WANDRD PRVKE: The Adaptable Photographer’s Bag of Choice
In contemplating my lifestyle, I've come to see myself as a person who values simplicity amidst the chaos of the modern world. I cherish great design, durable quality, and products that boast a commendable shelf life. Although I don't strictly adhere to a minimalist lifestyle, I've often daydreamed about a scenario where I purchase one item, be it a bag or any other possession, and have it accompany me for a substantial portion of my life — we're talking 5-10+ years at the very least. The replacement of any item in my possession would ideally be a result of my desire for an upgrade, not a necessity.
However, the current state of consumer culture, with its rampant hyper-consumption of poor quality materials and products, doesn't align with my values. In response, I've set a personal mission to seek out products that are not only aesthetically pleasing and robust but also easily serviceable. I yearn for items that can withstand the elements, defying the throwaway culture that permeates our society.
With this mission statement guiding my choices, I've embarked on a journey to find those elusive "unicorn products." I've discovered that having multiple quantities of most things doesn't bring me joy. In an ideal world, I'd possess a single bag that seamlessly adapts to my diverse needs — be it for work, a photoshoot, light traveling, or any other endeavor.
My pursuit of the perfect bag has been a lengthy one, a quest spanning many years. Yet, I believe I've finally stumbled upon the holy grail – the WNDRD PRVKE. What sets it apart is its unparalleled customization options, a feature that truly stands out in the realm of bags. As of my last check, the PRVKE is available in six colors, and opting for the PRVKE Lite opens up even more color choices. This diversity in options takes me back to the days of the Game Boy Color, Nintendo 64, or the iPod Nano, where products provided avenues for self-expression. The additional accessories, offering further customization possibilities, only add to the appeal. Need orange straps on an olive green bag to secure a tripod under your bag? They've got you covered. Interested in attaching matching tech pouches for extra space? The compatibility is already built-in. It brings me immense joy to witness a company actively supporting its products and engaging with its customers in such a meaningful way.
However, despite my appreciation for what the WNDRD team has achieved, I find myself yearning for even more. Striving to live by the principle of possessing only one of each item, I envision a bag by WANDRD that replaces my Chapman London sling bag in size and purpose, with integrated hardware allowing for easy attachment to the PRVKE for added storage while mounted. While WNDRD does offer a sling of its own, I'm optimistic that future revisions of it may cater to this specific need of mine for one flexible bag system, regardless of how many “pieces” make up that system.
In terms of my current bag situation, I've managed to find a non-destructive way to achieve the desired modification, thanks to the similar textures of both the PRVKE and the Chapman London bag. Yet, a unified solution would undoubtedly be the icing on the cake for someone with my mindset.
Before acquiring the PRVKE bag, I found myself juggling multiple bags for various purposes — a dedicated photo bag, a work bag that was great for everyday use but fell short for photography, and a sling that, while useful for specific occasions, often felt like unnecessary clutter. In terms of practicality, the PRVKE has proven to be a game-changer. On intense shooting days, it accommodates about 90% of my overall gear, including multiple camera bodies, lenses of varying sizes, a microphone, and ample space for film storage. The main pocket's photo cube is a marvel in itself.
But it's not just about the main compartment; the PRVKE boasts numerous hidden pockets that cater to every conceivable need. Whether it's keys, phones, laptops/tablets, tripods, water bottles, filters, or miscellaneous travel essentials — there's a designated space for everything. I should note that I opted for the 31L version of the PRVKE bag. On a typical day, it effortlessly accommodates my everyday essentials — a tenkeyless keyboard, mouse, wallet, chargers, pocket knife, and more. Regardless of how much I pack into it, the bag sits comfortably on my back.
However, no product is without its quirks, and the PRVKE is no exception. I've identified a couple of personal gripes. First, the absence of a dedicated pen loop, while not a deal-breaker, is a minor inconvenience. I appreciate the convenience of having a designated spot for my pen. Second, and this one holds more weight for me, is the absence of a small spot with a zipper on one of the shoulder straps. My previous Herschel everyday bag had this feature, and it was a game-changer. I don't typically carry a separate wallet, relying instead on a phone case/wallet combo. I also keep my pockets as empty as possible. Access to a zipper without having to take off my bag is perfect for crowded events or confined spaces. It offers quick and secure access to essentials, especially on photo days when I need a readily accessible spot for an SD card.
My final two points of contention are minor but noteworthy. When I purchased the PRVKE bag from a local camera store, Delaware Camera in Buffalo, NY, the photo bundles weren't available. Although they had the 21L PRVKE Lite, which includes the photo cube, my heart was set on the larger version. It was crucial for me to have a bag with a bottom tripod mount, given the bulky nature of my tripod. Consequently, I have to invest in a set of accessory straps, which, in my opinion, were somewhat pricey. While the bag does offer about six mounting points for such straps, it would have been a pleasant surprise to see at least one set included, especially considering the bag's price point.
My final point involves the larger photo cube. When installed, it renders the roll top somewhat unusable to a certain extent. While one could address this by pulling out a divider and reattaching it, I found that this left the spot not flush with the rest of the dividers. It's a minor complaint, but I'd personally prefer it to be flush, allowing me to use the roll-out section for small extras, such as sunglasses, storage for the rain fly, or other minor items that might otherwise clutter my pockets.
In acknowledging the imperfections, it's crucial to highlight that nothing is ever perfect. My needs will continue to evolve, and I expect my requirements from a bag to change accordingly. However, as of now, the WNDRD PRVKE bag stands out among a crowded field of competitors. Looking ahead to 2024, I'm excited about the adventures it will accompany me on. I sincerely hope that the WNDRD team considers the relatively small changes that could elevate this bag to the next level for someone like myself. Moreover, I hope they continue to advance their integrated system approach, possibly creating the Voltron of backpacks — a true culmination of functionality and style.
Until Next Time.
