WANDRD is becoming known for their thoughtfully designed camera carry systems. They make packs that help you travel well, not just packs that copy the designs everyone has copied for decades.
I recently reviewed their DUO Daypack and this new FERNWEH backpack carries on with the innovations in a size and style that will appeal to those looking for a bigger bag to join them on all kinds of adventures, including overnights in the mountains.
As I say in the following video, if I had bought this backpack during the Kickstarter, I would be pleased with my purchase. Check out the video for a dynamic view, and see all the still photos below.
It’s great for travel/backpacking, and if you add the WANDRD camera cubes, it’s great for carrying camera gear, too.
Editor’s Note: The FERNWEH was previously available via Indiegogo at a special price of $299. It’s now available on WANDRD’s website for a retail price of $349.
My favorite thing
This backpack is comfortable and well-ventilated and easily-accessed and very well-built. But my favorite thing about it is that it is available in not-black. Gobi Tan is a flat dark Earth-like color and I think it makes a bag look less like a technology bag when I’m traveling in cities, and it makes it less dense-looking when I’m in the wilderness.
To me, part of Leave-No-Trace ethics is blending with my surroundings so that other people can’t see me as easily during their wildness experience, and the tan version makes that more possible.
The thing I (kinda) wish it had
I’m divided on this one. The bag doesn’t have any open stash pockets on the side that you can reach while hiking. I often pick up trash and interesting rocks and the stash pockets are where I drop them. I also like to use it for a water bottle.
On the other hand, I like that the exterior is sleek and trim and there’s nothing to snag on branches or collect pine needles — as stash pockets often do.
Detail pictures
Our verdict
★★★★★ /5
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I am passionate about making photographs and helping others make their pictures better, too. I just took a dream job as the Photographer for Utah State University. I make all kinds of portraits for editorial and commercial use, product shots, action pictures, and landscapes in one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s like making a living doing my hobby, and I love it. I spend the rest of my time being a poppa and studying to be a better hunter. Read more of my articles here. You can see my portfolio here— I promise to update it someday…
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