The New WANDRD Prvke 21

An Amazing Camera Bag just Got Better!

A few years ago I picked up the original Prvke 21 pack and fell in love with it, so when WANDRD reached out to me to see if I would be interested in receiving their latest version for free, I jumped at the chance. I've been a fan of the original for some time and there was no expectation of a review, nor did any money change hands. That said, it's been on my mind for some time to share my impressions, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity. I love this bag, but I will also be honest about its short-comings. 

Most of my photographic journeys involve hiking or paddling to a location. For me, the Prvke21 has been the perfect companion to carry my gear.

The Prvke series of bags comes in three sizes, 21L, 31L, and 41L. The 21L bag is perfect for most mirrorless shooters. The colour options are Aegean Blue (shown), Wasatch Green, and Black. The 41L only comes in black.

Why I Love the Old Bag (and I don't mean my wife)
As a professional photographer and outdoor enthusiast I have quite a few different camera bags (ten at last count) from a number of different manufacturers. Each serves a purpose and has a number of pros and cons going for it. Since getting the Prvke21 a few years ago I would say that my gear spends about 90% of its time in this bag. Here's why...

• Compact yet Expandable - On the surface the Prvke21 is not a big bag. I shoot with Olympus, a mirrorless system and typically carry two camera bodies, 4 or 5 lenses, a set of filters, extra batteries, memory cards, some small LED lights and a small travel tripod. All of this fits easily into the 21L space (the tripod has its own pocket on the outside). With the roll-down top and cinch strap, access to the top compartment allows me to throw in a jacket, snack, and other personal items if I need the extra room - up to 4L of extra room. 
• Comfortable - The strap system fits comfortably while hiking, and with the adjustable sternum strap and optional waist strap it will fit all sorts of body types.
• Travel Ready -  Prior to the pandemic I would hit the road, and the airlines, two or three times a month. When I arrived at the airport parking lot I would attach my car keys to the nicely hidden, built-in key hook, and would have my passport securely stowed in the passport pocket. If I brought along a book or magazine I could unzip the thin pocket that runs the entire length of the front panel and carry my reading material there, making access during the flight simple. I never had to worry about my bag fitting in the overhead compartment of even the smallest regional carriers, and if need be, it would easily fit under the seat in front of me. (Writing this paragraph is making me really miss travel - insert sad face)
• Durable - This is definitely one of the toughest bags I own. I've dragged it on my hands and knees through tiny caves in Arizona, been snowshoeing with it in the San Juans, hiked in the rain of the Pacific Northwest, and paddled and hiked through the wilderness of northern Ontario. It is built with very high quality weatherproof materials. All their bags come with their "Wander More, Worry Less" lifetime warranty should something go wrong.  
• Removable Camera Cube - At first I wasn't sure if I liked this feature. After all you have to buy the cube separately. But now I love it. When I'm out kayaking I want a small amount of gear at the ready. I pull the cube out of the Prvke21 and it fits perfectly into the cockpit of my kayak. It also fits nicely in the top of my large backpack when I go out on multi-day wilderness expeditions. 

Prvke bags have a rugged build and can handle any situation I've put them through.

So, What's New?
At first glance, especially when looking at the front of the bag, it's hard to tell that there have been any changes to the bag at all. I suppose that speaks to the success of the original design. But upon closer inspection, the changes are many...

• Improved Padding - the back panel has considerably more padding and increased breathability. This is perfect for longer hikes in warm conditions. The breathable material extends to the shoulder straps, but I would have liked to see even more padding in the straps themselves. The straps are also narrower in this version which could put more strain on the shoulders.
• A New Sternum Strap System - The new system is fully adjustable (and removable!) but locks into place so that it won't slip while in use.
• Fully Hidden Passport Pocket - It's so hidden it took me awhile to find it. I was disappointed to see that the passport pocket was removed, until I moved the new luggage pass-through strap and discovered the zipper to the passport pocket. I used this pocket numerous times with the older version so was happy to see that it remained in this update. 
• New Luggage Pass-through Strap - Oh, I just mentioned that. Next...
• Improved Key Hook - the key hook strap is longer and easier to use and remains nicely placed in the top left pocket. There's room enough for a granola bar, gum, extra batteries or a spare face mask (hey, we're still in a pandemic as I write this).
• Better Tote Handle Magnets - It's a small touch, but it is nice for the tote handles to remain together. The magnets on the older version just didn't cut it. The new ones come together with some significant force. The slogan, "Wander More, Worry Less" is now branded on the handles as well.
• Improved Top Felt Pocket - Behind the tote handles in a small felt pocket that is sewn directly into one of the interior lids. This will better maintain the pocket's shape and allow easier access.

