WANDRD PRVKE V4 Review: Is This the Goldilocks Camera Bag for Landscape Photographers?

Fstoppers Original
Tan canvas camera backpack with black straps and tripod attachment, photographed outdoors on forest ground.

The WANDRD PRVKE V4 has exploded on Kickstarter, hitting its funding goal in under 30 minutes and continuing to climb past expectations. With nearly half a million already pledged, it’s clear this isn’t just another camera bag launch. WANDRD’s latest update to their flagship bag has struck a chord with photographers, filmmakers, and everyday creatives alike. But what exactly makes the PRVKE V4 so appealing, and is it really worth the hype?

As a landscape photographer, my camera bag is more than just an accessory; it’s a crucial part of my workflow. A bag that’s too big is a real pain on long hikes and technical climbs. And a bag that’s too small means I have to leave out essential gear, which can be a real drag in the field. So, I’ve been on a quest to find the elusive balance—the Goldilocks zone—for years.

Hiker wearing a khaki backpack walking through a dense forest tunnel of green vegetation.

I’ve tried and reviewed a few bags from WANDRD before, and each one has been solid. They’re well-designed, built with premium materials, and always packed with features. But none of them were ever quite perfect. Either they lacked storage options or didn’t fit my specific landscape photography workflow.

WANDRD has a reputation for focusing on form and function. They use high-quality, durable materials and are deliberate in what they include, or leave out, in their products. Their bags are designed with intention, which is why they’ve become so popular in a market that’s getting increasingly saturated. So, with this latest iteration, I was very curious—especially when I had clients on my workshops with the earlier versions of this bag, and they seemed very happy with them.

Tan and black roll-top camera backpack displayed from rear view on outdoor ground.

The PRVKE V4: A Familiar Design, Refined

The original PRVKE bag became a real hit for WANDRD. It resonated with a lot of people and built up a strong following. But instead of staying the same and keeping things the same, the team decided to rebuild the PRVKE from the inside out. They launched the new PRVKE V4 in June 2025 via Kickstarter.

The campaign reached full funding in under 30 minutes, with pledges climbing to nearly $500,000 at the time of writing. So, what’s all the interest about? And more importantly, would this finally be my Goldilocks bag?

Familiar Foundations, Upgraded Functionality

The core features that made the original so popular are still here:

  • Expandable roll-top access

  • Quick side access to your camera

  • Full rear clamshell opening

  • Durable, weather-resistant materials

  • Expandable side pocket for a tripod or water bottle

  • Internal organization and removable camera cube

  • Magnetic tote handles

  • Laptop and tablet sleeves

Open camera bag with gray interior compartments and black straps visible.

But WANDRD didn’t stop there. Several small but important design changes have made the V4 more practical in real-world use:

  • Improved Shoulder Straps: New padding and shaping provide better breathability and comfort during long days on foot.

  • Updated Back Panel: Increased airflow and support, especially noticeable when carrying heavier loads.

  • Redesigned Camera Cube: Better internal configuration and a lighter color scheme make it easier to see and access your gear.

  • Revamped Laptop/Tablet Sleeve: A new closure system and extra pockets for accessories or chargers.

  • Larger Hidden Passport Pocket: More secure and discreet—a small but helpful touch.

  • Zipped Access to Roll-Top Area: A small feature with big benefit—now you don’t need to open the roll-top to grab something packed up high.

Overhead view of an open camera backpack with organized gear compartments on concrete ground.
My Real-World Usage: Landscape Photography and Video Kit

The bag meets my core needs without pushing me to compromise or overpack. On a typical trip, I carry:

  • Canon EOS R with a 16–35mm attached

  • Canon 70–200mm lens

  • Filter kit

  • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (fits well in the top access area)

  • DJI Mavic 3 drone (stored in the roll-top, now easier to access via the zip)

  • DJI wireless mic kit (fits neatly in the main camera cube)

  • Tripod (secured in the expandable side pouch)

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (stored in the roll-top area)

  • Water bottle and snacks

That’s a full shoot-ready kit for both photo and video. And it all fits in a way that’s well-balanced on my back and doesn’t feel like I’m hauling dead weight. The revised shoulder straps are genuinely more comfortable than the previous version, and the airflow on the back panel is improved, especially on warmer days. It seems this bag was lining up to be a winner in my eyes.

