What's the big deal with Crumpler?

A lot of people here have said a number of good things about Crumpler bags. I was at a local shop today and took a look at the Considerable Embarassment and some of their others. NONE of them have any recognizable protection, what-so-ever.
They do allow for decent organization, but what's the point of having a laptop specific bag if it will do nothing better than the messenger bag I already have? With a Crumpler I'd still have to pack some type of well-padded laptop sleeve. Pointless. I want to get one bag.

For my Thinkpad T43, arriving soon....

I've narrowed my choices down to
(and after weeks of research I might add):

Tombihn - ID + Braincell size 4 ( www.tombihn.com)
Targus - Evolution Ultraportable Leather case (HP800)( www.targus.com)
Brenthaven - Solo 14 ( www.brenthaven.com)
Bumbakpaks - Biz model ( www.bumbakpaks.com)
Booq - Folee XS ( www.booqbags.com)

Any input, suggestions or ideas?
I am also wondering about a backpack instead of a messenger, keeping in mind longterm effects to my back, though the notebook is only 5.15lbs and at the moment, I don't know if I will carry it everyday. So in the case of a backpack, it would be either bumbakpaks, brenthaven, or booq I would imagine.

Any and all input is appreciated.

 

the booq backpacks look pretty nice. depends on style really and budget. i've been looking for a backpack as well that's versatile enough for me to emtpy and use as a day pack on a hike or plane trip as well as secure and built to keep my laptop safe. so far if you notice my thread you can see the packs i'm looking at are more "stylish" and not as apparent as carrying a laptop which i think would be more secure as a bag that looks like a blatant laptop carrier for someone to steal. Plus, i know a lot of those messenger bags are really bulky, so why carry it on your side when you can use 2 straps and put on the back and be easier? i'd recommend from your selection

1. booq
2. brenthaven
2. bumbakpaks, (although when walking i can't imagine a 6lb brick on your @ss being comfortable bouncing around)

 

Honestly I thought the bumbakpaks had a lot of attractive features. As for comfort & a 6lb brick, if you goto their site and read the "about us" section, you will find that the founder had serious back problems, and started the company based on this backpack which was significantly more comfortable and better for the back than a regular messenger.

The bumbakpak should be available shortly ~December 12th at my local J&R computer store here in NYC, their first retail store availability, lucky me... so hopefully I will get to try one on before I make a choice.

Another idea, *IF* I go with a backpack instead of one of those messengers, is the Kensington Contour model, at : http://us.kensington.com/html/4727.html

It's endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (bumbakpaks is also in the process of this, I emailed their customer service). The pack looks good, has organization, and is conservative enough to bring to work.

Right now I'm about 50/50 between a messenger and a backpack. The problem with a backpack is that if I want to bring it to work, and then need to carry it around the office, from building to building, or whatever... I can't possibly see myself in business clothes (even if I end up going business casual) with a backpack! This is where the bumbakpak (Biz model) comes in. The straps are designed to be converted from backpack to shoulder strap, and stay comfortable.

 

well due to my ignorance, i guess i just couldn't imagine the bumpack being useful hanging right there in the pictures, but in all honesty try it on and if it suits, then get it. regarding your useage, i'd definately see a better use for a messenger bag or messenger/backpack. you could always get the brainpack or whatever it's called from tombinh which has individual handles. therefore get a backpack, and then when you need to port between offices, etc. just grab the handles and go and leave backpack. the backpack will only serve as from home to office. this is just my opinion of course, but i obviously am stressing more on style than business use as i'm a freelance designer and wanted to kill 2 birds with one stone by getting a backpack that can carry my laptop or my lunch or clothes when i need to.

 

Exactly. I read your thread as well, and totally understand what you need. I definately need something multifunctional as well, but in the opposite direction. I already have a good assortment of hiking packs, as rock climbing is basically my favorite hobby/sport, lol, so you can imagine that I'm covered in the adventure department.

I need something for the city / office / general travel usage. To replace my current, handy Eddie Bauer messenger.

