need advice on Crumpler bags, please!

[meljohnson]

I received a Digital Rebel for Christmas and now am searching for the perfect bag to keep it in. I like the look and sturdiness of the Crumpler bags, but they are so many to choose from! I keep finding conflicting information as to how much the different models will hold. Does anyone here have one? If so, what kind do you have and what do you put in it? Specifically, I'm thinking about the Company Embarassment but I don't want to get a bag that's any bigger than it needs to be. I like the look of the Glamour Photo bag, but if the quoted dimensions are correct, it's HUGE!!!

I would like a top-loading bag that allows me to keep a mid-sized lens on the camera, as well as room for a couple additional lenses (a macro and a telephoto). Ideally, there would also be room for a wallet, car keys, a couple of diapers, and baby wipes. :lol:

Thanks in advance for your help,
Melanie

[gunichan]

I'm in the market for something similar and found Crumpler are an Aussie outfit. Maybe this site can help, with alot of digging around you can find a pdf download of their catalogue. Good luck.

http://www.crumpler.com.au/home.php

[drisley]

From everything I've heard, the Crumpler backs are extremely well made.
http://www.crumplerusa.com/

[samdring]

From everything I've heard, the Crumpler backs are extremely well made.
http://www.crumplerusa.com/
Agree with that - additionally they are very comfortable - I have the Shrinkle back pack which doesn't meet Melanie's needs but I firmly recommend Crumple (if not their names!)

[markubig]

Agree with that - additionally they are very comfortable - I have the Shrinkle back pack which doesn't meet Melanie's needs but I firmly recommend Crumple (if not their names!)Hi Sam -

How would you compare the Crumpler backpack to the Lowepro CompuTrakker? I am looking for one that can accommodate both a laptop and my camera, but at the same time, size is important. I don't want it to look like a turtle (only my extremeties viewable from behind;) ;) ) when i'm wearing it.

Thanks,

[samdring]

Mark

The Schrinkle (for example) has dedicated and detachable inner for laptop and will take the kit on your list with ease. I have a couple of Lowepro bags but not the computrekker and find crumpler at least as protective but more comfortable.

I have never asked whether my bum looks big in this but have turned turtle a couple of times with the weight:oops:

[tim]

Those are two of the oddest company websites i've seen in a while.

[wintoid]

My Crumpler Budgie Smuggler holds my 20d, 550ex flash, Tamron 28-75 lens and Canon 17-40L lens. It also has room for 2 BP511s and 8 AA rechargeables for the flash, plus my wallet (which is thin these days!). Great bag, although it hangs a bit weird. I had to remove some of the velcro bits to get it to feel really comfortable.

[flyfisher]

I just got a Bob Krist bag from LL Bean for $69.95 , I put in it a Canon 1D ,70 -200 2.8 L, 100 macro, 28-135 is, 580 flash flash bracket, quatum battery, assorted filters and the bag still has room for more,the bag can be worn as a backpack or a shoulder bag. It is top loading, the only drawback is that thier is no place to attach a tripod to it.

[blackviolet]

markubig - if you have a batterygrip on your camera, then holding both the camera and the laptop in the shrinkle will be really tough... as pointed out, it has a detachable laptop sleeve. it also has a removeable camera bay/compartment - so you can rmove it and still hold the laptop and lots of other bits. you can see a photo of my shrinkle in the other threads re: crumpler.

meljohnson - what kinds of lenses do you have? i also have a december quarter which is ginormous. it's great as i can carry loads of lenses, 2 bodies (in my configuration, the 1dmkii sits lens down and the 10d sits sideways), 3 or more lenes, dell laptop, flash, btteries, and lots of bits - including nappies, wipes, and extra clothes for my daughter :o . i use it anytime i'm going somewhere with both bodies or lots of stuff and am not travelling (or don't want to take my road runner aw)

the company embarassment is a few cm thinner, shorter, shallower, and doesn't have the two extra compartments on the outside, but it's still pretty huge. you will easily be able to rearrange the compartments to hold the items you're looking to hold. the downside - if you arent used to carrying all of that stuff around, it will get heavy on your shoulder very quickly. it's easy to get used to it though. let me know if you want to see a photo of the december quarter loaded up...

[Jesper]

I also have a Crumpler bag, "The Next Venue" - it's very nice, very well made, but I find the space inside is sometimes a litlle too small. My equipment is very safe in it, it protects well against weather and it has big velcro strips so that a thief can't open it inconspicuously to steal something.

If fits my 10D with about three or four lenses (not really big lenses: 17-40, 70-300 DO, 28-135 and 50 f/1.8) and several smaller accessories (batteries etc.), but there's no room for my 420 EX and 550 EX flashes. If I want to take all my gear (10D + 5 lenses + 2 flashes + other accessories) I take a larger sports bag, but it doesn't protect my gear as well as the Crumpler bag.

[elm54]

I use a crumpler "Seedy Three" messenger bag. I keep my 20D with lens installed in a padded bag inside. I carry (usually) around 3 other lenses in their individual cases with hoods stracked, possibly a flash, batteries, cf memory,and evan a xdrive. And room for a book. I considered buying an insert and if I did I think I would get a slightly smaller one because I like the freedom to stick something else in it.
I use the crumpler as a walking around bag and use other options to store or transport my equipment.
Eric

[Reminisce]

I own a Budgie Smuggler, and I absolutely love it. Matter of fact, 2 of my photographer friends want one now. Its EXTREMELY well made. Durable, VERY TOUGH straps that are loooong, waterproof, and very comfortable on the inside. The velcro slots can be moved around or removed altogether to alocate space. The velcro that seals the bag and moves the slots is VERY rugged and you have to pull on it to get it to open.
Mine can hold my 20D, 50mm, 28-75, Sigma flash, Lenspen, card reader, and has more for smaller stuff. I can probably get another lens in if I change my layout but it works. Also note, that Crumpler has add-on lens holders and such that will just slip right onto your bag. So if you run out of space, just order one.

[Citizensmith]

I also have a budgie smuggler. I got one because I wanted a small bag that looked less like a camera bag than my other stuff (3 LowePros and a Canon). As others have said its exceedingly well made of high quality materials. Its smaller than I'd thought, although not horribly so, and I'm not sure it'd be too rainproof. Good bag though for tagging around with the family.

[su719]

I can fourth the Budgie Smuggler. Compared to a LowePro Trekker it is better quality. The fabric and velcro are great and it is quite durable. Brought mine to Europe this summer as well as numerous other trips and worked great. I have a D60 w/ Tamron 28-75, Tamron 70-300, Canon 50 1.8, Canon 420EX and Stofen Omnibounce all in mine.