Boundary Errant Camera Backpack Review

Camera backpacks and bags come in all different shapes and sizes, from those that scream “I am a photographer!” to those that are more discreet and stylised as an everyday carry bag.

Then there are those that have multiple functions, providing the user with a range of options as to how they set up their bag.

For me, the best camera bags are the ones that allow you to both protect your camera gear and store your everyday bits and pieces.

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The Boundary Errant fits that criteria to a T. It’s a splendid mix of stylish design, sensible use of modern textiles and hardware, and flexible storage for your daily needs.

What’s more, Boundary Supply has an extensive range of accessories to further extend the capabilities of this bag.

While we are reviewing it as a camera bag, you could easily swap the Errant from your weekday camera carry to your weekend-away kit.

Let’s take a look at what I consider to be one of the best camera backpacks on the market.

Boundary Errant Specs

 

• 24-litre Capacity
• Water/Dust Resistant
• Locking Zippers
• Pack Dimension: 50.8cm x 33cm x 15.2cm (20″ x 13″ x 6″)
• Weight: 1.32kg (2.9lbs)
• CB-1 Photo Insert (sold separately)

Build & Appearance

The Boundary Errant has high standards of design combined with a sturdy manufacturing process.

Based on the look and style of the bag, it speaks to tech-savvy day travelers who like to have all their tech and camera kit ready in case of the end of the world.

The zippers and nylon straps are all made of the same colour as the outer shell of the bag and, as a result, they blend in cleanly.

The back comfort system is incredibly well thought out and makes it easy to carry for a full day with your kit stowed safely.

The Errant is made from 500D Kodra material that is woven with a special Nylon to be one of the strongest woven Nylon fabrics on the market. The Kodra material is coated with Boundary’s Barricade® DWR coating.

As a result, the interior and exterior of the bag are water-resistant, stain-proof, and easy to clean. Some of the internal pockets are made from hyper-stretch nylon mesh that provides a lightweight and visible solution.

It features an extensive amount of storage solutions on the inside and out. All hardware is made from a metal alloy and toughened plastic, plus it has waterproof YKK zippers.

Overall, the Errant feels tough and durable with a sensible thicker selection of material forming the base. It’s just an incredibly well-made product that will last a lifetime.

Exterior Features

The only other features on the front of the Boundary Errant backpack are the minimal strap loops on each side.

To one side, there’s an expandable pocket that is deep and would comfortably hold a large water bottle or the legs of a tripod.

Immediately above that, you’ll find an adjustable strap with an alloy hook to tie down a tripod against the side of the bag. This can be unhooked and tucked into a little hidden pocket to get it out of the way.

The other side features a long vertical pocket with a waterproof zip with a storm hood at the top for further weather-proofing.

The rear is the business end of any backpack and in this case, it is a winner. There’s a large panel that’s surrounded by a log waterproof zip for access to the laptop compartment and the main compartment.

The whole of this panel has an under-body of corrugated foam covered with a soft mesh. This, along with a deep vertical channel, provides for airflow and comfort.

To one side there is a small grab handle as well as a secret zippered pocket perfect for carrying a passport. On the other side, there is a larger velcro pocket for storing other items.

The top has a good-sized grab handle as well as solid anchoring for the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps on the Errant are incredibly well-padded and firm.

The Boundary Errant also comes with a sternum strap and removable waist straps. Larger and more padded waist straps can be purchased separately.

The rear of the bag features a strap that lets you anchor down your shoulder straps so that they don’t flap around if you’re carrying the bag by one of the two grab handles. This strap also doubles as a luggage pass-through.

Finally, the base of the Errant features a zip that travels around three sides of the bag. Inside this is a large space for storing shoes or damp clothing if travelling – the pocket is water and smell proof.

Interior Features

The interior of the Boundary Errant is just as well thought out and designed as the exterior.

The side access pocket – or Commuter Pocket as Boundary name it – has its own little storage pockets with space for pens, a smartphone and also a key hook with its own magnetic latch.

The main compartment is also accessible from the top fold-down panel. This panel is secured shut by both a waterproof zip and two magnetic latches – these are great but take some practice to get the art of latching them.

Immediately under this flap, there is a small pocket with a synthetic wool fabric perfect for storing glasses so they don’t get scratched.

On each side of the inner compartment there’s an expandable mesh pocket. There’s a third larger mesh pocket at the top of the interior but this is only accessible from the rear access panel.

