I love the external access and easy access to the top of this bag especially sitting in an airplane. Had to return the peak design as it wasn't as accessible sitting down. Also if you just travel with 2/3 lenses with a body the duo has the mesh pockets that go away when not used, unlike the origami folds that you have to pack away if you need to use that space.
As I mentioned below, up until a week ago I my daily carry has been the Mission Workshop Rhake in dark multicam. Before then I carried the Tumi London for a few months, and for years prior - the Mission Workshop Sanction. I even tried the Boundary Errant. I loved the multicam, but it was a poor execution of design in many regards. It sits lonely in my office. I only like to look at it. So with all that being said, I needed something smallish for travel with my roller carry-on luggage for when I'm not using my Peak Travel pack (with which I use the MW Spar sling in tandem). The spar sling is just a little too small for the space I need. I received the DUO just over a week ago, and it is organizational genius. You can actually fit a 40oz hydroflask in the pocket so long as nothing too bulky or rigid sits in the pocket just inside. Also, I understand what you mean about the zippers, however this bag is so much easier to get a camera in and out of than the Prvke. It really helps to put the camera on the opposite side of the water bottle pocket... that side of the zipper seems to glide better without the extra material of the water bottle. I hate the cord ties. I would have preferred pen pockets personally. My only real complaints are that it's fit for a medium sized person. I'm 6' 2.5" about 210, and the strap pads run short over the arms and as you mention constantly slide off your shoulders unless you use the sternum strap, particularly if you have a slicker jacket. If this was 4 liters larger with a few tweaks it would be almost ideal for me. I use the Sony A7iii with a 24-118 lens and it's a breeze to get in and out off my left shoulder. We took it to the mountains last weekend and it sat in the snow for hours and stayed absolutely dry. As for the inner flap pocket... it's only good for flat items if you want to utilize the internal space. All in all it's a compelling daily carry to and from the office, day hikes, and snowy adventures. Should be perfect as a travel companion bag. Nothing compares to the sizing and comfort of the Rhake. It's the reference standard for me. But for organization the DUO wins hands down. It's an excellent bag.
Brandon Waiss I actually figured out a system to charge devices you don’t use often using the elastic cable loops. I keep an Anker 13k mAh battery bank in the right “camera lens” pocket connected to a multi cable (lightning/USB-C/Micro) that would connect to small electronic devices I don’t access often like wireless earphones, flashlight, GoPro, etc that would rest in the open mesh pocket right underneath the cable loops.
I own a Tumi London backpack as well, navy blue camo Bloomingdales exclusive! I added a defy cobra buckle sternum strap to it and defy leather grip wrap for the top handle. Was thinking about the mission workshop rhake but ended up getting the tumi Lark instead, it has fidlock V buckles like the rhake vx. I wish the wndrd bag held its shape better cause it can get wrinkly looking as well as a gray interior liner that's brighter.
I was super excited about this bag but learned that’s it’s hard to purchase something like a bag with out trying it on. I used it for my Asia trip last December for 20 days and right away I noticed the shoulder straps constantly feels like it’s falling off. And a few days into it, my shoulders started to hurt. Just like this video stated, the shoulder straps tend to slid out and you “ have “ to use the strap. Which I’ve never had to use with other bags. Great components and functionality but it just didn’t suit me. Gonna try to return it or sell it. Hopefully they’ll figure out the straps on the next bag. Thanks for the review, PH. I thought it was just me that had an issue with the shoulder straps.
