In between my big journeys abroad, I do like to get away for long weekends to destinations around the Pacific Northwest. On these trips there’s no reason to pack up a large piece of luggage – a moderately-sized duffel bag is big enough to carry my clothes, books, magazines and some light snacks: all the important things for a road trip!
The Montecito Duffel Bag from Overland Equipment, at 17.5″ long and 8″ high and wide, is a pretty good bag for just such occasions.
The unique feature of the Montecito is that rather than the top of the bag having one zipper that opens up to the entire compartment, there are 2 separated sections with their own zippered tops. A pair of shoes can fit into one section and clothes in the other or, if you’re taking it to the gym, the smaller section could hold your toiletries while the larger section your clothes and a towel.
Two outer pockets are just large enough to fit one water bottle each. There are no zippers or flaps on these so they are definitely not meant to carry anything important. But, a zippered interior pocket in the main compartment can hold valuables such as house keys or a wallet.
Ironically, I tend to pack more for short getaways than I do for long trips. Mainly because these are usually road trips and I tend to fill the car with all that I can. While my weekend food supply of Goldfish crackers, fruit and drinks won’t all fit into the Montecito, it does hold all of the clothes I need as well as an extra pair of shoes.
Though the Overland website says this can hold a yoga mat, the only way that can actually happen is if it sits on top because there’s no way to open up the separate compartments.
Over all, not a bad bag and it’s far better construction than the duffels I’ve picked up abroad to carry my souvenirs home in. I’m happy to have it in my closet for my weekend getaways!
The Montecito is available on Amazon for about $68.