A couple of years ago, while on the never-ending quest to find the best camera bag, something caught my eye in one of the many excellent Sony videos from Mark Galer. It was a Wotancraft crossbody sling, and it stuck in my head. Was this the perfect small camera bag? I had to find out.
Fast forward two years, and I had to scratch that itch. After searching for Wotancraft in the U.K., it was clear they weren’t represented here, so I reached out directly and begged to borrow one to make a Wotancraft Easy Rider V2 Sling Bag 10L review.
And that is how it all began…
Let me start by saying that I am extremely fortunate to have a very understanding partner who doesn’t lose her shizzle when she tries to pass the small mountain of camera sling bags and backpacks to get into my home office, although I am sure that looms ever closer on the horizon. We tell ourselves the next will be last one, but we all know how that usually turns out. Amirite?
I digress.
You should also know that all of the links in this review are affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you click and decide to purchase a bag directly. You can’t buy a new Wotancraft bag in the U.K. currently, instead, you have to order directly from them in Taiwan and import it, which I talk about later. Meanwhile, let’s get on with it, starting with a little background.
Quick Summary (Wotancraft Easy Rider V2 Sling Bag)
This is a long review so if you’re in a hurry, here’s a succinct summary:
The Wotancraft Easy Rider V2 Sling Bag is a rugged, stylish and practical crossbody camera bag, built for everyday carry and photography.
A removable camera insert lets you convert it from an EDC sling into a full camera bag within seconds, which is ideal for hybrid creators.
Comfort is a standout feature thanks to the padded strap, smooth slide adjusters and rotating connectors that keep the load stable while walking or cycling.
Fidlock magnetic buckles provide fast one-handed access while keeping the contents secure, giving it a real usability advantage over competing slings.
The only drawbacks are the slightly narrow main opening and the absence of a built-in bottle pocket, although MOLLE add-ons make it easy to customise.
What is the Easy Rider V2 Sling Bag?
The Easy Rider V2 Sling Bag has been refined based on customer feedback for over 10 years, which is one of the reasons why it’s instantly so good in use. The original design was inspired by one of the Wotancraft team who is a keen cyclist.
This is something we share a passion for, bikes and cameras, both of which I love. You see, this really was destiny.
How is the Easy Rider V2 different from a typical crossbody camera bag?
The design of this crossbody camera bag differs from others due to a clever three-point harness system, which is conveniently removable for when you want to walk around on your own two legs rather than rolling on two wheels.
But that’s not all, there are loads of quality-of-life refinements inside and out, which make this a brilliant choice not just for your photo days, but also for everyday carry. So, let’s get into it with a brief outline of the range.
What versions are there and what’s it for?
There are three second-generation Easy Rider V2 sling bags in the range, and they all come in two colours. Incidentally, the black and khaki colours run throughout the entire Wotancraft product lineup. Although I personally prefer the black camera bag, I’ve seen a lot of the khakis online, which are also pretty lit.
The three options are:
I feel like the 10L strikes the perfect balance between size and load capacity for my typical daily gear requirements when a backpack is overkill, although all three definitely have their own pros and cons. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want at least two of these in your collection. Having said that, their other range of camera slings is pretty awesome too… but stop, I digress again.
Who is the Easy Rider bag for?
The premise of the range is that you can cycle, ride your motorbike, or use any other form of transportation where you don’t want the bag swinging around while at speed, which it really doesn’t, thanks to that aforementioned unique harness system.
Does the Easy Rider V2 Work for everyday use?
Other than for biking, the Easy Rider V2 carries much like other messenger-style bags, albeit with several really nice touches that set it apart from the competition. But before we get into all of the features, let’s take a deeper dive into the design, which is what draws you to it in the first instance. It is eye-catching after all, right?
What is the Wotancraft Easy Rider V2 made from?
The design team at Wotancraft must be pretty pleased with themselves. They have created a bag that really does look the business while also being incredibly practical, which is a feat rarer than my Sony camera having a clean sensor.
The exterior uses tough Dualcoat Water Repellent 500D Nylon Canvas, developed in 2024 and reaching eco-friendly C0 standards. This is quite a big deal, and we cover PFAS-Free materials in more detail later. The idea is that all of your expensive contents inside the bag will stay dry when it rains, which feels like a must for any bag in the UK. It is complemented by water-resistant zips, which is a very nice touch in my book.
