Gear Review: REI Overnighter Pack

Earlier this year, REI introduced a new, smaller than maximum carry on size bag they called the Overnighter Pack. It was available in my local REI store so I thought I’d pick one up and check it out.

The Overnighter Pack measures 18” x 12.5” x 7”, has 2075 cu in/34 liters of packing space and weighs 2 lbs, 3 ounces. It’s made of Codura nylon fabric and has smaller YKK zippers. 

The front of the bag has three pockets: one small fleece lined for valuables; a second curved zipper pocket for tickets, a small book, etc; and a third, larger organizer pocket.

The Overnighter Pack has a clamshell like opening. Inside the lid is an open end mesh pocket. The main compartment has two tie down straps. The inside of the pack, as well as all pockets, are lime green in color.

In the rear of the bag are two padded backpack straps that can be hidden in their own pocket. This pocket is open, there is no zipper closure. The backpack straps have a sternum strap connected. The back panel is padded for comfort while being worn.

The Overnighter Pack comes with a detachable shoulder strap. There are two grab handles: one on the long side and one on the end. The bag is only available in black.

As you can see, the tags are still attached to mine. I haven’t actually taken it on the road and I don’t plan to. Not because there is anything wrong with the bag, it’s just that I don’t really need it.

I like the bag. If you’re looking for a smaller than maximum carry-on bag, and don’t want to spend a lot of money, then I suggest you consider this bag. It’s well made of good material, seems sturdy and holds its shape. It should fit as carry-on for even the strictest of airlines when it comes to size.

I recently received a set of the new Eagle Creek Specter line of ultralight packing cubes and folders. I tried the 18” folder in the Overnight Pack but it doesn’t fit very well. The folder is rectangle while the top of the bag, when held vertically, has roundish edges. (A review of the Specter line will be coming soon.)

The Overnighter Pack costs $89.50 and is available exclusively from REI. It can be purchased online from their website or in their stores. In the past few months, they’ve run out of stock twice but it seems to be back as of this writing. Available only in black. Made in China.

Comments

[MaxD]

Thanks for posting this. I also have this bag, and like you, I haven't removed the tags or used it yet. I picked it up a while back with a 20% coupon from REI. In fact, I forgot I had it and was thinking of picking up one of the RedOxx book bags that was recently highlighted by darbi.

This post was a reminder that I oughtn't yet buy a new one until I have used all of my current bags. I do like htis REI bag and I am looking forward to try it out. I will probably take it on a longish trip in the fall.

[Alan]

I have this bag and have used it on two different trips to Europe this year. It is pretty amazing. The best thing: The small size, comfortable backpack straps, and amazing amount it can hold. The only thing I would change about it---where it is made for I would prefer it be built in the U.S.A. Otherwise, it is terrific.

[Dunbar]

I set up a Google price alert for this bag when it first went on sale but the price hasn't wavered from $89.50. I have a Motherlode TLS Weekender, which I paid $40 for new, that I like but it's just too heavy to carry on your back once packed. I'm hoping the REI Overnighter weight will be tolerable when packed for 2-3 day trips. I usually carry a separate laptop bag on my shoulder when traveling for work (I wouldn't feel right bringing a backpack into business meetings.)

[Frank@OBOW]

If you're waiting for alerts from REI, I'd suggest signing up directly with them. Every now and then they email 20% off coupons. You won't find that on Google. They only reduce prices on items they are discontinuing.

[CoCoYoYo]

Thank you for the review.I've been looking for a backpack-style back that's roomy but smaller than maximum carryon dimensions. I like the detachable shoulder strap -- that's a nice option! I have dividends to use at REI and will definitely check out the bag while shopping.

[Dunbar]

I ordered an REI Overnighter for 15% off and it arrived today. Looking forward to giving it a test drive. It's MUCH lighter than the Motherlode TLS Weekender empty but the compartment design seems just as well thought out. It definitely has the potential to haul a few days worth of clothes, an iPad or lightweight laptop and my liquids and toiletries in one bag. Unfortunately I don't think I can bring a spare pair of shoes in it without taking up too much space. And as long as I keep the weight down I should be able to comfortably carry it with the shoulder strap (which is not happening on the Motherlode TLS Weekender.)

[C. Wilson]

I've been using the REI Overnighter for about six months on twice-monthly 2-3 day business trips. For overnight business travel it's great, plenty of room, but more than two nights and it starts to bulge and gets a little ungainly to carry. One of the best features is the lime-green lining, which makes it easy to find packed items in less than optimum lighting conditions (being older, everything seems to be less than optimum lighting conditions). The shoulder strap is OK, not great, but the backpack straps are very comfortable, and having handles on the side and top makes it easy to get it in and out of overhead bins.

[schlepn]

Got one! The 3 size packing cube set from e-bags (L,M,S) fits perfectly and a near match in "Grasshopper" color. Great expectations for summer travel. It's about the same size but much more versatile than my old overnight bag, which will now retire to the back of the car with a spare set of warm dry clothes for winter driving. That soft case for my Apple Personal Laserwriter SC is still going strong, a couple decades after the printer itself went to the used electronics exchange for less than 4% retained value.

[ndc]

REI has 25% off sale. $66.99 down from $89.50

[ndc]

REI's sale is over. Back to $89.50.

[Drmariner]

I've carried this bag as my "personal item" on a 15 month trip around South America. I use it for my laptop, fragile items, medications, and other hard to replace things when I check (or put under a bus) my Briggs and Riley duffel.

Honestly it's not great for a laptop. It keeps it's shape well so the laptop can flop over the depth (the smallest dimension) of the bag. I use the internal compression straps to avoid this but then it's hard to pull the laptop out. And getting the laptop out when the bag is full or when going through airport security is a pain. But then, that's not really what this bag is intended for...

My boyfriend and I can take weekend trips (with two laptops) in this bag and my ~15 liter purse. The main selling point for me was the shoulder strap to backpack conversion. Though oddly the adjustable part of the backpack straps is HUGE. I can wear the backpack hanging down to the back of my knees. This frequently gets in the way. Right now I have the extra straps clipped with binder clips but need to get a sewing/tip burning solution.

Finally this water bottle holder, which I use for a Kleen Canteen is annoyingly opposite the shoulder strap and handle, so when you use it in this configuration you bang the heck out of the bottle and the bag never sites up right because you're trying to rest it on a very round bottle.

That said this is the perfect bag for a weekend away. Not much more. Loading and unloading is a pain laptops are a pain...but then that's not exactly what the bag was intended for. Hope this helps.

[CMP]

I bought this bag over a year ago, and it has served very capably as my one-bag carry-on since for extended trips around the US and to Europe. Unfortunately, it seems that REI has discontinued it.