Crumpler bags offer style, function for your gear

Let's be honest here: I'm not the most fashion-foward person around (shocked, I know), and when it comes function vs. style, I almost always take function. And in today's world, it seems that most laptop, digicam, and other utility bags are either super functional, yet are black, boring and lack any style, or they're fashionable, slim, and attractive, yet they either give up function and are mostly geared towards women's tastes.

Now, Crumpler is looking to change that. After getting started with messenger bags in Australia, Crumpler is now taking on America with the launch of its new Web portal and first ever west coast retail store (there are two Crumpler retail stores in NYC). I got a chance to check out the launch event last week, and I got some hands-on time with a few of the bags.

Aside from messenger bags, they manufacture digital camera bags of various sizes (small point-and-shoots to heavy-duty SLR bags), laptop bags, luggage and traveling bags, and other accessories.

My personal favorite? The "Brazillion Dollar Home". This heavy-duty SLR bag can hold two SLRs, additional lenses, and a 17-inch MacBook Pro safely, and there are also special compartments to store memory cards, additional lights, tripods, and more. Also, the bag can be arranged in a fashion to support your notebook, providing a quick-and-dirty place to get your Photoshop on. And there's a hidden rain cover stashed away, and the bag also attaches to rolling suitcases via a fabric band on the back side. Clearly a lot of thought went into this bag, and it pays off.

If that bag is a bit hardcore, check out all the other bags they have at Crumpler.com.au. They have a wide selection available online, and if you're in the San Francisco Area, hit up the new retail location at Westfield Mall in downtown to give 'em a hands-on workout. Or if you're lucky enough, hit up one of the New York City locations—those locations offer impressive customization options that can make your bag completely unique.

Crumpler Bags — Crumpler.com.au