I’m a photographer and I’ve finally found my ideal day trip and weekend bag – the stylish roll-top Wandrd PRVKE

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Wandrd PRVKE V4 bag: Two-minute review

I’ve tested plenty of the best camera bags over the last 15 years (seriously, I’ve got quite the collection), but only recently got my hands on Wandrd gear for the first time. Of course, I had to start with the established American accessory maker’s best-selling PRVKE, which is now in its V4 version.

Wanting a slimline day pack, I opted for the mid-size 21L version in ‘Sedona Orange’ – the boldest look of the lot – with the cube insert. There’s an even smaller 15L version (the only size in the range with the camera compartment built-in) or a larger 31L size. Wandrd has seemingly ditched the 41L size from the previous version of the PRVKE.

I also picked up the D1 fanny pack (also in Sedona Orange) at the same time, to complement the bag for essentials.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

What I particularly appreciate about the PRVKE V4 is how good it looks without the usual camera bag tell-tale signs. No, this looks like a regular roll-top bag that I see so often on commuter trains in the UK, and a particularly stylish one at that.

Inside, however, I could pack several thousand dollars/pounds worth of camera gear (in the ‘Essential Camera Cube’), squeeze in my 17-inch MacBook Pro, and fill a number of the small zipped pockets with accessories such as charging cables.

And there’s still space in the open third at the top, which is accessed through the roll-top, for day items such as a sweater and tupperware container.

It took me a little while trying out the various compartments with my gear, seeing what combinations would easily fit in the cube, and at first, I wasn’t convinced I had picked the right size for my mid-range mirrorless camera and lenses.

However, with a little endeavor, I squeezed in my mirrorless camera with lens attached, an additional lens, and various accessories, including a small LED light panel.

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(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

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I’ve happily used the PRVKE V4 21L for commuting and day trips, although it’d be a stretch using it for a weekend – I reckon the 31L version (which I haven’t tried but has the same layout) would be ideal for that.

The PRVKE V4 truly looks the part – I really like the wide choice of muted colors it’s available in, which now total seven in all, especially the orange that I went for – but it’s also practical too.

The shoulder straps and back are lined with a padded mesh, making a long day of lugging gear a comfortable experience.

On one side, a stretch pocket easily holds a water bottle or tripod, with an additional strap to secure taller items. On the other side, a zip pocket accesses where the cube sits – directly to your camera gear. Not all of today’s discreet camera bags offer such direct access to gear, so points to the PRVKE V4 there.

I like the handle on the top, too, with the two straps fixing to each other magnetically. They make picking up the bag a breeze, as does the additional handle on the back, which can conveniently slot over a suitcase handle for air travel.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The PRVKE V4 is not quite perfect, mind you. I found dirt a little sticky on the smooth back of the bag, and the roll-top design isn’t the most weatherproof. I don’t think all of the pockets are necessary either, but that might not be true of the next person.

It’s also a shame that the key camera gear accessory – namely the cube insert – is a pricey extra for what is already a relatively expensive bag (15L aside, which has the camera compartments fixed in place).

Overall, these are minor drawbacks for what is clearly a well-designed backpack. I can easily see myself relying on the 21L bag for days out, commuting, and, with the cube removed, even a weekender pack. If you want a weekend bag with camera gear, I’d recommend the 31L version instead.

There’s a reason the PRVKE has proved such a hit these last few years, and now, in its updated V4 form, I’m glad to have joined the party. This will no doubt be my go-to day bag for the foreseeable future.

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The PRVKE V4 can be purchased in one of seven muted colors at the Wandrd store: Black, Aegean Blue, Wasatch Green, Yuma Tan, Sedona Orange, Rhone Burgundy, and Atacama Clay. It’s available in three sizes: 15L, 21L, and 31L – the smallest is the only one to feature a camera gear compartment. Here’s a breakdown of the prices:

The 15L version costs $279 / £246 (no need for an optional cube insert), the 21L bag only is $234 / £207, and the 31L bag only is $254 / £224.

The Photography bundle includes the Essential Camera Cube and adds $85 / £74 to the cost of the 21L and 31L versions, while the Pro photography bundle includes the larger Pro Camera Cube and add $120 / £105 to the cost. Those accessory prices are a little steep in my opinion.

The former version of the PRVKE bag also came in a larger 41L version, which is still available at various retailers for around $273 / £242.

Wandrd PRVKE V4: specs

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Wandrd Prkve Specs
Sizes	15L, 21L and 31L
Colors	Black, Aegean Blue, Wasatch Green, Yuma Tan, Sedona Orange, Rhone Burgundy and Atacama Clay
Dimensions	17 x 11 x 6.25in / 43.2 x 27.9 x 15.9 cm (21L version)
Weight	2.98lbs / 1.3kg for the 21L version
Laptop sleeve	13.5 x 9.75 x 1in / 34.3 x 24.8 x 2.5cm

How I tested the Wandrd PRVKE V4

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

I had the 21L version of the PRVKE V4, with the ‘Essential’ cube insert
I used the PRVKE for over a month, mainly as a day or weekend bag

Wandrd arranged a long-term loan of the PRVKE bag for me – the 21L version with cube insert.

I’ve used the PRVKE as my primary bag for commuting, simple day trips, and the occasional weekender.

It has stored a range of my camera gear – from mid-range mirrorless models with a couple of lenses, to smaller vlogging gear with a range of accessories such as LED lights. I’ve also stored a 17-inch MacBook Pro inside.

Throughout my testing, the bag has been subject to inclement weather and used in a range of environments, including large cities. This is a true long-term review.