Cream-colored camera backpack with dark straps sitting on textured ground next to camera gear.
Four Sizes, Four Versions

The latest version now offers the PRVKE V4 in multiple sizes and bundles:

  • 15L, 21L, 31L, and 41L

Each one is designed for a different kind of user, from minimalist travelers to professional content creators who need to bring everything with them. Plus, all models are backed by a lifetime warranty and made from weather-resistant materials. With the addition of new colors, it can appeal to even more users. I chose the 21L Atacama Clay, and it’s very nice. If you're a regular outdoor shooter, that kind of build quality is essential.

Tan canvas backpack with black straps and hardware displayed on forest floor with green foliage in background.
Summary: A Polished, Thoughtful Upgrade

WANDRD has taken community feedback on board. The PRVKE V4 isn’t a dramatic redesign, but that’s the point; it was already good. What they’ve done here is make subtle, functional improvements that make a noticeable difference in daily use.

The layout is smarter. The comfort is better. The materials feel as robust as ever. The new additions—especially the extra zip access to the roll-top and the refined camera cube—are small changes that have big usability payoffs.

Will I be leaving all of my other bags at home for my next adventures? It seems so. My experience with this bag so far has been impressive; it does everything I would have liked it to do. Plus, it seems that, over time, it will allow me to be more comfortable in the field for longer.

Is it missing anything? Well, perhaps one thing—I liked the security zippers that were in the WANDRD duffel bag; they interlocked, which meant there was no way for someone to open the bag easily anyway. I am at my max capacity as far as the camera cube goes. However, should my needs change, I can always get a larger cube to fit more gear in. But to be honest, I am trying to reduce, not increase, and having this limited space will help me in that quest too. With all that being said, I do find it a bit tight to remove my camera, as the EVF seems to get slightly stuck on the other frame of the cube. It's not a big thing, and not something that annoys me (yet).

This may finally be my Goldilocks bag. And judging by the reception on Kickstarter, I’m not the only one who thinks so.

Darren J. Spoonley, is an Ireland-based outdoor photographer, Podcaster, Videographer & Educator with a passion for capturing the beauty of our world.

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17 Comments

Apologies if I missed it but what size bag was used in the review and in the photos?

Here you go :-) “Each one is designed for a different kind of user, from minimalist travelers to professional content creators who need to bring everything with them. Plus, all models are backed by a lifetime warranty and made from weather-resistant materials. With the addition of new colors, it can appeal to even more users. I chose the 21L Atacama Clay, and it’s very nice. If you're a regular outdoor shooter, that kind of build quality is essential.”

How waterproof is it ? Can I float it down a river with me ?

Serious question. Just about to spend 3 days doing gorge photography and need to be able to swim across the gorge

You need a dry bag then as no camera bag will fulfil that requirement I feel

I've owned and still own multiple bags, which I use for different purposes. But, I still go back to a 10 year old Think Tank Photo Airport Commuter Backpack, the majority of time.

I heard nothing but good things about that bag! Seems to be still up for the job too which is great , do you carry a lot of gear with you ?

Yes, I use it to carry the Fuji GFX 100s and 4 lenses, along with the accessories that go with landscape photography.

I own 7 WANDRD products and they are an excellent company! Highly recommend

That’s great to see, I agree the products that I’ve tried thus far have all been good! Thanks for your comment

Great write up! Are all of those picture of the same bag? The one on your back looks like the Atacama Clay, but the rest look more like the Yuma Tan? I ask only because I'm in the market, and deciding between the tan and clay. Thanks!

Yes is the same bag, it’s the shade of the trees I guess that makes it appear darker

The biggest issue I have with all camera bags is the waste of space that the laptop/table sleeve adds. I use the bag to carry camera gear, never a laptop.

That’s a good point, what do you put in there instead?

I don't need to put anything there. Removing the sleeve reduces weight and complexity and can make the bag thinner, which is a consideration when flying. Most modern camera bags are both too heavy and too big. Frequently, when I travel I use a simple backpack, like the Nomadic and just use wraps for my bodies and lenses; much lighter and more compact than a dedicated bag. It's something I learned travelling with large format camera.

But, he biggest reason I don't carry camera gear and in the same bag - besides weight - is if you lose that bag, you lose everything.