Every serious traveller knows that the journey is just as important as the destination – a truth that Ryan and Spencer Cope, the masterminds behind WANDRD, seem to clearly understand.
Fueled by their love for photography and for the great outdoors, they founded WANDRD after recognising the shortcomings of conventional camera bags and deciding that they could do better.
Since its inception in back 2015, the WANDRD brand has been steadily gaining momentum and slowly earning a reputation as THE go-to choice for adventurers seeking quality, functionality, and style. From the rugged feel of the Fernweh Backpacking Bag to the urban elegance of the PRVKE Lite, each item in their collection has been designed with the contemporary traveller’s needs in mind.
This full and detailed WANDRD backpack brand review, published to coincide with the EPIC BLACK FRIDAY SALE, will tell you all you need to know.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
All About The WANDRD Backpack Brand
Established bak in 2015, WANDRD first emerged from a deep passion for adventure and photography, coupled with the frustration of inadequate gear available on the market. And believe us, prior to WANDRD it was seriously hard to find a good camera bag. Since this time, and following two successful Kickstarter campaigns, WANDRD has earned a dedicated following among travellers and photographers globally by delivering high-quality, totally innovative travel gear.
The inception of WANDRD came from the desire to create the perfect camera-ready-travel backpack that did not compromise functionality, durability, or style. With a focus on high-quality, versatile gear that caters to the needs of the modern nomad, WANDRD’s product line has expanded far beyond just backpacks for photography enthusiasts.
Seriously people, I have tried a lot of gear by a lot brands and can testify that WANDRD is NOT your average travel brand and firmly gears itself towards adventurers, digital nomads, and photographers looking for reliability without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
Their offerings range from backpacks to sling bags, to accessories, all designed with the traveller’s needs in mind. Price-wise, WANDRD positions itself in the mid to high-end market, reflecting the premium quality and innovative features of its products.
And check this, at the moment WANDRD are having a Black Friday sale and offering up to 40% off some of their best and most beloved pieces of gear. The sale has already started and runs until 23:59 MST on 10th December 2024.
The Best WANDRD Backpacks and Other Gear
As veterans in the outdoor and travel gear space, we’ve had our fair share of experiences with a serious variety of equipment. Our journey has led us appreciate the good stuff when we come across it. With this in mind, we decided to pick out some of the finest gems from WANDRD that stand out for their design, thoughtfulness and utility.
Here are our top WANDRD picks….
WANDRD PRVKE
Original Price – $219
Black Friday Price – $175.20
The brand’s flagship WANDRD PRVKE series is more than just a backpack; it’s a truly versatile travel companion for photographers and travellers. Best known for its sleek, stylish design and camera-ready functionality, the PRVKE offers easy access to gear, a secure laptop compartment, and weather-resistant materials.
Using it feels really fucking intuitive, with every pocket and strap serving a purpose of some kind or other. However, its stylish appearance doesn’t compromise its ruggedness, making it a reliable travel backpack for any adventure -it will withstand a beating and last for time.
The main drawback? Well it’s premium features come with a premium price tag but with 20% off during the Black Friday sale, there has never been a better time to bag yourself one.
WANDRD Rogue Sling 6L
Original Price – $139
Black Friday Price – $112.20
For those who prefer minimalism without sacrificing functionality, the WANDRD Rogue Sling bag really hits the mark. Perfect as an everyday sling pack, for quick trips or as a compact photography gear holder, the Rogue Sling offers quick access to your essentials (whatever they may be).
It’s comfortable to wear for extended periods, and its sleek design keeps you nice and mobile. The only major downside might be its size limitation for those needing more space – and yes, cheaper slings are available elsewhere but with 20% off, the price tag does feel that bit kinder to stretched budgets.
WANDRD Fernweh Backpacking Bag
Original Price – $369
Black Friday Price – $295.20
The Fernweh is an invitation to go further and see that little bit much more. As a backpacking bag, it excels in comfort and adjustability for long treks. With its thoughtful compartmentalization, it ensures that all your gear is organised and accessible.
The Fernweh stands out as highly innovative and distinctly unique among backpacking backpacks. It is a true testament to WANDRD’s commitment to creating gear that’s as novel and as rugged as it is functional.
Its bulkiness, however, might not appeal to those looking for a more compact option. If this is you check out Ospreys ultra-light range but we are not here to talk about that today.
WANDRD Transit Carry-on Roller
Original Price – $400
Black Friday Price – $303.20
The Transit Carry-on Roller combines the convenience of a carry-on roller bag with the thoughtful design WANDRD is known for. It’s perfect for travellers who move from airports to city streets and carry a lot of heavy gear. Features like the expandable compartment and the smooth rolling wheels make it a standout choice in this competitive niche.
While it does offer exceptional convenience and cracking performance, the price point may be a consideration for some – it is not a cheap piece of travel gear and will be press some budgets hard. Honestly though, it is the best carry-on roller I have ever used but it’s also the most expensive. Ultimately it comes down to your budget and how often you actually use a carry-on roller.
