Crumpler vs Lowepro?

ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
edited January 22, 2006 in Accessories
I've always had Lowepro bags, but I've noticed that the inner party here seems to favor Crumpler. Why?
If not now, when?
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Comments

  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    rutt wrote:
    I've always had Lowepro bags, but I've noticed that the inner party here seems to favor Crumpler. Why?

    One big difference I just discovered is the very annoying (but very funny) Crumpler website. Hope you have flash.
    If not now, when?
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    Nothing wrong with Lowepro.

    Crupler's hipper, cooler. Neat designs.

    More importantly - The bags wear better. They FEEL better. I had back surgery, lost my disc between L4 and L5 - what goes on my back *must* be very comfy - and feel good all day. Crumpler's atttention to the shape of the curves, the shape of the shoulder straps, is amazing. Feels like buttah.

    The attention to detail (straps, zippers, etc) is great. The quality of the material is 2nd to none. They have a great guarantee.

    I love Crumpler bags. I've owned the Shrinkle, and the Farmer's Double. I currently use the Farmer's Double.
    Andy

    Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    1/ I have tried a few ..the lowepro i tried was a owned by a bloke from the media at an event i was at & there was no comparrison comfort wise if you have some weight. The crumpler just sits well on your back. Its padded right where it needs to be.

    2/ They are australian owned (i have to support jobs here you know)


    3/ They have the best website. www.crumpler.com.au
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    And, they say stuff like,
    Crumpler Website wrote:

    If your crumpler bag takes a dump, we'll clean it up for you.
    Andy

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  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    I had the Crumpler, and there were a lot of things I liked about it. Well-built. Very comfortable.

    There were design features that I didn't care for. Personal preference. I didn't like (on the bag I had) that the photo stuff was on the bottom, and a large pocket on top. Works for Andy, didn't for me. I found it awkward. The Shrinkle, I think, is not like that and might be better from my perspective, but I've been happy with the LowePro. Not as comfortable, but more useable for my needs. Oh, and another thing it was missing was little pockets and pen holders. Seems odd with all that space that there's not a little organization like that.

    I would, however, highly recommend the Crumpler. There may be another one in my future.

    I bought my son one for his 12" laptop, just a laptop bag. It's great.
    Moderator Emeritus
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  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited January 21, 2006
    I bought David's Crumpler - a Farmer's Double I believe. The details and construction are first rate as described and it does fit will on back with great padding and straps in just the right places. Lots to like about it.

    However, I agree with David that the fundamental design of that particular bag leaves something to be desired as the camera compartments are beneath a larger free storage compartment and there are no smaller pockets or pouches ne_nau.gif - so I use it to carry my laptop ( it has a nice spot perfect for a 15 " PB) and a second body; but I continue to rely on my Lowe Pro Trakker, which is NOT as comfortable to carry, but allows me to carry more small pieces of gear in a more compact space and in a more organized fashion. I wish the LowePro was bright yellow inside like the newer bags tend to be - makes things easier to find in the field.

    The Crumpler website is amusing if you are not a serious customerthumb.gif - but if you are a serious customer and do not know which bag you want or need, the website is downright annoying. I did not buy a Crumpler bag initially becasue I found the website so annoying. There is no local Crumpler dealer for me to shop at and compare - I wish there was - wherreas I can find LowePro bags locally and look at them to evaluate them for my needs. If you shop in New York and can find the Crumpler dealer to look at them, that would be a great advantage.

    I am still looking for a suitable Crumpler to replace my Trakker - maybe I'll see what folks are carrying at Bryce and reconsider,

    Another brand of gear I favor is Kinesis - www.kinesisgear.com. They make soft packs with harnesses for long telelphotos that I like a great deal. They also make belt systems that are quite interesting and get the weight off your shoulders. Kinesis is a small firm that is willing to make custom gear if you call them and talk to them. They modified the case I carry a 400mm lens in.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited January 21, 2006
    I was originally drawn to Crumplers because they look less like camera bags, and more like the ubiquitous messenger bag or backpack.

    I need to do a review of the December Quarter (my newest Crumpler) still.
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]

  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    rutt wrote:
    I've always had Lowepro bags, but I've noticed that the inner party here seems to favor Crumpler. Why?


    Rutt, I would personally hazard a guess that it is the "Andy factor".

    Even I have a Crumpler. A muddy swampy Crumpler. Love it, love it so much I threw it and its contents half way across a "sucking" swamp.

