Based on the shared experiences, both are solid shoulder bags, but they seem to suit slightly different priorities.

Think Tank Retrospective bags are praised for very thoughtful design, strong durability, and surprisingly good capacity for their size. They also have a strong reputation for customer service, which can matter for a bag you’ll use heavily.

The Crumpler 5MDH is described as sturdy and protective, with a thick, comfortable strap and useful extra pockets. In the example given, it can carry a DSLR plus about two lenses and a flash, though longer lenses may reduce how much fits.

So the practical trade-off is:

• Think Tank: stronger reputation for pro-oriented design, toughness, and efficient storage
• Crumpler: comfortable, supportive, and well liked for everyday carry, but capacity depends more on your specific lens sizes

If you carry more gear or want the safer bet on layout and long-term hard use, Think Tank seems to have the edge. If your kit is modest and you like the Crumpler’s feel and style, it also sounds like a good choice. The deciding factor should be your exact camera/lens kit and how much room you need.