If you're like me, you have a lot of camera bags: some you use all the time and some, well, let's just say they are collecting dust. As my needs evolve and I travel more, I want versatile bags that can adjust and keep up. I find myself reaching for my WANDRD camera bags. So, let's deep dive into some of their popular bags and accessories for photographers and travelers. You might just find your next go-to bag.
If you aren't familiar with WANDRD, they are a travel and photography accessory company that's quickly becoming known for their iconic and colorful camera bags. But it is not all flashy colors, WANDRD stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty on all their products. WANDRD has been featured in Forbes, Carryology, Wired, and more as they become a staple in the industry. They've sold over 200,000 bags since first launching their flagship PRVKE backpack in 2015. Despite the acclaim, they're still just a tight-knit team of 11 people, and yet they serve over a hundred countries, helping travelers, photographers and the like keep their gear safe.
What first drew me to WANDRD was the eye-catching Sedona Orange colorway of their bags. Whenever I would see another photographer with one, whether it be at industry events or in the city, I could spot that bag from a mile away. It gave me a strange sense of community. Since first seeing their bags years ago, I now have a little collection from both my own purchases and the bags that they sent me as a gear reviewer. This article isn't sponsored, but they did send me some bags, again with no obligation. Everything I want to share with you is my own opinion because when I like something, and I'm excited about it, I want to share it with you all. Here are a few of my favorite WANDRD products.
PRVKE / Sedona Orange / 31 Liter / Pro Photography Bundle
The PRVKE bag is an interesting all-in-one type camera backpack. As with many WANDRD bags, this one transforms in a multitude of ways to suit you. This is great because, as photographers, we're not always necessarily doing the same thing, and your needs on one photoshoot may vary, especially if you travel for your work. And travel is really where this bag shines. The PRVKE comes in several different choices:
- Bag only
- Photography Bundle with the Essential Camera Cube, waist strap, and accessory strap
- Pro Photography Bundle, which includes the bag, Pro Camera cube, waist strap and accessory strap.
The latter is the one that I have in 31L. That's the choice that I would recommend because the Pro Camera Cube insert is what allows you to have that interior cube with adjustable velcro inserts for your photography gear. That Pro Camera Cube is super helpful because you can take it out of the bag, and it is an entirely lightweight case for your gear. You can store your gear with it, put it in your luggage, or insert it into any other bag; the insert is just super versatile. As to the PRVKE bag itself, the first highlight that I enjoy is the weather-resistant materials. I'm a nature photographer. If it's going to rain a little bit or if I'm out in the snow, sand, or mud, I like the fact that I don’t have to worry. Another aspect of this bag that I think you'll all enjoy is how many pockets it has and the locations of them. First off, the access to your gear is in the back. When you're wearing this bag, if you're walking around, the main access panel is protected against your back. Then there are some zippered pockets towards the front if you would like to use those, but most of everything is located in that back.
Another feature of the PRVKE is the unique roll-top design. If you're used to waterproof hiking, dry bags, or backpacking bags, you may be familiar with roll-top designs. The roll-top design gives you expansion and allows you to choose if you want the bag to be larger or not and add in extra things. I find that space is really useful for jackets or snacks because of its easy and super adjustable access.
As to the interior space, it is large enough inside to have my camera with a long telephoto lens connected right in that center panel. Then I can fit a mix of gear around it with those adjustable felt and velcro panels. It's definitely a great size. WANDRD also makes another size up, the 41L if you have even more gear. If you're a traveler like I am, you'll enjoy some additional features such as the hidden passport pocket to keep your documents safe, luggage pass-through straps for connecting all of your gear together, a fleece-lined phone pocket, key clip, and laptop or tablet sleeves.
This is a great option as either your walkabout bag for every day with lots of options for expansion, inserts, and ample pockets for both travel and camera gear. I have a number of bags, and I find this one to be my go-to for trips when I need a little bit of everything.
Product Highlights
- Quick Side Access
- Expandable Rolltop
- Laptop & Tablet Sleeves
- Magnetic Tote Handles
- Weather Resistant Materials & Zippers
- Expandable Water Bottle/Tripod Pocket
- Secure Passport Pocket
- Removable Camera Protection Bundle Options
- Removable Chest Strap
- Internal Organization
- Luggage Handle Passthrough
- Fleece Lined Phone Pocket
- Clamshell Opening
- Key Clip
Laptop Case / Yuma Tan / 16 Inch
WANDRD’s laptop case is a functional slim design that just works. It's simple and effective at keeping your laptop safe while also transforming into an angled ergonomic tray to help hold up your laptop and ease fatigue while typing. The design is felt lined on the interior, while the exterior features 840D Jr. Ballistic Nylon with 5 PM Coating, 1680D Ballistic Nylon, and weather-resistant YKK Zippers. They're not messing around in keeping your gear safe.
