Messenger bags are everywhere these days. They are attractive to many different sorts, and lean heavily on the hipster side. Some bags are all “looks”, while others are all “tech”.
Crumpler makes cool bags that work.
I have been using Crumpler’s “The Complete Seed.” Now this is coming from someone that is sitting “bag heavy”(too many backpacks). I have always been more of the backpack kind of guy, and never really committed to the messenger bag with fear of having to get new clothes, or start up kit.
Backpacks seem easy to use, but the idea of dismounting and remounting without twisting ones shoulder and arm is kind of a turn-off. I don’t know how many times my right arm could not find its way into its strap due to the cumbersome nature of the backpack.
The Complete Seed is easy to use and nearly indestructible. The liner of the bag is made of rip stop nylon, which can’t be torn by either spiral notebooks or pencils. The outer shell is a durable water resistant nylon.

Securing a bag can be hard at times; however, this bag has an easy to use shoulder strap, that is adjustable, through its “Quick Flip” buckle. Once the bag is shouldered then the “Third Leg” strap secures the pouch into a sure spot. The sack’s contents will always remain safe. The top of the pack is fastened not only with two nylon straps; but, with three big , and ovalized velcro patches. Without the velcro, that some other messenger style bags don’t have; content seems to get lost. Nothing is going to escape the double hold of the “Complete Seed” no matter how big the fall, bounce, or tumble.
The Complete Seed has no padding inside, which makes the bag completely crushable. Crumpler does make padded inserts for computers and cameras. This is not a problem to most. I wrapped my Apple Powerbook G4 in a tee-shirt and slid it into the bag which was fine. I also don’t want a bag that takes up much space. Even though this sachel takes up little space, it holds up to 22 liters of space, which is enough to carry; well, anything worth carrying.

Stats: The latest version of Crumpler’s original CD3 messenger bag.

• Water resistant 1000D Nylon shell & 420D Ripstop Nylon lining
• 3x external pockets
• 3x internal front pockets
• Removable shoulder pad with “Third Leg” stability strap
• Clip & Velcro release flap
• Adjustable main strap w/ Quick Flick (TM) buckle and strap-trap accessory loop.
• Exactly 1 case/slab of beer.
• Use the main or side strap to attach an optional extra Thirsty Al mobile phone holder.
• Converts to photo/video equipment bag with optional extra Bucket BU-04A insert.
• Weeks tested: 6
• Retail Cost: $105

Order One At Crumpler Now!

Trackback Thursday’s presents Claus Bech or “the two fingered author” a danish cyclist thats writes about his training lifestyle while staying in the luxurious foothills of Tucson.

The Two Fingered Author