WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L Evaluation

I do know I can belief myself when defending my digicam gear. I child my digicam physique and ensure every lens is tucked into my bag securely earlier than each occasion. I place each SD card into its little plastic casing and hold my digicam straps tight.

In brief: The WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L just isn’t solely snug to put on, however it’s also fabricated from weather-resistant materials, and has sufficient padding to guard a full-frame digicam physique and two to 3 spare lenses. I can belief and respect its well-structured design and sturdiness when on a job the place the surprising can occur. Photographers doing small occasions like concert events, events, or banquets would love the comfortability the WANDRD bag has to supply. Though it’s $159, in case you are on a funds, there are different luggage, a few of which I reviewed in The Greatest Digital camera Baggage of 2024. 

WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L Evaluation

Not solely are WANDRD luggage aesthetically pleasing to the attention, however they’re additionally decided to supply photographers with a cushty, sturdy digicam bag that retains gear secure, it doesn’t matter what the job entails. 

The Rogue 9L Sling may be carried over the shoulder, as a messenger bag, or fanny pack fashion. It has simply adjustable straps and three completely different seize handles.

Its further options embrace extra straps for a small tripod, entrance clips, a number of pockets, together with SD card-specific slots, and a “secret” pocket at its base for an umbrella, water bottle, or gentle jacket. It is usually obtainable in a number of colours and three sizes (3L, 6L, and 9L). 

Whereas preventing by means of live performance crowds, the three seize handles on the prime and sides of the bag made it simple for me to maneuver to my aspect or again, whereas the adjustable strap allowed me to modify positions so my shoulder wouldn’t bear the load of the bag for too lengthy. And the YKK zippers make for straightforward entry. 

By means of the Thick of It

I’ve been photographing concert events for just a few years. Some crowds are simple to handle, whereas others are usually not so easy. I have to pack gentle gear in order that I can handle the straightforward lens change whereas navigating by means of a sea of our bodies which are simply there to benefit from the music and don’t have an consciousness of their environment. 

I’ll say that I get pleasure from not simply being a spectator at concert events, but in addition photographing them. I get pleasure from capturing the power of the performers and the crowds on the venue. Nevertheless, some crowds get extra rowdy than others. For example, you usually tend to discover a mosh pit at a rock or metallic live performance than a rustic one. That is only one of many quirks about concert events, you pay for that sq. foot of house you stand in to get pleasure from music from artists reside. 

One thing I’ll by no means threat is the security of my digicam gear, regardless of the price of a very good digicam bag. I like the WANDRD Rogue 9L Sling as a result of I can belief it to guard my gear from the crowds, which may be just a bit too tough. The thick padding protects towards the shock of getting by means of and across the individuals who don’t wish to hand over the sq. foot of house they paid for. 

Generally, persons are completely satisfied to maneuver out of your manner since you are carrying the black, lensed badge and so they know what you might be there for. However, when persons are having a very good time, drinks get spilled or dropped.

I’m additionally grateful for the Rogue Sling’s weather-resistant exterior. I knew it will shield towards water if I took it on a hike and it rained. Nevertheless it was actually put to the check once I introduced it to my live performance jobs.

Beer was the commonest factor spilled or splashed on me, and the occasional syrupy drink occurred, however my digicam gear stayed dry and secure each present. The bag’s exterior can be a straightforward clear on the finish of every night time. 

Critiques

The WANDRD Rogue 9L Sling is considered one of my favourite digicam luggage I’ve used. It’s snug, sturdy, and comprised of high-quality, weather-resistant materials. Nevertheless, I do have a few small points. 

The patented laptop computer dock is a cool function for photographers who have to carry their 14-inch or 16-inch laptop computer on the go. However solely 6L and 9L Rogue Slings have this pocket. Should you have been to simply put a laptop computer in its case into the pocket, the liner comes out and its base doesn’t have further padding, so your laptop computer will solely have the safety of that laptop computer case.

WANDRD created this function to pair with its patented laptop computer case as a result of it matches the baggage and has a security strap and hook that attaches to the sling. Though it is a neat function, evidently to have that further safety is to purchase the branded laptop computer case, which is one other $55. 

I did use my laptop computer and my very own case, and it labored fantastic, however about 4 to five inches of laptop computer stands out of the highest (I’ve a 16-inch laptop computer), and it turned troublesome to work round. I discovered that my digicam monitor match completely in that zippered slot as a result of it is just a 6-inch by 4-inch display screen with the cage, and it stayed well-protected that manner. 

The perimeters of the Rogue 9L Sling are additionally not as padded as they might be. The entrance, again, prime, and backside of the bag are very well-padded and safe, however the two sides aren’t as padded as the remainder. It’s nonetheless a protecting bag, nevertheless it appears odd that the 2 outer sides aren’t as protected as the remainder of the bag. 

Conclusion

The WANDRD Rogue 9L Sling is an incredible bag with many protecting options. Any photographer could be pleased with its smooth design and luxury. It’s excellent for small occasion shoots the place you solely want your digicam physique and some lenses, and its three-way carry adapts simply to anybody’s desire of carrying it. It’s snug when packed full of drugs, and the adjustable inserts permit for custom-made safety for specific-sized lenses. 

The Rogue 9L Sling is considered one of my favourite luggage. I take advantage of it for all my live performance images, small video shoots, and fundamental hikes. I knew it will be nice towards rain and easy jobs, however I needed to place it to the actual check towards crowds with my live performance images.

I discovered it to be top-of-the-line luggage I’ve introduced on these jobs, and it has turn out to be an everyday in my tools checklist circulation. It protects my gear throughout my fast-paced shoots with out sacrificing my consolation.