    Andy, who has back problems, has never felt a twinge of pain while using a Crumpler. I was feeling pain from whatever I had before. I didn't want to take chances, so for me it was definitely the "Andy factor".

    He loves them, and remember he has a bad back, and uses a Crumpler w/o pain.

    I have never heard anyone here say they have pain with the Crumpler. I have never said it! But I will say here and now that if enough time goes by the shoulder straps do start to hurt. I adjust and adjust, and they still hurt. Then I start to walk bent over............I have even been known to pray and call for my mother. And that is with a Crumpler. But I have NEVER actually felt Pain, smile.

    ginger, whose mother died in 1987.

    This is not fooling around, here. Bill had sworn never to carry my backpack again, ever. I got the Crumpler. He really was nice and agreed to carry it once, probably to stop my incessand cries and prayers. He has voluntarily helped me since. So that must be a damn good backpack.
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    David's and PF's experience with the same bag (literally) show how this is such a very personal choice! You've got to spend time with the bag you want, snuggle up with it, and see if you can spend time together - quality time - in a photographic sense, of course!
    Andy

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  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    Add me to those who don't like the upper/lower bag thing on the Crumplers I've seen. It's why I haven't bought one, despite the glowing praise they get and my uncomfortable backpack.
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    wxwax wrote:
    Add me to those who don't like the upper/lower bag thing on the Crumplers I've seen. It's why I haven't bought one, despite the glowing praise they get and my uncomfortable backpack.

    It's only common on one I think? Others are like this:

    http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1100013

    51174129-M.jpg
    Andy

    Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    wxwax wrote:
    Add me to those who don't like the upper/lower bag thing on the Crumplers I've seen. It's why I haven't bought one, despite the glowing praise they get and my uncomfortable backpack.

    So you lot are not talking about 'brians hot-tub' or the karachi then ?

    I have only seen these 2 models. Do most of the others have the 'upper/lower' thing ?
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    mine has pockets, I carry pens, etc............?????

    pain/no pain is my main concern!

    I told someone on the dog club how much I paid for my backpack once, I know she thought I was throwing money away that we have all agreed I don't have. She did not respond and no one has discussed equipment with me again.

    Pain management is the whole deal for me!!! Big time! I carry all my lenses, lots of stuff, that can be a very heavy backpack. I am old.........

    I came to the conclusion that "my bag" was the most important thing I could buy! More important than Canon vs Nikon. If one is in too much pain, ....................need I say more.

    And I really do think the Crumpler does as good a job as any bag could for me and better probably.

    I would like one of those belts from Kinesis. I need something to hold my water and maybe one lens. That was on my tax list. I have decided that I can keep improvising for awhile. They are expensive, and I am sure they are worth it.................if one wants to spend the money that way.

    Dixie uses a belt in addition to his backpack, I am sure I would love it, too. But not that much.

    g
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    wxwax wrote:
    Add me to those who don't like the upper/lower bag thing on the Crumplers I've seen. It's why I haven't bought one, despite the glowing praise they get and my uncomfortable backpack.


    Sid, you are not in enough pain, yet. Do you carry a 400mm, or larger, lens in your backpack.

    The kitchen sink?

    When the pain gets you, up/down, you won't care.

    ginger

    I just lay my backpack on the ground, unzip, get lens, exchange lens, zip. Or I could lay it the other way and get pens, cell phone, CF cards, batteries, etc.
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    Humungus wrote:
    So you lot are not talking about 'brians hot-tub' or the karachi then ?

    I have only seen these 2 models. Do most of the others have the 'upper/lower' thing ?
    I haven't been to their site in a while, but the larger camera bags I saw seemd to use the 2-bag design. I saw DavidTO's at Yosemite, which confirmed that I didn't care for it set-up. I'd want a large backpack, and the Farmer's Double also has the two pockets, IIRC. The Shrinkle's not big enough.
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    wxwax wrote:
    I haven't been to their site in a while, but the larger camera bags I saw seemd to use the 2-bag design. I saw DavidTO's at Yosemite, which confirmed that I didn't care for it set-up. I'd want a large backpack, and the Farmer's Double also has the two pockets, IIRC. The Shrinkle's not big enough.

    Well mate the Karachi (formerly brians hot-tub) is the one in andys shot above. Man its huge with no sighting of this lower pocket thingamejig.
  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    The only one that has a chance from the current line-up is the Karachi Outpost. Can't tell if it's deep enough for the body, tho.
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    wxwax wrote:
    The only one that has a chance from the current line-up is the Karachi Outpost. Can't tell if it's deep enough for the body, tho.