I’m not a photographer but my gf is and she preordered the Duo on Kickstarter at my recommendation. It’s by far my favorite backpack on the market. The internal organization is perfect for my current system of organization and daily carry for work however since it’s hers, I’ve still been using my custom GreenRoom136 Rainmaker but I eventually plan to get a Duo myself. Hoping they’ll release the Duo in the same muted green that’s offered in their PRVKE, cause I’ll grab one right then and there BTW YOU FORGOT TO MENTION THE POCKET on the left wing behind the top mesh pocket ;) it runs deep, almost if not all the way to the bottom of the mesh pocket
I have had the bag for a few months. The zips get a better with time - if you hold the zipper pull with some tension while unzipping, its much quicker. I thought as a female, the bag straps where made for someone with much broader shoulders - but I guess not. I notice the top of the straps are sewn at an angle rather than straight which might be the cause. I would have preferred the straps to be more tapered and thinner width wise - but they seem to mold somewhat with time. I find over filling the side pockets to be an issue with the pop cube some times. I really wish they put the key chain in the front pocket not in the fleece pocket. The bag can look a little wonky when empty and overfilled. Overall I really like this bag for commuting, travelling and occasional m43s camera setup. I am eyeing up the bellroy classic premium though as I prefer it's style.
Hey Astrid - thanks for sharing your experience with us. It's great to hear your feedback and how you've been able to make the zippers work better for you. We're glad you've been able to adapt this pack for a range of different travel styles. 😊🙌 - Rebecca
I need to carry drone equipment and a camera with a couple lenses. Also I need a bag to be somewhat packable, this looks like it is a good option, is there any others I should look at?
What's your go-to everyday backpack?
Brown Buffalo Conceal 26L
Mission Workshop Rhake - Dark Multicam
Vaude Omnis 26l
The Duo, and I love it!
I have used my Fjellreven Kanken for about 6 years. Stylish, light, easy to clean and very well made.
I love the external access and easy access to the top of this bag especially sitting in an airplane. Had to return the peak design as it wasn't as accessible sitting down. Also if you just travel with 2/3 lenses with a body the duo has the mesh pockets that go away when not used, unlike the origami folds that you have to pack away if you need to use that space.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the community, RaymondV. We're glad the WANDRD DUO is working well for you! 😊👍
- Rebecca
As I mentioned below, up until a week ago I my daily carry has been the Mission Workshop Rhake in dark multicam. Before then I carried the Tumi London for a few months, and for years prior - the Mission Workshop Sanction. I even tried the Boundary Errant. I loved the multicam, but it was a poor execution of design in many regards. It sits lonely in my office. I only like to look at it.
So with all that being said, I needed something smallish for travel with my roller carry-on luggage for when I'm not using my Peak Travel pack (with which I use the MW Spar sling in tandem). The spar sling is just a little too small for the space I need. I received the DUO just over a week ago, and it is organizational genius. You can actually fit a 40oz hydroflask in the pocket so long as nothing too bulky or rigid sits in the pocket just inside. Also, I understand what you mean about the zippers, however this bag is so much easier to get a camera in and out of than the Prvke. It really helps to put the camera on the opposite side of the water bottle pocket... that side of the zipper seems to glide better without the extra material of the water bottle.
I hate the cord ties. I would have preferred pen pockets personally. My only real complaints are that it's fit for a medium sized person. I'm 6' 2.5" about 210, and the strap pads run short over the arms and as you mention constantly slide off your shoulders unless you use the sternum strap, particularly if you have a slicker jacket. If this was 4 liters larger with a few tweaks it would be almost ideal for me. I use the Sony A7iii with a 24-118 lens and it's a breeze to get in and out off my left shoulder. We took it to the mountains last weekend and it sat in the snow for hours and stayed absolutely dry. As for the inner flap pocket... it's only good for flat items if you want to utilize the internal space. All in all it's a compelling daily carry to and from the office, day hikes, and snowy adventures. Should be perfect as a travel companion bag. Nothing compares to the sizing and comfort of the Rhake. It's the reference standard for me. But for organization the DUO wins hands down. It's an excellent bag.
Brandon Waiss I actually figured out a system to charge devices you don’t use often using the elastic cable loops. I keep an Anker 13k mAh battery bank in the right “camera lens” pocket connected to a multi cable (lightning/USB-C/Micro) that would connect to small electronic devices I don’t access often like wireless earphones, flashlight, GoPro, etc that would rest in the open mesh pocket right underneath the cable loops.
