Crumpler bags are well made and thoughtfully designed so I figured their inserts had a good chance of the same. And, indeed, the Haven is well made, attractive and thoughtfully designed for its stated purpose. It's as if Crumpler designers actually test and use their designs for photography! I use my Haven in a medium Timbuk2 Classic Messenger and it fits perfectly with room outside the Haven for a water bottle, light jacket, iPad, etc.
One of things that distinguish the Haven from standard inserts is it is a fully padded self-contained unit with side pockets for CF cards, filters, USB cables, etc., and a draw string to close the top. So it's easy to transfer your camera gear and small accessories without digging through the pockets of the host bag. When I travel on an airliner, I close the top and toss the Haven in a backpack or suitcase, and use my Timbuk2 bag for other things.
The Amazon image of the gray Haven isn't very telling but the interior is lined with dayglow green brushed cloth and includes 3 rigid velcro equipped dividers. I'm not a fan of dayglow colors but it makes it easy to see inside. The dividers are covered in the same soft cloth as the lining but are not padded. The two main dividers act like pillars and have hinged wings which may be used to support a top-loaded camera with lens mounted and pointed down. And, because the divider are rigid, they don't collapse under the weight of the camera. The third smaller divider may be used to further divide a space, e.g., place between stacked lenses. My Canon 5D2 with mounted 24-105 4L IS USM fits well with room to spare for a Speedlite and/or small prime or zoom. If you prefer to stow your camera without lens mounted, you can bend the wings up and use them to protect tall items stored in the side spaces. You can squeeze in more gear with the lens removed: my EF 70-200 4L IS USM, 24-105 4L IS USM and 5D2 fit without a whimper. However, I prefer my camera ready-to-go with a mounted lens so I don't make the most efficient use of the space. The interior space is roughly equal to that of my Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home.
I can't think of any serious cons, although I'd prefer a more neutral interior color. The ultra tough and waterproof exterior fabric is probably overkill for most users but may prove useful if the Haven falls out of your bag or gets left out in the rain. All in all, an attractive and well designed and constructed insert, perfect for photogs wishing to travel incognito with a standard messenger bag or backpack. I'd give it 5 stars but it's a bit too pricy so I docked it one. However, for the extra bread you do get a much better insert than most out there.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I have to start off by explaining my love-hate relationship with Crumpler. They are easily the most progressive, thoughtful bag maker out there. Their products are beautiful to look at, and nearly every detail has been well thought out. I fall in love with their bags online. Yet, there is ALWAYS some little detail that causes me to return my purchase. For instance, their camera backpacks are beautifully constructed, yet the sides curve in such a way to reduce the functional capacity just below my needs.
This insert is VERY well constructed (like everything made by Crumpler). The lining is tightly woven and not covered in small fuzz that I worry will eventually wind up inside my camera. The dividers are nicely stiff and their velcro is exceptionally grippy. It makes this bag very easy to customize to your liking. And, it comes with 3 dividers. Two flap styled for holding an SLR in place with a lens attached. And, the third is a flat that could be used to create floor under a lens to store filters, etc.
If you are not carrying a big of a load, say an APS-C with a standard sized lens or two, then this is DEFINITELY your bag insert. Buy it, and you will love it for sure. It makes for a well-protected, but inconspicuous way to carry your camera around. It will make you far less of a target for unwanted attention from thieves and other undesirables.
I carry a Canon 5D Mark III, with a Canon 24-105 f/4 L in place. And, if I Feng Shui things just right with the lens against the left side of the bag, and the flap divider sitting under the grip side. I can fit my 17-40 f/4 L with it's lens hood in place reversed. And this still leaves an awkward space for other accessories or even perhaps a small prime.
Generally, my preference is to carry my camera with the lens in the bag center and stabilized with a lens or speedlight on either side. The balance feels better this way. But, as this is an insert for my backpack, this might be less of a consideration.
I can even fit my Canon 70-200 f/4 IS L instead of the 17-40 but, not both. There is no room for accessories in this configuration. (See my photos.)
I just wish this were 5% larger. It would still fit inside my backpack, but it would make it slightly more functional for me. The build quality is so high, it makes up for the size short comings. I hope they make an XL soon. 4 stars for me personally. 5 stars for an APS-C shooter.
Best Deals for Crumpler Haven Camera Bag (L) HVN001-X06G60 - Black/Grey
This is the perfect little gear bag, although, it is smaller than I expected. It barely fits my Canon 7D body, stock lens attached, macro and zoom lenses. Pockets on the outside are great, perfect for holding odds and ends and the material is nice and stretchy, so easy to use.
Would have been a 5 star rating if it had just been a bit bigger.
Honest reviews on Crumpler Haven Camera Bag (L) HVN001-X06G60 - Black/Grey
Great design! I'm able to fit a 7D with a 17-55 f/2.8 lens attached, and a 70-200 f/4 lens in this bag with the top cinched completely down. I can also comfortably stack a 50mm f/1.4 and a 1.4x Extender II on top of all of that, and cinch the top around those, securing them snugly. That entire package is about 12" tall, which is very compact for that much gear, and allows me a lot of remaining space in my backpack.
With the width of the 7D, the 70-200 is directly in contact with the body, so I slip the telephoto in a neoprene sleeve (the kind used to insulate a nalgene bottle), and that provides a generous cushion. The padding on the Haven is excellent--I have no concerns about my gear being damaged in a backpack if I take some normal precautions with packing the rest of my gear, and not dropping the pack.
Two of the pockets are designed for SD cards, not for CF cards. I can't wedge a CF card in. The other three pockets are very handy. The middle lower pocket fits a spare battery nicely.
It's not a cheap insert, but it's not cheaply made either, and it's protecting more than 50x its cost in gear, so it's well worth it. Aside from allowing me to sling more than just camera gear on my back, it's nice to carry around a generic backpack rather than a camera-specific bag that advertises what I'm carrying.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Crumpler Haven Camera Bag (L) HVN001-X06G60 - Black/Grey
Never seemed to find the good camera bag. Too big, too small, too heavy, too fragile, not appropriated, not enough this, not enough that...
And then: Tatatan ! This pouch appeared to my astonished eyes.
It fits every bag (camera or not) i have, contains up to a Canon 70-200 f/2,8, protects my gear in every situation, even on a motorcycle, can be taken every where i go, the small pockets on the front side are very handy, the built quality is excellent, the red colour inside allows to find instantaneously what you're looking for.
Well, it fits me perfectly.
