p.1 #1 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
Need assistance.
I've never used a backpack. I always use sling of some sort, but have an upcoming leisure trip with where I need a water resistant lightweight pack to carry small camera kit A7r3 + a few standard lenses( still debating) and some clothing layers cap, gloves etc simultaneously with hands free for light hiking. Also, I need to be able to pack the empty backpack in suitcase. I will use a roller bag for camera gear carry-on.
With on-line research only, I'v e narrowed PD 20L or the Prvke 21L camera backpack kit. But interested to know what others have experienced with different products too. While I like many PeakDesign products, I think I've read others complain the PD backpack are not very comfortable?
Priorities include:
1. Truly water resistant
2. Comfortable straps
3. Camer gear compartment
3. Side entry swing-around accessible ( I can't put the pack on the ground to access interior as needed
p.1 #2 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
Just went through this. I now own both the PD 20L and the Prvke 31L. The Prvke is definitely more comfortable, but in my case with the 31L, it's also a good bit bigger than the PD. Side access might be a little easier to access with the PD, but I feel that I can fit more in the Prvke overall. I wasn't sure if I would like the roll top of the Prvke, but the more I use it, I have found myself liking it quite a bit.
p.1 #3 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
Another option, that I personally use, is to look into getting a dedicated hiking backpack plus a camera bag insert. Why? Hiking packs are designed specifically for comfort and support, usually come with a waterproof rain cover, and are more versatile. You'll lose out on the side entry and you mentioned, but what's more important? Comfort or convenience?
p.1 #4 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
I just went through this too. I have the Prvke 21L and so far I really like it. The only thing missing for me is a sleeve to slip the backpack onto a roller bag (the PD has this), but since you're packing it inside, not an issue for you.
I chose the Prvke because I like the overall look, like the clamshell opening, the side "door" for easy camera grab, and the way it separates camera gear and other items, so I can use as my airplane "personal item".
It seems more weatherproof than the PD but that's not based on any testing.
You could go down a huge rabbit hole of YouTube reviews on these two bags
Edited to add: You might do better with an Osprey if your priority is day hikes. A full-on camera insert may be hard to pack down in a suitcase.
p.1 #5 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
I’ve had the PD 20L for a few years and have used a lot and more recently got the Lowe flipside trek 350.
The PD 20L is fine in light downpour but the zips are not waterproof and leak in heavier rain. The interior will get wet within an inch or two of the zips. I bought a rain cover and carry it when traveling. The straps are uncomfortable when fully loaded with camera gear and a laptop. Fine for airport transfers but I would not hike or wear all day fully loaded. It is fine with a camera body and a few lenses plus soft goods and water. I am fairly wide shouldered and the straps need the sternum strap attached. Might work better for smaller narrower bodies. I really like the flexibility of the interior dividers and sideways access on the go is great.
It is fairly heavy and won’t compress that well to fit into a suitcase for transport. I use as my carry on.
But now I almost always use the flip side trek instead unless I need a ton of equipment. The suspension is closer to a real backpack so it is far more comfortable. I mention it as the weakness of all the dedicated camera packs I’ve owned or tried or read about is the suspension comfort for all day fully loaded use.
I used real backpacks for years with all my gear in neoprene as the packs were lighter, more comfortable, cheaper and better built. Now I appreciate the organization and access of dedicated camera bags more but miss the comfort of a real backpack.
p.1 #6 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
elizabeth77 wrote:
I just went through this too. I have the Prvke 21L and so far I really like it. The only thing missing for me is a sleeve to slip the backpack onto a roller bag (the PD has this), but since you're packing it inside, not an issue for you.
I chose the Prvke because I like the overall look, like the clamshell opening, the side "door" for easy camera grab, and the way it separates camera gear and other items, so I can use as my airplane "personal item".
It seems more weatherproof than the PD but that's not based on any testing.
You could go down a huge rabbit hole of YouTube reviews on these two bags
Edited to add: You might do better with an Osprey if your priority is day hikes. A full-on camera insert may be hard to pack down in a suitcase. ...Show more →
I've not heard of Osprey. Will have to check that out. Half day hikes is the plan so I will only be packing gear for that day + clothing layers, rain jacket as needed keeping pack as light as possible.
p.1 #7 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
darrellc wrote:
I’ve had the PD 20L for a few years and have used a lot and more recently got the Lowe flipside trek 350.
The PD 20L is fine in light downpour but the zips are not waterproof and leak in heavier rain. The interior will get wet within an inch or two of the zips. I bought a rain cover and carry it when traveling. The straps are uncomfortable when fully loaded with camera gear and a laptop. Fine for airport transfers but I would not hike or wear all day fully loaded. It is fine with a camera body and a few lenses plus soft goods and water. I am fairly wide shouldered and the straps need the sternum strap attached. Might work better for smaller narrower bodies. I really like the flexibility of the interior dividers and sideways access on the go is great.
It is fairly heavy and won’t compress that well to fit into a suitcase for transport. I use as my carry on.