 

ahh, well...in that case, there's a really good deal on timberland packs starting on the 2nd of Dec. Not sure if their packs are suitable for your needs, buut at 40% off, might be appropriate for your needs. Although it seems that price isn't an issue. Which by the way is a preferred back that you like? after seeing those at sports chalet, the north face packs were what i'm leaning towards, but what packs do you recommend as for comfortability, quality, water proofness, etc?

also, was'nt he gold rush in the 49's? that's why it's the 49er's. who do suck by the way lately.

 

LoL, yes the 49ers were a group of goldrush-ers, and were from San Francisco (or the area) , especially if you have spent as much time as I have watching the History Channel. LOL.
The nickname has nothing to do with that, or the football team whatsoever, and I don't pay much attention to the statistics or standings (not for a LONG time anyway).

As for what's comfortable and what's not, this will be my first laptop bag of any kind, so I can't exactly give an experienced oppinion. Only one based on my research, which mostly only includes features. Comfort can only really be determined by wearing it, and each and every person is goingt to have a different oppinion pretty much due to a different body shape (at least that's what I figure).

My idea of what's *probably* comfortable in a *backpack* would have to be the Kensington Contour, Brenthaven, Booq, Mountainsmith (esp since they are an outdoor company), Jansport (though I doubt the features are as pleniful as the others from what I see, only reccomended because I have another of their packs, and the Airlift pads are great), and also as you mentioned, Northface also being another well known outdoor company. Timberland I have no idea, I havent looked at their pack yet.

As for budget, money, for the most part is not an issue (and I am definately not rich). Tumi is DEFINATELY out of the question, as I see no reason to spend $300+ for one of their bags, which are basically as heavy as the laptop itself, or even heavier, lol. Basically my thoughts are that I am making an investment in a bag to protect a $2000 laptop. Even though I have purchased a PC protection plan which will cover accidental damage, naturally I'd rather not go through the repair/replacement process unless I need to. So basically, to me, getting a crummy bag would be pretty much the same as paying for an unreliable car, a total money pit.

Get the idea?

 

right. what i was asking though was aside from laptop bags, what do you use for hiking packs strictly speaking. i noticed those new airlift pads by jansport and thought they were quiite soft. although i wasn't impressed by their support for laptops, at least the ones they carried at sports chalet. it almst appeared to me they just enlarged the hydration area to possibly fit a laptop but in reality was built primarily for those camelbaks. therefore i'm thinking of going with the north face, but also looking at the timberland packs when i have a chance to visit their stores. i'm more on a budget for a bag since i want to spend at most $60 for a pack so that's why i'm trying to justify getting a backpack that can carry my laptop safely and be used for other activities.

i checked out the mountainsmith pack online, but had nothing at sporst chalet. maybe i'll take a look at rei, i'm sure they'll have more packs. although i don't know if they have these "techy" packs that are recommended from ebags. anyways, i just don't want a pack looking "geeky" or looking like it's got a laptop that someone would want to swipe. so that's a main concern for me as well as price.

but back to your thread hehe, i'd recommend individual neoprene bag that can slip into another bag you already have. protected, but versatile. kinda like layering. if it suits, take it and go, if not, leave and use other bag. why get something that's only built for one thing. get duality out of it, if "duality" can be used in that sense. but i'm sure you catch my drift.

 

Regarding regular hiking packs :
I have a Kelty Redwing, Some other Kelty model (probably 3000+ ?) but one that doesnt have those fold-over top closures, not even sure if its mfgr'd anymore..... and also the Jansport Odyssey 38 (not sure if mine is the 38 or an older Odyssey). The Odyssey has a space to put the water resevoir (I hate that some companies call them bladders, LOL), but does not come with one. I havent tried to put one in though. Naturally, I wouldn't adapt any of these for business use.

As for the neoprene sleeve, I agree, I may do that, or even go the flasy way and buy a Booq Viper, LOL, but that may be senseless. However, I am definately purchasing a screen protector, maybe shaggymac.

 

I've only checked out two Crumpler bags, but both had built in 'sleeves' which is the protection. It's well padded but I can't say for that model you saw, I've never seen it myself!

I recently purchased a Tom Bihn Super Ego and Brain Cell, it's pretty protective(With the brain cell though, without its just a regular bag) - But the seatbelt buckle is sweet!

