A True Outdoor-Worthy Camera Sling Bag: We Review the Wandrd Rogue 9L Sling V2

There’s truly more to these bags than just an abundance of color options. The new generation of the Wandrd Rogue is here, and it comes with improved features.

While backpacks remain the most comfortable way to carry camera gear—especially in situations that involve long walks or even hikes—sling bags offer a different kind of efficiency and versatility. Backpacks are best for carrying from point A and shooting at point B, while sling bags can be very helpful when shooting along the entire way. This new generation of Wandrd’s camera sling offers improved features and versatile carrying options.

The Wandrd Rogue V2

Perhaps the biggest thing about Wandrd’s camera bag line is that it is by far the one with the most color options available for every single bag variant they have. For this new generation of the Rogue sling bags, additional colors such as Atakama Clay and Rhone Burgundy have been added as options. These colors are found on the major surfaces of the bags, which are made of P900D tarpaulin reinforced with ballistic nylon.

For this 9L version of the sling bag, it comes in at 8 x 14.5 x 5 inches and weighs just 800 grams, which is rather light for the capacity it offers and the gear it can carry.

Exterior

The front panel and the top flap are covered in tarpaulin material that makes them basically impenetrable to rain and dust, while the surface of the rear panel is made of breathable mesh reinforced with EVA foam for carrying comfort.

Two of the biggest changes on version 2 of this bag are, first, the removal of the front zippered pocket, replaced by two flexible mesh pockets on both sides. These pockets can be used to carry water bottles or tumblers, as well as other small accessories you’d want to reach for quickly. Personally, I’ve been using these pockets for a coffee cup and a 10,000 mAh power bank that I bring every day.

Within the rear panel is a zippered pocket that can fit a tablet or a small laptop. However, if you want to carry something bigger, there is a zipper on the opposite side that allows the pocket to expand vertically. This makes room for a laptop, ideally in a sleeve, to fit within the rear panel of the bag. The sleeve is necessary because the bottom expansion is just a thin layer of nylon without adequate padding, so it would be best to reinforce it with a laptop sleeve, which the brand also offers in different sizes.

Interior and Capacity

The main compartment opens using a large YKK zipper that spans three sides of the top panel, which opens away from the user, making it easier and more secure to reach in for gear. Within the top flap is a long zippered pocket that can be used to store thin elongated objects or smaller items such as extra batteries and filters. There are also three small mesh pockets inside to help keep objects organized.

Behind the main compartment, technically in front of the laptop compartment, is another thin pocket with sub-pockets for small accessories. The larger pocket can be used to carry a book, notebook, or journal, while the smaller pockets can also be used for accessories. This pocket is also a little harder to access, so it can be great for storing a wallet or passport while traveling.

The main compartment—technically all four sides of it, including the top flap—is lined with Nylon Nylex material that provides a good grip on Velcro fasteners found on the sides of dividers and straps. This makes the entire compartment fully customizable in terms of divider arrangement and gear placement to maximize space and ensure proper spacing.

The main compartment can hold either two full frame mirrorless camera bodies, each with a mounted standard-sized lens, or one camera body and up to three medium-sized lenses. If using compact lenses, that can mean up to around five lenses with a camera body.

Straps

The Wandrd Rogue comes with a comfortable EVA foam-loaded shoulder strap that offers multiple adjustment points and keeps excess straps neat. Each side of the bag connects to a circular buckle with the release button placed in front instead of on the sides, making it less likely to be pressed accidentally.

They connect to the main shoulder strap, which has five different points of adjustment to properly place the padded part on the user’s shoulder. On the side of the shoulder pad is a buckle that connects to a stabilizer strap, which attaches to the bottom of the rear panel. This keeps the bag tightly close to the user’s body in situations where brisk walking or running is necessary.

At the bottom of the front panel is a pair of accessory straps hooked to a nylon loop. These straps are for securing long objects like a large water bottle or a travel tripod below the bottom part of the bag. To keep it more secure, there is an expanding mesh sleeve that prevents the tripod from falling even if the straps get loose. This offers better assurance when carrying such accessories compared to the usual bottom straps other bags have.

Application

Since this was my first time using a bag from this brand, I honestly thought it was more of an everyday carry bag for photographers. I personally always use a camera bag regardless of whether I’m shooting or not, and this bag is a great option for that. However, after seeing the material composition and the versatile functionality, I think it also works as a great carrying solution for traveling, even in rugged outdoor locations.

I’ve been choosing to pack light whenever I hike or trek, and this bag is probably the first non-backpack I would consider using. Since the Wandrd Rogue 9L version can hold a trinity of lenses and securely carry a tripod below, it allows me to easily reach for my camera whenever I want to shoot along the way without setting the bag down. The tarpaulin-coated exterior provides significant protection from rain and dirt and is essentially like using a built-in all-weather cover. Overall, this is a reliable all-purpose sling camera bag that comes in the widest range of color options on the market.

What I Liked

• Highly durable and protective material

• Efficient use of space

• Comfortable carrying

• Reinforced bottom accessory mounting

What Can Be Improved

• Expanding laptop compartment requires added padding

• Possibly some added accessory loops on the shoulder pad