Bonuses include a secret pocket and external straps, so you could expand capacity as needed.
I looked at the smaller bag in black.
It also comes in khaki.
Charlie Sorrel / Lifewire
In use, the Wotancraft Pilot is fantastic.
It has just the right amount of padding.
Problem Solved
There are several recurring problems with camera shoulder bags.
Charlie Sorrel / Lifewire
The first is comfort.
Then, add padding and pockets, and it gets too heavy, fast.
Another big one is accessibility.
Charlie Sorrel / Lifewire
Some bags are more like soft transport cases.
You carry them to the shoot, then set them down.
Other bags, like the Wotancraft Pilot, are designed to be accessed while you wear them.
This access can be hampered by zippers or other closures that dont stand open.
Then there are looks.
Too many camera bags look either plain dorky or are just way too technical.
And theres a practical factor, too.
An obvious camera bag can be a target for theft.
The Wotancraft Pilot solves all these problems, easily.
It looks more like canvas than nylon, only its lighter and tougher.
This shell conforms well to your body, and the soft, broad strap is comfortable.
The strap has a shoulder pad that can be slid off the shoulder if you prefer.
I use it when the bag is heavily loaded, but prefer the bare strap otherwise.
The bag closes with a single metal clip (theres an optional magnetic clip).
This makes it easy to operate with one hand.
it’s possible for you to tuck the flap behind the bag, making it easy to work from.
The interior is one big space, and included Velcro dividers can split it up.
The front and rear are padded with stiff panels, and the bottom and ends use softer padding.
This clever design touch makes it super comfortable.
Behind the front pocket sits another pocket, accessible from the sides.
Many reviewers claim its pickpocket-proof, but I doubt that.
I know about pickpockets who can decouple the lens from a DSLR while distracting you with a tourist map.
Wotancraft Pilot vs. Domke F-3X
In use, the Wotancraft Pilot is fantastic.
It has just the right amount of padding.
Before buying this bag, I usedDomkes F-3X, a lightweight canvas shoulder bag with a similar configuration.
Every photographer knows it’s impossible to find the perfect camera bagbut Wotancrafts Pilot comes really, really close.
The Domke has a wider, more comfortable strap and a looser front pocket.
Both the F-3X and the Pilot are excellent bags.
I prefer the Pilot only because its a little more compact and looks a little better to me.
The Domke is a little too floppy when used partially empty.
It’s also easier to arrange the interior of the Pilot for my minimal needs.
Then again, the F-3X can be customized by dropping in a padded organizer, making it more flexible.
