Contents
For landscape photographers, one of the most crucial purchasing decisions is not always the camera gear, but the backpack you stow it in. Will the WANDRD FERNWEH 50L tick all the boxes? Or is it just another backpack among thousands of other choices available today? Let’s find out.
As a landscape photographer, I travel and hike in all four seasons. Therefore, I need a bag that instills confidence in protecting my gear, whether it’s raining, snowing, hailing, or hot. I also need something that is not only comfortable but also easy to work with in these extreme conditions. It needs to inspire me to travel further without any issues. Throughout the years, I’ve been lucky enough to test out many camera backpacks, but none of them really fit the bill. It was either too small, not weather-resistant enough, made of cheap material, or just not comfortable. Eventually, I came across WANDRD’s range of bags, which seemed better aligned with my needs, specifically the FERNWEH range of backpacks.
Fernweh (pronounced Fern-way) is a German word that translates to wanderlust, which perfectly describes the character and design of this 50-liter bag. It features a sturdy metal frame and the most comfortable shoulder and waist straps I’ve ever experienced. The bag includes four openings for easy access to your gear, clothing, and accessories during your trip. Additionally, it has plenty of straps to enhance both comfort and durability.
The Exterior
At first glance, the bag’s design exhibits a beautiful, minimalistic appeal. It is made from ripstop nylon and features a 5 PM coating for water resistance. While it is not fully waterproof, it offers strong resistance to rain and splashes. Additionally, you can purchase an optional rain cover to keep your gear dry.
The bag includes a six-point adjustment system to ensure a perfect fit, along with handles on the top, bottom, and sides, making it easy to lift and carry. It also features a quick side-access zipper, making it easy to access your camera. Furthermore, a large side pocket provides storage for a water bottle or a small travel tripod. Interestingly, the bag comes with stowable ski and ice-axe loops, making it ideal not only for photographers but also for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
The Interior
The FERNWEH is designed for both hikers and photographers. It features a spacious interior that accommodates a camera cube (sold separately) and a top compartment for clothing and hiking essentials. The two sections are separated by a removable material bucket, preventing spills from reaching your camera or lenses.
When placing the cube inside the bag, the quick-access lid can be stored in the exterior flap, providing extra padding for your camera. To secure the cube, the bag includes several interior straps that keep it in place and prevent it from moving. With these features, you can travel or hike with complete peace of mind.
If you don’t need photography gear, you can easily remove the camera cube and use the bag solely for your hiking equipment. The Essential Cube, provided by WANDRD, is well padded, ensuring your camera and lenses are protected while remaining stable during transport.
Accessing Your Gear
If you need to grab your camera fast, the side panel provides quick access. The quick-access flap also features a small pocket for memory cards or batteries, making this option incredibly efficient if you’re on the go. If you need access to anything else, opening the back panel will reveal the entire cube. Opening the back panel can be tricky, as the zips are hidden behind the thick padding, which is part of what makes this bag so incredibly comfortable.
The top of the bag is secured by a cleverly concealed zipper under the folded material. This design helps prevent any water from leaking into the bag while unzipping the cover. You can also unfold the material to make it easier to access the zipper.
The front of the bag features a central zipper on the clamshell that opens to a compartment designed for either a small travel tripod or hiking essentials. Additionally, it includes compatibility with a hydration bladder and installation instructions. Beneath the front clamshell is another zipper that opens to the main compartment and the bucket, making it especially convenient for accessing non-photographic items.
On the side opposite the quick-access flap, there is a compartment designed to hold a large water bottle or a small travel tripod. You can use the straps on the sides to further secure the tripod in place. Additionally, there is a small hidden flap on the back panel that accommodates a 15-inch laptop, along with a concealed compartment for storing your passport.
What I Liked
- Incredibly comfortable
- Durable and water-resistant
- Loads of pockets and compartments
- Zips feel robust
What I Didn’t Like
- Straps can sometimes get in the way when unzipping
- Might need some adjusting if fitting a large tripod
Conclusion
The WANDRD FERNWEH lives up to its name by igniting wanderlust in photographers eager for adventure. It offers excellent protection for your gear, ensuring that you won’t return home with a sore back after a long hike. I don’t recall ever testing a bag that offers this level of comfort, with every strap adjustable, exceptionally generous padding, and an incredibly well-thought-out layout. If you’re new to outdoor photography, the Essential Cube is a great starting point. However, if you own a telephoto lens along with a few other lenses, a drone, and filters to carry, it would be wise to consider one of the larger cube options from WANDRD and sacrifice a portion of your bucket space instead.
At the end of the day, this backpack will give you the confidence to shoot longer in adverse weather, stay comfortable on long journeys, and carry all your gear without straining your back.
Currently, WANDRD is offering a Black Friday special on the FERNWEH at B&H for $295.20 until December 9th. This discount makes it an especially appealing option for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor photography kit with something versatile.