OverLand EQUIPMENT: Retro '80s and '90s Vibes with a Fresh Twist

The outdoor bag brand OverLand EQUIPMENT was founded in 1981 in Orange County, California.

The brand is said to have started with just one sewing machine and a pair of scissors. After becoming available in Japan in the 1990s and a subsequent hiatus, it has been relaunched in the country over the last few years.

A key feature of the brand is its commitment to preserving the original '80s and '90s aesthetic and design while upgrading everything from materials and specs to smaller details like zippers and pull tabs to meet modern quality standards.

We spoke with Yasuyuki Oshima, MD and Sales Manager at the Tokyo office of Wonder Quest Co., Ltd., to get the inside scoop on the current OverLand EQUIPMENT.

The Iconic "Spider" Textile

OverLand EQUIPMENT is renowned for its signature textile, known as "Spider." Let's kick things off by checking out some items featuring this iconic fabric.

"In the 1990s, OverLand EQUIPMENT developed the textile we call Spider. It features a silver pattern on a black base, and these silver sections are designed to work as reflectors. It was a truly revolutionary textile for its time and quickly became the brand's flagship series," he says.

"Speaking of the items, the 'OL-253009 BACK PACK' is a model from the 1990s. Its design and size make it perfect for everyday use. It fits A4-sized documents and has a capacity of 18 liters. If you include the pocket space, it offers about 20 liters of storage capacity.

While backpacks from the '80s didn't come with laptop sleeves, this model has been updated with one to meet the needs of today's users.

A unique design feature is the front compartment, which has vertical zippers on both the left and right sides, creating two separate storage spaces."

"With a few exceptions, the current OverLand EQUIPMENT lineup is crafted from CORDURA® polyester. The materials have been upgraded from the original 1980s models, offering enhanced durability."

New Gear Featuring the Spider Textile

Now that we've covered the classic items from the 1990s lineup, let's take a look at some new gear featuring the Spider textile.

"This is the 'OL-253010 BOTTLE SHOULDER BAG,' a more recent design. It's a shoulder bag equipped with a pocket that can hold a roughly 350ml bottle, while the main compartment is perfectly sized for your daily essentials like a wallet and smartphone.

It has a total of three pockets. Despite its compact and charming size, it offers great storage, making it a striking piece that showcases OverLand EQUIPMENT's iconic Spider textile."

The HIPBAG with Striking Retro Colorways

Beyond the Spider textile, another essential element defines OverLand EQUIPMENT's unique character: its color schemes, which carefully preserve the atmosphere of the brand's founding era.

The designs use colors like purple and gray to retain the authentic '80s mood, ensuring the retro vibe is never lost. One of the most iconic examples of this is the 'OL-253004 HIPBAG.'

Let's dive deeper into what makes this item special.

"You can feel the '80s retro vibe from its design and colorways, but this is actually a recent release. The color selection and combinations have been meticulously designed down to the last detail, so it blends in seamlessly next to vintage pieces from that era.

While many brands offer hip bags, we intentionally designed this model to be more compact. Similar to the BOTTLE SHOULDER BAG we just looked at, it's the perfect size for carrying your daily essentials like a wallet and smartphone.

It's not just for wearing around your waist; you can also wear it as a cross-body bag. What's more, there's a loop on the back where you can tuck the belt away, allowing you to carry it as a clutch. It's a truly versatile design."

A Backpack Featuring a Large Front Compartment

Another must-see for its retro design and color palette is the 'OL-253001 BACK PACK.' Here's a closer look at this piece.

"This is a classic model that's been part of our collection for a long time. We've kept its original retro vibe and color scheme, ensuring it remains a timeless piece in our lineup.

Just like the Spider Textile BACK PACK we mentioned earlier, it has a capacity of about 20 liters. It's also crafted from CORDURA® polyester, just like our other items, and features an internal laptop sleeve.

What really sets this backpack apart is its exceptionally large front compartment. It offers great usability, allowing you to store a wide variety of items with ease."

Originally founded in 1981, OverLand EQUIPMENT has made a comeback. Since last year, it has been available exclusively at select outdoor and specialty shops, and now the brand is set for a full-scale launch in Japan.

This spring, they are also launching the 'Tactical Line.' While maintaining the same blend of function and design as the classic collection, this new line incorporates military-inspired elements into its designs. This move is set to further expand their impressive lineup.

OverLand EQUIPMENT has stayed true to its roots, crafting high-quality bags with an outdoor spirit since its inception. It's exciting to see these timeless, retro-inspired pieces, infused with the brand's DNA, being passed down to the next generation.