BLACK EMBER WPRT MODULAR: REVIEW
Taking WPRT for a spin. The bag feels right in place in both urban environment and in the wild.
Disclaimer
The WPRT Modular was provided by Black Ember as a sample for review purposes, the content of this review was not shared with Black Ember before publishing.
My goal is to share an honest, unbiased review that is not tailored to keep the brand happy.
At the time of this review, there is a promo for modular packs and mods on the Black Ember website at https://blackember.com/pages/modular-backpacks. Use “modular35” to get 35% off your purchase.
If you like the backpack and would like to support my reviews feel free to use my referral link when purchasing at Black Ember https://blackember.com/?rfsn=3712893.b23bec
FOREWORD
Black Ember has had quite a journey.
San-Francisco based team has been launching successful Kickstarter campaigns since 2014, each coming with a bang.
Each campaign offered a unique take on what an everyday bag can be, pushing the boundaries of the materials and comfort. Throughout all of the campaigns, one key feature was always prominent - modularity. Black Ember was never content with offering just an amazing bag, it meticulously created an ecosystem of accessories and mods that enhanced the day-to-day experience of using their bags.
Glancing over the previous campaigns it is hard not to notice the evolution of each product. Instead of slowly iterating on the existing design, each new product is redesigned from the ground up and it shows.
See below the pictures from some of the products released in the past 5 years.
Black Ember TL3 Pack from 2016 Kickstarter campaign (photo used from KS campaign)
Black Ember HOLDALL-MSNGR from 2016 Kickstarter campaign (photo used from KS campaign)
Black Ember V4 Backpack from 2017 Kickstarter campaign (photo used from KS campaign)
The product line available today is more streamlined, simplified yet has better comfort, materials and generally lighter than previous iterations. The improvements are so noticeable that older bags look more like proof of concept or prototype.
Now let’s dig into the bag itself.
ABOUT THE BAG
The WPRT (stands for WaterProof RollTop) launched as a Kickstarter campaign back in November 2018 and offered in two versions - Minimal and Modular. The review unit today is a Modular version.
The backpack would not feel out of place in Bladerunner or the latest episode of Westworld, it screams “I came from the future” and the specifications/materials back it up:
SPECS
Dimensional inches : 20 x 12.5 x 6
Dimensional millimeters : 510 x 320 x 152
Liters: 30
Weight: ~3 lbs
CRITICAL MATERIALS & HARDWARE
800-DENIER 3-LAYER MICRO-HEX PERFORMANCE TEXTILE IN DEEP BLACK, SPECIFIED TO REDUCE REFLECTIVITY FOR A STEALTHY AESTHETIC
LASER CUT 1MM HYPALON
GERMAN MAGNETIC FIDLOCK V-BUCKLE HARDWARE
YKK AQUAGUARD ZIPPERS
AIRCRAFT GRADE, ANODIZED + LASER ETCHED ALUMINUM HARDWARE
Not rubber, nor Cordura. WPRT hits the sweet spot right in the middle.
Everything about the bag is précised, purposeful.
Despite the official specs stating 25-30L capacity, in my experience, it packs closer to 35L which makes it ideal for extended EDC and one-bag travel.
Simply put, I never get the volume-anxiety with WPRT, it’s very convenient to know that the bag would always fit “one more thing”.
For reference, my measurements are:
Height 176 cm (5’10)
Weight 89 kg (195 lbs)
My EDC:
MacBook Pro 16
Cables/Chargers/Dongles
Nalgene 32 oz
Lunch box
Packable Jacket
Kindle Voyage
Wallet
Keys
Sunglasses
When I travel I add a small Dopp kit, large packing cube as well as a shoe bag.
The bag is on a wider side so be mindful when walking in the aisle on the plane or turning around on the street. (It was a bit of adjustment for me personally after using an ATD1 by Attitude Supply)
Overcoming the obstacles with WPRT is a breeze.
QUALITY & COMFORT
When I read “800-Denier 3-Layer Micro-Hex performance textile”, frankly, it does not tell me much. What I can tell is that the fabric is extremely water-resistant (the bag is not submergible but it will easily get you through any weather), easy to clean (spray it with water and you are done), durable and nice to the touch. I am a tactile person and enjoy the fabric of WPRT quite a lot, it’s not rubber nor Cordura but strikes a perfect balance somewhere in the middle.
The zippers are all YKK AquaGuard and move smoothly. Hypalon zipper pulls with a subtle branding is a very nice touch. Overall a joy to use.
The comfort of carrying the bag is one of the biggest surprises of WPRT. It is AMAZING. Not to get too technical, but Black Ember uses 2 layers of EVA foam on the straps that adapt to any body shape. In simple terms, the straps are very nicely padded and make the bag feel incredible to wear. The more I use the bag the more I realize that this is the most comfortable bag I have ever worn. There, I said it.
Some people could say the straps are overly padded, too thick, etc but if this is what I have to pay for comfort - I will do that in a heartbeat. What’s impressive is how the harness system, despite sophisticated, does not contribute much to the weight of the bag. (Unlike, say, Boundary Supply Prima which has very good harness system but it weights a lot)
The harness system is one of the key strengths of the bag.
The back panel also uses EVA foam and feels nice against my back. I have not experienced any issues with airflow or sweating while using the bag, granted the hot summer season is yet to come.
