I just tested the Wandrd PRVKE Zip — and it could be my new favorite travel backpack

Close-up of the Wandrd Prvke Zip backpack in 31L — (Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)

I’ve been hunting for the perfect travel backpack for quite some time now — one that can function just as well as a carry-on as it does for a solo pack for a long weekend getaway. Having tested dozens upon dozens of models over the years, my 'unicorn' pack continues to elude me… until now.

I just got my hands on the new Wandrd PRVKE Zip backpack in 31L, and I’m blown away.

While I plan to truly put it through its paces during an upcoming trip to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, in two weeks, I’ve already loaded it up with all my travel essentials, just to see how well everything fits.

Spoiler alert: the Wandrd PRVKE Zip holds all my essentials with room to spare. However, capacity is far from the only thing that matters when it comes to a reliable travel pack that works with you, not against you. Other non-negotiables like storage for both large items and smaller ones, ample access points, and a comfortable design top my list, too.

As you might expect from such a high-end pack — $234 for the 21L and $254 for the 31L — the build quality of the PRVKE Zip is phenomenal with excellent padding and a modern yet understated aesthetic that doesn’t scream, “I’ve got expensive stuff in here!”

Now, this isn’t my first Wandrd pack. I’ve been rocking the original Wandrd PRVKE 21L model with a roll-top for a few years. I love it, but the capacity is a bit on the smaller side for use as a carry-on for a long trip, say, overseas.

Highly configurable interior storage with 3 access points

The primary internal storage is broken into two sections: a smaller upper area, accessible via a zipper on the top of the pack, and a larger lower area, which is accessed by moving the straps out of the way and unzipping the backpack's rear panel.

Two zippers and a velcro closure keep the two areas separate by default. However, this setup allows you to easily combine the two into one large storage area as needed.

A third ‘quick-draw’ access point is located on the side of the pack near the bottom. The idea here is to align an internal insert with the access point, allowing quick and painless entry to the bag to fetch, say, a camera. Wandrd sells a ‘camera cube’ that fits perfectly within the PRVKE, but I easily managed to use a third-party option for quick-draw access to my Fujifilm X-E4.

Lots of internal pockets for small items

The Wandrd PRVKE Zip has internal zippered pockets for smaller items galore. You’ll find three of them located on the inside of the bag’s padded rear panel. The panel also contains a padded storage area with two sections for a laptop (up to 15 inches) plus a tablet or a magazine.

Around the front of the pack, you’ll find another zippered pocket that can fit a small laptop, tablet, or magazine. The top internal storage additionally offers a mesh pocket with a key hook and zippered closure. Lastly, the inside of the quick-draw opening offers one more zippered pocket for your valuables.

Weather and abrasion-resistant exterior

The main exterior on the Wandrd PRVKE Zip is Tarpaulin, an extremely weather- and abrasion-resistant material that should hold up to years of wear and tear (based on my experience with the older Wandrd bags). The zippers are also weather-resistant for added peace of mind.

Luggage pass-through and other travel-friendly features

It’s sometimes the little things that matter most, and the Wandrd PRVKE Zip has all sorts of small yet wonderful features to make even the saltiest sky dweller smile, starting with an elastic luggage pass-through for affixing the backpack to a roller bag.

Designed to fit under the seat in front of you (or in the overhead), a heart pull handle at the top of the bag is a lifesaver when it comes time to yank it out of tight spaces. My favorite travel feature, though, is the small, hidden passport pocket at the top of the bag. It’s super easy to access and just large enough for the absolute essentials, like travel documents, a pen, and a wallet.

Hidden water bottle/tripod pocket

Opposite the quick-draw access point, you’ll find another zipper. This one hides the water bottle/tripod pocket. Surprisingly spacious, I managed to fit one of those fat Nalgene water bottles inside it with ease, something I can't do with most of the other backpacks I own.

I was also able to carry a thinner water bottle, along with a small travel tripod, by securing the top of the latter to the built-in buckle-and-strap mounted above the water bottle pocket. Speaking of straps, the Wandrd PRVKE Zip provides multiple nylon loops on the exterior for attaching accessory straps to further increase its hauling capacity.

Ultimately, with plenty of internal space, a padded and comfortable design that's made from premium materials, tons of zippered pockets, a configurable interior, and plenty of access points, the Wandrd PRVKE Zip 31L just might be the ultimate backpack for travel.

Of course, there’s only one way to be sure. Stay tuned for my post- Seattle-to-Barcelona review of the Wandrd PRVKE Zip 31L travel backpack.

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Dan Bracaglia is the Tom’s Guide editorial lead for all things smartwatches, fitness trackers and outdoor gear. With 15 years of experience as a consumer technology journalist testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is deeply passionate about helping readers save money and make informed purchasing decisions. In the past year alone, Dan has assessed major product releases from the likes of Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, Polar and many others.

An avid outdoor adventurer, Dan is based in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where he takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings every chance he gets. A lover of kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding and exploring, he also makes every effort to combine his day job with his passions. When not assessing the sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy of the latest tach gadgets, you can find him photographing Seattle’s vibrant underground music community.

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