Crumpler Beer Back Review

Hey all,

Got my Crumpler Beer Back and I figured some people would be interested in finding out a little bit about it..

This will just be a short preview type review first, then I'll update with pictures etc later on (tonight, hopefully).

Anyway some first thoughts about it:

- I really like how the laptop sleeve slots in, firmly against your back. It is really on there, and your laptop will be very secure against your back. There is still room to fit other stuff (lunch, thermos etc) in the bag part and it won't be pressed against your laptop.

- Good pocket sizes, both inside and out. 2 outside pockets with zippers, 2 large inside pockets with velcro and a smaller mesh one at the top with a zipper.

- The sleeve holds my 15.4" ferrari quite capably, however if I put it in the sumdex sleeve it is a very tight fit. Mostly it is the handles on the sumdex that causes the tightness. The sleeve has holders for pens and another zipper pocket on the outside. As mentioned above, the sleeve slots onto the back of the pack really well with a couple velcro tabs. The velcro tabs fold onto themselves so when the sleeve is not in the bag you won't be collecting lint and junk on them! Neat.

- The straps are incredibly comfortable. I have pretty big shoulders and they fit just fine on me, but I don't know if I'll ever use the chest strap. Thankfully they didn't bother putting a waist strap on them. There is a nice handgrip at the top that sort of tucks out of the way as well.

I've just used it for the one day now and overall I quite like it. Between this and the "Cashmere Blazer" I have the messenger bag and backpack covered! I think the BeerBack is much better if you will be toting around your laptop much, as the single strap on the messenger bag isn't as comfortable when there is more weight in the bag.

I'll add more info (and pics!) later, but if anyone has any questions about it I'll be happy to answer!


PS: On a side note, people with the sumdex sleeve + cats should be aware the thing is like a freakin' magnet to them. I don't know why, but unless I put the sleeve up and out of the way I will find my cat curled up on it snoozing. A once-over with the lint brush and it is good to go, though. Just a heads up!

 

Heh, yea the Sumdex sleeve = great pillow.

I find myself using it during class more and more

Great review, I can't wait for the pictures!

I've been trying to find that bag for a while now - but not in stock

 

Oh I should mention I got the gunmetal/oatmeal/black one.. The inside is a nice baby blue along with the sleeve.

Hopefully Photococan will get more in stock, I see they have the "Brian's Hot Tub" which is the larger model for a fair bit more.

Also, while they say a 17" laptop is ok in the BeerBack, I think that would probably be pushing it, size wise. Unless it was one really svelte like the powerbook, perhaps.

 

Yea, same for the Very Busy Man. It was stated for 17" - but it fit my z70va loosely, with the Sumdex, like a glove. Probrably for PowerBooks.

I saw the Hot Tub - too big

 

I know this thread is rather dated, but hopefully someone can still comment on it.

I've been researching on the forums about Crumpler bags, and I'm trying to find a messenger or backpack that can accommodate a 14"WS laptop (Asus w3J) with a sleeve as well (so maybe up to 15") I'd also want something that can hold at least 2 fat textbooks or binders with the lappy inside, and hopefully more without the laptop inside. I've looked at the beerback and the cashmere blazer as my top two choices. I currently have a Tumi bag someone got for me (T-Tech expandable messenger) but it is rather small and I am not sure it can accommodate all my books on a heavy study day.

Any info you can give would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

A