What other materials does Wotancraft use in this bag?
Other materials include:
Vegetable-tanned cowhide leather
Ultra-strength bonded Nylon 6.6 thread
Medical grade durable microfibre lining
Cotton fabric lining
High-density EVA foam padding on the rear panel
YKK water resistant zipper
How heavy is the V2 sling bag?
Despite all of the high-brow materials used, it weighs just 850g. This is perfect. It feels not too heavy, which I hate because I am getting old, but not so lightweight that it feels flimsy or flaps around. So it is nice-looking, made with high-end weather-resistant materials, and is the perfect weight. Convinced already? Wait, there is much more.
Is the Easy Rider V2 OK for photographers and videographers?
Yes, Wotancraft has made an optional removable camera bag insert that instantly converts the Easy Rider V2 from an everyday bag to a dedicated camera sling bag. It is kind of essential if you want to pack your camera gear.
What fits inside the optional camera insert?
The Quick-draw Camera Insert For Easy Rider is as well thought out as the bag itself. It has a flap lid, space for two camera bodies without lenses attached, and additional lenses. Alternatively, you can place a camera with a lens attached inside and still have space for another lens, which is the way I like to roll.
Does the insert fit in all versions of the Easy Rider V2?
The insert does not fit in the Mini, as it is too small. You can, however, use optional inserts to divide the space however your camera likes it.
Can you expand the Easy Rider capacity with modules?
Yes. The whole setup looks great, with everything in its right place. You can even add internal and external modules if you like to expand the volume and store additional items inside and out. More on accessories later. For now, let us take a look at some of the features next.
What are the best and worst features of the Easy Rider V2?
There is loads to love about the Wotancraft Easy Rider V2 Sling Bag, though of course it has its pros and cons. A list feels appropriate, and you can decide for yourself which features matter most. Let’s start with the features that I love.
How comfortable is the Easy Rider V2?
Comfort is excellent, which is one of the main reasons for getting any bag in my world. You can pack a decent amount of weight into even ten litres of capacity, especially when you add extra modules, so comfort is king. The shoulder strap padding is thick, ventilated and slides easily, so you get that comfort no matter how low you sling it. While we are on the subject of comfort, the connectors have a swivel functionality that lets the bag rotate slightly and stay perfectly positioned, whatever load it is rocking.
Is the it good to use in the field?
Yes, this is an eminently usable bag, by which I mean everything just works in real-world use. The zips are smooth, the pockets and the bag itself stretch out because it is expandable, so it can be slim or beefy. The shoulder strap locking mechanism is a fantastic touch, allowing you to slide the strap shorter or longer whenever you want to access the bag or stow it behind you. It is all cleverly designed for usability, and it shows.
Is the Fidlock buckle system any good?
I just love the Fidlocks, which is the name of the proprietary main buckles that are so easy to use it is a wonder I have not seen them elsewhere. Perhaps Wotancraft could license them to other manufacturers, because this is one of the best implementations of magnetic hardware I have ever used. You can release the buckle by pressing the middle as normal, then once the two parts are near each other, magnets automatically pull it together. This allows for single-handed opening and is so simple it is pure genius. It makes access quick and easy while still being secure from any unwanted access to the interior.
How Good are the handles on the Easy Rider V2?
The handles are spot on. You get exactly the right number of grab handles, letting you pick it up from any angle without being overcomplicated. That includes the leather feature handle, which is one of five and defines the overall styling. Some other bags have frustratingly few, like Bellroy’s camera sling, which has zero.
Is the 3-point harness a good idea?
The three-point harness is functional but can be a little cumbersome at times. While it clasps the bag securely to your back, some users might find it a bit much. Personally, when I am out on the trails, it has become my go-to because it stops the sling from swinging around, which is especially useful when there is a small tripod attached. When I am on Shanks’s pony, I lose the extra strap. Simple.
What is the storage layout of this bag like?
Storage is very well thought out. There are three main compartments, which is just right for me. When I was younger, I wanted nothing more than dozens of pockets, but these days I have learned that less is more. JK aside, the slimmer front and rear pockets are excellent, although the front is only accessible with the Fidlocks released. The rear pocket is large enough for a phone, wallet, notepad and plenty of extras. If you are not using any attachments in camera mode, you could throw your polariser, batteries and whatnot in here.
