I’ve been in the market for a decent camera bag ever since I got my hands on my Nikon D90. As I already have an awesome Case Logic backpack, I tried searching for a messenger bag under their product line but found none that fits my needs. While Case Logic does have some bags that fit the description, they’re not camera bags which means the don’t have sufficient padding and/or protection to keep my gear safe and snug. Then I came across this brand called Crumpler Bags. It was love at first sight 😀

What struck me first about Crumpler is that they name their bags in a very unique way 🙂 I sorta like it. One Million Dollar Home, The Sinking Barge, Old Banger, Baby Pea, etc. Puts a smile on your face doesn’t it?

I went for the Six Million dollar home over it’s smaller models (Four Million Dollar Home, Five Million Dollar Home) because it provides ample space for my currently limited gear with room for expansion. The official crumpler site says you can fit one camera with lens attached (up to 6″/15cm long), one flash and one lenses in the Six Million Dollar Home. As I still don’t have an external flash and I’m saving up for a Nikkor 18-200mm VRII lens, my bag contains the following:

• Nikon D90 + kit lens (Nikkor 18-105mm VR) + Crumpler’s Industry Disgrace Neckstrap)
• PSP Phat
• Wallet

Here’s a snap shot of what’s inside my bag. Do note that not all the items listed above are visible (blame the flaps).

What I like about the Six Million Dollar Home

It’s roomy. I could have gone with a Seven Million or an Eight Million or even a Brazillion (yes, it’s a Brazillion) Dollar Home but they’re too big for my taste. Anything bigger and I’d prefer to go with my backpack rather than a messenger/shoulder bag. The Six Million Dollar Home simply fits my needs with room to spare :D. Even with a camera grip attached, my D90, will snugly fit into it.

The bag is water resistant so if you get caught in a drizzle, your gear will still remain snug and dry. If you plan to get wet (and I mean really wet) though, I suggest getting a rain cover for your bag. Better safe than sorry 😀

There’s side pockets for your minute gadgets, gizmos and accessories like my ML-L3 Remote, extra SD cards etc. There’s one on the flap of the bag, two in the front (that’s one inside the other) and two more on both sides of the bag. Be mindful of what you put in there though, especially on the side flaps as they’re somewhat exposed to the elements unlike the two on the front and the one on the flap.

There’s silencers for the velcro on the main opening of the bag if you’re sick and tired of hearing it’s distinctive sound.

The bag has straps for accessories like a small tripod (you can attach a bigger tripod but you can imagine how awkward it is to move with that much weight on your side :(). These are locate on the sides of the bag. Not to useful on the go but they’re quite handy if you don’t like having to fish inside your bag for stuff.

Ok I’m sold. What’s the con?

I guess my main qualm about the Six Million Dollar Home is it’s price. It cost me nearly as much as my Case Logic SLR backpack but with all it’s pros that I’ve listed above, it’s worth it 😀

I’ll try to do a review on the Industry Disgrace Neckstrap this weekend 🙂

Anyone else using a crumpler bag and loving it? Post your comments below and spread your love of Crumpler 😀