The new Prvke has significantly more padding with greater breathability.

The passport pocket is hidden behind the luggage pass-through.

When returning to the airport I no longer have to ask, "Where did I put the d@#^ keys?"

The roll-down top adds up to 4L of extra space and is my favourite feature of this bag.

An Inside Look
The main compartment, where you would insert the Camera Cube, shows no real changes and that makes sense since the cube is a separate purchase. I am happy that my older cube still fits perfectly within the main compartment. The flap access panel to the upper compartment is no longer mesh, but a durable nylon material. Unfortunately due to the panel design both zippers have to be used into order to close it. When I want quick access I don't like the idea of having to fumble with two zippers. 
As for the lid there are several new zippered compartments along with the two larger sleeves for laptops or tablets that were in the original design.  These new pockets are a very nice addition to store fairly small, flat accessories. 

The lid on the Prvke now has three additional zippered pockets along with the well-padded sleeves.

The Camera Cube (sold separately) inserts easily into the bottom compartment. The top compartment is large enough for longer lenses or other gear.

So How Good is it?
I've only had the new Prvke21 for a couple of weeks before writing this review, but I've had its precursor for years. The build quality remains excellent, and in many regards is improved. I'm rough on my gear and this bag can handle the abuse of backcountry travel. On a couple of day hikes the new model proved to be even more comfortable, and in the rain it repelled the water nicely. I'm guessing that a torrential downpour might cause some issues, but with waterproof materials and weather-resistant zippers I haven't had any issues keeping water out of my pack, and I've been in some wet conditions. There is an available rain fly, but so far I haven't needed it.
A camera bag is all about storage, and for my purposes this bag fits the bill for most situations. As a mirrorless shooter I find there is ample room in the Camera Cube for a camera body and lens, along with 3 or 4 other lenses, plus batteries, and small LED panel. Within the upper compartment I can easily carry any additional camera body and lens, or one of my longer telephoto lenses. I also store my filter holder in this part. On a day hike I throw in a jacket, lunch, or other gear, and the cinch strap keeps things from moving about.
The lid easily fits my 13-inch laptop when I travel, my camera filters, and now with the extra pockets can also fit extra memory cards, cables or other smaller items. The side access also has a zippered pocket for smaller items. 
Storage is definitely not an issue, even in a bag with a fairly small footprint. For those shooting with larger DSLRs, the Prvke31 might be the better option. 

It's Not All Roses
Yup, this is a great bag. But it's not perfect. There are a few things that I would have liked to see improved.

• It's Dark In There! - This bag comes in several colours, but the interior is black which makes finding stuff in dim light a challenge at times. Black may be elegant, but with black batteries and lens caps it can be tough to find these items when I'm shooting after sunset. 
• Zipper Rings - Yup, they're black too. Maybe it's just me, but I spend most of my time shooting at the bookends of the day, and at night under the stars. When the light is changing fast, I don't want to search for the zipper rings. A bit of contrast in the ring would be nice.
• More Shoulder Strap Padding - The back panel has a generous amount of padding compared to the earlier version. I think the shoulder straps would have benefitted from a bit more as well. It's adequate, but just. 
• Greater Scuff Resistance - WANDRD bags are not only practical and feature packed, they are stylish. I love the exterior material choice, except for one complaint. It scuffs up a bit too easily. It's difficult to tell if the newer model is more scuff resistant than its precursor. So far, minor scuffs seem to wipe away quite easily, but my older bag definitely has some memories of previous trips etched into it. 

Final Thoughts
Is this bag for every photographer? Nope. If you need really quick access to your gear you can't beat a shoulder bag with a simple lid. But if you are looking for a pack-styled bag that is rugged, comfortable, incredibility well made, with plenty of room for gear, the WANDRD Prvke21 is tough to beat. You can check out this bag and other stuff from WANDRD on their website. 
Oh, and one more thing. My wife is anything but an "old bag". She is the most wonderfully supportive partner I could imagine. (This only makes sense if you read the whole article.)

The Prvke is not submerge proof, but it will keep your gear dry is some pretty wet weather. A separate rain fly is also available.