Wandrd PRVKE V4 review: who says camera bags can’t be stylish?
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Wandrd PRVKE V4 Bag: Two Minute Review
I’ve tested many of the best camera bags over the past 15 years (seriously, I have a whole collection), but it wasn’t until recently that I got my hands on some Wandrd gear for the first time. Of course, I had to start with the established American accessory manufacturer’s bestseller PRVKE, which is now in its V4 version.
Wanting a slim daypack, I opted for the medium 21L version in “Sedona Orange” – the boldest look of the lot – with the cube insert. There is an even smaller 15L version (the only size in the range with the built-in camera compartment) or a larger 31L version. Wandrd has apparently 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 complete the bag for essentials.
What I particularly like about the PRVKE V4 is how good it looks without the usual camera bag telltale signs. No, this looks like a regular trolley bag that I see so often on commuter trains in the UK, and looks particularly stylish.
Inside, however, I could carry several thousand dollars/pounds worth of camera gear (in the “Essential Camera Cube”), fit in my 17-inch MacBook Pro, and fill a number of small zippered pockets with accessories such as charging cables.
And there’s still room in the open third at the top, accessible via the roll-top, for everyday items such as a sweater and a Tupperware container.
It took me a little while to try out the different compartments with my gear, to see what combinations would fit easily into the cube, and at first I wasn’t convinced I’d chosen the right size for my mid-range mirrorless camera and lenses.
However, with a little effort, I inserted my mirrorless camera with an attached lens, an additional lens, and various accessories, including a small LED light panel.
Picture 1 of 5
I’ve happily used the PRVKE V4 21L for commuting and day trips, although it would be difficult to use it over a weekend – I think the 31L version (which I haven’t tried but has the same layout) would be ideal for this.
The PRVKE V4 really looks the part – I really like the wide selection of muted colors it’s available in, which now totals seven, especially the orange I chose – but it’s also practical.
The shoulder straps and back are lined with padded mesh, making a long day of carrying gear a comfortable experience.
On one side, an expandable pocket can easily hold a water bottle or tripod, with an additional strap to secure larger items. On the other side, a zippered pocket provides access to where the cube is located – directly to your photo equipment. Not all of today’s low-profile camera bags offer such direct access to equipment, so the PRVKE V4 does.
I also like the handle on the top, with the two straps attaching magnetically. They make picking up the bag much easier, as does the extra handle on the back, which can easily fit over the handle of a suitcase for plane travel.
The PRVKE V4 isn’t quite perfect, mind you. I found some dirt to be a little sticky on the smooth back of the bag, and the roll-up design isn’t the most weather-resistant. I also don’t think all pockets are necessary, but that might not be the case for the next person.
It’s also a shame that the key accessory for the camera equipment – namely the cube insert – is an expensive extra for what is already a relatively expensive bag (15L side, in which the camera compartments are 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 outings, commuting and, once the cube is removed, even for a weekend bag. If you want a weekend bag with photo equipment, I recommend the 31L version.
There’s a reason PRVKE has been so successful in recent years, and now, in its updated V4 form, I’m happy to have joined the party. This will undoubtedly be my bag of choice for the foreseeable future.
Wandrd PRVKE V4: price and availability
- Available in 15L, 21L and 31L versions
- There are seven muted colors to choose from
- Prices start at $234 / £207 (availability and pricing in Australia vary), camera cube costs extra
The Wandrd PRVKE has been available for several years and this review is for the current V4 version.
The PRVKE V4 can be purchased in one of seven soft colors in the Wandrd Store: Black, Aegean Blue, Wasatch Green, Yuma Tan, Sedona Orange, Rhône Burgundy, and Atacama Clay. It is available in three sizes: 15 L, 21 L and 31 L – the smallest is the only one with a compartment for photo equipment. Here are the price details:
The 15L version costs $279 / £246 (no need for optional cube insert), the 21L bag only costs $234 / £207 and the 31L bag only costs $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 adds $120/£105 to the cost. The prices of these accessories are a bit high in my opinion.
The older version of the PRVKE bag was also available in a larger 41L version, which is still available at various retailers for around $273/£242.
Wandrd PRVKE V4: specifications
|
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 6.25 inches / 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 1 inch / 34.3 x 24.8 x 2.5 cm |
Should I buy the Wandrd PRVKE V4?
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider
Peak Design Daily Backpack V2
The Wandrd PRVKE V4 and the Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 share many similarities: they have a similar capacity and offer direct side access to camera gear. However, the PRVKE V4 is better in terms of style and as an overall bag, while the Peak Design offering is better suited as a dedicated camera bag, and costs less given the camera insert is included.
Read my Peak Design Everyday V2 Backpack Review
How I tested the Wandrd PRVKE V4
- I had the 21L version of the PRVKE V4, with the ‘Essential’ cube insert
- I used the PRVKE for over a month, mostly as a day or weekend bag
Wandrd arranged a long-term loan for me of the PRVKE bag – the 21L version with cube insert.
I’ve used the PRVKE as my primary bag for commuting, simple day trips, and the occasional weekend away.
It stocked a range of my camera gear – from mid-range mirrorless models with a few lenses, to smaller vlogging gear with a range of accessories such as LED lights. I also stored a 17-inch MacBook Pro inside.
Throughout my testing, the bag was subjected to harsh weather and used in a variety of environments, including major cities. This is a true long-term review.
First revision in January 2026
