“A Casual bag” is how Crumpler calls the Western Lawn. It’s a fairly simple messenger bag, with one main compartment and several small pockets, good for day trips or even overnight trips.

Technically speaking, the storage space is 11 liters. Practically speaking, the main compartment was large enough to accommodate a large bath towel, a pair of pants, a sports shirt, an undershirt, socks and underwear, and a large toiletries bag, which I brought with me when meeting up with some other TN editors for a morning run. Into the smaller pockets — three small one on the inside, and one large one outside the main compartment — went my wallet, ID, house and car keys, phone charger, and a few other small items.

This would be a good bag for day trips or overnight trips. It can easily take a few items of clothing, some electronics for entertainment (your phone or tablet, their chargers), a bag or two of junk food, a bottle of water. Or, alternately, you could put in a six pack, a couple of magazines, and a pocketbook. If needed, you could also dump in a laptop, though it will have to be in its own case or sleeve as there is no dedicated laptop compartment.

Crumpler Western Lawn

As with other Crumpler bags, this one is sturdily built. The bag itself is made of thick ballistic nylon, and the inside lining is printed with a new and playful Crumpler pattern that extends to the piping of the cover flap. The shoulder strap is thick and durable — exactly like the one on another Crumpler bag I’ve used daily for a couple of years, without looking any worse for the wear.

There are three small pockets on the inside, with the central one secured by a velcro strip; the other two on the sides are open. Then there is one large pocket outside, which is roomy enough for items such an an iPad or a couple of magazines.

The only thing I don’t like about the Western Lawn is that only Velcro is used to secure the bag. Two large Velcro patches secure the cover flap to the front side, and a small Velcro patch keeps the central inside pocket closed. I don’t like the ripping sound that Velcro makes when you open the flap or the pocket, and I’d feel more secure if the cover flap were secured by plastic buckles as well and the inside pockets by zippers.

Crumpler bags tend to be pricey, but if you are looking for a nicely designed, sturdily built multi-purpose bag that will last you several years, then this would be a good choice.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

• Php3,2500
• Crumpler stores, Digital Walker, Digital Hub, and Beyond the Box stores

LIKES

• Thick, sturdy, adjustable shoulder strap
• Lots of small pockets
• Conservative but attractive design

DISLIKES

• Inside pockets are open
• Uses only velcro fasteners

Jason

Jason de Villa is teacher by day and a geek at all other times of the day. When he’s not teaching, he’s reading and writing about technology, looking for ways technology can help in education. His favorite noodles: Pancit Malabon Express.

email: jason@technoodling.netwebsite: http://www.technoodling.net