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.

The one I’ve got is called a Barney Rustle Blanket (they’re very creative with their model names). Unfortunately, they don’t make this one anymore but from what I hear the quality of the current models is consistent with my experience.

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.

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.

Comfort Zone messenger bag

The Comfort Zone is the closest thing to the aforementioned Barney Rustle Blanket in Crumpler’s current collection.

Although these messenger bags were originally designed for cyclists, their durable weatherproof nylon Kodra works well for any form of everyday use. They close with heavy duty velcro as well as side release buckles and come with a 38mm wide strap with an included removable padded shoulder strap.

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).

King Pin Sling 4500 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.

Alas, it’s also not available anymore. Damn, I feel old.

The closest thing in Crumpler’s current collection is the King Pin Sling, and it appears to be almost the same apart from an updated look and some fancy extra features. There are too many to list, so click through for a detailed look.

Most importantly, it’ll fit your DSLR camera with two lenses in the main compartment, and your spare battery, filters and other bits and pieces into the extra pockets with plenty of room to spare. It’s comfortable to wear, too, unlike many other camera bags.

King Pin Pro backpack

This extremely versatile backpack includes a detachable pouch at the bottom where you can carry your camera gear all snug and safe, leaving you heaps of room at the top for everything else you need to bring along on your travels.

Don’t need to carry any camera gear? That’s fine, just remove the trapdoor above the camera pouch and extend the bag into a full 20-litre single compartment rucksack.

Comfortable to carry and made from durable polycotton canvas, this might just be the perfect travel rucksack for anyone.

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.