Storing the camera gear that I seem to tote all over has long been a dilemma.  I have used a number of different configurations of storage to keep my camera gear while never being very satisfied with the results.  Camera bags always seem to be either are too little too big, uncomfortable to carry, or scream “steal me I am full of expensive camera gear”

I have recently reviewed the Crumpler Bumper Issue Hydration Pack, and was very impressed with the quality and workmanship they put into their gear. The 8 Million Dollar home stays true to this focus on quality and is by every indication a very well made bag.   They are also stylish, combining unique colors of the water resistant 900D shell and the 150D ripstop lining stand out from the drab run-of-the-mill bags that dominate peoples backs and shoulders.

• Height- 33cm
• Width- 38cm
• Depth- 18cm
• Volume 18L

I store a Nikon D40 camera,  25- 50mm lens, a 30-200 lens, a flash, a mini tripod,  batteries, SD cards, filters,  a small camcorder, DV tapes, a backup point and shoot camera in a case, pencils, pens, notepads, and assorted other junk with room to spare for a light coat, my travel coffee mug and more inside this bag.  In fact this bag can store a much larger kit than I currently have. The nice part about the 8-Million Dollar home is the dividers are configurable through a series of Velcro components that stick to the soft interior lining to match and protect whatever gear you are carrying.  I would love to see a dedicated laptop sleeve within the bag,  as I was not able to configure it to carry my 13″ Macbook, but perhaps that is the domain of a larger bag.

I have tried a number of different configurations of camera bags, and have come to the conclusion that most situations  a messenger style bag works the best for me.  The top flap keeps my gear secure, but is easy to access by sliding it around to my front,  and pulling open the flap.  My favorite feature on the 8 Million Dollar home are the flaps that cover the Velcro closures securing the top flap to the body of the bag.  Most occasions the security of the Velcro tabs are something I appreciate.  The other day I was shooting a Christmas Program in a church, and the ripping sound of  opening the flap of my bag while changing lenses would not work well with the reverent atmosphere in the church.  The flaps allowed me to silence this problem, and shoot without being obtrusive.

Like all Crumpler bags I have come across, the 8 Million Dollar Home is bullet proof.  I think I could drag this bag behind a truck, and it would look like new after dusting it off.  I have dragged this bag all over the place over the last few months, and I have to say that I am looking forward to the day in the future I can even say the bag is broken in.  It still looks like new.

Crumpler’s  8 million Dollar Home hits the sweet spot in size comfort and looks.  It is big enough to hold a days worth of camera gear, plus a few essential personal items,  it is pretty comfortable, with a wide, padded, sliding shoulder strap, and has a look closer to a messenger bag than a camera bag.  In fact I have a number of friends wonder why I was carrying my gear in a messenger bag rather the my camera bag. If you are looking for an all purpose Camera gear hauler the Crumpler 8 Million Dollar Home may be just the bag for you.