Crumpler Complete Seed Bag

www.crumpler.com, 2.4 pounds
Upgrading a piece of gear always comes with guilt. “The earlier version really is perfectly fine in every way,” our loyal heart tells us, while our lustful side just wants to play with something new. Happily, in the case of Crumpler’s Complete Seed, the urge is no fickle fascination.  This model elevates the older classic (one that a loyal tester has used for nearly a decade) in almost every way: A commuter-friendly patch of reflective fabric now lines the lower section of the pack bag, and the internal organization has been reconfigured. The main zipper pouch has been moved up to the front, with two big Velcro-closures on either side. Two side pockets flank the inner pouch, perfect for sunglasses and various electronics, while two outer side pockets secure the excess shoulder strap and quick-grab items without overtaking the bag’s inner storage. What hasn’t changed is the pack’s generous 1,400-cubic-inch storage capacity, the bomber-proof, fully-weatherproof 1000D fabric, and a 300D interior fabric, which shrugs off wear and tear better than a first-round draft pick. Three big Velcro patches secure the main flap. The shoulder strap pad and cross-body stabilization strap both are removable, and the shoulder strap itself is long enough to accommodate any kind of fit, from the body-hugging bike messenger to the let-it-hang hippy look.  Wear it high and tight, and the pack weight distributes evenly across your shoulders. Loosening the strap is easy, thanks the easy-to-use, oversized pressure buckle—at least it was after we moved the small plastic loop further down the strap (move that piece of plastic too close to the quick-release flap and on-the-fly-adjustments become laborious).  Otherwise, the Complete Seed is the bee’s knees—provided Crumpler doesn’t come up with a way to improve on this pack again. And yes, the old model is still in full use.