Crumpler Quick Escape Toploader 800 at a glance:
- Quick and easy camera access, thanks to the top-loading design
- Available in a range of colours
- Air-flow mesh padding on the back
- Inner pocket for a tablet
- Price: £65
- Website: www.crumpler.eu
The Crumpler Quick Escape Toploader comes in seven bag sizes: Quick Escape 100, 150, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 800. The smallest is the 100, which comfortably carries a compact camera, and the largest is the 800, which is on test here.
The bag measures 26x30x13cm (outer size) and is designed to carry a small/medium DSLR with a lens attached, two medium-sized zoom lenses, or a couple of large primes. Padded dividers in the centre separate lenses and cameras. The rear has a padded space for a 10in tablet, too.
Inside are various pockets for memory cards and other small accessories, although there’s not an abundance of space. The front houses a shallow zip pocket, which is ideal for a wallet or keys – provided you’re not worried about safety (the zip is very exposed).
The outside is made from water-resistant and durable Chicken Tex material, while the inside is a RipStop nylon to help prevent tears.
There are two ways to wear the bag – either around the waist like a belt, or over the shoulder and secured with a clip like a sling.
Crumpler Quick Escape Toploader 800 – Key features
Shoulder fastening
A second part of the strap can be attached, which clips into the bottom corner of the bag, giving more security across the user’s body.
Air-flow back
At the rear of the bag you’ll find an air-flow mesh that helps to prevent the wearer becoming hot.
Waterproof cover
There’s an attached waterproof cover on the underside – at the ready to cover the bag in bad weather.
Crumpler Quick Escape Toploader 800 – Verdict
Crumpler has years of experience making bags, so as you’d expect the materials are of a very high standard. Laden, the bag is difficult to wear in any way other than a sling, but this is very comfortable. As camo goes, it’s also rather stylish although there is also an all-black version available. For travelling with a small amount of kit, the Toploader offers both quick access and comfort.
SCORE: 4 out of 5
You may also consider:
Lowepro Passport Camera Sling III
Price: £54
Website: www.lowepro.co.uk
Available in brown or black the Lowepro Passport is not as stylish as the Crumpler, but does offer similar capacity. It also gives easy access to cameras while on the move.
Think Tank TurnStyle 10
Price: £60
Website: www.thinktankphoto.com
Sporting similar high-quality materials with great durability, the Think Tank TurnStyle 10 is an excellent sling bag. There are also larger versions of the bag available in the range.
Zkin Hamsa
Price: £130
Website: www.z-kin.com
Unlike the Crumpler, the Zkin Hamsa can house a laptop up to 13in as well as a tablet and small DSLR kit. Its messenger-bag style gives access to cameras right away.
