Crumpler Dry Red No. 5

13yrs strong – I’ve had this backpack for 13yrs I think. Maybe more… I’m sure I paid a premium for it when I got it. I don’t know how crumpler make their bags now, but this backpack is like new. I use it for carrying a laptop, air travel, occasionally hiking, weekends away, you know, backpack stuff. I nearly had a laptop fall out too. But I noticed it wasn’t… Read more

zipped closed and thought “geez, nearly stuffed up there” kinda never crossed my mind that some how the bag was at fault, since, it did everything it was supposed to. Maybe it’s a mindset to see fault in equipment rather than the operator…?

“I put the backpack on my front, it didn’t work well as a backpack… One Star!” LOL.

So you may notice from looking at it that it clearly doesn’t have side pockets. Really? This is the complaint?

“I knew it didn’t have side pockets, but I bought it anyway, later I noticed it still didn’t have side pockets, even though I closed my eyes and wished really hard, they didn’t appear… One Star!” LOL.

Anyway, 3 side opening outer pocket, yeah, a bit different. I haven’t noticed any of my stuff falling out. Were you holding it upside down perhaps?

“When I open it up and stick my head inside I I can’t see where I’m going… One Star!” LOL

It’s got a kazillion little slots for everything. It is a bit of a learning curve I guess, but you put your bag on your desk, turn it sideways if you like, open the wide mouth 3 side zipper, flip the whole thing out of your way and have full access to get any stuff out. I like this idea because it’s easy to access all my stuff without having to dig ‘through’ stuff to get to the bottom of a compartment accessed by a narrow top zipper.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to put it on a desk and say you want to access it upright, even if it’s still slung on one of your shoulders, then just unzip the top section of the zipper, like a normal top zipper. Just because the zipper runs around 3 of the 4 sides, doesn’t mean you have to unzip it all the way around. The zipper starts at the top, start unzipping, stop when you’re ready. The choice is in your hands.

This is a thoughtfully designed well made bag with some novel ideas that has served me well for over a decade. The buckles on the outside are a bit redundant it seems. I’ve never had to use them. The zippers are insanely sturdy and I haven’t needed the extra support of the buckles.

If you struggle with personal responsibility regarding your choices or shortcuts in life, then this bag is a fantastic outlet.

5 stars, but good luck buying one. Wouldn’t expect them to be around anymore because too many people were overwhelmed by their own mental deficiencies and blamed the bag I guess.

Tough backpack – I purchased from the official website and it was on sale with 70% off, so I am glad that I find this bag and love to have it because it has a nice style and is waterproof. I carry to the gym since then and other times it also can handle heavy duty, which is amazing. Show details

Solid backpack – It was initially observed in a forum where someone commented on the package and the evaluation was very good. I just need to change a bag, so I bought this one. This package does not look great but can hold a lot of things, is of good quality and strong, and most importantly it offers a lifetime warranty.

Crumpler bags and service – Crumpler bags are fantastic and their backup service is amazing. I have four Crumpler bags - Dry Red No.5 backpack, the Miner Upset satchel, Dry Red No.2 Boarding bag, and a lightweight backpack that I cant remember the name of. The Dry red No.5 and No.2 are my choice for overseas travel and have done three trips to Japan backpacking around… Read more

with only carry on luggage. The No.5 has just enough room to carry what you need without adding (or enabling) more weight.

The No.2 takes my DSLR with pancake lens, a spare lens and has a zipped spot inside for money/passport. This combo generally comes in just under 7kg for carry on.

What stands Crumpler apart is the after sales service. The stitching where the strap attaches on my no.2 came undone and needed repair. Sent Crumpler some close up photos, posted it down to them, they fixed it the next day and sent it back the day after. No charge!. And they kept me updated by email every step.

Very good bag, and water proof! – This is a very good bad for laptop and school/office use. I got it from Myer when they had 50% off. So only $115 which was very good value. However, more and more people are using this bag so you may see the same bag on train and in office everyday:) I use it daily to office and it has been wet and dry. My laptop is well protected and the documents inside are always dry. I love it very much.

Massive design flaw – It has a side pocket for you laptop and it's hard to tell if it's zipped up. When I picked it up and hung only the left strap on my shoulder my mac book pro fell out and went slinding along the concrete and now has a huge dint. Don't buy!!!

Bloody Good Bag – Amazing Design Waterproof material Handy for all size loads Expander is very useful Front panel good for bits and pieces

Crumpler #5 Dry Red Backpack is the worst designed backpack ever – I bought this on the run in Brisbane, and initially liked the slim-line profile, good laptop padding and comfortable straps. I was annoyed that it didn't have exterior or side pockets for a water bottle or magazine...but was in a hurry so didn't weight this highly. However after a year of use I am ditching this bag because of the two side opening… Read more

pockets. The front pocket is nearly useless - difficult to access unless you completely unzip it, and then anything not secured falls to the ground. It was too slim and not able to hold much. Worse though is the side-opening laptop pocket. Leave that unzipped when you pick it up, as I did once or twice and your laptop will fall out. That zipper can catch in clothes and unzip too. For a relatively expensive backpack it's just not worth it. Comfortable straps Side opening pockets - a design disaster