At the same time, I also picked up the D1 belt bag (also in Sedona orange) to complete the essentials bag.
What I particularly like about the PRVKE V4 is how good it looks without the usual camera bag trappings. No, this looks like a normal trolley bag that I so often see on local trains in the UK and looks particularly stylish.
Inside, however, I was able to carry thousands of dollars/pounds worth of camera gear (in the “Essential Camera Cube”), fit my 17-inch MacBook Pro, and fill a series of small zippered pockets with accessories like charging cables.
And in the open third at the top, accessible via the roll top, there is still space for everyday items such as a sweater and a Tupperware container.
It took me a while to try out the different compartments with my gear to see what combinations would easily fit into the cube, and at first I wasn’t convinced that I had chosen the right size for my mid-range mirrorless camera and lenses.
However, with some effort, I installed my mirrorless camera with lens attached, an additional lens, and various accessories, including a small LED light panel.
I’ve enjoyed using the PRVKE V4 21L for commuting and day trips, although it would be difficult to use it over a weekend – I think the 31L version (which I haven’t tried but has the same layout) would be ideal for this.
The PRVKE V4 looks really good – I like the wide range of muted colors it comes in, now there are seven in total, especially the orange one I chose – but it’s also practical.
The shoulder straps and back are lined with padded mesh, making carrying gear a comfortable experience even on long days.
On one side there is an expandable pocket that can easily accommodate a water bottle or tripod, with an additional strap to secure larger items. On the other side, a zippered pocket allows access to where the cube is located – directly to your photography equipment. Not all modern low-profile camera bags offer as direct access to gear as the PRVKE V4 does.
I also like the handle on the top where the two straps attach magnetically. They make picking up the bag much easier, as does the additional handle on the back, which easily fits over the handle of a suitcase when traveling by plane.
However, the PRVKE V4 is not entirely perfect. The bag’s smooth back had some dirt stuck to it, and the roll-up design isn’t particularly weatherproof. I also don’t think all bags are necessary, but for the next person that may not be the case.
It’s also a shame that the most important accessory for the camera equipment – namely the cube insert – is an expensive extra for the already relatively expensive bag (15L side in which the camera compartments are fixed).
Overall, these are minor drawbacks for what is obviously a well-designed backpack. I can see myself relying on the 21L bag for trips, commuting and, with the cube removed, even as a weekend bag. If you want a weekend bag with photography gear, I recommend the 31L version.
There’s a reason why PRVKE has been so successful in recent years, and now, in its updated V4 form, I’m glad to have joined the party. This will undoubtedly be my bag of choice for the foreseeable future.