I own a Tumi London backpack as well, navy blue camo Bloomingdales exclusive! I added a defy cobra buckle sternum strap to it and defy leather grip wrap for the top handle. Was thinking about the mission workshop rhake but ended up getting the tumi Lark instead, it has fidlock V buckles like the rhake vx. I wish the wndrd bag held its shape better cause it can get wrinkly looking as well as a gray interior liner that's brighter.
I was super excited about this bag but learned that’s it’s hard to purchase something like a bag with out trying it on. I used it for my Asia trip last December for 20 days and right away I noticed the shoulder straps constantly feels like it’s falling off. And a few days into it, my shoulders started to hurt. Just like this video stated, the shoulder straps tend to slid out and you “ have “ to use the strap. Which I’ve never had to use with other bags.
Great components and functionality but it just didn’t suit me. Gonna try to return it or sell it. Hopefully they’ll figure out the straps on the next bag.
Thanks for the review, PH. I thought it was just me that had an issue with the shoulder straps.
I’m not a photographer but my gf is and she preordered the Duo on Kickstarter at my recommendation. It’s by far my favorite backpack on the market. The internal organization is perfect for my current system of organization and daily carry for work however since it’s hers, I’ve still been using my custom GreenRoom136 Rainmaker but I eventually plan to get a Duo myself. Hoping they’ll release the Duo in the same muted green that’s offered in their PRVKE, cause I’ll grab one right then and there
BTW YOU FORGOT TO MENTION THE POCKET on the left wing behind the top mesh pocket ;) it runs deep, almost if not all the way to the bottom of the mesh pocket
Thoughtful touches and a functional design. It looks like Wandrd has Peak Designs in their sights. Thanks for the review!
Waiting for that ultra light packing list! Excited for that video
Thanks for the review, very informative! Would be great if you could also add to your videos the measurements in metric system
Glad you're digging the review, Alex! And thanks for your feedback, I'll pass your suggestion onto the team. 👍
- Rebecca
i use this bag for school and traveling, and i somehow made it work, pretty good bag
I have had the bag for a few months. The zips get a better with time - if you hold the zipper pull with some tension while unzipping, its much quicker. I thought as a female, the bag straps where made for someone with much broader shoulders - but I guess not. I notice the top of the straps are sewn at an angle rather than straight which might be the cause. I would have preferred the straps to be more tapered and thinner width wise - but they seem to mold somewhat with time. I find over filling the side pockets to be an issue with the pop cube some times. I really wish they put the key chain in the front pocket not in the fleece pocket. The bag can look a little wonky when empty and overfilled.
Overall I really like this bag for commuting, travelling and occasional m43s camera setup. I am eyeing up the bellroy classic premium though as I prefer it's style.
Hey Astrid - thanks for sharing your experience with us. It's great to hear your feedback and how you've been able to make the zippers work better for you. We're glad you've been able to adapt this pack for a range of different travel styles. 😊🙌
- Rebecca
I've waited so long for this! ~~
Very good review here!
Thanks for the nice review. Which one is the best camera that u can recommend? Thanks!
Can you also do a review of the Wandrd Hexad Access Duffle 45L? Thanks in advance!
I need to carry drone equipment and a camera with a couple lenses. Also I need a bag to be somewhat packable, this looks like it is a good option, is there any others I should look at?
Do you review the Forge Backpack from Black Ember [the expandable 20-30 l version]???
I love this bag but right now way out of my budget. Great review
Fingers crossed you find a good deal! Thanks for the support!
- Austin
Please review Peak Design totepack 20l too, btw, do you think this or totepack looks better? Can it be use for one bag travel?
Can you please do a review of the PRVKE also?
Hey Alex! We have some written review on our website. You can check them out here:
packhacker.com/travel-gear/?term=prvke
- Austin
Anyone know if this laptop pocket would hold a 16” M1 MacBook Pro?
It should fit more than fine
I see you use Nivea, so do I👍
What
very good review, convinced me not to buy this bag. =) thanks!