Brand spotlight: Crumpler’s 5 best bags for travel and outdoor adventure

Crumpler bags aren’t just good for travel and outdoor adventure. I’ve got one that I’ve used almost every day since I bought it.

I’ve been a big fan of Crumpler since I was a teenager, and it’s not often I say I’m a fan of any brand. I’m certain that I’ve never been a fan of one for close to 20 years.

Crumpler originated in Melbourne and I’d go as far as saying they’re a Melbourne icon. I don’t think I have a single friend or family member that doesn’t own at least one of their bags. There are even quite a few of my kid’s school friends who use a Crumpler bag for their school bag.

All this hype is for good reason, though. Crumpler bags are the most durable bags I’ve ever seen, which is why they cover them with a lifetime warranty. You’ll notice that they’re not cheap bags but, in my experience, you absolutely get what you pay for.

Even better, their designs are both functional and funky.

Barney Rustle Blanket messenger bag

When I told you I’ve got a Crumpler bag that I use almost every day, I meant the Barney Rustle Blanket.

This bag is my work bag, it goes out with me on the weekends, it’s been on countless overseas adventures (and makes a great carry-on bag), and I’ve even taken it on a day-hike on occasions where I’ve forgotten to bring a proper backpack.

Want to know the best part? I’ve been using it since late-2008 and it’s barely showing any sign of wearing out.

The Barney Rustle Blanket comes in small, medium, and large sizes, with main compartments ranging from 9-litres to 23-litres and different configurations of other pockets depending on the size.

Squid Versatile Drawstring Backpack

We use a Squid for the kid’s weekly swimming lessons at the moment, but it’s also been my gym bag, and we’ve taken it to the beach a bunch of times. Again, a couple of years of at least weekly use has shown absolutely no signs of wear and tear.

It’s got a 29-litre main compartment that’s closed with a drawstring and a small front zipper pocket that perfectly fits the contents of your pockets (and then some).

5 Million Dollar Home camera bag

The 5 Million Dollar Home was my go-to camera bag for every occasion until I bought my Rotation180 camera backpack. I still use it for travel and other non-hiking photography and it’s been with me since 2010, but looks like it’ll easily see me through the next 5-10 years.

It fits my DSLR camera with my two lenses in the main compartment, and I get my spare battery, filters and other bits and pieces into the two extra pockets with plenty of room to spare. It’s well padded and has a nice long, adjustable strap. It’s comfortable to carry, even with a backpack on.

Karachi Outpost backpack

This might be the most stylin’ 25-litre daypack I’ve ever seen. Funny thing is, the Karachi Outpost isn’t supposed to be a daypack.

It’s actually an extremely versatile camera backpack which is suitable for professional and amateur photographers, but just as suitable for non-photographers. The main compartment (accessible from the rear) is full of adjustable protective dividers that can be used to store any level of DSLR camera kit, plus extras like your water bottle, jumper, phone and tablet. If you’re not a photographer, just remove the dividers and use it like any other daypack.

Spring Peeper with Wheels Carry-On Bag

Not into hiking or photography, or just not a fan of backpacks? The Spring Peeper with wheels makes the perfect carry-on/cabin bag or general bag for short term travel.

Though it can be carried by regular handles, it also comes equipped with wheels (as the name implies) and an extendable handle for those long airport walks. When you’re not using the handles, they can be strapped down so they don’t catch on anything.

It’s actually a pretty big one at 40 litres and has got eight storage zones, including a wet pocket for your swimmers or gym gear. The main compartment has got an adjustable floating floor, so can be almost separated into two sections. This is great for making sure nothing gets squashed in such a big storage area.

The Spring Peeper with wheels looks great and can actually seem like it’s more roomy than bigger bags.

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Got yourself a Crumpler bag? Disagree with my opinion of them? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.