15 Best Things to Do in Nong Khiaw, Laos (2024)
April 28, 2024
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The Wayks Globetrotter Bundle is like nothing you’ve ever seen before! From the sleek design to the sustainable materials, the items of this bundle will surely amaze you. I can tell you that they amazed me in every way possible!
And I’m not alone. Wayks gets consistent 5-star reviews on their website!
Wayks backpack review: Wayks Globetrotter Bundle
Wayks is a German/Australian brand created by the brother-sister duo Leonie and Fabian. They run Wayks together, Leonie from Berlin and Fabian from Australia.
Having worked in the startup and fast-fashion industries, they both came to a tipping point after watching the documentary ” The true Cost”. They wanted to change the industry for the better: Enter the world of WAYKS.
Driven by their love for travel, they designed a range of backpacks with sustainability in mind in every aspect of their production process. They started out with only one backpack, the Wayks One travel backpack, but now, they sell a few models in different sizes and also a great sling bag that is convertible to a small backpack or tote bag.
As I was embarking on a multi-month trip to Southeast Asia the past winter, I was looking for a versatile backpack that was both comfortable and sustainably made. After getting in touch with Fabian and Leonie they invited me to try out their Wayks Globetrotter Bundle.
This bundle includes everything you might need for long-term travel. It’s a modular backpack and it consists of different components: A Wayks travel backpack, a small day pack, a multi-purpose cube, the sling combo, and accessories like a rain cover and a strap to attach a yoga mat!
In this post, I’ll first get into the different components of the Wayks Globetrotter Bundle followed by a little information about the high-quality sustainable materials, the innovative design, and the production process. Afterward, I’ll let you in on all the details about my experience, traveling with this backpack for four months, and the pros and cons.
Ready? Let’s go!
As mentioned before, the Wayks Globetrotter Bundle is not just like any backpack. It’s a combination of different items that can be worn all together or separately depending on your travel needs.
I was quite impressed when I received the box at home. The design, the attention to detail, and how all the pieces work together are things I’ve never seen before in any other backpack combination.
Most but not all items that are included in the Wayks Globetrotter Bundle
The WayksOne Globetrotter Bundle consists of 17 modular parts and 5 different accessories. That is a lot! To be honest I was quite overwhelmed when I first tried to put everything together. But after figuring a few things out, I was pleasantly surprised by the modularity and versatility of this all-in-one backpack solution.
The Wayks Globetrotter Bundle Original has a total capacity of 66 L. Fabian and Leonie also sell a smaller version of this as a bundle, the Wayks Globetrotter Bundle Compact which had a capacity of 49 L.
The day pack original is the largest piece of all the items inside the bundle. The backpack has a suitcase-style opening for easy packing and various smart storage options.
It can contain 25 to 40 liters thanks to its expandable roll top which can be adjusted to your needs. Furthermore, the daypack original can be zipped together with the cube original to expand its size even further!
In addition, the daypack can also be adjusted even more to cater to your specific needs. The daypack offers a sturdy back panel which comes in handy for long-haul travel. However, the back panel can also be removed to convert the day pack into a somewhat lighter-to-carry backpack that is easier and less sturdy to move around with. It also comes with simple shoulder straps to replace the stronger straps.
The cube original is a multi-functional beauty-case-like bag that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used as a beauty case for travel, however, because of its insulating interior it can also be used as a cooler bag for a picnic, or as a protective camera bag to store your camera gear, together with the Cube Inlay Original.
Wayks backpack review: the cube original
The Cube Original comes with a detachable hip strap and detachable shoulder belt. The shoulder belt allows you to carry the cube as a camera bag or cooler bag. The hip belt, on the other hand, allows you to strap the cube onto your hips when it is zipped together with the Day Pack Original.
The Day Pack Mini is a small backpack that can be used on a day-to-day basis for carrying essential items. The back consists of the same soft padding material as the Day Pack Original but it doesn’t contain a back panel, which makes it lighter to carry around.
Inside the day pack, you can find a laptop sleeve, a quick access pocket for your keys, phone, and wallet, an internal water bottle pocket, and an internal organizer with 3 zippered pockets.
Just like the Day Pack Original it has an extendable roll top that can increase the volume from eight up to twelve liters.
The Day Pack Mini can be attached to any Wayks backpack using the Mat Strap or Neck Pouch Strap.
The Sling Combo consists of a crossbody bag that can convert into a tote bag or small backpack, and a mini-sling that can be worn on the hips or shoulders or around the neck with a detachable neck pouch strap.
The Wayks Sling Combo
Just like the regular day pack and the day pack mini, the sling has an expandable roll-top that transforms the bag, in this case, into a tote bag or a small backpack.
To fit everything properly and nicely into the Day Pack Original, the Globetrotter Bundle contains two very handy compression packing cubes. Each packing cube features two zippered compartments which allow you to separate your clean and dirty clothes.
Within the Globetrotter Bundle Original, you are also provided with a bright orange rain and luggage cover. It can be used on the Day Pack Original, the Travel Backpack Original, the Day Pack Compact, and the Travel Backpack Compact.
