I just spent two weeks in Spain with this backpack — here's why it's a near-perfect travel companion

I just got from a two-week trip to Spain, where I covered Mobile World Congress 2026 on behalf of Tom's Guide, followed by time spent bopping around Barcelona and the sparsely populated, picturesque, and pastoral Priorat region.

Two bags accompanied me on my journey: a standard roller bag and the new Wandrd PRVKE Zip backpack in 31L. The latter ultimately proved to be a fantastic travel companion on nearly every level, with just one fault.

Read on for my full review of the Wandrd PRVKE Zip backpack, and to find out whether it might be your new favorite travel bag, too.

Wandrd PRVKE Zip review: Styles, sizes and price

As a diehard camera nerd, Wandrd has been on my radar for a couple of years now (they started with a focus on photography gear). In fact, one of my favorite carry-on backpacks for short trips is the original Wandard PRVKE in 21L.

The newer PRVKE Zip comes in either 21L for $234 via Wandrd directly, or 31L for $254 via Wandrd. I tested the latter. Color options are limited to just black and olive green, which is fine by me, as a loud, attention-grabbing travel backpack is the last thing I want to carry.

Wandrd PRVKE Zip like no.1: Rugged, water-resistant exterior

The Wandrd PRVKE Zip boasts a Tarpaulin exterior that proved itself to be extremely resistant to water — it beads up and slides off — and abrasions. I walked to and from the MWC tradeshow venue all four days of coverage (wearing my trusty Garmin Instinct 3) — a roughly 1.5-mile walk through gorgeous Barcelona — and on more than one occasion got caught in downpours.

As a stubborn Seattleite — where umbrellas are forbidden by law — I braved the precipitation wearing my finest gorpware, and can happily report that not a droplet of the wet stuff penetrated my ‘fit. The same can be said for the Wandrd PRVKE Zip.

Wandrd PRVKE Zip like no.2: Lots of pockets/easy access to travel essentials

I’m a little nutty about keeping my things organized while traveling; I like to know exactly where all my essentials are at all times for quick access. Much to my delight, the Wandrd PRVKE Zip has loads of zippered pockets, some located on the interior, others accessible from the outside.

For example, a small zippered pocket on the top of the bag by the pull-handle proved to be the perfect place for stowing my passport and smartphone while going through security. A larger compartment, also accessible from the top of the pack via a zipper, is where I stowed my power bank and USB-C cables, inflatable neck pillow, Nintendo Switch Lite, AirPods, and other essentials. That section also features an additional, secure zippered pocket hidden within, which is where I tucked my wallet.

In total, the Wandrd PRVKE Zip offers three access points to the internal storage. The above-mentioned upper zipper, a zipper at the rear of the bag that folds down the back panel, and a side-access zipper allowing users to ‘quick draw’ a camera or other gear.

Wandrd PRVKE Zip like no.3: Lowkey design

The Wandrd PRVKE Zip is a pricey, high-tech travel bag. There’s no doubt about it. However, the understated design makes it look like just another ordinary backpack. This is to say, it doesn’t scream out, “I have loads of expensive stuff in here!”

Moreover, it’d be pretty difficult for a nefarious individual to gain access to the bag’s main compartment while it’s being worn.

Wandrd PRVKE Zip like no.4: Ample/configurable interior storage

The 31L backpack had more than enough space for all of my in-cabin travel essentials, from medications and toiletries to camera gear, a 15-inch laptop, video and audio gear, a mini tripod, a jacket, a bag full of smartwatches and smart rings that I’m currently testing, a neck pillow, a water bottle, noise-cancelling headphones, and more.

That said, I missed having the roll-top found on the standard Wandrd PRVK backpack, which allows for quick and easy expansion of the storage.

It’s worth noting that to stay organized using this pack, you’ll also want to invest in a set of packing cubes (Wandrd sells them, but cheaper third-party options should work just fine).

Wandrd PRVKE Zip like no.5: Comfy straps and luggage passthrough

I hauled a pretty serious amount of gear, both during my 5,500-mile air-based journey (with a stopover in Dallas for good measure), and while covering the Mobile World Congress show. Weighing roughly 18 pounds fully packed, I found the bag’s plush straps more than comfortable enough.

The bag also has a chest buckle for added comfort while carrying especially heavy loads. However, my absolute favorite feature of the Wandrd PRVKE Zip is the luggage passthrough on the back of the bag. This simple nylon strap lets you easily slide the pack onto the extended handles of a roller bag for easy transport.

Wandrd PRVKE Zip dislike: It tends to fall over

Wandrd’s new backpack has a lot going for it, from a durable and comfortable design to well-placed pockets and access points. However, I have one noteworthy complaint. When fully packed, this $250+ bag has a tendency to fall over flat on its face.

This is an issue I’ve encountered with other high-tech backpacks, and though it may sound trivial, it’s a flaw that annoys me to no end. Dear Wandrd, on your next pack, please add little plastic/rubber nubs/feet on the bottom/front of the bag to prevent this from happening. Thank you, Dan.

Should you buy the Wandrd PRVKE Zip backpack?

Falling over complaints aside, the Wandrd PRVKE is one of the best carry-on travel backpacks I’ve ever used — I've reviewed dozens — and I wouldn’t hesitate to call upon it again next time I have a long trip (or one that requires lugging a lot of gear).

That being said, if the Wandrd PRVKE Zip appeals to you, in either 21L or 31L, I recommend also considering the original Wandrd PRVKE backpack. It offers all the same bells and whistles of the newer bag — like a rugged exterior, loads of pockets, quick access to essentials, and a low-key design aesthetic — but with an expandable roll-top, which makes it just a little more versatile.