But now I almost always use the flip side trek instead unless I need a ton of equipment. The suspension is closer to a real backpack so it is far more comfortable. I mention it as the weakness of all the dedicated camera packs I’ve owned or tried or read about is the suspension comfort for all day fully loaded use.
I used real backpacks for years with all my gear in neoprene as the packs were lighter, more comfortable, cheaper and better built. Now I appreciate the organization and access of dedicated camera bags more but miss the comfort of a real backpack. ...Show more →
Lowe flipside trek 350. Interesting. Ever tested this in the rain without the rain jacket?
p.1 #8 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
No but looking at the construction I wouldn’t expect much protection. I think the material has a DWR finish but regular zippers. The rain cover is built in so always there. I’ve used it once or twice and works. Ive used in Seattle drizzle without rain cover with no leakage but not heavy rain.
LBJ2 wrote:
Lowe flipside trek 350. Interesting. Ever tested this in the rain without the rain jacket?
p.1 #9 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
elizabeth77 wrote:
I just went through this too. I have the Prvke 21L and so far I really like it. The only thing missing for me is a sleeve to slip the backpack onto a roller bag (the PD has this), but since you're packing it inside, not an issue for you.
I chose the Prvke because I like the overall look, like the clamshell opening, the side "door" for easy camera grab, and the way it separates camera gear and other items, so I can use as my airplane "personal item".
It seems more weatherproof than the PD but that's not based on any testing.
You could go down a huge rabbit hole of YouTube reviews on these two bags
Edited to add: You might do better with an Osprey if your priority is day hikes. A full-on camera insert may be hard to pack down in a suitcase. ...Show more →
Results of Youtube rabbit hole right here 😳🤔. . I see the same people reviewing so many different products hard to tell which is genuine review, personal preference or sponsored. PeakDesign "reviews" seem to be everywhere. PD is definitely the coolest kid on the block right now. But I fell off the cool kid list a few years back. Ha ha.
p.1 #11 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
Thanks all for some real-world feedback. Looks like I need to do a few try-buys and now adding the Flipside Trek 350 to the list. Checking out Osprey too as I have some camera cubes I can reuse as suggested by Jahro above.
One other request is for suggestions for practical camera/lens rain protection. I normally shoot walk around with wrist straps. But this time since I need hands free, I was thinking neck strap with camera/lens rain-cover just in case so I have easy access to the camera in light rain. I've used Optech Plastic Bag rain sleeves in the past for tripod mounted, but don't think this would be practical for neck strap carry or multi use.
p.1 #12 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
Based upon your listed capacity criteria, I’d say you’re off to a good start with a 20L bag 👍
I do not own the Wandrd (have tried it on in store) but do own the PD.
The PD is a mixed bag (pun intended.) I find it to be the best looking (read: doesn’t scream “camera bag”) but I would not use it if I knew there would be any rain heavier than a drizzle. It is cleverly laid out but I find that I need to pack my gear in sub-containers or it is absolute chaos inside the bag...smaller stuff just falls inside the bag wherever Newtonian gravity permits. Also, the PD bag capacity spec is overstated imho.
The Wandrd bag seems far more compartmentalized, allowing for simpler packing/retrieval of camera, batteries, sd cards, etc.
That said, the Lowepro Protactic I own is far superior to either for secure transport of gear, organization, access, and comfort. It’s nice looking but not in the class of PD.
If you’re straight up hiking then I’d echo the Osprey/Gregory/Deuter path but keep in mind that these bags (in the sub-50L capacities) tend to have substantial non-removable belts...which is their blessing during the hike and their curse in the streets. I really dig the Gregory Targhee 32 and a lot of folks swear by the Osprey Kamber 32/42.
Enjoy the rabbit hole...and keep in mind that you may go through several before you find the right bag for YOU. Buy used and you won’t lose your shirt while flipping the bags.
p.1 #13 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
For those of you who have used/seen the PRVKE, I had a couple of questions: the design of the bag looks like the straps hang off the back panel, which is secured to the main bag by the zipper. I really like the bag, however am concerned that the zipper may give way if the bag is stuffed / after X years. Is this a valid concern?
Also, if you have the waist straps, are they comfortable, would be able to help carry the load over a hike / outing?
p.1 #14 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think I’d call the Peak Design bag waterproof or even resistant. I’ve been out in light rain with it and not had any problems, but the top flap with magnetic clasp does leave large gaps that I can’t imagine would be much help in keeping rain out of the rest of the bag. I believe it’s durable and as someone else said, it doesn’t look like a camera bag, so that’s nice. But it isn’t something that’s very comfortable to me for prolonged wear.
I picked up a Shimoda Designs Explore 30 pack for extended walking trips around Italy and I’m a big fan. It’s relatively compact as hiking focused camera packs seem to be. It has side access as long as you arrange the core units in the compartment correctly, though you won’t be able to access ALL your gear this way. I have mine set so that I can keep my A7III with 24GM mounted and the Tamron 28-75 stowed next to it in the side access compartment. I have another small core unit accessible via opening the back compartment with other lenses. With those two core units there is space for some folded clothing and other odds and ends in the main compartment. There are some other compartments that seems to me should be able to accommodate the other stuff you were looking to pack.
