Kalle,

I completely agree that the two compartment concept could be further explored in the lightweight market. I have single compartment, two compartment and three compartment bags, and the two compartments are most versatile for the way I travel. The most recent acquisition was the Western Flyer which is a great bag. My only wish is that it be slightly bigger.

Perhaps it's time for the like minded here to collaborate on a design!

I just bought this bag at REI. I am looking forward to testing it out!!

Just did a practice pack with this bag (To the groans of my wife, "Did you buy another bag???!!!!"). Pretty amazing. I was able to pack 6 socks, 6 underwear, 6 shirts, 2 pants, sleepwear, a light rain jacket and 4 Tom Bihn Clear Organizer Cubes in this little bag. I am looking forward to testing it out on a trip soon.

I would love to read your review.

Hi everyone,

For what it's worth, I've had this REI Urban Overnighter bag for a number of years and have been extremely happy with it. I'm not an expert traveller so I'm not the best person to give advice about what somone who flies often and does overnight stays regularly needs in a bag like this but I can say that as someone who is a day hiker who visits friends overnight on occasion as well as has need to carry various musical equipment and books, etc, I find this pack incredibly versatile and tough. Probably the single greatest asset of this bag is it's zip out extension for an additional 500 cui. There are so many times I've used this bag for overnights or weekend trips where that extra 500 cui has made all the difference. I like the fact that when the extension isn't used that the bag comes off looking and serving as a casual day pack but is a true travel bag when zipped out. The zip pouch at the top of the front of the bag has been very useful for quick access to my phone or wallet or other small items. The main compartment, especially when zipped out, hauls an incredible amount. The cinching mesh piece really helps organize my clothing and serves to seperate it from other equipment or items in the same compartment. The front, smaller pocket has some very nice organizing pouches and I use them for various items. The key lanyard is great as well. The side water bottle pouch is a bonus and I use that frequently. I have an older version of this bag and I find the shoulder straps and back to be slightly hard and I wish it had what looks like a much more comfortable shoulder strap and backing of the newer model. Overall this bag has exceeded my expectations. I think it works incredibly well as a hiking day pack, travel overnight bag and all purpose hauler for work or recreation.

The REI Overnighter is briefly reviewed in today's San Francisco Chronicle.

One can search at: www.sfgate.com

Well, a year and a half later and I finally broke down and (re) purchased this bag using my REI member discount. I used it (also carrying a purse) for a 12 day trip in AZ and CA where I traveled by plane, car, public transit, and train. I fit two Eagle Creek half packing cubes full of clothes, two quarter cubes full of misc, 3 pairs of shoes, my 311 bag and a separate toiletry kit, and my ipad. It fit my 13" macbook, but was just too heavy so I swapped it for the ipad at the last minute.

Overall this is a really solid travel pack and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. I love my Patagonia MLC, but it's a little bit too long on my small frame and can be very awkward/heavy on my back. I love my Patagonia 32L backpack but the ability to completely open the main compartment is just invaluable when you're traveling. I wish there was a padded compartment for your laptop and some sort of external compression straps, but that's a small complaint.

Definitely was glad I decided to get this bag for my trip.

-jenn

<<12 day trip in AZ and CA>>

Figures, as among this crowd, "OVERNIGHTER" capacity means at least a WEEK!

As a guy, if I packed 3 pairs of shoes in my REI Overnighter there wouldn't be any room left for clothes :-) I think this bag is ideal for 2-3 days trips. Maybe you could squeeze an extra day or two of clothing in it if you pack efficiently and leave the extra shoes at home. I do really like how liberating it is to travel with such a small bag. Several times when I'm travelling I've had people ask (in amazement) if the Overnighter is my only luggage. I just ordered an Eagle Creek Adventure Weekend that hope will complement this bag nicely when I need to pack an extra couple days of clothing.

I have been using this bag as my business travel bag for the past 6 months. (In other postings on this forum I have given my thoughts, fyi.)

While it is not pretty like some other choices like a Red Oxx, it is very functional. Great value. I have carried 3 pants, 6 shirts, 5 underwear, 5 sox, one t-shirt, toiletries, and a few other goodies with no problem. Bag fits under most airline seats, such as Southwest Airlines. Takes away worry that overhead bin space will be unavailable. I find that one compartment with compression straps works well for me.

Now if you want a better looking bag, or pack a lot more, then perhaps this bag is not for you. For me, at the $75 I paid for it on sale from REI, it is a bargain.