Stuart Forster reviews a WANDRD STRATUS Photo 18L bag.
Disclosure: I was sent a WANDRD STRATUS Photo 18L bag to facilitate this review. Some of the links and banners below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
WANDRD introduced two backpacks in March 2025. The STRATUS Photo 18 L bag is designed for photographers. Its sibling, the NIMBUS 18 L, is designed for general use.
STRATUS Photo 18 L bag spec
The 18L in this 1.61 kilograms (3.54 lbs) bag’s name references its 18-litre volume.
The overall dimensions of this photography bag are 47.6 centimetres (18.75 inches) in height, with a width of 30.5 cm (12 inches) and a depth of 18.4 cm (7.25 inches).
It features two side-access pockets plus a zipper at the top. There’s also a zip providing storage space for a laptop.
Access full STRATUS Photo 18 L specifications on the WANDRD website.
First impressions
The WANDRD STRATUS Photo 18 L photography bag made a positive first impression on me. That was because of its neat, aesthetically pleasing design and the high quality of its materials.
Overall, the bag felt robust and well-made. That provides reassurance when a bag will be used to transport expensive photography equipment.
Loops made the external zips easy to grip and pull. The zippers ran smoothly.
The 18-litre capacity is relatively compact, which has both pros and cons. However, it seems ideal for days out photographing in urban areas or the countryside.
I ordered the Wasatch Green edition of the backpack. The colour is a greyish green, ideal for outdoor use, while the trim, straps and side pockets are black.
What I liked
The quality of the materials and finishing continued to impress as I tested the bag outdoors.
Well-padded, the bag is comfortable to wear and its shoulder straps are easily adjustable. A cross-chest strap clips onto a plastic ridge on the straps, securing the bag in place while walking. That cross-chest is easy to release.
The thick, robust material of the side pockets makes them ideal for carrying a tripod and monopod, which can also be secured by straps on the side of the bag. The side pockets can also be used to carry drinks.
A ‘secret’ zipped pocket sits against the wearer’s lower back and is ideal for storing documents such as passports. The bag also has two internal mesh pockets that zip closed, suitable for storing items.
Other observations
I’ve previously used photography backpacks that zip fully open to reveal equipment. Consequently, side access pockets took some getting used to. Over time, I came to appreciate that they meant I could swivel the bag on my shoulder and gain access to kit without the need to put the bag down on wet grass.
The storage space of the internal compartments is customisable. Attached with hook-and-loop fasteners, the padded organisers are easily adjustable.
It has a small pocket with a clip inside, ideal for securing keys.
The bag also has fittings to attach equipment to its shoulder straps and sides.
Well-hidden, this bag’s Airtag pocket took some finding. It provides an element of reassurance that the location of the STRATUS Photo 18 L can be traced.
Overall, the WANDRD STRATUS Photo 18L made a good impression. It’s a stylish photography bag that is a pleasure to use.
The WANDRD backstory
WANDRD was established with the objective of designing and making quality camera bags. Its first product was the PRVKE backpack, sold via a Kickstarter campaign in 2015.
Proving popular, the PRVKE collection is still available on the WANDRD website. PRVKE products, including the WANDRD PRVKE 21, are also available via Amazon.
The company’s range of products includes camera bags, travel bags, packing cubes, tech bags and toiletry bags. Photography-related accessories are also available, including camera straps, filter cases and padded camera cubes for storing lenses and other equipment.
WANDRD STRATUS Photo 18L bag
Like the look of the WANDRD STRATUS Photo 18L bag? The bags can be purchased online from the WANDRD website.
Priced at £200, the WANDRD STRATUS Photo 18L bag is available in three colours: purple, black and green. It comes with a lifetime guarantee.
WANDRD has a 30-day return policy.
Further information
Thank you for visiting Go Eat Do and reading this product review of the WANDRD STRATUS Photo 18L bag. If you enjoy photography, you may also be interested in this Manfrotto Element MII tripod review.
Stuart Forster, the author and is a travel and editorial photographer based in North East England.
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