Messenger Bag - Crumpler or Tenba?

[deltron726]

Hi everybody, I have been reading over bag reviews for days and it seems the Crumplers are very popular. I am looking for a messenger/shoulder bag for the following:

Canon 350D Gripped - Soon to be replaced by 7D (not sure if I will add grip or not)
24-105 L with hood
70-300 IS w hood
Sigma 10-20 w hood
Canon 50mm 1.8
Rocket Blower, extra batteries & CF Cards, small flashlight, pens, etc.

I also have a 13" MacBook Pro which is why I was looking into the Tenba Messenger. The laptop is not absolutely necessary to have with me, just nice as an option.

I know the 6 or 7 million dollar homes won't handle a laptop. I was also looking at how the Tenba messengers may bulge out with a gripped body and certain size laptops.

I am mainly looking at the 6 or 7 MDH because they seem like the size I would need to handle my current gear. I originally was considering the small Tenba but the large is only $5 more and 1 inch bigger and may fit the gripped body and small laptop better.

I have briefly looked over the Lowepro Stealth series and some other bags, so I am up for some other choices based on my gear. Thanks for reading and for your input and suggestions.

Steve

[2mnycars]

I have a 7MDH and a Tenba large messenger.
Often use the Tenba as a brief case and it does that well. I don't carry a laptop; however I've been known to put a dslr and grip and 2 zoom lenses in it. For me, it's pushing it. I don't have L lenses.
My 2 cents worth.
I don't use my 7MDH. I'm concerned about water entry if it rains, and mine (perhaps 1 1/2 years old) is very noisy when you open it. Draws attention for street and wildlife photos. I shouldn't have bought it.
YMMV

DaveL
Toronto

[Venno]

I like the look of the Tenba but I'd go for the crumpler mainly because they are awesome.

[yourdoinitwrong]

You might want to check out the ThinkTank Urban Disguise lineup. I have both the UD 40 and UD 70. I gripped my 7D and had to move up to the UD 70 to accommodate it. It doesn't have a dedicated laptop compartment but there is a pocket inside that I believe would accept one. I specifically didn't go with any of the Crumpler bags for several reasons: they are poorly designed for keeping out rain or dust, only velcro holds the top flap down (no zippers or buckles), they are obnoxiously loud when you open them, and they don't stand up as well on their own as the ThinkTank bags do.

[SuzyView]

I just recommended the Urban Disguise to a new member here. He got it this week and loves it. You will have to spend $200, but it's worth it.

[Theus]

mine (perhaps 1 1/2 years old) is very noisy when you open it. Draws attention for street and wildlife photos. I shouldn't have bought it.
YMMV

DaveL
Toronto

If you have one of the more recent ones, there are little flaps that pull out from behind the velcro to cover it so it doesn't make any noise.

[2mnycars]

Thanks Theus. Mine is an older one with a single strap. 7MDH...glad they changed it for new buyers.
DaveL
Toronto

[bongo fury]

I love my Crumpler Dreadful Embarrassment.

You should be able to fit your laptop and camera gear nice and snug... not sure about your pens though. Ha ha ha...