Another aspect to note is that the laptop case pairs with the Rogue sling. The Rogue has a patented expandable satiny pocket where you can just slip your laptop case. It's a perfect pair for when you want to wear a lightweight sling but need to carry your bulky laptop, too.
Product Highlights
- Designed to integrate with WANDRD’s ROGUE 6L & 9L Sling
- Ergonomic Stand
- Use with our Carry Strap for stand-alone carry
- Works with Tech Bag
ROGUE 9L Sling / 6L Sling / Sedona Orange
The Rogue slings are everyday crossbody bags for photographers on the go. They come in three different sizes 3L, 6L, and 9 L. I have the 6L and 9L. Personally, I will say that the 9L is my current favorite because I carry a lot of gear, and I find myself appreciating the extra space. The 6L fits my mirrorless camera, one lens, and then my wallet, phone, and a couple of other smaller accessories. If you want to carry multiple lenses, you'll definitely want to look at the 9L. What attracts me to these bags over other slings are the number of pockets and the expansion to organize all of your little accessories. The bag, as with many WANDRD bags, has a lot of different ways to transform and adapt to your needs. This bag features an expandable tripod pocket and removable dividers, and it even has that patented expandable back pocket that can fit a 16-inch laptop.
I carried the 6L bag around for multiple hiking trips throughout the autumn season and really enjoyed its weather-resistant materials and durability while I was bushwacking through old-growth forests seeking fall color. I also brought it on a couple longer trips as my personal bag and I made use of every single pocket. It's quickly become my go-to bag, and upgrading, as I mentioned, to the 9L means even more space. I'm going to fill every inch with camera gear.
Product Highlights
- U.S. Patented Laptop Carry with our Laptop Cases
- Lightning Quick Access
- 5-Point Adjustment System
- 3 Ways To Carry
- Airmesh Back Panel
- Expandable Tripod/Water Bottle Pocket
- Weather Resistant Materials & Zippers
- Removable Internal Dividers
- Internal Organization
- 3 Grab Handles
- Key Clip
Travel Wallet
WANDRD’s travel wallet is a modern take on just an essential piece to add to your collection. It features a hidden pocket for your money, magnetic closure, and RFID protection. If you're someone who misplaces your wallet, you're definitely going to like this feature. The WANDRD travel wallet has a hidden air tag slot. I think that's genius because if you lose it or someone takes it, you can track your gear. I find it makes a great travel wallet, and, with its larger passport-style size, it can also be your pocket everything plus a business card holder. It looks very crisp and professional.
The size of this wallet is meant to hold a passport, cash, and your cards at:
Closed: 5.38 “H X 4.25” W X .38” D (13.7 X 10.8 X .97 CM)
Open: 5.38"H X 8.5” W (13.7 X 21.6 CM)
Product Highlights
- RFID Protection
- Built-to-Last
- Magnetic Closure
- Hidden Airtag Pocket
- Hidden/Sneaky Cash Pocket
D1 Fanny Pack / Sedona Orange
WANDRD’s D1 Fanny Pack is on brand for them a versatile bag that does multiple things. It can be worn across the hip like a traditional fanny pack or as a crossbody. The interior of the bag is a pretty much open pouch with space for your phone, keys, wallet, and even a small point-and-shoot camera or some other accessories.
I find this bag is a great option for photographers who are on-location, where you need a little side bag to hold memory cards, batteries, and little things. As you're working, this is a great way to keep all your small essentials close at hand. The interior pockets are great for organization or keeping your cash or passport secure. The D1 Fanny Pack also has a key clip, and dual side handles where you can strap additional items like a carabiner for your gaff tape.
