for Canon 350D XT
As with most camera bags, the Keystone is easily reconfigurable using padded inserts with velcro-backed tabs. Crumpler's backpack design is unique in that the REAR panel opens, there is no front-panel access. I liked this concept, and so far it seems to work nicely. On the exterior of the bag are zip pouches on either side, but aside from the main rear panel, there is no exterior access to the main compartment.
The laptop sleeve is a separate padded pouch, mounted in a pretty ingenious fashion inside the backpack. It's removable (again) by releasing some clever velcro tabs. The sleeve has a number of "organizer" type slots and holders on the exterior face for pens/pencils, etc, as well as a flat (but expanding) zip pouch for additional storage. For reference, my laptop is 12x10x1.5 (I know, a clunky old dog) and fits this sleeve perfectly.
The main camera equipment compartment will pretty easily hold three small primes/zooms, my 28-75 mounted on the XT with battery grip, and a medium zoom like the 75-300 or 70-200/4L. Those with big L-glass will probably need to reconfigure from where I have my bag set currently, as my lenses are all relatively small in diameter. There are a number of dividers included, I have one spare vs. what is shown in the pics. Because of the shape of this bag, the dividers are shaped somewhat oddly, so it may require a little "creativity" to configure to your tastes/gear. One minor annoyance is the lack of any small contained compartments inside the main section. It would be handy to have some small-item (CF cards, light, tools, blower, etc) storage that was self-contained but attached internally.
Covering the equipment section is a rubber-mesh type material that zips around the perimeter. There is a single stretch/velcro retention strap included, although I'd personally like to have one or two more. The main equipment section is actually a self-contained sub-bag of the larger backpack. This was a surprise to me, and I think it's a good feature. Velcro around is used around the entire perimeter to hold the equipment compartment (very) securely inside the main backpack shell. Between the removable main compartment and quickly detachable laptop sleeve, this bag could be used for most any purpose within several seconds.
The overall construction of the Keystone seems to be of very high quality. The materials are mostly heavy thickness/grade fabrics, and the zippers are heavy-duty stuff as well. All of the zippers have large metal pulls attached, which I find to be a nice touch. This makes them quickly and easily accessible, and gives a nice quality feel. Cosmetically, I really like the bag. I chose plain black, but there is also a tan/brown version available. The Crumpler "stick guy" logo abounds, it's pretty much everywhere. Some may or may not like this, but I don't mind - it makes the bag look that much less "camera-ish." At first I wasn't keen on the funky sky-blue interior color, but I can say that small items are easily spotted against this color material.
Padding in the Keystone is good. The interior dividers are "typical" in their pad level, and the exterior padding is somewhere between reasonable and substantial. The shoulder straps are thickly padded as well, making it a comfortable bag to wear. One item to note: The laptop sleeve acts as "filler" inside the bag, between the back panel and the top mesh surface of the equipment compartment. The back panel itself is very thickly padded, so this isn't necessary from a purely protective standpoint. However, there appears to be a potential for lenses and other items to move around in the equipment section without the laptop sleeve in place to fill potential space in between panel and compartment. I've carried the bag a couple times without the laptop sleeve in place (I've taken to using the sleeve with my laptop in my daily briefcase/messenger bag!), and have not noticed any significant movement of the camera gear. That said, for the utmost in security of your items, it looks like the best option is to leave the sleeve (even if empty) mounted inside the Keystone for heavier-duty transport.
Likes:
-Padding
-Materials
-Flexibility
-Appearance (personal taste)
-Comfort in use
Dislikes:
-Potential requirement for laptop sleeve
-Laptop sleeve requires minor "tucking" when zipping rear panel
-No small-item containment in equipment compartment
The Crumpler Keystone is probably just about right for my gear. I'm a newbie with not nearly the level of equipment (quality nor quantity) as many others, but so far it appears that it will suit my fledgling shutterbug needs for the moment. I would not hesitate to buy another Crumpler based on my experiences so far. Aside from a few minor issues as mentioned above, it appears to be a good bag for my needs. Time will tell, I'm hopeful it's reliable and of good construction for the long haul. I would like to also try one of Crumpler's "Million Dollar Home" messenger-style bags. Based on the Keystone, I have high expectations.
Exterior Shots with measure
Internal Shots
Main Mesh
Laptop
Crumpler pulls
thanks to Mark Stheiner for pics and comments.
Manufacturers Description:
33x43x20cm [external] 26x30x3.5cm [laptop sleeve]
You need the ultimate combination of a location photo/video pack,12" IT case and sport-travel backpack that provides ample ergonomics, stability, protection and stealth, all in a package that is fully convertible between these three specifications. This is the basic model, for compact D-SLR/video kits. Full photobackpack, professional photo gigsters, The Keystone is the bag for u... Features:Water resistant 1000D Nylon shell & 420D Ripstop Nylon lining, rear opening main compartment w/ removable fully padded mesh w/ zip lid, Brushed Nylon lined configurable camera compartment & removable laptop sleeve w/ 6 pocket organizer, 2 x external covered & gusseted zip pockets, spine slot back pad, carry handle, chest & waist straps, D rings accessory loops & retro reflective strips on adjustable harness straps, fits 12" laptop Holds:
Location photo/laptop backpack, fully convertible. Rearward opening convertible 12" photo/laptop backpack is low profile - for great stability, good security - access to main compartment only if bag is off -shoulders, and good durability - the main zip works with, not against the bag. On location the bag is placed 'front' down - the harness and back pad stay cleaner so you do too! The main photo compartment is fully configurable, has plastic sheet cored foam inserts that prevent hot spots on equipment and is full removable, allowing the back pack to be used solely for cargo. The removable insert for 12" laptops can be used to insulate your lap whilst working, from a hot laptop. For extra support deploy the adjustable chest strap. Use the shoulder straps to attach an optional extra Thirsty Al mobile phone holder.
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