Crumpler is most widely known for their Million Dollar Home series of camera bags, well-loved by photographers. However, that isn’t the only style bag they make. Besides camera, messenger, and laptop bags, they have branched out into other styles. The Bumper Issue is Crumpler’s answer to Camelback’s hydration packs. The simple daypack ships with a 2-liter Source hydration bladder, and has 440 cubic inches of space. Not a lot, but perfect for stashing a few necessities (keys, cellphone, wallet, camera) on a trail run, bike ride, or short day hike.
On first glance, the pack seems pretty basic: one large main compartment with a handy divider to keep contents organized (access to the main compartment is easy with one buckle attached to the to the top flap), and two outside zipper compartments that run the length of the center of the back. However, once you look closer, there are lots of nice touches that make it stand out from other hydration packs of comparable size. The Source hydration bladder included is of the ‘fold-to-seal’ variety, like Hydrapak or Platypus. This makes refilling easy, as you don’t have to fumble with and lids that screw on. Rather than snake along the outside of the shoulder strap, the drinking tube is threaded through the inside, which keeps it from getting twisted or caught on anything (and you can choose between the left or right straps). The compression straps on each side of the pack are great for strapping a jacket or any extra layers that you don’t need. An added bonus: the hydration bladder’s bite valve has a cover, great for keeping out debris.
Crumpler definitely had safety in mind when they designed this pack; there is an integrated safety whistle on the sternum strap buckle, and reflective material on the exterior of the pack for high visibility. There is a small daisy chain on the back as well, and while I doubt people would be strapping on lots of equipment, it’s perfect for a small bike light for night-visibility (in addition to the reflective material).
Even when the pack has a full hydration bladder and is stuffed with gear, the shoulder straps distribute weight evenly and are easy to adjust. The Bumper Issue also has mesh back panel with two channels of padding that keeps the pack’s weight off your spine. There is also a removable waist belt, with handy clips to keep excess length out of the way. All these features combine to create a hydration pack that molds to your back and feels like it’s hardly there.
Overall, the Bumper Issue is a hydration pack that keeps it simple, and performs well. It retails for $95, and comes in a variety of colors.