The laptop sleeve is lined with a softer felt-like material and also has a magnetic latch to keep it in place. There’s also a tablet sleeve that sits flush against the laptop to keep the weight and protection together.

Finally, there’s a pair of expandable mesh pockets large enough to hold portable hard drives, power chargers or camera filters.

As I mentioned earlier, this is a tech guru’s dream as there’s a place for everything and everything in its place.

There’s a massive list of Boundary accessories that can be paired with the Errant. There are waist straps with organisation pockets, phone holders that clip to the shoulder straps and of course photo cubes for storing your kit.

Storage Capacity

Without any camera inserts, the Boundary Errant has a 24-litre capacity making it perfect for your daily carry or for travel as a day bag.

In this review, we were fortunate to include the CB-1 Photo Insert. It’s the smaller of two camera inserts which sit in the top half of the main compartment.

The insert is suspended there by two magnetic clips at the rear and two pop-clips at the front. This way your gear is easily accessible and right at the top of your bag.

The bottom half of the Boundary Errant backpack holds the rest of your daily carry gear and is accessible from the rear or by simply lifting out the camera cube.

There’s also a larger photo insert that can fill the bottom space of the main compartment making your entire interior camera storage. Alternatively, there’s a range of packing cubes and toiletry kits from Boundary that can be used in the Errant.

Here is what I was able to pack into the Boundary CB-1 Camera Insert:

• Fujifilm X-T3
• Fujifilm XF 16mm f/2.8
• Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2
• Fujifilm X70
• Cura Cleaning Kit

Here is the rest of my tech/everyday storage:

• 13″ Apple MacBook Pro
• Notebook
• Pen
• iPhone
• Wallet
• Keys
• Water Bottle
• Nintendo Switch Mini
• Sennheiser Headphones
• Glasses
• Charge Cables
• Spare Fujifilm batteries and memory cards
• Cygnet 6000 Power Bank

Ease of Use/Comfort

Even with that full end of the world, tech and camera kit that I listed above, the Errant is incredibly comfortable to wear.

This is largely thanks to the excellent padding system on the back and the quality of the thick padded shoulder straps.

There’s also a sternum strap and a thin waist strap that can provide additional comfort and stability for longer expeditions. All of the zippers open and close smoothly and without hindrance.

It takes a little time to get the hang of the hardware clips that have magnets and especially the two that secure the front flap.

Also important to note is that when the Boundary CB-1 Camera Insert is in the top of the Errant, the front flap becomes tighter and harder to latch onto the magnets.

I really like the side Commuter Pocket as I can take the bag off my right shoulder and sling the bag around on my left side to access my phone and keys.

You do have to be mindful of the order in which you pack your gear as I made the mistake of loading my camera cube in first and then trying to load up the bottom half.

The backpack kept collapsing under the mighty weight of my little mirrorless kit, so just plan your packing well before you make a start!

But aside from those little niggling issues and my lack of packing skills, this is an incredible product that’s comfortable and keeps your gear safe.

Value for Money + Discount

The Boundary Errant comes in at around US$185 for the bag alone.

There are a number of bundles available such as Photographer, Traveler, Commuter and Weekender.

Each bundle includes the Errant plus a range of accessories suited to those categories.

You can, of course, build your own bundle, and in my case, I got the Errant with the CB-1 camera insert. This bundle came in at just under AU$400 (US$250).

Given all the features that I’ve mentioned above, this is incredible value for money for such a stylish, user-friendly and comfortable bag.

You’ll definitely get a return on your investment for many years to come.

Boundary Errant Review | Conclusion

The Boundary Errant is one of the most impressive backpacks and camera bags I’ve had the pleasure of testing… and I’m not really a backpack kind of guy!

This bag just oozes style, flexibility and comfort and has the good fortune to not look like a typical camera bag.

With the Errant, you have so much freedom and flexibility as to how you use it. What’s more, it’s easy to change that configuration from day to day.

Want to use it as a weekend-away bag? Simply remove the camera inserts and all your tech gear and pack your clothes and toiletries. There is even a space dedicated to your dirty wet swimwear!

Want to use it to impress other hipsters with your tech? Load it up with your gaming console, iPad Pro, hard-drives, power banks and portable bean grinder.

Most importantly, the Errant makes a fantastic camera bag with the ability to expand its carrying capacity with additional camera inserts.

As I said, I’m not usually a backpack guy – but the Boundary Errant is certainly one that I’m planning to hang on to for a very long time.