Product Highlights
- 3 Ways To Carry
- Phone Pocket
- Magnetic Buckle
- Dual Side Handles
- Small Camera Carry
- Cash/Passport Pocket
- Weather Resistant Materials & Zippers
- Internal Organization
- Matching Interiors & Exteriors
- Key Clip
Packing Cubes
WANDRD is definitely trying to make sure that they offer a full line of anything that photographers and travelers might need to keep their gear and belongings safe and secure. The packing cubes or another matching piece of the puzzle. With a see-through front panel, expandable pockets, and compression zippers, you can stuff the soft-sided cubes full of clothing and then press them down flat to fit even more in your suitcase. The packing cubes pair perfectly with other WANDRD bags fitting in either your PRVKE backpack or TRANSIT rolling bag. They are a simple way to keep your clothing or belongings organized when you are on the go. I find packing cubes a great way to make sure that I have everything that I need with one bag for each thing, whether it's pants, tops, or undergarments. Then, as long as I have all my bags full, I know that I'm not going to show up to a trip without socks.
Product Highlights
- See-Through Mesh Front Panel
- Expansion & Compression (Medium & Large)
- Perfect Fit System
- Expandable Laundry Pocket (Large)
- Grab Handles
TRANSIT Carry-On Roller
WANDRD’s TRANSIT is their take on the common luggage staple of a carry-on roller but with a twist. One reason why I like WANDRD is that they're always creating something we know but taking it a step further with thoughtful design tweaks and upgrades. I like when things are easy, they just work, but then also take that next step towards being better and innovative.
When I took the TRANSIT bag out of the box, the very first thing that I noticed was that it had giant crush-proof wheels that made my old roller bag look like a toy. If you've ever had to wheel a bag over cobblestones or rough terrain, you will appreciate these sturdy, crush-proof wheels as much as I did. Other modern upgrades are the built-in compression straps, huge laptop pocket, and just the overall quality of materials used. This bag is made with weather-resistant material and locking zippers. The handle is even two-stage retractable to adjust to whatever height you need. Another aspect that they've incorporated again is a hidden air tag pocket. I love this because it gives you peace of mind to keep an eye on your gear as you're traveling.
The interior of the bag, you'll notice, has a large amount of space with pockets and straps to adjust to your needs. I'm the type that's very big on having a lot of pockets and organization; otherwise, I'm going to have a million plastic baggies full of things, so this bag has a combination of mesh pockets and zippered pockets everywhere really helps me make sure that all of my gear is secured. I also like how in the main area of the bag the straps that you usually have to hold down the contents also have large mesh panels. That additional mesh will help ensure that things stay put.
Another small but appreciable upgrade to this bag over others I've used is that on the outside, it has a metal bar between the feet so that when you set your bag down, it stays upright. Instead of only little flimsy feet that bar distributes the weight across a larger surface area for stability. This is great because we often overload our bags full of gear. That little touch just gives me the impression of how much care went into engineering the design of this carry-on roller.
Product Highlights
- Built-to-Last
- Crush-Proof Wheels
- Internal Organization
- Hidden Airtag Pocket
- Built-In Compression Straps
- Oversized Laptop Pocket
- Quick-Access Organization Pockets
- Weather-Resistant Material
- 2-Stage Retractable Handle
What Didn't Work For Me
In using and testing many WANDRD bags I have to say that there is a lot to like and very little not. I love their innovative designs, high-quality materials, lifetime warranty, fun colorways, and ample pockets. The only aspect that I have found not my preference is nitpicking, it is the wide use of strong magnets in most of their gear. While they are convenient, strong magnets can pose issues in certain cases. There is a magnet in the Travel wallet, the buckle of the Fanny Pack, the top of the rolltop for the PRVKE, etc. In all of these, the magnets are not removable and are a part of the design that you cannot simply cut off. I wanted to note this as it is important to be careful with magnets near some electronics, credit cards, and especially for people with medical devices like pacemakers. This is niche, but I wish that the magnets were removable. It doesn't stop me from enjoying the products, but I wanted to mention my one gripe.
Conclusion
Overall, having multiple WANDRD bags and accessories allows me flexibility in combining and pairing my gear. From the Laptop Case that fits perfectly in the ROGUE 9L Sling, to the Pro Camera cube that I can swap between my PRVKE 31L and TRANSIT Carry-On Roller, all while never missing a beat. From small storage like the Fanny Pack to the largest 41L PRVKE, there are so many options to suit you and your needs. I hope that this introduction to WANDRD and my insight helped me share part of my kit with you and give you ideas of bags or accessories to add to yours. As for me, well, now I'm eyeing up their FERNWEH 50L backpacking bag for my longest backpacking adventures.
You can find WANDRD's bags here at B&H.com.
If you shop WANDRD.com, use this link for a code to save $15 off your first order.
