Timbuk2 Snoop Camera Messenger

The previous Snoop thread is pretty old, and this seems like a lot of pics and info to throw in the "Show Me Your Camera Bag" thread. I picked up the XS (extra small) Snoop because the next size up holds more gear than I need to carry right now. The main difference between these pics and the other sizes is you get more pockets on the front in the larger sizes, possibly a lid on the insert (see photo below) and obviously can carry more gear.

Quick size reference info:

I'd consider this XS to be about halfway between a Crumpler 5MDH and 6MDH in terms of what it can carry, but it's slightly slimmer and longer than a 5MDH. For the XS vs the S bag (I have a "Small" Classic messenger that I tuck an insert into) the XS holds my camera body with attached lens, and 2 small-ish lenses or lens + flash. The next size up - a "Small" Snoop would hold all that plus another large lens, or body + attached lens + 2 lenses + flash or other accessories. Somewhere in my post history is my Custom Classic Timbuk2 Messenger bag with a good example of everything a "Small" can hold.

My new Timbuk2 Snoop XS Camera Messenger bag, and the "not a bag" map of San Francisco that it shipped in:

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/6​098849730/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/6​098849788/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/6​098301669/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/6​098850104/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/6​098850026/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/6​098301987/

And because I hit the image limit in the first post

For those who are hoping to be able to buy it separately, I'm less than impressed with the Timbuk2 insert. It's a pretty basic box with 2 velcro dividers, and the dividers don't fold down. I like to put a short lens under the grip side of my dSLR, then let the divider fold over it an the grip rest above it for maximum use of space. Can't do that with this insert. Plus, I was kind of hoping for a lid on the insert (as shown on their site) for more secure storage when I need to pull the insert out and set it on the shelf. Once you step up to the Medium bag it's hard to find an insert, but for an XS or S bag, if you already have one, you're probably better off just picking up a Mountainsmith or Tenba insert.

The Snoop XS Camera Messenger next to my Custom XS Classic Messenger with Mountainsmith Kit Cube insert. The Snoop has a couple nice little touches like the higher end flaps, interior corner velcro, silencers on the outside velcro, and re-inforced straps to hold a tripod if desired.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/6​098850268/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/6​098302103/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/6​098850422/

Thanks for your post and pictures. I just received my Snoop today and it looks like it will be my main walk-around bag. I have the Small size and it fits my 7D with 24-105 attached in the middle, 70-200 f/4 on one side and 430EXII on the other side. It wont take any other lens until one of the above is removed (e.g., remove the flash and have the 60mm macro and/or 10-22 in there.

Since I'm a big fan of Timbuk2 bags, I'm wondering if I should get the X-small Classic messenger and order the insert that you have in your bag for a 1lens + 1 solution (e.g., have the camera with the attached lens in one compartment, and have another lens or a flash in the other). In addition, you stated that the classic is a bit smaller than the snoop, which would work for me because, I already have the small snoop, and instead of X-small snoop, I would like to have something smaller (e.g., X-small classic+inserts).

Thanks!

Hmm, tough call on the Classic vs Snoop X-small. On one hand, I do like the Mountainsmith insert and the interior pockets of the Classic messenger. On the other hand, if you live in a rainy/snowy climate, there's a LOT to be gained by those extra weather sealing flaps on the side. And by "smaller" I'd say the Classic is maybe an inch smaller inside. It's not noticeable except by the fact that the inserts slide in and out of the Snoop a little bit easier than they do with the Classic.

Let me put it this way, I guess: I already have a Small Classic Messenger with an insert. I will 95% sure end up ordering a Small Snoop before my upcoming potentially very wet October vacation.

And a question in return for you: does your Small Snoop have tripod straps attached to the bottom, and a lid on the insert?

meglet wrote in post #13043688
Hmm, tough call on the Classic vs Snoop X-small. On one hand, I do like the Mountainsmith insert and the interior pockets of the Classic messenger. On the other hand, if you live in a rainy/snowy climate, there's a LOT to be gained by those extra weather sealing flaps on the side. And by "smaller" I'd say the Classic is maybe an inch smaller inside. It's not noticeable except by the fact that the inserts slide in and out of the Snoop a little bit easier than they do with the Classic.

Let me put it this way, I guess: I already have a Small Classic Messenger with an insert. I will 95% sure end up ordering a Small Snoop before my upcoming potentially very wet October vacation.

And a question in return for you: does your Small Snoop have tripod straps attached to the bottom, and a lid on the insert?

Thanks for the reply.

First, the answers to your questions: Yes, the small Snoop has tripod straps at the bottom and a lid on the insert.

Initially I was going to buy the Snoop X-small (or classic + inserts) for a "camera+attached lens" solution, but I changed the line up a little bit and ended up with the following 3 bags:

1. Crumpler 3 million dollar home for casual walk-around for camera w/ a lens attached scenario (I dont think I'll be able to put anything else in there). Seems like 7D+24-105 will be fine; I hope 7D+70-200 f/4 will fit. I'll have the bag in about 10 hours or so...

