A review of the fully water-proof hardshell camera bag by Ulanzi
Intro
Ulanzi first caught my attention a few years ago when I was searching for carbon fiber tripods, I stumbled upon a YouTube review showcasing one of their amazing travel tripods. Their growing popularity had a big impact on the industry - such high-quality carbon fiber tripods had never been available at this price point before, and it was a breath of fresh air in a market that seemed dominated by over-priced brand-name products.
Fast forward a few years and I found myself in need of a new backpack and checked out their website. But before making the purchase I reached out to them, showcased my website, and offered to do a product review. They were very supportive and sent me over their BP09 22L Camera Backpack. I receive no commissions if you purchase one of their products so this review will be balanced and honest. There are many things I like, and a few things I wish were different, but overall I think it's an amazing bag and potentially worth your purchase depending on your needs.
First Impressions & Design
The Ulanzi BP09 immediately impressed me with its sleek and minimalist design. Admittedly, this is the first thing I look for when it comes to any gear I consider buying - and good stylish design is often missing from hiking and outdoor apparel. This might sound superficial, but aesthetic value is still a virtuous pursuit and contributes to artistic expression, it's what makes good painters produce beautiful paintings, and good photographers produce beautiful photos. This is especially important for photographers, imagine capturing a beautiful image only for it to ruined by some of the obnoxious colors commonly found on hiking shoes, hiking clothes, or backpacks. Good design also means this bag looks perfectly fine in both outdoor, indoor, and city environments - it never looks out of place.
And the best part? This design is perfectly integrated with function and practical use. The exterior is made of high-quality, water-resistant materials, there's no need for a rain cover and all the zips a fully taped, ensuring your gear stays protected from unexpected weather conditions. There is also a reinforced material on the base of the bag, making it resistant to damage from abrasive rocks, thorns, and harsh terrain.
Storage & Organisation
One of the standout features of the BP09 is its well-thought-out storage and organization system. The main compartment opens up completely, providing easy access to your camera, lenses, and other accessories. The interior is fully customizable with padded dividers, allowing you to create compartments that perfectly fit your specific gear setup.
In addition to the main compartment, the backpack offers several smaller pockets and compartments for storing batteries, memory cards, filters, and other essentials. There's even a dedicated laptop compartment that can accommodate most 15-inch laptops. And the two side panels are perfect for water bottles and tripods.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The shoulder straps are generously padded and really comfortable, while the back panel includes a nice breathable mesh perfect for those hot sunny days. Due to the modest size of 22L, there is no waist belt, which is generally okay as it's intended for shorter day hikes. Although the padding on the back panel is comfortable, I'm used to the ergonomics of hiking backpacks which provide lumbar support via a larger lower panel cushion or a curved mesh design, so I personally felt some mild discomfort after some time. But this is likely due to personal preferences. There is a larger 35L version if you require something more substantial, I've included a comparison below.
Features
22L Large Capacity Storage: Enough room for 2 cameras and 4 lenses. The personalized dividers offer full customisation.
Compact: 44 x 17.5 x 34 cm, and only 1.5 kg, the perfect weight for daily adventures and travel.
Side Quick Access: Easy access without removing the backpack.
Comfort, Sturdy & Durable: The ventilated shoulder straps are well-padded and easy to adjust. The air mesh back panel provides comfort and breathability.
Well-Organized Storage Compartments for Neat and Tidy Organization: Effortlessly store small accessories such as batteries, cables, water bottles, and more in designated compartments.
Anti-Theft, Anti-Loss, Anti-Drop: Featuring an anti-theft buckle, AirTag hidden pocket, and adjustable hook-and-loop straps, ensuring device security, preventing loss, and avoiding items from falling when open.
Water Repellent Material and Waterproof Zippers
Versatile Carrying Options for Every Situation: Versatile Usage for Various Scenarios, Easy to Switch, and Comfortable to Handle.
Specifications
Capacity: About 22L
Material: Polyester Fiber (Highly Water Resistant)
Product Dimensions: 44 x 17.5 x 34 cm
Net Weight (without dividers, straps): About 1.526kg
Net Weight (with dividers, straps): About 1.726kg
Carrying Capacity: 15kg
Pros & Cons
Pros
Stylish and professional design
Durable and water-resistant materials
No rain cover required
Customizable storage and organization
Comfortable to wear
Intuitive design features
Excellent value for the price
Cons
The 22L capacity might be a bit small for photographers who carry a lot of gear.
Only designed for photographers - the absence of a top opening for upright access is inconvenient for normal use.
Overall Impression
The Ulanzi BP09 22L backpack is a fantastic option for photographers who prioritize style, functionality, and comfort. I've thoroughly enjoyed using it over the past month, it was hard to find anything to complain about. Its intuitive and well-designed storage system, comfortable carrying experience, and comprehensive features make it a versatile backpack that can handle a wide variety of situations. The 22L capacity is compact and convenient while still providing plenty of space and heaps of extra compartments. It offers excellent value for its price, is perfect for traveling, and totally worth the purchase for any level of photographer.
Check out the Ulanzi website here.
You can also buy them on Amazon here.