There is a removable waist belt, which is really useful when it’s on, but it’s nice to be able to take it off for more casual backpack use. The only qualification fo yours it might not fit is storage in another bag. It has an aluminum frame for weight distribution, which is very handy. I think that means the bag would collapse to be flat, but it wouldn’t be able to fold up. Depending on the size of your suitcase, you might be able to lay it flat in there.
p.1 #15 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
I have had every camera bag everrrrr
20L and 30L are interesting. I've owned them twice, but they just lack something for me. and they become difficult to shoot with, when you have lots of different size gears.
also, I'm a little turned off by it's looks. appears to be designed by nasa.
21L Wandred is such a cool pack.
I am currently using it for casual shooting, family days, and urban/day trips.
it is SOOOOO well thought out.
there are a few pockets that just perfect for those "instant need items".
I rock a z6 35s, and z7 50s in the camera area, hoods reversed.
typically it's packaged with a lunch and light jacket up top. ipad in sleeve, water bottle in the side.
VERY comfy.
can't say enough about this bag.
I will do a video review soon.
my current lineup:
Shoulder Bags
Peak Design Sling 5L - black SMALL
Kelly Moore Kate v2.0 - gray MEDIUM
Domke Chronicle olive LARGE
Backpacks
Wandred 21L - blue SMALL
Langly Globetrotter - black MEDIUM
MindShift MP-3 LARGE, I really just use this as a storage facility for my home office.
p.1 #16 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
Dj R wrote:
I have had every camera bag everrrrr
20L and 30L are interesting. I've owned them twice, but they just lack something for me. and they become difficult to shoot with, when you have lots of different size gears.
also, I'm a little turned off by it's looks. appears to be designed by nasa.
21L Wandred is such a cool pack.
I am currently using it for casual shooting, family days, and urban/day trips.
it is SOOOOO well thought out.
there are a few pockets that just perfect for those "instant need items".
I rock a z6 35s, and z7 50s in the camera area, hoods reversed.
typically it's packaged with a lunch and light jacket up top. ipad in sleeve, water bottle in the side.
VERY comfy.
can't say enough about this bag.
I will do a video review soon.
my current lineup:
Shoulder Bags
Peak Design Sling 5L - black SMALL
Kelly Moore Kate v2.0 - gray MEDIUM
Domke Chronicle olive LARGE
Backpacks
Wandred 21L - blue SMALL
Langly Globetrotter - black MEDIUM
MindShift MP-3 LARGE, I really just use this as a storage facility for my home office.
Your description sounds very interesting for my use case. How easy to swing around shoulder and access your Z kit?
"I rock a z6 35s, and z7 50s in the camera area, hoods reversed.
typically it's packaged with a lunch and light jacket up top. ipad in sleeve, water bottle in the side.
VERY comfy."
p.1 #17 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
Consider the FStop Lotus as well! They're expensive bags but the integrated ICU is really hard to beat. I have the older Loka model and absolutely love it, it's more of a hiking bag but it's perfect for when I want to bring a lot of glass but feel none of it on my shoulders, due to the internal frame construction.
p.1 #19 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
For a swinger, you’ll have instant access to one of the rigs. I do it all the time - it’s sublime, swinging!
A second rig would be tucked behind it. So you’d have to open the chamber to access it.
LBJ2 wrote:
Your description sounds very interesting for my use case. How easy to swing around shoulder and access your Z kit?
"I rock a z6 35s, and z7 50s in the camera area, hoods reversed.
typically it's packaged with a lunch and light jacket up top. ipad in sleeve, water bottle in the side.
VERY comfy."
p.1 #20 · Wandrd Prvke 21L or PeakDesign 20L or something else?
dswong wrote:
For those of you who have used/seen the PRVKE, I had a couple of questions: the design of the bag looks like the straps hang off the back panel, which is secured to the main bag by the zipper. I really like the bag, however am concerned that the zipper may give way if the bag is stuffed / after X years. Is this a valid concern?
Also, if you have the waist straps, are they comfortable, would be able to help carry the load over a hike / outing?
Thanks!
The straps do hang off the back as it's a clamshell design - you can open the back fully without actually opening the compartments, which helps in pulling out iPad and laptop for TSA. Seems pretty sturdy to me and it's lifetime warrantied, although the company's not old enough for anyone to know how well they honor this promise.
The waist straps are included (not an extra) and they seem comfortable but I haven't done a major hike using them.
One thing I will say about the Prvke is that I am 5'2" and under a hundred pounds, and I am able to adjust the shoulder straps to just about fit me at their absolute shortest. Waist strap is a little big but ok. Honestly this is rare in backpacks - I almost never find something that has clearly been tested and fit on a smaller person. There's a ton of extra strap of course so I'm guessing they designed for a wide range of people.
. I see the same people reviewing so many different products hard to tell which is genuine review, personal preference or sponsored. PeakDesign "reviews" seem to be everywhere. PD is definitely the coolest kid on the block right now. But I fell off the cool kid list a few years back. Ha ha.