![\"Bidwell](\"images\/stories\/bidwell.jpg\")
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While at the Summer Outdoor Retail show I was able to visit several great venders. \u00a0Each vender had so many great products, but what intrigued me most was the variety of bags that were available. \u00a0The three venders that I would like to highlight each sell bags with very different uses. \u00a0The first vender, Overland Equipment, sells bags that are more for everyday use, with features for traveling, electronics, or just for toting the essentials. \u00a0Next is STM Bags, an entire line of bags geared toward your technology. \u00a0Lastly, Kiva Bags for your innovative travel bags.<\/p>\n
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Overland Equipment was started in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, \u201cwhere getting outside is a way of life.\u201d \u00a0Their bags are all functional, versatile, durable, and crafted with a purpose. \u00a0I would like to highlight their 30 anniversary line called the Bidwell Collection. \u00a0Each of these stylish bags sports a beautifully embroidered \u201cTree of Life\u201d which gives homage to bees, sun and trees, all life-sustaining factors in our healthy existence on planet Earth. Last year they donated a portion of their sales to the community to build bee friendly gardens in their area.<\/p>\n
The bag called the Bidwell is my favorite. \u00a0Also check out my review on the Sierra<\/a>, a very versatile bag with tons of awesome features! \u00a0Check their website for all their great products. www.overlandequipment.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022 2 interior mesh water bottles<\/p>\n \u2022 <\/span>Adjustable leather shoulder strap with bronze hardware, leather zipper pulls and key ring<\/p>\n \u2022 <\/span>Magnetic front closure<\/p>\n \u2022 <\/span>2-way leather pull zippers to main compartment<\/p>\n \u2022 <\/span>5-pocket front organizer<\/p>\n \u2022 <\/span>Interior mesh zippered coin pocket<\/p>\n \u2022 <\/span>Dimensions: 9.5″ x 8.25″ x 4.5″ (H x W x D)<\/p>\n \u2022 <\/span>Weight: 1.4 lbs. (lbs)<\/p>\n \u2022 <\/span>Materials: 420 D Nylon with 210 D Ripstop Nylon Liner<\/p>\n STM bags are bags designed to \u201cprotect your technology.\u201d \u00a0Founded in Australia, their mission is \u201cto come up with a more comfortable, secure and stylish means of transporting your laptop\u201d (and various other technology items.) \u00a0I really like the story of how this company was started, because it seems so simple, and we know we\u2019ve all done something like this, so here\u2019s the quick version\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cYou could say bubble wrap doesn’t really cut it. Well at least for Ethan (co-founder). Trying somehow to conceal the fact that he worked in the IT Department was a bit of daunting task. A sea of boring black bags that screamed, “I work for the Man.” was not really helping. The solution of the laptop wrapped in bubble wrap and tucked into a hiking pack resulted in the classic “There’s got to be a better way!” The rest, as they say is history.\u201d<\/p>\n There are two new products that I would like to highlight; one is called the Velo, the other, the Scout.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Front fleece lined drop pocket for phone, iPod or sunglasses<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Comfortable top grab handle<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Main flap secured with two quick release buckles<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Two zippered side pockets for water, umbrella, etc.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Back slip pocket for paperwork and zippered option to slip over a luggage handle<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Comfortable, padded and adjustable shoulder strap<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Unique side-entry laptop protection compartment lined with super plush corduroy and high density foam<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Large main compartment for paperwork with soft nylex lined tablet\/e-reader pocket<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Multiple organizer pockets for chargers, cords, memory devices, keys, wallet, travel docs, etc.<\/p>\n The Scout medium \u00a0includes:<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Super-comfortable shoulder pad and removable shoulder strap for a fully loaded pain-free carry<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Interior laptop section protects with a felt lining and high-density foam.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Large main compartment gives easy access to documents and folders<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Front utility pockets hold keys, cords, and mobile devices and can be accessed without un-clipping front panel<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Holds most 15″ laptops<\/p>\n![\"stm_velo\"](\"images\/stories\/stm_velo.jpg\")
The Velo is the perfect solution for the everyday commute. Travel by bike, auto, plane or train, the Velo completely organizes even the most complicated day.<\/p>\n![\"stm_scout\"](\"images\/stories\/stm_scout.jpg\")
The Scout comes in four sizes, medium, small, extra small, and iPad size. \u00a0Each has the same features, but you can decide which suits you best.<\/p>\n
![\"kiva_cubes\"](\"images\/stories\/kiva_cubes.jpg\")
Next up is Kiva bags. \u00a0\u201cKIVA products give you the freedom to embark on new adventures with durable, fun, and functional bags that look great and roll with any style. \u00a0At KIVA, we are inspired by travelers – those individuals who cast out into unfamiliar places seeking a sense of renewal and wonder.\u201d \u00a0While Kiva has many different types of bags, their luggage is quite exceptional. \u00a0They have created a luggage line called the Packing Genius where you can fit everything into just a few bags, great for air travel or just the overnighter.<\/p>\n