I know I can trust myself when protecting my camera gear. But my camera bag is a bigger question. Can it keep my expensive lenses, body, and SD cards safe yet readily accessible? That’s the question I intended to answer with the WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L.
In short: The WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L is not only comfortable to wear, but it is also made of weather-resistant material, and has enough padding to protect a full-frame camera body and two to three spare lenses. I can trust and appreciate its well-structured design and durability when on a job where the unexpected can happen. Photographers doing small events like concerts, parties, or banquets would love the comfortability the WANDRD bag has to offer. Although it is $159, if you are on a budget, there are other bags, some of which I reviewed in The Best Camera Bags of 2024.
- Price: $159
- Weight: 1.74 lbs./0.79 kg
- Outside dimensions: 8.5"X 13.5" X 7"
- Inside dimensions: 7.75” X 13" X 5"
Pros
- Does not fall forward when you reach into it
- Three ways to carry
- Weather-resistant
- Three grab handles and key clip
- Tripod straps work well
- Fits 14" and 16" laptop
- Comes in a variety of sizes for different needs (3L, 6L, and 9L)
Cons
- When using the laptop pocket, the laptop hangs out unprotected unless you are using a laptop case. WANDRD maked a laptop case that matches the Rogue Sling bags with that extra padding, but it is an additional $55-59.
- Only the 6L and 9L Rogue Slings have the Laptop feature.
- The 16-inch laptop sticks out about 4-5 inches, making carrying the bag and the easy access feature clunky.
- Sides aren’t very well padded
WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L Review
Not only are WANDRD bags aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but they are also determined to provide photographers with a comfortable, durable camera bag that keeps gear safe, no matter what the job entails.
The Rogue 9L Sling can be carried over the shoulder, as a messenger bag, or fanny pack style. It has easily adjustable straps and three different grab handles.
Its additional features include excess straps for a small tripod, front clips, several pockets, including SD card-specific slots, and a “secret” pocket at its base for an umbrella, water bottle, or light jacket. It is also available in several colors and three sizes (3L, 6L, and 9L).
While fighting through concert crowds, the three grab handles at the top and sides of the bag made it easy for me to move to my side or back, while the adjustable strap allowed me to switch positions so my shoulder wouldn’t bear the weight of the bag for too long. And the YKK zippers make for easy access.
Through the Thick of It
I’ve been photographing concerts for a few years. Some crowds are easy to manage, while others are not so simple. I need to pack light gear so that I can manage the simple lens change while navigating through a sea of bodies that are just there to enjoy the music and don’t have an awareness of their surroundings.
I will say that I enjoy not just being a spectator at concerts, but also photographing them. I enjoy capturing the energy of the performers and the crowds at the venue. However, some crowds get more rowdy than others. For instance, you are more likely to find a mosh pit at a rock or metal concert than a country one. That is just one of many quirks about concerts, you pay for that square foot of space you stand in to enjoy music from artists live.
Something I will never risk is the safety of my camera gear, no matter the cost of a good camera bag. I love the WANDRD Rogue 9L Sling because I can trust it to protect my gear from the crowds, which can be just a little too rough. The thick padding protects against the shock of getting through and around the people who don’t want to give up the square foot of space they paid for.
Sometimes, people are happy to move out of your way because you are carrying the black, lensed badge and they know what you are there for. But, when people are having a good time, drinks get spilled or dropped.
I’m also thankful for the Rogue Sling’s weather-resistant exterior. I knew it would protect against water if I took it on a hike and it rained. But it was really put to the test when I brought it to my concert jobs.
Beer was the most common thing spilled or splashed on me, and the occasional syrupy drink happened, but my camera gear stayed dry and safe every show. The bag’s exterior is also an easy clean at the end of each night.
Critiques
The WANDRD Rogue 9L Sling is one of my favorite camera bags I have used. It is comfortable, durable, and made from high-quality, weather-resistant material. However, I do have a couple of small issues.
The patented laptop dock is a cool feature for photographers who need to bring their 14-inch or 16-inch laptop on the go. But only 6L and 9L Rogue Slings have this pocket. If you were to just put a laptop in its case into the pocket, the liner comes out and its base does not have extra padding, so your laptop will only have the protection of that laptop case.
WANDRD created this feature to pair with its patented laptop case because it matches the bags and has a safety strap and hook that attaches to the sling. Although this is a neat feature, it seems that to have that extra protection is to buy the branded laptop case, which is another $55.
I did use my laptop and my own case, and it worked fine, but about 4 to 5 inches of laptop sticks out of the top (I have a 16-inch laptop), and it became difficult to work around. I found that my camera monitor fit perfectly in that zippered slot because it is only a 6-inch by 4-inch screen with the cage, and it stayed well-protected that way.
The sides of the Rogue 9L Sling are also not as padded as they could be. The front, back, top, and bottom of the bag are very well-padded and secure, but the two sides aren’t as padded as the rest. It is still a protective bag, but it seems odd that the two outer sides aren’t as protected as the rest of the bag.
Conclusion
The WANDRD Rogue 9L Sling is an amazing bag with many protective features. Any photographer would be happy with its sleek design and comfort. It’s perfect for small event shoots where you only need your camera body and a few lenses, and its three-way carry adapts easily to anyone’s preference of wearing it. It’s comfortable when packed full of gear, and the adjustable inserts allow for customized protection for specific-sized lenses.
The Rogue 9L Sling is one of my favorite bags. I use it for all my concert photography, small video shoots, and basic hikes. I knew it would be great against rain and simple jobs, but I wanted to put it to the real test against crowds with my concert photography.
I found it to be one of the best bags I have brought on those jobs, and it has become a regular in my equipment list circulation. It protects my gear during my fast-paced shoots without sacrificing my comfort.
