Wandrd Fernweh Hiking Backpack review

External Design

The Fernweh is a bag with an almost overwhelming number of features, particularly on the outside. Without trying to "do it all" it certainly tries to cover most possible use cases for a hiker or traveler.

There are two colors available, black and Gobi tan. We are testing the black version.

The external fabric is smooth to the touch, while still feeling robust. The weather protection is obvious to the touch. Wandrd used the same weather coating on their Duo backpack, even though the fabric is different. When empty, the bag can look a bit "deflated", folding on itself. When full, it is shaped roughly like a box, but the numerous external features break that impression.

The front of the bag is dominated by the large fold which constitutes one of the entry points for the inside.

A large zipper is hidden under a wide fold on that front panel.

A long zipper with a small gusset at the bottom gives access to a large pocket at the front. This pocket can hold a water bladder thanks to a hook at the top and a pass-through towards the rest of the bag. A Velcro loop further guides the hose towards the back. Note that if there is no electronic equipment inside the bag, the laptop sleeve can also used to hold a water bladder.

The front pocket is "outside the bag", in the sense that the fabric and sewing make it separate from the main compartment. This ensures that any possible leak from the water bladder won't spill towards the camera equipment.

Hooks on the right side, partially hidden by the flap, can hold walking sticks.

On the right side (as seen from the front) is a large zippered pocket. It is intended for large water bottles, and will fully contain a compact travel tripod. It can be used to store hiking gear, a hatchet, and many other things thanks to its larger-than-usual size. While usually bottle pockets are opened at the top, this one is fully closed, and can be opened either by the top or bottom thanks to two zippers. It is thus easier to reach in while wearing the bag. Larger tripods can still be inserted by leaving the top zipper partially open. A gusset helps to prevent spillage.

On the right side is the door granting access to the interior, meant to be used with one of the company's camera cubes.

On each side are several straps meant to hold skis, poles, a rolled-up mattress, etc.

All of those straps can unhook easily, and they all have hidden pockets to tuck them away. This is excellent, as often straps end up dangling everywhere on hiking backpacks. The large number of side straps also mean that it is possible to expand the capacity of the Fernweh by layering the equipment placed on the sides (a jacket strapped over the skis, for instance).

There are hooks, loops, and daisy-chains distributed all over the backpack for even more attachment possibilities. The company also sells optional extra straps, there are specific hooks and loops to attach those.

The top flat holds a smaller pocket.

It has a wide border to fully cover the zipper. This zipper is large, sturdy, and moves fluidly.

At the bottom is a hidden pocket that can hold the optional rain fly. It can also store small items. Its main purpose is to hold a cradle, called the sleeping bag carry. This cradle is an improved take on the usual dual straps used to carry rolled-up items. In addition to carrying the sleeping bag, it can serve as a tool for extra compression to further reduce the size.

The straps of the cradle tuck inside a passthrough in the corners, so that nothing dangles.

The cradle can also serve to wrap around the hip straps when storing, for instance in a plane, for a cleaner look with lower risk of getting stuck.

The back panel includes a number of notable elements.

First, the padding is among the best ever tested here. Made of several layers of ventilated foam, with air channels and mesh, it distributes the weight superbly, and offers a good level of rigidity.

Behind the top of the back panel is a hidden pocket perfect for a passport, and an opening made to store the shoulder straps to get them out of the way. Simply detach the top part and slide the straps down.

The zipper for back access is visible on the picture above. Note that the padded back section covers the zipper at the sides and top, for improved comfort.

The shoulder straps can be attached at any of three heights for a better fit.

Load lifters and a top carry handle are available.

The shoulder straps are just as good as the back padding. Quite simply, this bag, even fully loaded, is among the best we've tested to distribute weight and maximize comfort.

Both shoulder straps offer bands to guide a water bladder hose or attach smaller items. The right strap also proposes a mesh pocket. Per the manufacturer, it's made of the "stretchiest" fabric available.

The chest harness is interesting and different from the usual. On each side is a clip which attaches naturally to the rails, and can be removed simply by pulling on the tab. This system is surprisingly easy and natural to use, and can be done one-handed. The clips look a bit flimsy but in use they are extremely robust and reliable.

The hip straps also follow the same pattern and offer excellent support and comfort. Both offer tension adjusters.

The right hip strap features two loops at the bottom, and a large elastic pocket, ideal for lens caps.

The left one bears a large zippered pocket, able to hold the largest cell phone currently on the market. It is wide and can serve a variety of purposes.

The hip strap can be completely removed from the backpack. It comes out as a single piece, held in place by Velcro inside the back panel.

Verdict

The Fernweh from Wandrd has no lack of features. Its multiple straps and options make it extremely versatile, adapting to a variety of situations. The craftsmanship is superb, with high-quality materials, excellent manufacturing giving it a rugged impression.

It is obvious that nothing has been left to chance, every design choice being deliberate. The result is an impressive product. The only notable flaw is that the straps, being so numerous, sometimes get in the way of the various access points. With some experience, the user will learn the ins-and-outs of the backpack and overwhelm that limitation.