The Mat Strap can be used to strap a yoga mat or another item to the webbing loops of all the day packs in the Wayks collection. The Neck Pouch Strap is a recycled cord that can be used to turn the Sling Mini into a neck pouch or to attach the Daypack Mini, the Sling, or the Sling Mini to one of the backpacks.
There you go! Now that you are in the know about all the different components of The Globetrotter Bundle, let me tell you next about how sustainable this backpack actually is.
As conscious travelers, we are deeply aware of our impact on other people and the environment. On this blog, I will always try to provide you with accurate information regarding how sustainable a product really is, whether it’s a bag, a hotel, a means of transport, or other travel gear.
Fabian and Leonie are very conscious about who they want to work with to produce their bags, whether they are suppliers or the factory where the bags are manufactured.
They have a sustainability policy posted on their website in which they explain where their materials come from, how sustainable they are, and how the garment workers at the factory where the bags are produced work under fair work conditions.
Of course, the fact that this backpack bundle is modular is a sustainable feature in itself. Having these items allows for a minimalist lifestyle since you won’t be needing to purchase any other items. It’s a purse, a small backpack, a large backpack, a sling, a tote bag, a hip bag, and much more all in one!
Next, let’s dive deeper into the production process of the bags followed by how sustainable the materials are from which the backpacks are made.
As for the production process, since I traveled through Vietnam in the past months, I was able to visit the factory where the bags are produced myself. It was a very enjoyable experience and I got to know Leonie, one of the owners of Wayks personally.
Firstly, what is important to mention is that the factory, Vaude Việt Nam, where the Wayks bags are produced is audited by the Fair Wear Foundation. Fair Wear is an independent organization that audits fair working conditions for garment workers according to strict protocols, such as payment of a living wage and safe and healthy working conditions.
Wayks backpack review: Leonie and Thuong in the factory in the north of Vietnam
The Fair Foundation Evaluation System is based on the following eight principles:
Here is a short video about the eight principles of the Fair Wear Formula:
These principles might seem obvious to people living in Western countries but they are absolutely not in many parts of the world!
During my visit, I was warmly welcomed, and, even though there was a high degree of professionalism, the atmosphere was sincere and kind. I felt comfortable around Leonie, one of the owners, and Thuong, the local manager, right from the start of our conversation.
Wayks backpack review: Garment workers with zippers and the top of the Cube Compact
After talking a bit about Wayks, I was shown around the factory. We started the tour in the warehouse where all the fabrics are stored. Afterward, we went to one of the most impressive places in the factory: The embroidery room. Here, the logo of Wayks is embroidered on the fabrics using dozens of embroidery machines.
Lastly, we visited the main area where all the pieces of the bags are stitched together. Most of the workers seemed a bit shy but you could tell from what they were doing that they were all highly skilled in their job.
Garment workers working on the daypack in sand color
Leonie and Thuong also invited me for lunch in the lovely lunch room where all the food is cooked fresh daily from healthy ingredients. They were so kind to cater to my plant-based needs and we were served rice, tofu in tomato sauce, and a wide range of vegetable dishes to share.
All the workers of the factory are served a healthy meal for lunch every day and afterward, it’s naptime! The lights are turned off and everyone rolls out their mat for a short siesta. Isn’t that great?
At the end of my visit, I got to learn a little bit more about the future designs that are in the work and small enhancements that will be made to existing products.
I truly had a lovely day visiting the factory and I think it’s something everyone should experience once in their lives. It gives such great insights into how consumer products are produced and all the effort and hard work that goes into just producing one item. It makes you humble and will most surely make you think twice before buying a fast fashion item in a store.
Here are some insights into the materials that Wayks uses to produce their bags and how they are selected.
The Wayks backpacks are made from recycled material. Lately, a change for the good is happening. Fabric manufacturers are getting more conscious of sustainable alternatives to Nylon or Polyester based fabrics from which backpacks are usually made.
The Wayks Backpacks are fabricated using mostly recycled Polyester. To create recycled Polyester, used plastic bottles undergo a complicated process which eventually leads to them being able to be spun into yarn, and then woven into fabrics.
Here are the components of the Wayks backpacks in which recycled Polyester is used:
The majority of materials used to manufacture the WAYKS backpacks are sourced from bluesign® system partners.
Bluesign® is a Swiss company that assists companies with a focus on sustainable chemistry so they can reduce their impact on the people and the planet.
They take action in the following fields:
In the fashion world, a lot of chemicals are used to improve color, durability, and water resistance. Unfortunately, a lot of these are harmful to both factory employees and end-consumers. They also pose a threat to the environment.
Here is a you-tube video from Bluesign® in which they explain what they do and what their values are:
Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are widely used in industrial and consumer products to make those products waterproof, stain-resistant, or grease-resistant. These chemicals pose however a threat to the environment, wildlife, and also to human beings.
The chemicals can contaminate drinking water, food, and aquatic life and are found in everyday utensils like cooking pans, couches, umbrellas, and waterproof jackets.
Wayks explicitly refrains from using any materials with PFC finishing.