    I just measured it for you...its 8" deep in the pocket i keep my 135 prime in (its 6") & where the 20D sits. That could be pushed to 9" i recon. Its their biggest bag.
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    wxwax wrote:
    The only one that has a chance from the current line-up is the Karachi Outpost. Can't tell if it's deep enough for the body, tho.


    Did you read the review... it's plenty deep for a 1D series So's the Shrinkle, btw. I had a 10D with Grip and much more in mine when I owned it, briefly...
    Andy

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  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    Humungus wrote:
    I just measured it for you...its 8" deep in the pocket i keep my 135 prime in (its 6") & where the 20D sits. That could be pushed to 9" i recon. Its their biggest bag.
    You have a Karachi Outpost?

    Why isn't it in your sig? :lol4
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    wxwax wrote:
    You have a Karachi Outpost?

    Why isn't it in your sig? :lol4

    Waxy...look at me..looook at me.

    I have seen the karachi...its identicle to my brians hottub 'ceptin the tripod holder is now in the centre on the back instead of on the side.

    My sig ? I have no need/desire to put what i own into my sig ne_nau.gif
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited January 21, 2006
    Humungus wrote:
    I have seen the karachi...its identicle to my brians hottub 'ceptin the tripod holder is now in the centre on the back instead of on the side.
    Yup nod.gif

    Brian's hot tub:
    48230_1_1?&op_sharpen=1&qlt=80,1&hei=249&wid=249

    Karachi Outpost:
    CLKOBROA.JPG

    Both have access from the rear. Both are a bigger version of the also discontinued Schrinkle. See my Schrinkle review if you are confused as to what a "rear access" Crumpler bag is all about. Or you can go off-site and read a Karachi review here.

    BTW, that cambags site is really useful. I keep running across it when bag shopping.
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]

  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited January 21, 2006
    wxwax wrote:
    I haven't been to their site in a while, but the larger camera bags I saw seemd to use the 2-bag design. I saw DavidTO's at Yosemite, which confirmed that I didn't care for it set-up. I'd want a large backpack, and the Farmer's Double also has the two pockets, IIRC. The Shrinkle's not big enough.
    Farmer's Double 2-bag design, as you call it, has been discontinued. All the Crumpler backpacks are now the rear-access as above (Karachi).

    They should pay me for decoding their website and lineup for y'all!
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]

  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    Eric, your Schrinkle link is pooched.
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2006
    Andy wrote:
    Did you read the review... it's plenty deep for a 1D series So's the Shrinkle, btw. I had a 10D with Grip and much more in mine when I owned it, briefly...

    I got a bigger one than a Shrinkle, I remember that you told me the Shrinkle would be big enough. Since I am not super neat nor organized, I went bigger. But I can't find the name on mine.

    It is a lot like the one you showed as far as how my equipment goes in. I need every bit of the space, it is perfect. We have bonded. My bag knows me, I know my bag.

    But I personally don't think the Shrinkle is big enough for lots of people. One would have to "work" to make it "work", IMO. I would go one bigger at least.

    g (Oh, and mine has three pockets, a big one, a smaller one, and a smaller still one. I use all of them for different things.)
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited January 21, 2006
    wxwax wrote:
    Eric, your Schrinkle link is pooched.
    fixed. multitasking not going so well tonight.
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]

  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited January 21, 2006
    I just revisited Crumper's website - http://www.crumpler.com.au - I must say that I find it better with a Cable modem than I did with DSL .

    The website they link to in Australia, says shipping to the US is 4 - 6 weeks and about US$54.00 That's pricey - better to find the bag in New York at the shop there.

    I think the Karachi Outpost looks like a serviceable bag.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited January 21, 2006
    pathfinder wrote:
    I just revisited Crumper's website - http://www.crumpler.com.au - I must say that I find it better with a Cable modem than I did with DSL .

    The website they link to in Australia, says shipping to the US is 4 - 6 weeks and about US$54.00 That's pricey - better to find the bag in New York at the shop there.

    I think the Karachi Outpost looks like a serviceable bag.
    don't be silly: http://www.crumplerusa.com
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]

  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited January 21, 2006
    I have tried that link all evening and get nothing but a blank white pagene_nau.gif Finally Safari said the serrver was not responding
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited January 21, 2006
    pathfinder wrote:
    I have tried that link all evening and get nothing but a blank white pagene_nau.gif Finally Safari said the server was not responding
    Hmmm. I was there the other day. Try it again tomorrow.

    maybe the flying pigs finally proved too much lol3.gif
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]

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