New Crumpler luggage range - "Dry Red"

[Sprucegoose]

Back in 2004 or 2005 when I was in early days of Uni I got a Dreadful Embarrassment satchel bag after going through a number of no-name brands and having them fall apart.

I got it after hearing about Crumpler's legendary durability. It sure as hell has paid off.

I still have the bag in daily use to carry my stuff to work and I've abused it more than anyone ever should. The worst that's happened is a bit of fraying of one area of the material where it rubs against my belt and the like.

The bags are also water proof. By that, I mean that I managed to one day burst a can of alcopop RTD in it without noticing by leaning up against the corner of a brick wall. Instead of soaking in to the bag, it pooled in the bottom and soaked some uni notes and my laptop (which thankfully didn't work). I figured that if 375mL of liquid would not even leak out of the bag, then it's pretty safe to have the rain get on it in day-to-day usage.

So yeh, I'm a massive fan of Crumpler and love my bag to bits. They're expensive but they certainly do last!

Where do you purchase them from....do we have a photo? The same reason I buy Tumi.

 

[blackcat20]

Where do you purchase them from....do we have a photo? The same reason I buy Tumi.

The website is the best place to start Crumpler | Backpacks, Camera Bags, Messenger Bags & Laptop Bags. Myer stores often stock them, and if you're in Melbourne, there is a great outlet store in Hawthorn.

 

[Sprucegoose]

The website is the best place to start Crumpler | Backpacks, Camera Bags, Messenger Bags & Laptop Bags. Myer stores often stock them, and if you're in Melbourne, there is a great outlet store in Hawthorn.

thanks for that, yes in Mel at present.

 

[blackcat20]

Crumpler have added another new piece to their range: a "boarding bag" which will fit under the seat but still fit everything you need including an iPad etc. Not too pricey either. Dry Red No 2

 

[Sprucegoose]

Crumpler have added another new piece to their range: a "boarding bag" which will fit under the seat but still fit everything you need including an iPad etc. Not too pricey either. Dry Red No 2

looks like just the thing i need, will check them out today, thanks for the tip

 

[Skyring]

Crumpler have added another new piece to their range: a "boarding bag" which will fit under the seat but still fit everything you need including an iPad etc. Not too pricey either. Dry Red No 2

Add me to the world of Crumpler fandom. Durable, well-designed for both practicality and aesthetics, and cool. I've got a small Crumpler backpack which has been sadly abused and overstuffed several times around the world, not to mention doing daily duty as my cab bag in the boot of TX-18. A camera bag or two and I have a little pouch which holds my iphone on my belt.

Cannot praise them too highly. If I have any complaints it is that the velcro fasteners tend to come adrift after a few thousand cycles. But the clips, buckles, zips and so on are made of grim eternity.

For carry-on, I use my backpack with a change of undies and socks, light jacket, emergency toilet bag, laptop, cables and so on. That goes in the locker and the Dry Red 2 looks perfect for what I take with me to the seat - the stuff I absolutely don't want to let out of my sight, or need ready to hand. Book, passport, camera, itinerary, iPad. Tuck it away under the seat in front and I'll be a happy traveller.

 

[blackcat20]

Cannot praise them too highly. If I have any complaints it is that the velcro fasteners tend to come adrift after a few thousand cycles.

I've heard you can get the Velcro replaced under the lifetime warranty, assuming you've still got the receipt.

 

[djfuzz]

I've heard you can get the Velcro replaced under the lifetime warranty, assuming you've still got the receipt.

This is unfortunately a problem with long-lived Crumpler bags, gifts and second handers - all three of which I have! Thankfully I haven't needed a repair yet either, so fingers crossed...

I still can't seem to catch them at Myer Chaddy (though have seen them at Crumpler in the CBD) - apparently they were on sale last month at 40% off, but stock flew out. Pretty annoyed I missed that!

Still have my eye on the No's 2 and 4. Would love a 5 or 3 but can't justify duplicating, especially since I got the Karachi Outpost - though I imagine I'd be pushing it to get that onboard fully laden.

 

[Skyring]

I've heard you can get the Velcro replaced under the lifetime warranty, assuming you've still got the receipt.

Actually, I probably have. It was two years ago in London, and I generally keep a folder of all my travel receipts, tickets and so on. Call me Peter Packrat. Was walking down from the British Museum - hobbling down, rather, as I had a freshly broken toe - when I saw the Crumpler sign and dashed in for a fix. The little iphone holder I bought there gets a LOT of wear!