2. Timbuk2 Snoop (small) for camera w/ a lens attached + 2 more compartments on the sides for a flash and 1 or 2 more lenses. 7D w/ 24-105 or w/ 70-200 f/4 fits in the middle compartment just fine. If you are carrying the bag on your shoulder -instead of across your chest- I highly recommend the Timbuk2 Griptek Strap.

3. Kata 3N-1-30 for storing everything and going for field trips

Glad to hear the small Snoop does have the tripod straps, it will be perfect for my upcoming trip then.

As for the Crumpler 3MDH, based on the size of my 4MDH with my 60D+24-105, you might get your 7D+24-105 in the 3MDH, but you won't get the 70-200, it's too tall for the bag.

I really need to go through my other camera bags and do some photos/reviews of what they can carry.

Thanks for the review! Would the XS fit a 60D, Tamron 17-50 (mounted), Tamron 70-300, and nifty fifty? Or would I need to go up to the S size?

bgalizio wrote in post #13650705
Thanks for the review! Would the XS fit a 60D, Tamron 17-50 (mounted), Tamron 70-300, and nifty fifty? Or would I need to go up to the S size?

I was looking at the dimensions of the Snoop XS vs S for a similar set of lenses (60D, sigma 17-50, sigma 30, and canon 70-300) and the XS looked too small for fitting all three. Went ahead and ordered a Snoop S, and just waiting on shipment now.

It would be close, but you might want to move up to the Small.

BTW - these were on big-time sale very recently. I just did a review of the Laptop Messenger with the Snoop instert (which is very, very similar) on my blog. Net: I love it. At the sale prices, these things are amazing.

I have been looking at the Snoop and after reading your Blog review I am interested but I find their site Mind Boggling and I can not tell if the Snoop comes with the insert or not?!?

I think it says both in different parts of the site.

If it does and is on sale including the insert it seems like a terrific deal despite not being able to customize it,again I think?

Ed

AVService wrote in post #13652704
I have been looking at the Snoop and after reading your Blog review I am interested but I find their site Mind Boggling and I can not tell if the Snoop comes with the insert or not?!?

I think it says both in different parts of the site.

If it does and is on sale including the insert it seems like a terrific deal despite not being able to customize it,again I think?

Ed

Reading the description, it lists the insert as a feature so it should come with it. Reading my invoice, it just mentions a 'liner' and nothing about the camera insert, while it lists details like the key fob and reflector tabs. Will have to wait on the delivery and see.

If you check the video on their site/YouTube, it comes with the insert:
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=7r5BR2ANavM

nataku00 wrote in post #13651581
I was looking at the dimensions of the Snoop XS vs S for a similar set of lenses (60D, sigma 17-50, sigma 30, and canon 70-300) and the XS looked too small for fitting all three. Went ahead and ordered a Snoop S, and just waiting on shipment now.

I have the Small Snoop, and I carry a 60D w/17-40L attached, hood flipped, a 70-200 4L, hood flipped, a nifty 50, a 430EX and a handful of other odds and ends. It's snug, but it fits perfectly.

bgalizio wrote in post #13650705
Thanks for the review! Would the XS fit a 60D, Tamron 17-50 (mounted), Tamron 70-300, and nifty fifty? Or would I need to go up to the S size?

You could get that in, but it would be snug. As an example, tomorrow I will be carrying in my Snoop XS my 60D (which has a beefy L-bracket on it) with my 24-105L attached, my Tamron 60mm macro, and my glasses, wallet, car keys, etc in the 3rd slot. Basically you can divide the Snoop XS into 3 sections in the divider, and carry whatever fits in those. If you put in the kit you listed, it would fit, and if your wallet is small enough to share a space with the nifty fifty you'd be alright. Otherwise, expect to carry your wallet, and cell phone on your person not in the bag.

AVService wrote in post #13652704
I have been looking at the Snoop and after reading your Blog review I am interested but I find their site Mind Boggling and I can not tell if the Snoop comes with the insert or not?!?

I think it says both in different parts of the site.

If it does and is on sale including the insert it seems like a terrific deal despite not being able to customize it,again I think?

Ed

If you buy the Snoop Messenger (any size) it comes with the insert. You could also buy the Snoop Insert separately, which they finally did after so many people begged to "please just let me buy the insert I already have a Timbuk2 Messenger!!"

Alternate option to continue the boggling: build a custom Classic messenger, order the Snoop Insert only to go in it - XS messenger takes an XS insert, and so on up.

And as an update, I still have and love the Snoop XS, but I also ended up picking up the Snoop S to go with it. I posted pictures somewhere, on my Flickr for sure, of the Snoop S and all it can carry. At some point I really need to do a comparison between the two.

The current Snoop sale is probably due to the rumored re-design coming out this spring, although I can't say if it will be a major or minor change. I really hope they move the tripod straps to the front of the bag, it turns out I just plain don't use them on my Snoop S because they're so inconvenient. And BTW, the Snoop XS does NOT have tripod straps, or a lid on the insert.

Timbuk2 has a sale going on right now on the Snoop:

http://www.timbuk2.com …ts/snoop-camera-messenger