Lastly, let’s not overlook the importance of aesthetics and durability. The Wayks Globetrotter Bundle is well-crafted, with a sleek and modern design that would make any traveler proud to wear it. Available in two colors and one design in sleek black, it also appeals to different tastes and preferences.
Made from high-quality materials and accessories, the Wayks Globetrotter Bundle is highly durable, making it a trustworthy companion for the long haul.
The modularity and versatility of this backpack bundle are also truly unique and are something I have never seen before.
Wayks Day Pack mini in Nong Khiaw in Laos
As said previously in this article, I reached out to Fabian and Leonie because I was in need of a new backpack for a multi-month trip to southeast Asia. I discovered their website through Instagram and was pleasantly surprised by the backpack solutions they were offering.
Biking in rural areas in Vietnam with the Wayks Day Pack Mini
I was invited by them to try the Wayks Globetrotter Bundle, the most expensive item in their collection. After coming back from my trip, I can say that the Globetrotter Bundle offers everything you need for long-term travel and more.
At the start of the trip, when I arrived at the airport I immediately received compliments about the bags. Other travelers asked where I bought the bags and were impressed with the modularity. It was easy to put the rain cover on the Wayks Travel Backpack Original for check-in. It’s a nice feature that you can wrap the cover around the backpack completely with a zipper, so no damage whatsoever is possible.
Exploring Bako National Park in Borneo wearing the Wayks Day Pack Mini
During my trip, I enjoyed all the items thoroughly. The Day Pack Original was nice and comfy to travel in between destinations and the packing cubes do a great job compressing a large bunch of clothes.
I wore the Day Pack Mini every day to undertake various activities whether it was hiking, sightseeing, cycling, or to the beach. It’s a great and comfortable daypack, however, a bit small sometimes if you want to take an SLR camera and a few other items with you.
I addressed this to Leonie at our meeting in Vietnam and it was something they already knew and were taking care of. She showed me a new, improved version of the Day Pack Mini with more volume and slightly adjusted shoulder straps for even more comfort.
Wayks backpack review: the Day Pack Mini in Cat Ba National Park in Vietnam
I also totally loved wearing the Wayks Sling Combo mostly during the evening when going out for a bite to eat. I used the sling as a cross-body bag and the Wayks Sling Mini as a little purse that I kept inside the sling and in which I stored items like facemasks, handkerchiefs, and disinfectant hand gel.
I was happy wearing the Wayks Travel Backpack because it felt so sturdy on my back. It’s incredible how it can be adjusted to fit on your back perfectly and all the little details and pockets and storage compartments are just wonderful.
One small negative, on the other hand, was that the rain cover sometimes fell off the bag. Traveling by bus a lot, the busboys often grabbed the handle of the rain cover to take my backpack out of the bus, and, when it was not zipped up completely around the bag, the backpack fell out. But this is only a small minus. I talked with Leonie about this and they are looking into it.
Furthermore, I would suggest that for long-term travel to areas that are dusty and involve hiking, the Black Globetrotter Bundle might be a better option. The sand color got really dirty towards the end of my trip and you cannot put the bags in the washing machine. There is a specific product though that is recommended to clean the backpacks, Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarwash Cleaning Spray.
I absolutely love my Wayks Backpack bundle and I can’t thank Leonie and Fabian enough for giving me the chance to enjoy their outstanding design and the impeccable craftsmanship of the garment workers!
To finish this Wayks backpack review, let me end by listing the pros and cons of this backpack for a quick recap! I can tell you for sure that there are more pros than cons and that the negligible negatives that I have experienced over the past months have largely already been resolved by Fabian and Leonie.
PROS:
CONS:
In this Wayks Travel Backpack review, I have discussed its multipurpose design, eco-friendliness, comfort, smart organization, and stylish design. All of these features combine to make the Wayks Globetrotter Bundle an unbeatable package for travelers.
Investing in this well-crafted backpack means investing in a travel-worthier, eco-conscious, and hassle-free future. So, why not give this ultimate travel companion a try and see how it transforms your travel experiences into unforgettable memories? Happy adventuring!
ENJOY!
P.S.: If you have any questions about this gorgeous travel backpack bundle please leave them in the comments below or drop me a message through my contact page!
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Transparency: This review was created in collaboration with WAYKS. All opinions however are 100% my own.
Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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Annalena
Hi! I would love to know how well you managed to clean the backpack with the recommended product. I’m thinking about getting the sand colored one, but for this price I would not want to buy a backpack that’s dirty after one trip…
annelies_degelas
Hi Annalena!
I dind’t buy the product. My travel backpack, cube and sling are still fine, didn’t need to clean them yet. The only thing that got dirty on my trip was my day pack mini because of an accumulation of sunscreen, insect repellent and dust. I was able to clean it at home carefully with a sponge with washing detergent and I still wear the bag everyday to this day so you can clean it without buying the suggested product.
Note that any other bag would also get dirty as a result of the accumulation of sunscreen, insect repellent and dust so this is not really due to the bag but rather to the conditions I was traveling in! The Wayks Globetrotter bundle is absolutely worth it! I’m leaving for Colombia in a few weeks, taking only the travel backpack and day pack mini as carry-on luggage. Super handy! 🙂