There are plenty of camera bag options on the market today. Brands have introduced several styles and options in endless colors and features for every type of photographer. WANDRD is no different, but it offers some unique styles compared to its competitors. The PRVKE 31L is one of those bags. But how does it compare to other bags on the market?
Who Is WANDRD?
WANDRD was born at a kitchen table after discussing the lack of options for a quality camera bag. After researching, they found two things: a bag that functioned okay but looked terrible, or a bag that looked okay and did not function well. A statement was made: “Why don’t we just make our own?” With one statement, a brand was formed: WANDRD. In October 2015, they launched their first bag on Kickstarter, the PRVKE Pack.
Initial Impressions
While unboxing the PRVKE 31L, I was initially impressed by its material and sleek design. When handling it, you could tell it was a quality bag. The straps on the backpack have decent padding, and the zippers have zipper pulls—a massive plus in my book. You must purchase the Pro Photography Bundle with the bag to get the Pro Camera Cube to store your gear inside. The bag has plenty of storage space for items like laptops and accessories, as well as straps for your tripod.
Build Quality and Durability
The bag is made from several materials and sports another nice feature. First, it is made from waterproof tarpaulin and Robic 1680D Ballistic Nylon. The waterproof tarpaulin will stand up to the elements every photographer will encounter, and I wouldn't be worried about having my bag out in the rain. The nice thing about this material is that it eliminates the need for an outer rain cover in bad weather. Nothing is more annoying than putting on a rain cover and removing it to access your gear. The bag is not 100% waterproof, so you can’t submerge it in water. Another feature I like is the weather-resistant zippers. I have seen bags that omit these while being made out of a waterproof material. Durability-wise, this bag can handle a brutal beating. The stitching is strong, and the high-quality zippers ensure no worries about the bag's durability.
Design and Aesthetics
When I look at a camera bag, style and aesthetics are almost always the last on my list. This bag has a modern and sleek design. For anyone who is not a photographer, they might think it’s just a backpack. This is great, considering photographers must be very aware of their gear at all times, and having a bag that doesn’t scream "camera bag" is a huge plus! Long ago, you only had a choice of one color for camera bags—black, and maybe blue if you were lucky. The bag now comes in seven colors: Wasatch Green, Black, Aegean Blue, Yuma Tan, Sedona Orange, Multi-Cam Black, and Makalu. I don't know what to tell you if you can’t find a color you like! The bag is also offered in three sizes: 21L, 31L, and 41L (Black only). It also features a clamshell opening and quick side access, allowing for easier gear retrieval.
Storage and Organization
The most essential part of any camera bag is storage space. If you are purchasing this bag to store your gear, you must also purchase either the Pro Photography Cube or the Essential Camera Cube. These cubes can also be used as stand-alone items for storing gear when not in the camera bag. They offer plenty of space and dividers to customize for your needs and preferences. The Pro Photography Cube can handle up to two cameras and four to six lenses, while the Essential Camera Cube will hold one camera body and two to four lenses. Between these two cubes, one should fit your needs. The bag also offers side access, allowing you to quickly access your camera and lenses. The front organization pouch is excellent for traveling and storing writing instruments, and it even has a hidden passport pouch for important documents.
The top of the bag features a handle, allowing you to carry the bag to your side as an alternative to the backpack style. These handles are also magnetic, preventing them from flopping around. The expandable roll-top feature allows an extra 5 liters of space for additional items. If you’re traveling through an airport, the bag enables you to pass the handle of your roller bag through the back of the bag, making it easier to navigate. The bag's back panel also has a hidden passport pouch, securely against your back to protect your valuables.
The bag's interior also has three elastic mesh pockets built into the side access door, allowing you to store memory cards for quick access. Depending on your bag size, you can also store up to a 14” MacBook Pro and a 16” in the laptop sleeve. The bag has several pouches for camera accessories. The only fault I find with the storage is with the cube’s single zipper. When you try to unzip the cube inside the bag, the zipper pull ends up in a hard-to-reach spot, making it difficult to access your gear. Dual zippers would allow for easier and quicker access.
Comfort and Portability
When it comes to comfort, this bag delivers. The shoulder straps are well-padded, and it also has a sternum strap. However, any bag will become uncomfortable to carry after a while if you’re hauling enough gear! I see a minor fault in portability—it’s quite large. That said, all sizes (21L, 31L, and 41L) are carry-on compatible, which is great because no one wants to check a bag full of gear on a flight.
Value for Money
Regarding value for money, the bag is priced well compared to competitors. The PRVKE 21L retails for $219.00, while the 31L retails for $239.00. However, the value decreases because you must purchase a storage cube separately: $64.00 for the Essential Camera Cube or $104.00 for the Pro Camera Cube. WANDRD does offer two bundles: the Photography Bundle ($85.00) includes the Essential Camera Cube, waist strap, and accessory strap, while the Pro Photography Bundle includes the Pro Camera Cube, waist strap, and accessory straps. I would prefer a bag that’s ready to go without needing to purchase additional items. Although the bag is marketed to people beyond photographers, WANDRD is primarily a camera bag company.
Pros
- Quality: Made from waterproof tarpaulin and Robic 1680D Ballistic Nylon. Excellent stitching ensures durability.
- Storage: Available in several sizes and colors, carry-on compatible, and includes an expandable roll-top for extra space.
Cons
- Value for Money: You must purchase the bundles to complete the bag.
- Storage: The single zipper on the cube makes it difficult to access gear.
Final Thoughts
Final thoughts on the PRVKE 31L: overall, it's a well-built bag, and if you purchase it, it will last for years. WANDRD does an excellent job producing high-quality products with thoughtful designs. Their camera cubes are also high-quality and stand the test of time and heavy use. This bag is great for almost any photographer, but I recommend it primarily for landscape photographers due to its durability and waterproof material. Street, wedding, and portrait photographers might find accessing gear quickly more challenging. If you purchase this bag, you can’t go wrong!
If you're going to go into product photography, don't give up your day job.
This thing must be next level hipster ugly if you're afraid to show a single picture that really shows what it looks like LOL
I have no idea what this thing looks like, whether it has external pockets, how it's organized internally, or what it costs. Didn't know until the 5th paragraph that it was a backpack.
Is it an envelope? Is it a bag? Is it an aeroplane? No idea from your shots of it. At least you'll get a few comments if nothing else :)
No kidding, how about a pic of the bag? Is this it? https://www.wandrd.com/products/prvke?variant=39289416089680
It looks nice and after researching it on the website and YouTube found out that it does have a waistband/strap which I think is an absolute necessity for comfort. For me it’s too small and doesn’t have a way to attach a serious tripod, I’ll stick with my Lowepro whistler 450aw. But in the future do include images of the bag and it’s possibilities
I forgot to add a photo of the whole thing. Thought I had, and thanks for the polite feedback.
You can't edit the article?
Justin Tedford need to up your photography game bud. Perhaps some photos of the actual backpack?
I took one and forgot to add it to my article! Thats my bad.
I used to own one of these bags - was one of the worst purchases I ever made. Camera cube is cumbersome, inconvenient, and doesn't carry much stuff. Zippers too slow to open. Boring and practical camera bags are far superior.