Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 Review

Summary Verdict

Wandrd has updated its popular PRVKE backpacks to create the fourth series including the Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 reviewed here. While the DNA is unmistakably PRVKE, the refinements add up to make this a very practical camera daypack. The intuitive rolltop design, easy access and streamlined layout make it suited to photographers who want to travel light and stay mobile, without compromising overly on protection or organisation. The Photography Bundle provides enough space and protection for a full-frame camera and up to three or four lenses, making it a great everyday solution. The Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4’s durability, comfort, low-profile style and security of storage also work well in urban environments, or when hopping on and off public transport.

Score: 5/5

For

• Intuitive access and updated rolltop design

• Comfortable fit

• Smart wipe-clean exterior and durable materials

Against

• No waist-belt included (although not essential)

• Camera Cube only included in the Photography Bundle

• Tote-style straps still feel slightly in the way

Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 has a deep side pocket and strap to keep a tripod secure.

What is the Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 Photography Bundle?

The Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 Photography Bundle is the latest iteration of Wandrd’s compact modular camera backpack. It builds on the popularity of the original PRVKE 21 with design tweaks and additional access options that make it even better suited to everyday use and on-the-go photography. This bundle includes the Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 backpack, the Essential Camera Cube and accessory straps, making it ready to house and protect a mirrorless or DSLR camera setup. There's also a Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 Pro Photography Bundle which swaps the Essential Camera Cube for the larger Pro Camera Cube.

Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 Photography Bundle Price and Availability

The Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 Photography Bundle, which includes the backpack, Essential Camera Cube and two accessory straps costs £281 and is available now from retailers or Wandrd's website. Alternatively, you can buy the backpack by itself for £206 or bundled with the Pro Camera Cube and two straps for £312.

The rear panel of the Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 is well-padded and shaped to make it comfortable on your back.

Key Features

The Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 is a 21-litre backpack that can expand to 25L via the newly redesigned rolltop, which now includes a zip opening for quicker access if needed. There are also lots of organisation features including a large front zipped pocket, a water bottle or tripod pocket, a hidden AirTag pocket within one of the three zippered pockets inside the rear panel and sleeves to house a laptop and a tablet. There's even a zip-close pocket with three webbing pockets for memory cards on the inside of the side opening and the luggage pass-through strap conceals a secret zip-close passport pocket

The roll-top is held in place by a broad strap with a metal hood. The zip to the right opens the large, flat, front pocket.

Wandrd makes the PRVKE 21 V4 from P900D PVC-coated tarpaulin and N840D junior ballistic nylon that's lighter but as strong as the fabric used on previous bags. In addition, the zips are YKK reverse coils and treated with a DWR coating, making them as weather-resistant as earlier PVKE bags, but smoother-running.

The backpack is currently available in eight different colours, including the attractive 'Rhone Burgundy' that I've been testing. Some of the straps on the bags are black but, unlike the original PRIVKE series, all of the fabric, including the interior and the shoulder straps now matches the main outer colour. The interior of the black PRVKE, however, is grey rather than black to make it easier to spot the contents.

When the camera cube is in place in the PRVKE 21 V4, its contents can be accessed via a side opening (which is bigger than on earlier PRVK bags) and via the clamshell-opening main zip.

The curved straps on the Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 make it comfortable to carry even when fully loaded.

Build and Handling

The Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 retains its sleek urban styling but softens the edges slightly with more ergonomic shoulder straps and a reworked back panel that improves airflow and comfort. At 1.3kg, it’s not overly heavy, and the main material feel tough and wipe-clean.

There are plenty of thoughtful features, like a handy top pocket for phones or sunglasses and a lanyard and clip in a side pocket to keep your keys safe. The side opening is on the left of the bag as you wear it, which means that you just need to shake the right strap off your shoulder and twist the bag around on your left to access the pocket without putting the bag down. It especially handy if you have your camera out and you want to switch lens.

Meanwhile, the bottle/tripod pocket is on the right side of the bag.

The main zip pulls are wide and easy to use - it’s nice they match the bag too.

The included Essential Camera Cube features padded dividers that have velcro fixings so they can be customised to hold your kit. It occupies about there quarters of the space in the main compartment and has room to accommodate a (single-grip) full-frame camera and up to around three or four lenses and few accessories. Naturally, it depends what else you want to carry, but there's room for a 70-200mm F/2.8 lens on a camera.

Although the tote-style handles at the top of the bag make it easier to grab off shelves or racks, they can get in the way a bit when you want to access the zip opening of the roll-top section. It's a minor niggle as I prefer to have them rather than not.

The Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 Photography Bundle is holding a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24-70mm f/2.8, plus two other lenses and a collection of accessories here. It can be configure to suit a range of kit and accommodate a 70-200mm f/2.8 if required.

Performance

The Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 is designed to be worn for long periods and it performs well in that regard. Even fully packed, it feels balanced and secure. The shoulder straps don’t dig in and the back panel provides enough padding to prevent gear from poking through. I didn't miss a waist-belt, but Wandrd offers an optional one for £30 if you feel the need.

Wandrd has added an elastic section to the sternum strap and that gives a little more comfort without taking away from the stability. I have fairly broad shoulders for my size, but I fall into the 'petite' category. Nevertheless the shoulder straps sit well on my shoulders and the sternum strap is a 'nice to have' rather than an essential to keep them in the right place.

The sternum strap slides easily up and down its mounting. I find it most comfortable close to the top position.

The Essential Camera Cube carries everything I need for a day of general photography, but I'd want something bigger if I were looking to carry a long lens for wildlife.

The roll-top is easy to use and gives handy expansion room when you need to stow a jacket or a few bits and bobs. Meanwhile, the side access to the camera cube is a real plus when you’re shooting on the move and want to want keep your camera stowed away or make quick lenses changes.

It's nice to see metal hooks on the end of the side straps on the PRVK 21 V4. These are a smaller match for the hook on the roll-top section. They are a little fiddly to slide into the loops on the side of the bag, but they are durable, hold well and are easy to release when you need use whatever they are holding in place.

Wandrd has made the side pocket on the fourth incarnation of the PRVKE backpacks deeper than the one on earlier versions. It makes a water bottle or a tripod a little more secure and easy to carry.

The left side of the Wandrd PRVKE 21 V4 has a deep opening that corresponds with an opening in the Essential Camera Cube to allow you to reach a camera or lens when you need it without putting the backpack on the ground.

Verdict

I've used most of the Wandrd PRVKE backpacks extensively since they were introduced and I like them a lot. The new PRVKE 21 V4 Photography Bundle refines an already excellent design into a more user-friendly, travel-ready package. It’s ideal for women photographers who want to blend practicality, security and understated style in a single daypack. While it’s not cheap, the included Essential Camera Cube and accessory straps make it good value, and the durability means you’re unlikely to need a replacement any time soon. It’s a solid choice whether you’re commuting, travelling or simply spending a day with your camera.

It's nice to see a range of colours available, the Rhone Burgundy is a winner for me.