Urth Arkose Camera Cube Review

Urth Arkose: Quick Summary

Pros

Cons

Urth Arkose: Technical Details

Urth Arkose: My First Impressions

I was genuinely excited to take the Urth Arkose Camera Cube out of the packaging. Even before removing the plastic wrap, I could tell this was going to be a step above the other cubes I’ve tried. The materials look and feel premium, and the size immediately struck me as the perfect fit for my bags.

The packaging itself was simple—just the cube wrapped in plastic. Honestly, I don’t need a presentation box or elaborate branding. If I were buying this in a store, I wouldn’t expect anything more than a tag. That extra layer of protection felt like a thoughtful touch without being wasteful, reinforcing Urth’s minimalist yet premium approach.

Urth Arkose Camera Cube: Design & Colours

This is easily the best-looking camera cube I’ve come across— it doesn’t look like a camera cube at all. The Urth Akrose Camera Cube has a sleek, understated design that feels premium without screaming “camera bag”. It’s stylish enough to carry anywhere, yet still feels worthy of protecting my expensive gear. 

I also appreciate the range of colours on offer:

• Black
• Khaki
• Beige
• Grey (Ash Grey)

I went with the grey this time—unusual for me, but I fancied a change. Urth calls it Ash Grey, though to my eye it’s closer to a soft Moonstone shade. Either way, I love how it looks and it stands out enough without being flashy. 

Urth have discontinued the Ash colour, which is a shame. But the product still continues and the remaining colours look just as good.

Materials

The outer layer is made from weatherproof recycled nylon, which surprised me as it feels more premium than rugged. It resists moisture well, though I still wouldn’t leave it our in the rain. The finish gives it a refined look while still offering practical protection.

Inside, the panels feel rigid and substantial. They’re thick enough to prevent gear from rubbing or knocking against each other, adding a layer of reassuring shock absorption. This combination of eco-friendly materials and sturdy construction makes the Arkose feel both durable and thoughtfully designed. 

Sizing

The Arkose is only available in the one size, though Urth also offers a larger camera insert called the Norilite if you need more space. The Arkose insert is designed to pair perfectly with the Urth Arkose Backpack, and you can even buy them together as a set.

That said, I’ve found it works brilliantly with other backpacks too. It fits perfectly with my Db Hugger 25L and slides neatly into my Osprey Arcane pack. And that’s what makes a good camera insert—it should be versatile enough to move between bags with ease, instantly transforming your favourite backpack into a reliable camera bag.  

This flexibility makes the Arkose especially appealing for travellers and photographers who switch between different packs.

Urth Arkose Camera Cube: Internal Storage & Organisation

The Arkose can comfortably fit two lenses and a body. In terms of capacity, it’s similar to my Vanguard Veo Range 21m Camera Bag, though slightly smaller. Because the Arkose’s internal dividers are more rigid, I need to store the body separately, whereas the Vanguard’s more flexible layout lets me keep a body and a longer lens attached while still squeeze a short prime underneath.

Of course, it all comes down to what you pack. With a smaller body and a set of primes, I could easily fit three lenses as well as the body. There isn’t a lot of space left for larger accessories, so you do have to think carefully about what you pack.

Key Storage Features

• Fits two lenses + body comfortably
• Rigid dividers mean body must be stored separately
• You can squeeze three lenses + body if one is small or a pancake lens
• One internal zip pocket on the lid (slim, best for filters)
• No external pockets, minimalist layout

The internal pocket is a little too slim for spare batteries, which caused the bag to bulge. It’s ideal for filters, but I would have liked one more sleeve along the back for slim accessories.

The minimalist approach is the opposite of the Vanguard, which had so many pockets I often forgot where I’d put things. The Arkose could benefit from one extra compartment, but overall the clean design keeps organisation simple.

Responsible design

One of the reasons I keep coming back to Urth is the way the brand combines high-performing products with a genuine commitment to sustainability. Their gear doesn’t cost the earth—literally or figuratively. Urth places social responsibility at the core of its mission, aiming for a 10x net positive impact through initiatives like tree planting and carbon offsetting. It’s a refreshing approach in a market where eco-friendly design often feels like an afterthought.

You can read more about their sustainability effort on Urth’s website, but what matters most to me is that their products deliver quality while supporting a bigger picture. That balance of performance and responsibility is exactly why the Urth Arkose Camera Cube stands out, and why I continue to trust Urth for my gear.

Using the Urth Arkose

I’ve really enjoyed having the Urth Arkose Camera Cube with me on my trips. It’s perfectly sized for any of my bags so far. I usually place it at the bottom, and thanks to its the rigid design, I don’t have to worry about items stacked on top.

In studio settings it’s equally useful. I can place it on a table and swap lenses easily, without digging through my bag. And if I’m moving between studios, I just carry the cube itself rather than every accessory I brought for the shoot.

At home, the Arkose has become the permanent home for my camera. I usually keep my most common lenses inside—the Sigma 28-70 and the Sony 16-25—along with the body. I store batteries separately since they are a bit too thick to fit comfortably in the top panel. The only exception is if I’m going ultralight with just the one lens; in that case, I use a spare section for my PGYTech Createmate and Wentworth Goods Battery Case. 

Arkose System

As I mentioned earlier the Arkose is a range available from Urth. This is the Camera Cube, but there is a modular backpack that is designed to pair together. Effectively turning the bag into the perfect camera bag. I haven’t used the bag yet, but I would like to in the future. 

I think the adaptability is perfect for travellers. You can keep your camera in its cube when travelling, and remove the cube to leave at your hotel on days you aren’t shooting, so you can use it as a everyday backpack. The 20l backpack has a padded laptop tablet sleeve, as well as including plenty of storage zones for organisation.

Urth Arkose: Final Thoughts

I really loved the Urth Arkose Camera Cube. Urth products have never let me down and they have firmly established themselves as one of my trusted brands. I have been searching high and low for a backpack camera insert that would fit my daypacks but also have enough room, and the Arkose has been perfect.

The Arkose may be a little bit more pricier than some others on the market, but the price you pay is reflective of that quality.