It seems that each country has a different range of gear. Same great design and construction, but different models and different weird names.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Got one today, a laptop bag that carries everything I want to seat.

Looks like a tough little bag, I'm impressed!

 

[QF029]

I have 2 crumpler laptop bags (1 big and 1 small) and I love them. The only thing I miss is having a rear strap(?) to attach to a rollaboard when in transit. Although if you have one of the dry red rollers that probably doesn't work anyway due to the narrow handle.

Slightly OT, at the start of the year I saw the Crumpler equivalent of a large wheeler bag (not duffel) which I can no longer see on their website. From memory it was about $500 and I had it in mind to replace my 13 year old Macpac. The more rigid case is better for long work trips. Has anyone else seen this previously?

 

[djfuzz]

I got suckered in by 30% off at Myer last weekend and picked up a No 3 and No 4 (only better deal I've heard of was 40% during the stocktake sales). Both are as good as in the pics; the No 3 is much lighter than my existing WT 20 which suits me much better for carry on, and also a bit thinner and more flexible, which will help with those pesky middle bins on the 767s.

Would love a No 2, but not sure I'd actually have any justifiable reason to get it given the six other Crumpler bags I now have. It really is the poor man's / hipster's Tumi.

 

[OverrideServlet]

It really is the poor man's / hipster's Tumi.

So, so, so true.

 

[djfuzz]

I hate to be the resident Crumpler fan boy again, but figured I'd share this for anyone interested.

The Dry Red range has expanded considerably recently, with some spinners, briefcases and a rolling tote added.

Travel Bags & Travel Luggage Bags

I only realised this when I was surprised to see someone in MEL T3 rolling a number 9 from a distance which at the time I could have sworn didn't exist. I succumbed to three of the previous bags (3 and 4, and very very recently a 2) but must say I would definitely have given 7, 9 or 11 a look-in had they been around earlier. Will just have to wait until these ones wear out (or Myer has its next 40% off travel goods sale).

 

[MatF]

I bought a Dry Red #3 last week - I'm giving it it's first workput tomorrow when I head up to BrisVenice for the week. I saw the new range - some interesting bags there.
I wanted a carry-on, and for me it was a choice between the #3 and the #10. I prefer a roller over a spinner, so #3 it was

I'm impressed with it so far. I was able to fit my normal weekly clothes into it - 2 pair of trousers, PJs, socks and jocks for a week, toiletries and 4 business shirts with no problem at all.

As with all the other crumplers I have - a well made bag.

 

[djfuzz]

Have given the 3 a fair workout so far and I'd say that the fact that it is non-rigid - and as a consequence, much lighter than other similar rollers - is the best thing about it, though it does mean that you can't use it as a makeshift seat, which may be required from time to time. As with you, I think a spinner would sacrifice some of that weight / size advantage which is probably not worth it for an on-board bag.

On the other hand, while the 4 is also light, the lack of a rigid front means that you can't really risk putting in anything delicate even with padding. The spinner on the 11 might be more useful to have on a check-in bag, but the size difference might make it a bit ungainly.

While I would probably have preferred a briefcase like the 7, the 2 has forced me to take a hard look at what I'd reasonably need within arms' length on board, so I've found having it handy with an iPad, book and travel documents (and space for other removed items through security screening) is just about right - relegating the heavy laptop (sadly a Pro, not Air) to the roller.

Thanks for your recc re the Karachi Outpost by the way MatF - have been using it quite frequently for my 5DMkII kit, but haven't chanced it as a carry-on bag on a flight when fully loaded, as even to my eyes it seems too big and heavy to get through without raising a few eyebrows.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Got Tumi and Crumpler, both as good as each other. Neither has failed. Tumi obviously more expensive by a large factor, but that does not dimmish its value in the slightest.

See it like the Rangie and the Bentley....................

 

[ozimax]

I have purchased numerous Crumpler bags/satchels over the years. They are the bees-knees. Expensive yes, but bombproof. I can't recommend them enough.

 

[Mh4k]

Santa brought me the Dry Red No. 3 and I shall be putting it through its paces on January 4th. Initial impressions are... Definitely a Crumpler. Sturdy, thoughtfully designed and stylish. Love it

 

[ozimax]

Santa brought me the Dry Red No. 3 and I shall be putting it through its paces on January 4th. Initial impressions are... Definitely a Crumpler. Sturdy, thoughtfully designed and stylish. Love it

Be interested in hearing your review after using it. We have a European trip coming up in February and I most probably will need another bag of some description.