Using the bag is a joy thanks to the magnetic buckle by Fidlock that secures the rolltop. Maglock sternum strap is also fun and convenient to use.
Like a black hole, WPRT absorbs the light like a champ. Cyclists, be mindful and use lights/reflective surfaces!
ORGANIZATION
The main problem with most of the rolltop bags - getting inside the main compartment is a pain.
God bless folks at Black Ember for side access to the main compartment and dedicated side access to the laptop!
Suspended side access to the laptop. Godsent!
So the access to the bag is excellent - you can load it from the top by unrolling the bag and also load/access your things from the large side zip.
The separate suspended laptop compartment is a big win in my books - when needed I can grab my laptop without other content of the bag getting in the way.
The actual organization of WPRT is… adequate:
The front flat compartment is great for magazines and has 2 flat pockets sufficient for your wallet, passport, MacBook charger (small bonus - the magnetic key clip is also reachable from the pocket). The pocket has no dimension, forget about sticking a bulky item there and use the main compartment instead.
2 hidden pockets just behind the back panel. Pro-tip - you can throw your phone in one, your power bank in another, pass the cable between the pockets and charge your phone securely. Also fine to store your wallet, passport, cash, etc.
Dedicated suspended laptop compartment that easily fits my MBP16, could be enough for up to 17inch laptop depending on the manufacturer
Minimal internal organization is mitigated by a range of available internal and external mods that easily store your cables, chargers, camera equipment, etc.
Key feature of Modular version of WPRT - ability to add more external mods.
WHAT’S HOT
The most comfortable bag to wear. Period.
The build. Lovely materials used and laser-cut, bonded construction give the bag an exceptional durability and water resistance.
Light. For the size and volume of the bag, it’s weight was a pleasant surprise
External access to laptop compartment
Side access to the main compartment
Large capacity great for one bag travel
The most comfortable grab handles out there. And you can buy a second one to attach to the side.
The bag stands on its own when packed. I know many would be extremely happy to hear this (judging by so many negative feedback about the bags that can’t stand on their own)
Fidlock V-Buckle closure. All-day, every day.
2 hidden pockets behind the back panel is a nice secure feature
The top of the roll has a water seal zipper, love it! Strangely not all roll tops feature this leaving the bag content exposed to the elements if the bag unrolls accidentally (or because it is too full)
Variety of mods that can help adapt the load out to different needs and scenarios (even if you opt-in WPRT Minimal you can still use some of the mods)
Excellent strap management. No dangle or fabric access. All is done very neatly, the OCD inside me is very happy with this clean approach
I find that the lack of the inner lining not only reduces the weight but also gives peace of mind that the spillage in the main compartment will bring 0 damage to the bag itself.
The top zipper will save your contents when the bag is completely packed and not rolled down.
WHAT’S NOT
In isolation, WPRT checks all the right boxes and is easily one of my most favorite bags. However, I did own another bag from Black Ember - R1 Citadel and in comparison to WPRT, I did discover few missed opportunities.
WPRT is a black hole inside so be prepared to occasionally use flashlight even when accessing the main compartment from the side. A standout feature of the Citadel was a bright highly visible silver liner that I wish was present on WPRT. I understand it would add to the cost and potentially to the weight of the bag, but perhaps an option that could be introduced as part of the customization during checkout? This negative is mitigated by a mod called WPRT insert - features padding and that signature silver lining.
Note that getting the mods on and off is not that quick. Don’t get me wrong, it won’t take you more than a minute, but I wish there was a more convenient way of changing the pack’s loadout. Magnetic mods should be effortless, right? Wrong. You see, two elements play into securing the mod - the Fidlock “nipple” which snaps right into place effortlessly as you expect and the plastic hook, which is more tricky get into the laser-cut hole. Overall, it is not as quick as I’d hoped and sometimes the Fidlock would snap first and get in the way of securing the plastic hook.
The Citadel pack has one of the most satisfying laptop lining out there, soft and protective. It is a bit unfortunate that the laptop compartment in WPRT does not have that lining.
Again, going back to the Citadel which had a smaller handle perfect for hanging the bag on the hooks - this was personally missed on WPRT. Included top grab handle is probably the nicest handle I have ever used (as mentioned in the pros) but I would hate deforming it by hanging the bag on it. And no, it was not weird to have two handles on top of my Citadel (one detachable cushioned handle and second simple fabric handle for hooks and quick grabs.
WRAP-UP
I did not expect that WPRT would grow on me as much as it did.
Granted, it was somewhat strange that some of the best and brightest Black Ember ideas did not carry over from R1 Citadel to WPRT, specifically:
the wonderful silver inner lining
Extremely satisfying soft lining for the laptop
Small top handle to hang the bag
Despite the above, WPRT has become my favorite extended EDC and travel bag thanks to its outstanding comfort, excellent access, and small weight.
I highly recommend the bag and can argue that WPRT is perhaps one of the most underrated bags on the market today.
P.S. At the time of posting this review (April 13, 2020) Black Ember is offering 35% off on all modular packs and mods. Use the promo code “modular35” to take the full advantage of it.
Fun fact, this is the road that was featured in the phenomenal HBO series “Chernobyl”. (S01E02, 41:20)
Just behind me is the infamous nuclear plant.