Test Wandrd Brand new camera bag Element 21L V3: the king of blinds

Wandrd is an American manufacturer specializing in luggage for photographers. The goal of the two founders of the brand was to produce bags that would satisfy the needs of as many as possible and at the same time were aesthetically interesting. This is how Prvke is pronounced (pronounced provoke), from a crowdfunding campaign on the Kickstarter platform.

Favorite brand

In 2021, Wandrd introduced the third version of the bag that made it famous. The new model obviously takes the right ingredients from a recipe carried by a rain-resistant finish, a design inspired by messenger bags with a roll closure, quality construction, storage with an insert and many options for professional use.

Prvke is available in three volumes, 21 l, 31 l and 41 l. The more compact 11-weight model is also sold under the name Prvke Lite. While the 21 and 31 liter models are very similar, the size of the smallest and largest bags is really very different. The small model is more compact and is limited to a 13 “to 14” computer. It also loses its liner and in return benefits from a partially modular compartment. The hidden waist pocket is also gone. The 41 l bag is logically more impressive, especially in depth.

Three offers on the Element

For those who want to buy Elements, there are three options with different prices:

• The bag itself: interesting for non-photographers
• The Photography Bundle: An insert (called the Camera Cube by Wandrd) that takes up two-thirds of the bag is included in the camera storage package, along with two accessory clips and a detachable waist strap.
• Pro Photography Bundle: The bag is sold with an insert that takes up the entire inner compartment and can carry the maximum amount of equipment. Fasteners and straps are also available.

Price and availability

Prvke was discovered by Wandrd during the summer of 2021. In the “photo pack” version, Prvke 21 l is sold for € 289, and the 31 l model is sold for € 309 at the time of writing.

Almost no protection

Unlike many camera bags, Prvke offers a flexible design and no special padding or reinforcement. It is practical for integrating the bag into an already full car trunk, less so for storing and protecting your camera equipment.

In addition, Elements can be used with difficulty to store a camera without an insert, which you purchase in Bundle Photography. Thanks to it, the element gains a bit of sustainability and, above all, allows you to protect your equipment and adapt the storage space to your needs.

Finally, this flexible design is certainly the biggest flaw of the Element. In use, handling zippers is sometimes complicated and requires you to try twice.

Quality construction

The question of production is clear the perfection of the Element V3 and which Wandrd made a specialty. The surface finishes are exemplary and the materials are of high quality. We noticed the presence of metal at the fasteners or even small tricks, such as a magnet holding two large handles.

The only question mark: straps. Attached to the back of the bag, zipped to open the bag from behind, they are practical, but can reveal fragility over time. For example, Lowepro decided to do the opposite, at the cost of a small loss in terms of ergonomics.

Complete rain protection

The element is ready to face the elements with these fully protected zippers and their water-repellent coating. Rain coatings even have slip protection in the closed position, which is less common. On the other hand, for those who should face particularly bad weather, the Rainfly protective cover is sold separately.

You have three options for accessing the material. The rear opening allows full access to storage space. It’s one of the essential things, plus a side opening that gives you quick access to the camera. The element one has, but it can be slightly narrow. Above all, it will be necessary to think about inserting the hole of the insert into the slot provided so that you do not have to fight with two holes (bag and insert).

Scrolling opening, we like or dislike

Finally, we end with a roll-top top opening. This type of opening, which is widely used by couriers, is still a little less practical than the more traditional approach. In fact, it must be rolled up and unrolled to get inside its bag. On the other hand, it is possible to add material and increase the capacity of the bag by 4 liters thanks to this design. We can’t have everything …

We will not necessarily address the issue of convenience, because Prvke is excellent in every way. The back padding is very comfortable, with thick and above all very soft foam … as well as shoulder straps.

Almost perfect performance

Although comfort cannot be assessed on all possible body types, we did not feel any discomfort throughout the use of the Element, sometimes with very heavy equipment. The waist harness is removable, as is the chest support.

Compared to the previous model, this one also benefits from a strap for carrying the bag on the suitcase. Finally, it does not lack many, if not adjustable straps or a side carrying handle.

Mandatory attachment to the photo

As we mentioned a little earlier, the Element has storage space for connection to the insert (except for the Lite 11 l version, whose modular space cannot be removed). If this type of construction allows the module to be removed for more traditional use, we will usually leave it in place, which reduces the interest in this type of surface treatment compared to a fully modular compartment.

After a first-class design and flawless comfort, we finally get to the strength of Prvke thanks to the numerous storage spaces. On the outside, you can use a large, very narrow pocket, for example, to store a few documents. There is a secret pocket for papers or cash in the back behind the strap holding the bag in the airport position.

Lots of storage space

There is another key pocket on the side, while a larger pocket is located at the top. It has a velvety surface to prevent scratching the glasses or smartphone.

In addition to the tablet slot, there is also a computer slot inside the bag. There are also four more pockets available. A small peculiarity that should be noted, all holes have slides. You can store your SD cards in it without risk.

Outside there is space for a bottle or accessories. With fasteners, this number increases to 4 for overall modularity. It is excellent and ranks Prvke as one of the best references at this point.