 

any links to screen protectors? and is the screen protector like that plastic crap they ship it with?

 

All of the Crumpler models I saw at the store, not just the Embarrasment line, only had the "laptop compartment." This included the likes of the Hee-Hooer (i think) and also McBains Lovechild I believe, maybe some others. These compartments (maybe you are referring to it as a sleeve, since yes, it will protect from scratches and contact with other items in the bag, from what I can see) however, hare merely a divider and nothing more... not even 0.25" of foam, absolutely nothing except the material.

I wonder what you were looking at? The *pictures* online indicate absolutely no padding, even though I believe their descriptions do say that padding is there.

 

The screen protector that everyone raves about in these forums is at www.shaggymac.com , lol. You can also probably find a variety in notebook accessories at www.newegg.com

 

SM is a good company, very secure and they ship fast too.

I know some bags have almost no padding(The Skivy line for example) since its basically just a quick carry bag for moving around.

 

i don't know, i think to stay within my budget, i just might have to forego the shaggymac. it's nice, but seeing that the investment of another $15 might be spent better on my backpack, i think i'd opt for the backpack. IMHO of course, but if it really goes down, i guess i'll just have to get another laptop, haha.

 

After all, what's another $1000 - $2000 a year because your laptop had an accident with no protection. Pocket change, right?

I pretty much want to (at least try) make sure that the only way this thing is gona leave me is by theft, and even then, I am going to puchase a lock even if I won't need it every day.

 

Hm, I guess it depends on the amount of travel you have to do. I have the "Parts and Parcel" from Crumpler and yes all they have is a laptop compartment. But it suits my needs, I only carry the bag between the parking lot and my office building/home. I think its fairly stylish and well made.

 

The goal was to get something that will suit all modes and distances of travel with the exception of hiking/adventure rough activities. So that would coverr *just* conservative enough to be business/office presentable (though I do not want the super-power exec look), any type of daily commute, library/cafe use, and any vacation or business trips, and also air travel.

If I really still wanted to take it to the wilderness, I'd probably purchase a well protected sleeve to put in a good hiking pack, unless I wanted to go out of my way and purchase yet another, laptop specific hiking pack. But that is unlikely. I'd just pad with clothing around the sleeve.

 

true goldrush. i guess i want to save my investment obviously, but not break my budget cause i didn't consider the cost of bags. i was hoping to get a solid bag for about 60. i just don't know if i should do $40 backpack with laptop features (not great) but then get $20 sleeve, oor get $60 backpack with decent padding and protection and forget sleeve. Last thing i want to do is dress and undress my laptop like a child in the morning before school. I need protection for the laptop, but not convenience of accessing it either. I'm at a standstill, but I presume i'll continue checking out stores and fitting my laptop into the compartments to see what suits it. maybe i'll even let my laptop decide, it'll make my life easier.

 

You could purchase a ~60 backpack (Kensington Contour) and then pay for a neoprene sleeve to prevent scratching if you wanted. That'd probably work well. I'll probably end up with a neoprene sleeve myself. Things like the Booq Vyper, i believe only work as a thin case, but arent made to stay on the laptop. I'll have to check on that.

 

are you sure the booq vyper can fit your laptop? think i might try and jump on the timberland discount coming up, get for like $40 and then possibly get a sleeve so come out to around 60 after said and done. plus christmas is coming up, could always ask for that from my family, hehe.

 

Vyper is made in several sizes, so yes.
My T43 measures 12.2 x 10 x 1

 

have you seen this pack?
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...ding=UTF8&n=3375301&s=sporting-goods&v=glance
the images look pretty good on how that laptop is separated and padded, and held snuggly.

 

looks nice, though I've never heard of the company... seems to have gotten decent reviews. Can't complain about a $20 discount either. I like the organization of it.

However, for your purposes I don't think it would work. I doesnt look like it'd be much good a s a hiking pack. IMHO if you really want to get the outdoor & laptop bag in one, go with one of the major outdoor companies. Mountainsmith, Northface, Timberland. I looked at the Jansport models, but they don't measure up in the "hybrid" department if you ask me. Personally, if I was going your route... from what I've seen so far, I like the Mountainsmith pack.

