“What the? Is this a kiddie bag?!” was my first impression when I saw the Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home Backpack. This little bag is one of the creative attempts of Crumpler to diversify their Million Dollar Home (M$H) camera bags line. Previously I reviewed their regular 4M$H shoulder bag then the new 3M$H sling bag. Now how does the M$H translate as a backpack? I put the camera backpack to a test on several trips to see how effective and functional it is.
Design
The Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home Backpack also sports the same sturdy water-repellant fabric and tough stitching as the other M$H series. The main compartment is similar to what we see inside a M$H bag series for this 5 M$H, we have to adjustable and removable velcro dividers. I really like the front compartment with zippered mesh and multiple pockets. Easy to keep things organized and secure. There’s also a zippered back pocket that can fit notebooks, wallet, mobile phones or even a small tablet. The backpack strap is solid, wide and comfortably padded. There are hook loops on each side. The 5 M$H Backpack comes in Black and Dark Red (with gray) variant.
Function and Use
The backpack looks small but it’s surprisingly spacious. Since I have a compact mirrorless cameras, I could fit my camera and up to 3 extra lenses in the main compartment with still space on the top. I can even fit two mirrorless cameras inside. Trying to be creative, loosening up the velcro dividers on one side, I can still put my iPad, a water bottle, a camera with lens and two small lenses inside. If you have a regular sized DSLR it would take considerable room in the bag’s main compartment. I still find that I’m short of room, what I do is hook my water bottle with a carabiner on the side.
On my back, the Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home Backpack fits comfortably. I just wish I had a way to lock the zippers. The top handle would benefit with a bigger handle room as well. Using it as the main bag is no problem. It was challenging though to have it as a second bag wearing it at my front along with my main pack at the back when I was hiking through the mountains of Kalinga. It did prove effective though as I can easily access my cameras at the front.
Verdict
I kinda underestimated the bag at first look and thought it wouldn’t have a place in my setup but it does. If I want a compact camera bag to take for short day hikes, bike trips or city stroll and want it to exclusively contain my camera gear the Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home Backpack would suffice. So no laptop compartments here or for other items. It just makes me organize my stuff and bring only what i need with this bag. The Php 4,950 price here could spell the difference as other camera bags in this price range does offer more space and features. It’s just a question of wether you want a little funky yet sturdy bag that can safely secure camera gear with Crumpler’s patented quality, then this would be a viable option.
The Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home Backpack has a standard retail price of Php 4,950.00. Available at Crumpler Philippines stores in Bonifacio Global City, Trinoma, Robinsons Magnolia and the flagship store at the East Wing of ShangriLa Mall. Crumpler products are also available at partner re-sellers Beyond the Box, Canon, Crumpler Stores, DigiHub, Digital Arena, Digital Hub, Digital Walker, Digital Walker Zoom, District 32, G-Stop, GBX, F8 Photoshop, iCenter, Islands and More, iStudio, Macy’s Camera, Mobile1, Nikon Store, PRG Photoshop, Rustan’s, SM Department Store, Toby’s Arena, Trilogy, Urbanathletics. Visit www.crumpler.com or the Crumpler Philippines Facebook page.
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