Review: Db Ramverk Pro 32L with Large Camera Insert
OUR VERDICT
A pretty stylish and reliably weatherproof camera backpack that easily doubles up as a travel pack.
| DIMENSIONS | 50.5H X 30W X 21D CM |
| CAPACITY | 32L |
| FEATURES | Sublime weatherproofing; fleece-lined top pocket; versatile design; class-leading durability. |
Pros
- Strong weatherproofing
- Beautiful design
- Exceptionally tough
Cons
- Expensive
- Outer buckles are just hooks and can easily undo
- Poor internal lid pocket design
- Cannot use without expensive additional inserts
WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR
Pretty much all of my creative work is based outdoors and, as such, protecting my kit from the elements is my absolute top priority. I need a pack that can carry multiple camera systems with several lenses, perhaps a drone or gimbal, and ideally have some space left over for snacks. Basically, I need a big pack that is comfortable, weatherproof, and can take a beating as it’s dragged through difficult terrain.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
All the reviews of the Db Ramverk Pro I’d read were glowing, saying it was a game-changer and even a work-of-art both aesthetically and functionally. Needless to say I was excited to check it out!
When I first got my hands on the Db Ramverk Pro, I was blown away by how beautiful it was. The construction materials felt tough, like it would be able to withstand anything I could throw at it. Beyond this however, I was less convinced. I couldn’t figure out the waist-strap buckle, the outer straps did not feel secure, and those lid pockets… However, after six months of use, I can now say I’ve got a good grasp of the Ramverk’s quirks!
THE TEST
I used the Ramverk Pro 32L for every shoot I went on: filming a mid-winter music video for Johnny Campbell, photographing aerial performers in a very, very wet cave for Beyond Aerial, and even filming an ultra-mountain marathon in the Lake District for The Running Channel. I did not give the pack an easy time and while each of the shoots posed different challenges, they usually involved some kind of wet and difficult weather.
I did not give the pack an easy time
WHO IS THIS PACK FOR?
Photographers! Fundamentally this pack is for every type of photographer as it is so versatile. I think outdoor camera-folk would particularly enjoy the rugged design and its excellent level of weatherproofing. In addition, the camera-cubes can be removed so the pack can double up as an excellent travel and commuter bag.
WHAT STANDS OUT?
Reliability
I think that the overarching standout feature of the Ramverk Pro is its reliability. The pack has a remarkable level of weatherproofing, its outer body is constructed from heavy-duty 500D 100% Recycled Nylon and its internal Rib Cage construction adds another level of protection.
Combined, all of these features meant that I never even considered worrying about my kit, no matter the situation, no matter the weather. This level of trust in a product is everything.
Fleece-lined top pocket
The fleece-lined top pocket is a satisfyingly simple feature. It’s just a pocket, but it’s big, and damn is it handy. I found myself using it as a water and snack store, and I was pleased that there was even room for a lightweight waterproof jacket! It’s perfect for those long fast-action days where having easy access to the basics can make a huge difference.
External strapping
I have love/hate feelings with the external strapping. On the one hand, I love that there are straps on all sides of the pack, which allows for maximum flexibility and increased carrying capacity, but I hate the attachment hooks. Yep, you heard me correctly: hooks – not clips, not buckles – just hooks. This means you have to crank the tension on the straps to ensure the hooks can’t wriggle loose, which in turn squashes the bag, warps the zips and thus makes accessing anything inside the pack rather difficult.
Internal lid pockets
I’ve avoided the next topic up until this point, but I have to talk about the internal lid pockets. Why did they put them upside down?!
At first glance, they do look totally fine, with the zips directed towards the top of the bag (when stood up on its base). However, when you lie it down so you can access your kit, the lid folds back and suddenly the open end of the pockets are pointing at the ground and everything falls out.
Furthermore, there is one zip per row, with each row having 2 or 3 pockets. If you want to access the end pocket, you have to essentially unzip all the pockets on the row and again, everything falls out. The obvious solution here is to prop the lid up against something, or hold it with one hand while rummaging with the other, but with such an expensive bag, it’s far from ideal.
VALUE FOR MONEY
At £329 RRP this is at the higher end of the pricing spectrum. The top quality construction materials do warrant this price, and while I was skeptical at first with the cost, I feel it is pretty fair. However, the cost of the pack is just the beginning, as you have no choice but to also purchase the mandatory camera inserts which range from the small at £99 RRP to the XL at £199 RRP. So a complete setup would set you back £528. While this is a lot, it’s in line with similar offerings from Lowepro and Shimoda, and the Ramverk appears to be more durable on paper. Furthermore a lifetime warranty is available for Db members [free] which covers up to 20 years of ownership. This is a pretty impressive perk.
BASE BOTTOM LINE
The Db Ramverk Pro has me divided. I really want to love it, but the strapping and the internal zips/pockets make it a frustrating pack to use. I am also not sure why they didn’t allow for the use of simple velcro separators within the bag itself. This would make the pack that bit more accessible from a cost point of view, and also bring the overall weight down. Then, and this has to be said, I’m not down with the forced purchase of additional camera inserts. It’s just not necessary.
The Db Ramverk has lots of things going for it. From its beautiful stylish aesthetic to its rugged last-a-lifetime construction. It must be noted that at the time of writing, the pack and associated inserts are significantly discounted on the Db website, which to me only means one thing… they’re launching the 2nd generation. Let’s hope that the Ramverk Pro Gen 2 is the five-star pack this version is close to being.
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