CRDBAG is a Swedish start-up that specializes in creating storage solutions for filmmakers and photographers. You may remember that last year I reviewed their CRDPOUCH range on the site, well now they have a new MKII version.
CRDPOUCH consists of a range of different-sized pouches that can be used to store a variety of items. Above you can see a video showing the original CRDPOUCH range.
What’s new?
CRDBAG hasn’t strayed too far from the path with the new MKII versions. They feature the same basic design and construction, but they have changed a few things.
The clear mesh window has been upgraded to crease-proof 0.8mil TPU. There are now also more options for pouch labeling with a velcro panel on front, and a hypalon side label for stitched-on customization.
MOLLE/PALS compatible webbing has also been placed on the back of the pouch to increase attachment possibilities.
CRDPOUCH MKII
The CRDPOUCH MKII comes in four different sizes:
- Small CRDPOUCH
- Medium CRDPOUCH
- Large CRDPOUCH
- Extra Large CRDPOUCH
The dimensions and weight of the four different pouches is as follows:
CRDPOUCH SMALL
Dimensions: 10 X 23 X 0.5 cm (3.9″H X 9″W X 0.2″D)
Weight: 95 g (0.2 lbs)
CRDPOUCH MEDIUM
Dimensions: 15 X 28 X 0.5 cm (5.9″H X 11″W X 0.2″D)
Weight: 115 g (0.25 lbs)
CRDPOUCH LARGE
Dimensions: 20 X 33 X 0.5 cm (7.9″H X 13″W X 0.2″D)
Weight: 145 g (0.32 lbs)
CRDPOUCH EXTRA LARGE
Dimensions: 25 X 43 X 0.5 cm (9.8″H X 17″W X 0.2″D)
Weight: 195 g (0.43 lbs)
What are they made out of?
The CDPOUCH MKII range is made out of military spec Cordura, e-Hypalon, and EVA/ crease-proof 0.8mil TPU mesh film. The aquagaurd zipper is made by Japanese company YKK and there is an HK sling hook.
These are all quality materials, and as a reference, Think Tank also uses YKK zippers. People are bound to say, ‘Oh, YKK zippers are nothing exotic, but I have never had one fail and I have owned bags with YKK zippers for more than a decade.
Build Quality
These are really well-made and solidly constructed pouches. The material is very robust and the zippers give you a sense of confidence when you use them. They are not bags that are going to break or fail. I have been using the original CDPOUCHs for more than 8 months now.
Key features
- Various options for labeling
- Transparent front mesh
- Weather-resistant YKK zipper
- Zipped inner organizer pocket
- Custom Apple AirTag Pocket
- Tactical hook
Labeling
The CRDPOUCHs can be labeled in a variety of ways. There is an insert that was made specifically for 32mm DYMO labels which is a nice touch.
There is also plenty of places to put tape and label your pouch with a sharpy. Because of the types of material being used, tape won’t peel off or come off accidentally.
There is also now a velcro patch on the front that you can also use to attach labels if you want to.
I like how the pouches are clear so you can see what is inside them without having to open them up. This saves time which is always a good thing.
What is nice is that CRDBAG now sells these MISC PATCHES which come with a range of default products listed on them. They attach to the new velcro pouch on the CRDPOUCHs so you can clearly identify what is inside of them.
While these work well, they are a bit on the pricey side ($49 USD) and you may well just prefer to use some tape and a marker to label your gear instead.
Why pay more when you can buy cheap cases & bags?
Bags, cases, and storage items are not that exciting, however, they are a crucial component in any shooter’s arsenal. Being organized and efficient saves time and knowing exactly where that cable or product is can be very helpful when you are dealing with lots of kit. Being organized is being professional. If you do a lot of corporate work, appearances matter. Having nice bags and well-organized equipment reflects back on the perception you are projecting. At the end of the day, buying cases or bags that will last a long time is a worthwhile investment.
Look, you could spend a few bucks and buy cheap pouches and cases from a stationary store and that may get the job done, but usually, the zippers end up getting broken or the material ends up getting ripped. I am guilty as charged when it comes to trying to shoehorn gear into cases and pouches that aren’t made for those types of products. People will always complain about the prices of anything. No matter what it is, there will always be products at a vast array of different prices and quality.
Good quality bags, cases, and pouches will cost you more money upfront, but in the long run, they will still be going strong years later. A good proportion of the bags and cases I own are either made by Think Tank, Porta Brace, or Pelican. All of these cases and bags have traveled around the world with me and they are still going strong more than a decade later. My philosophy is why would I take an expensive product I own and put it in a cheap case or bag. Would you put retreads on an expensive car?
I have always struggled to find good-quality pouches and small cases. Most of the ones I have been using I bought from the ¥100 store (like the $1 store in the US) here in Japan. As the saying goes, you pay for what you get. They all end up breaking or the zippers come off or jam up and you can’t open the pouch. What happens if an assistant or someone picks up that cheap bag and the zipper has broken and your $2,000 monitor falls out and smashes on the floor?
Thoughts after using them
I really like the CRDPOUCH products, and the MKII versions, while a minor upgrade over the originals, add functionality while keeping with the original concept. They are well made, well thought out and most importantly they integrate into my kit without me even noticing. A good product shouldn’t draw attention to itself, it just does the job it was designed for without getting in your way. That is exactly what the CRDPOUCH does.
I didn’t have to worry about the zippers breaking, the material ripping, or finding that half the contents of the case had fallen out.
Price & Availability
The CRDPOUCHES are available now for the following prices:
- CRDPOUCH MKII SMALL – 2 PACK $72 USD
- CRDPOUCH MKII SMALL – 4 PACK (SAVE 10%) $130 USD
- CRDPOUCH MKII SMALL – 8 PACK (SAVE 15%) $246 USD
- CRDPOUCH MKII MEDIUM – 4 PACK (SAVE 10%) $139 USD
- CRDPOUCH MKII MEDIUM – 8 PACK (SAVE 15%) $246 USD
- CRDPOUCH MKII LARGE – 2 PACK $86 USD
- CRDPOUCH MKII LARGE – 4 PACK (SAVE 10%) $159 USD
- CRDPOUCH MKII LARGE – 8 PACK (SAVE 15%) $303 USD
- CRDPOUCH MKII XLARGE – 2 PACK $94 USD
- CRDPOUCH MKII XLARGE – 4 PACK (SAVE 10%) $169 USD
- CRDPOUCH MKII XLARGE – 8 PACK (SAVE 15%) $321 USD
- CRDPOUCH MKII KIT – 4 SIZES $149 USD
Yes, they are a little on the pricy side, but they are going to last you a long time and outlive the equipment you are storing inside of them.
They are not going to be a product for everyone, and people may well want to spend money on other items and not on bags.
As they say, buy once, cry once. Cameras will come and go, while staple items like lenses, tripods, audio and good cases and bags will last you decades.
