper bag.
#59 by ktanjatk - September 16th, 2009 at 10:16
I’d use any of them for my everyday errands, but they’re also great for travel as well!
#60 by Livingtowrite - September 16th, 2009 at 10:44
Looks like a great weekend/travel bag for stowing: passport, e-ticket, ID/credit cards/cash, Chapstick, newest paperback, band-aids, tiny tin of Altoids, rubber band, paper clip, comb, iTouch and/or cell phone, sunglasses, protein bar, sunscreen wipes, hand-sanitizer wipes, and any other “might need it!”
#61 by Paula H - September 16th, 2009 at 11:15
We have a family pass to the zoo so I would use it when I went there. I would also use it all weekend when we run errands, go to garage sales, etc. It would really be great when go to flea markets.
#62 by Diane Baum - September 16th, 2009 at 11:33
I am a traveling tutor. It would be great to carry my books.
#63 by Happi Shopr - September 16th, 2009 at 13:07
perfect for running errands during the week.
#64 by Ellie W - September 16th, 2009 at 13:27
I keep my two little grandsons during the week so I would use the bag when I run errands with them. It would be perfect to use instead of carrying a purse and a diaper bag.
#65 by Melani - September 16th, 2009 at 13:47
I would use this bag for when I go to class!
#66 by Yvonne Butler - September 16th, 2009 at 15:12
I would choose the Auburn and I would use it on my trip to the beach for a little shopping and sun. Thanks for the chance to WIN!
#67 by Shaholly - September 16th, 2009 at 15:44
I just turned 24 sept 9th and this would be a great b-day gift for me. I have never been out of the u.s. and am saving up for my first trip abroad! this is perfect!!!
#68 by Amy - September 16th, 2009 at 16:32
I am headed to grad school next year but have a tin of interviews to do at schools before I accept a position and these bags would be perfect to tag along and carry all the stuff I’ll need to bring with me!
#69 by Aisling - September 16th, 2009 at 17:19
One of these would be great for just about anywhere – shopping, traveling, or going out with friends. It would be marvelous to be able to find things in my purse.
#70 by Emily - September 16th, 2009 at 18:34
I would use one of these bags to carry my stuff everywhere!
#71 by Miranda Allen - September 16th, 2009 at 19:27
I would use it as my diaper bag
#72 by Gabriel J. - September 16th, 2009 at 19:59
This would be great for my son!
#73 by Sarah Z - September 16th, 2009 at 20:43
I would use this when I go to the flea market!
#74 by Auriette - September 16th, 2009 at 21:25
I’d love to have any one of these bags for my whirlwind trip this weekend. I’m driving my mom to her cabin in Indiana, then flying back. I don’t have any other trips planned, so beyond that, I’d use the bag around town.
#75 by Jill Myrick - September 16th, 2009 at 21:28
This would be so perfect for so many things. From our anniversary trip that we have coming up in October,to running weekend errands with my husband.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
#76 by Apparna - September 16th, 2009 at 23:23
I would use the bag to carry work stuff on weekdays and baby stuff on weekends! :) The Auburn looks cool
#77 by Kim - September 16th, 2009 at 23:28
Flying to visit my boyfriend
#78 by amy - September 16th, 2009 at 23:37
I’d use it first on a walk to the stores with my little snoogs in his stroller. But it would be perfect flying out to visit either my family or my husband’s – all that flight stuff organized.
#79 by Mishia - September 17th, 2009 at 01:17
I’d use it on a trip to Reno!
#80 by Cass - September 17th, 2009 at 01:20
As a bag for everyday!
#81 by JDaniel4smom - September 17th, 2009 at 04:25
I like the medium bag. I would use it as a diaper bag and carry it everywhere. I love the sections you show on the middle pictured bag.
#82 by lois - September 17th, 2009 at 07:10
I love this bag, I carry so many coupons and stuff that this bag would be get.
#83 by Brittney - September 17th, 2009 at 07:40
we’re going on a trip to the zoo soon and i would use it there.
#84 by Gloria - September 17th, 2009 at 07:42
I’d use the bag to go shopping and running errands.
#85 by sarah - September 17th, 2009 at 07:58
i’d use this going to work every day
#86 by Marilyn R - September 17th, 2009 at 08:09
i would use this to organize my stuff. i hate how i have to dig through my bag for pens, my keys, and even gum. it is sometimes very embarrassing when I have to dig through everything at the store just to get to my wallet. i need this.
#87 by mineola - September 17th, 2009 at 08:15
I’d love the Auburn style because I have a teeny netbook that I need to take along & the size is a perfect match. I also like the rugged style for a gear/tech bag- and for me, a shoulder strap is an absolute must.
#88 by Amanda S. - September 17th, 2009 at 08:49
I would use it for weekend getaways. I love all the pockets!
#89 by Nanci Taplett - September 17th, 2009 at 11:33
This looks like a great bag to use every day for work since I travel on the bus.
#90 by susan smoaks - September 17th, 2009 at 11:52
i will use the bag when i go around doing errands, i would love to sport one of those bags!
#91 by Susan C - September 17th, 2009 at 12:17
I would take this bag on errands-it looks perfect for carrying my coupons, wallet, checkbook, etc.
smchester at gmail dot com
#92 by Alma Gros - September 17th, 2009 at 13:34
i’d take it with me shopping on the day-long trek through Antique Alley.
#93 by carol ~ - September 17th, 2009 at 13:50
About all I get out to do is grocery shop so this would be great to use and have some thing cute and new!~
#94 by Angela Palmer - September 17th, 2009 at 14:03
Nice looking bags! I would probably end up using it everywhere, but especially for travel. I like to be prepared for everything when I’m on the go and for that I need to be very organized.
#95 by Bridget Combs - September 17th, 2009 at 14:43
I’m traveling constantly, either for work or pleasure so this would really come in handy.
#96 by Chrysa - September 17th, 2009 at 15:40
I would use this on my next garage-saling adventure!
#97 by Jon Erickson - September 17th, 2009 at 15:59
Would be a nice gift for someone I know
#98 by Beth - September 17th, 2009 at 16:26
On an upcoming trip to Austin! :)
#99 by Pamela S - September 17th, 2009 at 18:00
I’d love to use it when I’m running errands or going to my kid’s school functions. Need lots of organized storage space. thanks so much!
#100 by Rose - September 17th, 2009 at 18:06
I’d love the 10-by-12-inch Auburn bag but I think my daughter would take it away from me and use it more than I would! My daughter would use it only her usual outings to the library, cafe, or bookstore. It looks perfect for a small laptop and books. I’d use this whenever traveling, even short distances, but would be out for most of the day. It’s the perfect bag for all the essentials along with a few extras like a snack bar and bottle of water.