D_b_ Ramverk Pro Review

When it comes to camera bags, I’ve tested many. And so it’s rare when a camera bag really impresses me. And the D_b_Ramverk Pro has done just that. Let’s dig in!

Who’s it for?

Those who like minimalist style, modularity, and weatherproof materials will be very happy. The Ramverk Pro is surprisingly lightweight while maintaining its bomber construction.

Who it’s not for?

Heritage fans may be turned off by the synthetic materials. And the aesthetics while sleek are on the boxier side.

Scandinavian Strength

D_b_bags are known for their minimalist style, but don’t let the sleek exterior fool you, these bags are tough. Like many of their bags, the Ramverk Pro features an innovative Rib Cage Construction system, which provides great structure and protection for your bag – and more importantly, the goodies inside. In practice this Rib Cage provides a sturdy outer shell to the bag, which makes using camera cubes easy, and also provides a great foundation for when you’re working on the go. There have been countless times when this firm sidewall has given extra coverage/protection when working in the field.

A 100% 500D recycled nylon is PU backed and burly. It has a matte finish which keeps the look understated, and is brilliant for use outdoors. I’ve wiped away the day’s adventures easily from this bag, and it appears pristine and ready to go again. Not only that, the weather resistance is exceptional and this pack, and its coated zippers, have navigated downpours with ease.

Elsewhere on the bag, the robust construction continues. D_b_’s custom hardware is lightweight yet tough, and works with their hook-up system, meaning you can attach accessories (like the pro pouch) to the outside of the Ramverk Pro, or even attach the Ramverk Pro itself to one of their larger roller luggage options. 

The shoulder straps, while on the thinner side on first look, are very comfortable and handle a full camera load comfortably, and you can use the included (removable) waist belt if necessary. I didn’t find much use for the waist belt, but it’s easily removable via the Velcro attachment. If you get the larger 32L model, you may find that more necessary.

The sternum strap is magnetic which makes for easy one handed use, often a very useful feature when out shooting and your hands are full of other gear.

On the front of the bag you’ll find two large compression straps, and on the right side you’ll find a smaller set. These are excellent for jackets, tripods, towels, yoga mats, whatever you can think of! I’ve tended to use the smaller side straps for my tripod, and the larger front straps for wet jackets, or towels etc. From a manufacturing standpoint there is no doubt that this bag is built for adventure and ready to take on almost everything you could throw at it.

Function First

As I’ve said before, construction and aesthetics are definitely critical when using a camera bag, but functionality is always the most important for me. Thankfully, the Ramverk Pro excels here, and as such has become one of my most used daily camera bags. 

When paired with the Ramverk Pro cubes (I’ve been using the medium and the small), this is an excellent portable studio. The cubes hold all of your equipment, the padded laptop sleeve comfortably holds your laptop or tablet (up to 16”) and the top pocket, well, let’s talk about that magnificent pocket.

This is arguably my favourite feature on all of the D__b__ bags I’ve used. This fleece lined pocket has its own separate zipper, and is the perfect quick access pocket in my opinion. This approximately 2 inch deep fleece lined pocket is the ideal spot for your EDC and the wide opening makes it easy to grab the essentials at a moment’s notice. I usually hold my keys, wallet, sunglasses, and phone in here, with room to spare. It could also easily hold a compact camera or any other electronic device that you want to baby a little more with the fleece-lined protection. There is a small zippered pocket on the lid that includes a key leash too. It’s wonderfully functional, and when travelling or working, I love being able to access those items without having to open the main volume or move the bag around. It’s always there, on top of the bag, and accessible.

Aside from this top lined pocket, there are a few simple, yet functional pockets on the Ramverk Pro. The main cavity is very spacious, and if you aren’t using a camera cube, there is plenty of room for your own set up, particularly if you’re a pouch fiend. There is the aforementioned laptop sleeve, which is externally accessible. Usually I only travel with an iPad Pro when shooting, and the sleeve is perfect for that. It is well protected, but I have noticed that when the main volume is full with a cube you can feel the laptop sleeve (and its padding) against your back. It’s not uncomfortable, but I do wonder how it would do with a full size laptop in a fully loaded pack. Your mileage may vary of course, but it’s a snug fit. 

With the clamshell opening, you are presented with three zipper mesh pockets on the front flap of the bag. These are the natural home for your smaller accoutrement such as micro fibre cloths, straps, notebooks, SSD’s etc. They are very useful and great for the items that you want to have with you but don’t need to grab all of the time.

The perfect camera cubes?

Now I realise this is quite the statement, and there is no such thing, but, I’ve become rather besotted with these updated cubes from D_b_. To some extent, a camera cube is a camera cube, and there is only so much that you can innovate/improve with them. However, there are a few features on these D_b_ cubes that have made them a trustworthy companion on many-a-shoot.

Firstly, the zip off lid feature is fantastic. If you travel with photography gear regularly, you’ll know how much of a pain it can be to have to zip and unzip constantly. With this zip off lid feature, once on location you can have uninterrupted access to your gear, or if you’re using the cube in a different bag (I’ve used my cubes in a duffle for example) then you can remain lid free and be good to go at a moments notice. This zip off lid also houses 6 pockets (on the size medium cube) that are ideal for filters, setup up rings and the like.

The dividers are not the most padded I’ve ever used, but to my surprise that hasn’t been an issue at all. The medium cube holds a large amount of camera gear (as pictured) and thanks to the slender dividers, it is very easy and convenient to finagle and refine for your work flow. The whole cube (including the lid) is also built with the same robust construction as the main pack, so I’ve not worried about my camera gear in these. The medium and large cubes also comes with grab handles, and the attachment points for backpack straps, you could use the cube as a standalone bag if you wanted to.

The impressive design and functionality remains the same on the small cube, and this has smaller version has been exceptionally useful when travelling light with enough room to hold a body and a couple of prime lenses along with microphones or two smaller bodied cameras. The best way I can describe them is that the cubes feel like they are designed by photographers for photographers, and they are a pleasure to use. 

I’ve had my hands on a lot of camera bags over the years, and there are only a few that I come back to time and again for different occasions, I’m happy to say that the D_b_ will be joining that illustrious group. The Ramverk Pro is equally at home in the urban streets as it is on the untraveled trails. Not only is it an excellent camera bag when paired with their cubes, it’s also an excellent EDC or travel bag. Over the six months I’ve used this bag, I’ve had very few complaints, and that is always refreshing. I think for a travelling photographer, and someone who enjoys the minimalist look of Scandinavian design, the Ramverk Pro is an excellent investment.