WANDRD Fernweh 50L Review – The Ultimate Adventure Backpack for Explorers and Photographers

Finding the perfect adventure backpack that balances functionality, comfort, and versatility can feel like an impossible task—until you come across the WANDRD Fernweh. Even its name sets the tone for exploration: "Fernweh" is a German word that translates to a deep longing for distant places, a kind of "farsickness." It’s the opposite of homesickness and perfectly embodies the adventurous spirit. Designed with explorers and photographers in mind, this bag is more than just a backpack; it’s a reliable companion for any journey. From the thoughtful design to the premium materials, every detail of the Fernweh reflects a commitment to enhancing your travel experience. Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day trek, packing for a quick day hike, or carrying your camera gear into the wild, this backpack is built to keep up with your adventures and creative pursuits.

WANDRD Fernweh Capacity and Design

The Fernweh offers a 50-liter capacity, making it versatile for day trips, multi-day hikes, or even extended travel. Weighing 2.27 kg, it’s lightweight enough for long treks and complies with carry-on size restrictions for all major airlines—a feature we’ve personally tested. Its expandable compartments provide plenty of room for gear, clothes, and accessories.

What makes it truly unique is its ability to transform. The camera cube is fully removable, allowing the bag to function as a hiking or travel backpack without the bulk often associated with camera bags. The Essential Camera Cube surprised me with its smart divider system, offering more customization than I’ve seen in other bags. It easily fits a camera with a lens attached, another zoom lens, a drone, and extra batteries. If you’re carrying more equipment or larger lenses, the Pro Camera Cube would be a great upgrade. I especially appreciate the side-access door, which aligns perfectly with the bag’s side compartment, making it a breeze to grab your camera without unpacking everything.

Game-Changing Features

One of my favourite innovations is the bucket organisation system in the main compartment. This keeps clothes and gear securely in place above the camera cube. In other bags, small items tend to fall into the camera cube area, potentially damaging equipment. WANDRD’s detachable bucket system eliminates this issue, and it can be removed entirely for easy access to the main compartment.

The four access points—main compartment, backdoor camera compartment, side camera pocket, and front opening—make organisation and retrieval effortless. The front access, in particular, provides a full view of the main compartment, which is especially handy when you’re digging for something buried at the bottom during camping setup.

Build Quality and Durability

The Fernweh screams premium quality. Made from waterproof tarpaulin and ballistic nylon, it’s rugged, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches. While not submersible, Wandrd claims that "it's pretty damn close". It’s incredibly water-resistant—perfect for outdoor adventures. The robust materials ensure it can withstand the rigours of rough terrain, and the sturdy zippers and Velcro connections feel built to last.

Comfort and Convenience

The padded shoulder straps and waist belt are wide and adjustable, ensuring comfort even when fully loaded. The bag includes four sturdy handles—one on each side—making it easy to move around, which is a surprisingly overlooked feature in many backpacks. There are ample attachment points for gear like sleeping mats, tents, or ice axes. Plus, the dedicated compartments for a hydration pack and water bottles ensure you stay hydrated on the go.

The waist strap includes a zippered pocket perfect for your phone and a mesh compartment for other small essentials. The top compartment is spacious enough for sunglasses, a wallet, maps, and more, though I wish it had additional mesh pockets to better organise smaller items. Inside the main compartment, there’s a large mesh pocket where I like to stash my documents and money for safekeeping.

Final Thoughts

The WANDRD Fernweh is a thoughtfully designed backpack that excels in both form and function. Its ability to transition between a camera bag and a hiking pack is unmatched, and the attention to detail in features like the bucket system and camera cube access sets it apart. Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, or both, the Fernweh is one of the top picks for adventure backpacks. It’s rugged, stylish, and packed with smart features that make it worth every penny.