Captn's Log, 9/21/07 Frankenbag Project initiated..

So I've read the reviews and listened to everyone here comment on what they like an dislike about their gear bag. Did some research and found that I waffled more than an IHOP when it came to which one I wanted. Problem seemed to be similar to what most here seem to say, no bag really had everything I need.

I wanted the stability of a backpack, the ease of an over the shoulder bag, room for all sorts of other stuff, plenty of space for gear, good looks, cheap price. Hey, I'm not too demanding, right? Well, I think that's rhetorical in this case. So how to get what I am looking for??

(insert idea lightbulb here)...I'll "build" my own. Not exactyly build but create might be the better word. Here's what I am working on. Just ordered a Crumpler Barney Rustle for $32 from REI-Outlet (2006 closeout). That should give me the looks, ease of access, space, and stability (third leg) I need. Now, what about the inserts??? I looked at the Domke stuff but had to buy multiple inserts which got more expensive and frankly didn't look the way I wanted. Considered adding the Crumpler Bucket but had the same issue. Then I found a company called NaneuPro. They have some great product but nothing in stock so I simply purchased and insert for $12 to go in the BR.

Now I know this isn't cutting edge or anything but sometimes the simplest solution is the best. I'll post shots of my Frankenbag when it's done but for about $44+shipping, I think I am getting everything I want in a bag. Hope I'm right.

link? im on their main page, but i can't find inserts.

EDIT: Hm, almost thinking of converting. These look nice and interesting!

_aravena wrote in post #3978953
link? im on their main page, but i can't find inserts.

EDIT: Hm, almost thinking of converting. These look nice and interesting!

I didn't see them on the site either so I dropped Mike an email over there michael@naneupro.com and asked if I could buy the insert. $12.99+8 shipping. Done. The insert looks great and I like being able to take it in or out and use the Crumpler as a gear bag or just for whatever. $32 at REI for the bag too..couldn't say no to that!

Which insert you get? 'Cause I'm looking at these things and some of these are nice. The inserts look well padded. And my bag is the same size as yours. Come on man! get some pics up!

_aravena wrote in post #3979005
Which insert you get? 'Cause I'm looking at these things and some of these are nice. The inserts look well padded. And my bag is the same size as yours. Come on man! get some pics up!

here's the one I ordered (just the insert to this bag which they call the Echo). Mike thought it would fit best in a messenger style bag like the Crumpler. I'll post em up with gear late next week once I have the bag and get it together. Supposed to arrive next Weds. It is kinda sweet though, isn't it? I'm stoked!

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

Hm...so you don't know if it fits. Still, that's the bag I was looking at in general.

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Would this be bigger or smaller than the 7MDH? I am going to order the 7MDH today, but if this is a smaller option that will still fit my stuff it might be worth a look. _aravena how much would you sell yours for? It might be worth waiting.

These bags are bigger. Like I said in the other thread (which you may have not entered), I can fit my 7MDH inside the Dreadful Embarrassment. So having just enough padding to protect your gear and still have room maybe an idea. I might still fit my laptop in it. Thing is, it is bigger. When I went to school, wow the bag looked big and filled with books and laptop, weighed a lot more than my 7MDH. But still worth the interest. I already have the bag, so I might invest $20 in an insert.

_aravena wrote in post #3979052
These bags are bigger. Like I said in the other thread (which you may have not entered), I can fit my 7MDH inside the Dreadful Embarrassment. So having just enough padding to protect your gear and still have room maybe an idea. I might still fit my laptop in it. Thing is, it is bigger. When I went to school, wow the bag looked big and filled with books and laptop, weighed a lot more than my 7MDH. But still worth the interest. I already have the bag, so I might invest $20 in an insert.

I was thinking laptop as well, just like you. For $20, it's tough to go wrong. If you don't use it, I'm sure someone would scoop the insert and make their own Frankenbag. I'll definitely post up or PM you when complete. These guys also make a K3 bag that looks killer. Saw two on Ebay, brand new for $99.

Interesting bag!

Yeah.I've manged to make my 7MDH into a laptop bag carrying camera, 18-50, 70-200, 430EX, mouse and charger for laptop. Could hold something small too like a 50 something or 30 etc. Not bad. But this thing, hm. Crumpler's messenger bags are an untapped gold mine. And now being able to buy inserts like these. You may have given this guy an idea to just sell inserts. lol

_aravena wrote in post #3979127
Yeah.I've manged to make my 7MDH into a laptop bag carrying camera, 18-50, 70-200, 430EX, mouse and charger for laptop. Could hold something small too like a 50 something or 30 etc. Not bad. But this thing, hm. Crumpler's messenger bags are an untapped gold mine. And now being able to buy inserts like these. You may have given this guy an idea to just sell inserts. lol

lol, perhaps it's better margin even, who knows? I just got frustrated not finding what I needed and then this..thought I'd take a chance but you have made me feel much better about doing it. Worst case is I end up with a nice and inexpensive Crumpler messenger bag. Who knows, maybe it turns out well enough that others here find it of benefit too. It could be the dawn of a whole new....ahh, forget that, I'm just glad I can stop obsessing about what to buy now.

IYou reckon that if I don't overload it, I might even be able to slip a tripod under the flap on the outside, snug up the straps and even that's no longer and issue?

I think you need more equipment to stuff that thing with! lol

The big bags are nice. I use my DE a lot for daily stuff. I carry my latop and DVDs or what not to ppls house to hang out. It could also be an oversized murse, which if you're comfortable enough, what the heck? I think the perfect daily bag though is the Luncheon or non-laptop equiv. It's long and not wide. But wouldn't take these inserts the same thats for sure.

Funny I should find this thread today. I have been looking at doing something similar with a Crumpler Messenger bag. I was watching one on ebay and goign to bid on it tomorrow but I just snagged one at REI outlet for less than the initial ebay bid. I'm looking forward to hearing how this insert fits so I can decide if I want to get that or get the crumpler one.

colleent wrote in post #3980079
Funny I should find this thread today. I have been looking at doing something similar with a Crumpler Messenger bag. I was watching one on ebay and goign to bid on it tomorrow but I just snagged one at REI outlet for less than the initial ebay bid. I'm looking forward to hearing how this insert fits so I can decide if I want to get that or get the crumpler one.

Funny how many people seem to have given this some thought. I'll definitely keep everyone up to speed and post those pics with the insert in the bag. That REI deal is just killer and I gotta say, the look of the insert (as far as the internet can tell) is much more appealing than anything else I've seen so far.

Either way, like aravena says, it would make a nice murse (forme, that is, you might get cut a bit more slack :lol.

Stay tuned.