 

yeh either the mountainsmith, which has supposedly very good padding, or else the north face recon. Padding isn't substantial, but it's a nice pack for hiking. The recon has at least a felt interior divider for the laptop with buckle to tie it down from moving. Also when i have a chance, i can always get a sleeve to make it more robust. So far from all my searching, this is my best pack i've seen in person.

 

Anything you can see in person is always a good place to start. Aside from that, make sure any company you purchase from online has a good return policy.

Tombihn allows 60 days, Booq allows 30. Don't know about the others. I'm sure the most reputable companies will have reasonable policies.

 

and that they don't have a restocking fee. do most companies, reputable ones send a return shipment label to cover the cost of shipping back on a return? that'd be important to consider of course.

 

so far, from what I have read... if a problem/defect is the fault of the manufacturer (or online retailer) then the return shipping will be paid for. Otherwise if it is a personal reason, and the unit is still in perfect condition, then you will pay for return shipping, and they will (depending on company) pay for shipping the new bag.

 

got it. So no "checking out of the library" or costco style ordering, haha. Hrm...then i guess i best make sure i'm reaaly sure on my pack and sleeve.

 

wow 45 bux for a monolith?!?!

 

but the name says it all. it's a monolith of protection, haha.

 

$45 is worth it if you look at the details. Also be sure to check out the "egg drop" video for the Brain Cell for a better idea.

For outright protection, the only thing better than a Brain Cell/Monolith + Tombihn bag of your choice would probably be any of the Brenthaven models that have the "CORE" which is *super* serious protection. I'd have no problem dropping my bag on purpose, LOL.

Of course there are also the industrial hard cases, etc, but I don't consider those an option. lol.

 

shoot, not even james bond carries a hard case. And even if you think you need one, you better get handcuffs to send out the siren to all thieves your carrying something super valuable. Why get a hard case unless you need it for a chair, oor a weapon becaues you walk in dark alleys. I think goldrush i'm going the route of north face pack with neoprene sleeve. The monolith will definately protect i'm sure, but i'm not willing to fork out another $45 on top of the $60 for my pack. I've spent enough and frankly, i'm not thinking of snowboarding with my laptop on me, haha.

 

you can always save up for the monolith later depending on how the bag works out for you anyhow. The Northface bag is a great start by itself, and a helluva lot better than just toting the thing under your harm

 

hrm, true. i think i'll do that or request the monolith for bday or christmas in case i need some further protection. Well i'm pretty much sold on the North face RECON. now if only i can find a really good coupon to purchase it.

 

dont push your luck on a coupon. most coupons you find online are out of date anyhow (in my experience) , or simply dont work when you try. Could get lucky though, can't hurt to try.

 

well i'm waiting for an ebags coupon specifically since not gonna pay full price unless there's a friend and family deal coming up for specific retail chains. Anyways thanks for all your advice goldrush.

 

I think it depends upon your needs and how careful you are. While the Crumpler Considerable Embarassment may not have the shock protective sleeve like the monolith, it is certainly not without padding. It does have a padded sleeve all around and extra padding at the bottom. We found it to be a great bag, roomy for a laptop and books. This is not a toss across the room type bag- if that's what you need, then you do need better protection. But- if you are a careful person and want a lightweight bag for that won't kill your shoulder and that still has a built-in sleeve and lots of room, then it is an ideal bag for a 12-14" unit, and does afford reasonable protection, looks like a messenger bag and doesn't yell out "steal me," and is fashionable.

I think Crumpler has a really nice line of messenger bags. As for their backpacks, I think the smaller Salary Sacrifice, good for the ultraportables, has very limited capacity and their larger bags are very long, so they aren't ideal for shorter women especially. I think there is a lot of wasted space in their backpack design, with too much height and not enough useable depth for books due to the curvature of the pack, but if you are tall they are really well designed ergonomically. Unless you really love backpacks, I think for the smaller units their messenger bags have much more capacity than the salary sacrifice bag so I wouldn't recommend that.

BTW- Photococan on Ebay is a great source for the Crumpler line- prices are good, and they are very reliable!