Crumpler 8 Million Dollar Home

The industry has changed a lot since I bought my last bag and was looking for something that would also accommodate my laptop. I wanted comfort and style but did not want a professionally styled bag that shouted "steal me". One of the things that I noticed in using various bags through the years is that there seems to be styles that come and go. Often, bag companies create bags that answer the needs and expectations of consumers. Sometimes they make bags that don't seem to make a lot of sense. I remember using an aluminum clad suitcase with sharp corners that had to be put down and opened with two separate locks just to get a lens or cable release. The case looked very cool but was not really helpful for photographers who needed a bag to hold a camera that was ready to shoot. These cases were primarily designed for a photographer going to shoot a weeding or an event where the photographer was just transporting the camera.

I ditched those aluminum cases, and switched to a Pelican case for air travel and assignments that took me to a single location. I continue to look for the ultimate bag that answered all my needs. I made a list of what I needed in a bag:

• Well built
• Able to hold my laptop
• Light
• Flexible
• East to open (no zippers)
• Fashionable (who wants to show up to an assignment carrying an Ikea bag?)
• Did not shout "steal me"
• Easy to access the most important items in the bag
• Able to hold all my equipment

As time went by and my back started to ache, I decided to just start carrying the essentials to my shoots. Most of my assignments are one to two hour shoots, requiring me to carry either one small camera bag or a camera bag, strobe kit and stands/tripod bag. I asked myself how often I really used that fisheye lens or the Lensbaby I have tucked away in a corner of my bag and decided to slim down and start using a smaller bag for regular shoots.

Excellent construction

One of the neat features of this camera bag, is built in patches that can be used to cover the Velcro pads used to seal the bag. I found this very useful when I was at a performance and needed to open the bag without heads turning to see what I was doing. The bag is normally opened by releasing two buckles but also has two large Velcro closures under the buckles. When you want to close the bag but have it ready to shoot, close the Velcro but leave the buckles undone. Then, just pull the front flap up to release the Velcro and you have access to your gear. It was little details like this that made me understand that Crumpler understood my needs as a photographer.

Flap to silnce the Velcro

The interior of the bag is a soft fabric that allows the Velcro dividers to attach where you choose, not where the bag manufacturer thinks you need them. I divided my bag up into three main sections with each of the two side sections holding lenses and flash. I use the center section for resting my camera with lens attached. That way, I can open the bag quickly and take the camera out and be ready for the first shot right away. I would have liked to see a place to hang a carabiner on the inside. Sometimes when I am shooting at night, or in a dark place, I like to reach inside my bag and use a small LED flashlight that I keep hanging from the inside top of my bag.

 This bag is not for everyone. It is not for the geek who needs to take every last lens on an assignment. But, it is ideal for the pro who needs to take just a camera or two, a few lenses, and notebook, or an amateur who wants to keep  all that expensive gear together, protected  and safe.

 Overall, I am very pleased with the bag's design and craftsmanship. Crumpler really knew what they were doing when they designed this bag. I can certainly see this bag lasting me another 15 years and that makes it a great investment.

Ample room for cameras & lenses