Anyone here use Crumpler Bags?

[spaceman]

I'm going to be in Scotland next spring, and am looking for a backpack style bag that will hold/protect my gear and allow me to carry a few personal items (jacket, water, maps, etc). The main thing I'm looking for is a low profile, and I think my LowePro Minitrekker might be a little too obvious, though I have not had any problems with it in Washington, D.C. or Boston. I don't think I'll have any problems in Glasgow/Edinburgh either, but I'm looking for more of that "backpack" look. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[blackviolet]

i have quite a few crumplers. the main backpack i use is the schrinkle (http://www.crumpler.com.au/public/photographyframe.ehtml?pass=514&catid=103).
it holds a lot of stuff - in the main camera compartment and also in the pockets.

here, you can see it stuffed with 10d, bigma, and other lenses (http://www.pbase.com/image/31165597) and from the outside (http://www.pbase.com/image/31165590).

i also have two messenger bags that i use if i'm shooting sport and an older (and discontinued) top-loader sling bag. overall crumplers are very well made, hold lots of stuff, and have a 99 year guarantee. they are also very comfortable.

[drisley]

I've been considering getting the Tall-E (http://www.crumplerusa.com/products/camerabag/tall_e.html) bag. I like the looks of it better than the Velocity 9. Im not sure how well it will fit my stuff though.

[New Shooter]

Big Crumpler fan here. I have one for my Powerbook and my Digital Camcorder (and about three miles of peripherals) and now I have a small backpack for my 300D, 17-40, 28-135 and a few other bits and bobs. Only thing that doesn't fit well are spare lens hoods. Advertising and media types love it. I work in a MUCH more boring industry so don't care if I look a plonker at weekends. Crumpler and MacHeads seems to go well too. They seem to weather well. There are a few good websites in the UK which supply as prices in Photo-stores seems userous to me.

Enjoy.

JD

[spaceman]

Thanks everyone. Which Crumpler backpack would you recommend that will hold......300D, 70-200mm f4.0L, 28-135mm IS, 50mm f/1.8, 17-40L plus personal items like jacket, water bottle, maps, snacks. The reason I ask is that I need to get the order right the first time around because they have an 18% restocking fee if I return it. Thanks.

[New Shooter]

I got something called the "Puppet". Does all the kit you mention - but wouldn't cater for the "water bottle, jacket, etc." You can drop it 10 feet and it bounces though.

JD

[spaceman]

- but wouldn't cater for the "water bottle, jacket, etc."

JD

I don't follow. Do mean the bag doesn't have enough room ffor the extra personal items?

[blackviolet]

there are 2 different backpack styles - one of which stores all of the photo gear in the bottom compartment. basically the bottom zips open and you can access the gear. but generally if you have anything bigger than the 50 f/1.8, the lens wont really fit on the body. in the other style, the photo gear occupies the 'main compartment'. in this one the back panel zips open (see my photos above).

if you wanted to carry a light windbreaker, you could put it in the front compartment on the 'main compartment' style, but nothing too bulky. you wouldn't be able to keep a water bottle inside.

[spaceman]

there are 2 different backpack styles - one of which stores all of the photo gear in the bottom compartment. basically the bottom zips open and you can access the gear. but generally if you have anything bigger than the 50 f/1.8, the lens wont really fit on the body. in the other style, the photo gear occupies the 'main compartment'. in this one the back panel zips open (see my photos above).

if you wanted to carry a light windbreaker, you could put it in the front compartment on the 'main compartment' style, but nothing too bulky. you wouldn't be able to keep a water bottle inside.

Great.....thanks for the info. I still have some time to decide, and I may just stick with my Minitrekker as it closely resembles the Shrinkle in terms of internal setup/organization.

[blackviolet]

cool - but remember the crumpler has a 99 year guarantee. it's comfy (megawide straps), doesn't make you sweat (breathable mesh pad, it's available in a few different colours. and, of course, it is made of chickentex tm