I really bloody love this pack as my full Transit Carry-on Roller review makes clear.
WANDRD X1 Crossbody Bag
Original Price – $79 (for the small)
Black Friday Price – $47.40
The WANDRD Crossbody is a stylish and functional accessory for all of your daily essentials (keys, phone treats for street cats right?). Its unique features make it stand out when compared to other cross-body bags and bum bags (fanny packs to the Yanks) which can become deep dark black holes of doom and swallow your car keys.
It feels comfortable to wear all day long and has a bunch of cool features such as auto-closing magnetic pockets, a hidden AirTag pocket and water-resistant fabrics. All of these have saved my butt and protected my belongings from drunk me a couple of times!
There is also a lifetime guarantee offered by WANDRD on this product and it comes with a 30-day return policy, just in case you buy the product and later change your mind. And check this, WANDRD are currently offering a truly whopping 40% off the headline price during their epic BF sale!
WANDRD Transit Backpack
Original Price – $299
Black Friday Price $239.20
The Transit Backpack is the a picture perfect example of travel convenience. It’s designed to make the journey that bit smoother, with easy access compartments and a comfortable carrying system.
This cool as fuck looking backpack is a truly excellent option for commuters and travellers alike, though its urban-focused design might not be the best for rugged outdoor adventures. I also find it a bit heavy when unpacked.
Check out our review of the WANDRD Transit backpack to learn more!
WANDRD PRVKE Lite
Original Price – $250
Black Friday Price $167.30
As you might have guessed, the WANDRD PRVKE Lite retains all the beloved features of the PRVKE series but in a more compact form. It’s perfect for the minimalist traveller or photographer headed out on a day hike or shoot.
The Lite version brings the same quality and design ethos, making no compromises on the features it offers. However, those needing more space might find it a bit too limiting but for many, the trade-off for a lighter, more agile backpack is well worth it.
WANDRD Carry All Duffel
Orginal Price – $149
Black Friday Price – $119.20
The WANDRD Carryall Duffel is a perfect companion for adventurers and everyday explorers seeking a versatile, durable, and altogether stylish solution for their gear. Designed with both functionality and comfort in mind, this mighty duffel seamlessly transitions from a gym bag to a weekend travel essential. Made with waterproof tarpaulin and hard wearing ballistic nylon, it ensures that your belongings stay protected, no matter where your journey takes you.
What really sets the WANDRD Carryall Duffel apart though, is its adaptability. With a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, it’s as suitable for urban commutes as it is for outdoor adventures. The padded shoulder strap and grab handles make it easy to carry, while its versatile design allows it to be used as a duffel, backpack, or shoulder bag.
WANDRD Packing Cubes
Original Price – $80 (full set)
Black Friday Price – $67.20
Organisation meets efficiency with WANDRD’s delightful Packing Cubes. They are a game-changer for keeping your belongings sorted and accessible. We have rhapsodised about the benefits of packing cubes elsewhere and tried a lot of them but these remain my faves.
Made with the same attention to quality as their bags, these cubes can withstand the rigours of long-term travel and daily use. They are definitely amongst the best packing cubes I have ever owned. They also make a great Christmas gift for the traveller in your life.
WANDRD Toiletry Bag
Original Price – $44
Black Friday Price – $35.20
The WANDRD Toiletry Bag combines practicality with a sleek design, ensuring your personal care items are well-organised and easily accessible. Water-resistant fabrics (an absolute must it toiletry bags) and thoughtful compartments, including a dedicated space for wet items, make this essential travel accessory for travellers.
Its compact size will also fit pretty effortlessly into most travel bags. And yet it’s spacious enough to hold all your essentials. The main drawback could be its price point, which is higher than average. But for those invested in durable, well-designed travel accessories, it’s a very worthy addition.
Any regular traveller absolutely should invest in a good quality toiletry bag and this is amongst the best ones out there.
Final Thoughts on WANDRD Backpack Brand Review
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
WANDRD’s range of products stands as a true testament to their commitment to quality, innovation, and to the spirit of adventure.
Whether you’re an avid photographer, a daily commuter, or a not so broke backpacker, WANDRD has something for all.
Remember people, the best travel gear is not just about carrying your belongings – but it’s about complimenting your journey and inspiring you to explore further. With WANDRD, you’re not just going to be prepared for your next adventure, but empowered by it.
Ready to transform your travel experience? Well get on over there Visit WANDRD today, to discover the perfect blend of style, functionality, and adventure. Your journey awaits.
- Check out our rundown of the best travel bags and see what works best for you.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Here’s our latest lineup of favorite gear, handpicked just for you!
- Make sure you’re packing the right way.
- You should also consider what NOT to pack for your trip.
- Discover the best Nomatic backpack products.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
