Most Scuba Divers know the struggle of trying to find a bag that will do it all. Somewhere there is always a compromise between being:
- Waterproof
- Organised
- Supportive
- Lightweight
- Stylish
Then at the same time with all of the extra gear were travelling around with we really don’t have the luxury of carrying multiple options for every occasion.
For a long time I couldn’t find a solution, there was no one bag that could do it all. That is until I discovered the WANDRD PRVKE. Here’s Why…
WANDRD PRVKE is Waterproof
As a Scuba Diver, kayaker, paddle boarder, surfer, sailor or really any watersport enthusiast having a bag that is merely ‘showerproof’ or ‘water-resistant’ is never really going to cut the mustard.
When you’re out on the water or have the weather bearing down, you need something that can cope with getting wet. Really wet. Sometimes submersible level wet.
Generally anything made with lots of zippers or lightweight fabrics don’t hold up too well, which is why most truly waterproof bags tend to be some kind of dry sack.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good dry sack but in terms of organisation, support and style they are, well, a sack. Therefore not making them particularly useful when traveling or doing much of anything that doesn’t involve a boat.
But with the WANDRD PRVKE there does’t have to be! Made with water resistant tarpaulin, 1680D ballistic nylon and to top it off water resistant zippers, this bag does a great job at keeping your gear dry.
And although (due to its functionality) it is not 100% waterproof on it’s own, because of the roll top design it is very easy to add a dry sack or two inside and hey presto! Now you have a bag that is the best of both worlds.
Although taking my laptop out on the water is very rare I have also found the AquaQuest Laptop cases (which are impressively waterproof) fit perfectly inside the designated pocket.
WANDRD PRVKE is Organised
Naturally, next on the list is organisation. When they say there is ‘a place for everything and everything in its place’ that couldn’t be more true with the WANDRD PRVKE. This bag has:
- A felt lined sunglasses pocket
- A A4 documents pocket
- A expandable water bottle or tripod pocket
- A key pocket with clip
- A SD card pocket with multiple storage solutions
- A storage pocket for clip on carry and waist straps
- A hidden passport pocket
- A felt lined tablet pocket
- A padded laptop pocket which can fit up to 16”
- 3x Organiser pockets
Not to mention:
- Clam shell access which is ideal for getting to every dark recess in your bag. Makes airport security a breeze. Plus allows you to attach hinge like straps to create a workstation off the floor.
- Side access which is perfect when you quickly need to access the bottom of your bag.
- Roll top access secured with velcro and hook which gives the bag and extra 5L of storage if needed
To step up your game even more I recommend taking a look at all of Wandrd’s other accessory bags like their camera cubes which were literally made for the PRVKE. Not only that but you can choose between various other tech and toiletry organisers to go in or even clip on to your bag!
Alternatively you can DIY a few of your own solutions. For example I love my Eagle Creek compression packing cubes and these fit in like a glove. Not to mention makes it incredibly easy to empty the bag when travelling and use it as a day pack.
WANDRD PRVKE is Supportive
There is nothing worse than a bag that destroys your back. Which was one of my main issues with using a dry sack as an everyday carry.
With the WANDRD PRVKE you don’t even think about this. With padded back panels, an adjustable cross chest strap and detachable hip straps (my all time favourite) there are infinite ways you can wear it.
Even when it is full to the brim. Even when I have been on my feet all day. You can barely feel it with this bag.
WANDRD PRVKE is Lightweight & Stylish
Last but not least, there is no doubt that the WANDRD PRVKE is a sight for sore divers eyes.
Primarily designed as a camera bag, this backpack fits in on the boat as well as on the streets of the big city.
Not only that but the average size (31L) only weighs 1.6kg/3.5lb and fits perfectly under your aeroplane seat. I think thats all we need to say about that.
The Final Verdict …
The WANDRD PRVKE is by no means perfect but for me it comes damned close.
I bought the 31L in Agean Blue in late 2020 as an experiment. It was a bit of a risk at the time, especially as it cost a healthy 250 Euros. However having used the backpack for 5 years non-stop I would do it all again in a heartbeat. In fact after my boyfriend went through three different backpacks in the same period I had my PRVKE he finally made the switch as well.
This bag has been with me through it all as an everyday carry or as an all-inclusive travel and day-trekking pack. From my professional life as a diving instructor carrying towels, bikinis and even equipment at times. To commuting all over the UK carrying my entire wardrobe as I worked as a live-in carer over COVID. To hopping on and off planes, traveling to the far corners of the world as a carry on.
Admittedly the first version of the WANDRD PRVKE did have some drawbacks. The magnetic tote handles weren’t very strong, sunglasses pocket got in the way and back fading not very thick. But Wandrd addressed all of these and more in their next model. In fact I don’t know if you can even still buy the old version anymore.
Now if you are still unsure I understand. It is a lot to invest. However with a 30 day money back guarantee and a ‘wander more worry less’ lifetime guarantee there no reason why you can’t give it a go yourself and see what I’m raving about!