The main compartment is accessed by a lovely smooth YKK zip and has room for your camera insert, or some dividers, or it can just be a large space for everyday items. There is also a slimmer pocket in the main area for a tablet, as well as smaller zipped accessory pockets. If you are into organisation, this bag will keep you very happy.
Does the Easy Rider V2 look as good as the hype?
Yes, the bag aesthetics deserve another mention here. With elements like the stylish branded leather, brass rivets and the overall styling, it really works for me and stands out in a crowded sling bag market. Of course, that is personal, so let me know what you think.
What are the downsides of the Wotancraft Easy Rider V2?
The main issue for me is that the opening is a little narrow, with the YKK zipper teeth sitting right where your camera passes. My kit is not built like a Leica, so I have to take a little care not to scuff anything on the way in or out.
I have also heard some people mention that it is on the larger side, which it definitely is, although that is perfect for my camera and accessories. The only other thing I would like to see is a dedicated water bottle pocket, although when you are biking there is no easy way to keep a bottle secure. You can attach a MOLLE bottle holder, and I completely understand the omission. I just get thirsty, is all.
What modular accessories are available for the Easy Rider V2?
Wotancraft refers to modular accessories as Armour Exterior Modules, and at first, I did not really see the appeal. However, once I had attached the two they provided for this review, I was quickly impressed by the additional functionality they offer.
How useful are the Armour Modules in real-world use?
With a lens blower and cloth in one, and a camera remote plus CPL filter in the other, my most commonly used photo accessories were always within quick reach. It makes a surprising difference when you can grab the essentials without opening the bag.
Does Wotancraft offer many modular add-ons?
Yes, Wotancraft has dozens of interior and exterior modules in various shapes and sizes, all designed to expand any of their MOLLE-compatible bags. They increase capacity and offer quick access, which has definitely converted me. I am a believer.
Should you buy Wotancraft’s modules or use third-party MOLLE?
If you have already elected to pay for shipping from Taiwan, it makes sense to throw a couple of these purpose-made armour modules into the box. You can, of course, use other branded MOLLE accessories too.
How does the Easy Rider V2 compare to other camera sling bags?
There is no full comparison with other bags in this review, as there are so many to choose from, but let me know if that is of interest. I will say that I have used several crossbody camera bag models recently, including ones from Billingham, Ona, PGYTech and a few others in the aforementioned mountainous collection. If you want a wider look at the sling bag landscape, Carryology has an excellent overview of popular camera sling bags, which helps give some context around how different brands approach design and materials. It is well worth a read if you’re comparing options other than Wotancraft.
Each has its benefits and drawbacks. However, it is the Wotancraft that I come back to most frequently, not just when I want to ride trails with some camera gear, but also when I want the most rugged-looking option for everyday shoots.
Is Chris Niccolls from PetaPixel Working with Wotancraft to Develop a New Camera Bag?
Yes, he is. During a recent PetaPixel podcast, Chris Niccolls let slip that he is co-developing a camera bag with Wotancraft, which caught a lot of attention. The bag he is working on is a completely separate design based on the pilot series, but it is being produced by the same company.
I wanted to include this because many photographers may have only discovered Wotancraft through the podcast, or may not have realised that Chris was referring to the same brand behind the Easy Rider V2. It also says a lot about Wotancraft’s standing in the camera world.
With that in mind, let’s move on to the conclusion.
How would I sum up the Easy Rider V2 Sling Bag?
Rugged, utilitarian, stylish and practical in equal measure. If these are the characteristics you are looking for in a convertible camera and everyday sling bag, then head over to WotanCraft and browse their superb range of camera bags, slings, backpacks, accessories and more.
Can you order Wotancraft bags in the UK?
No, not at the moment unfortunately. You need to order directly from the manufacturer in Taiwan or from an EU supplier. I cover this in more detail next, but if you have any questions about this or any other Wotancraft bag, feel free to contact me and I’ll do my best to help.
Is it Safe to Order Direct from Wotancraft in Taiwan?
Ordering from another country can seem daunting, especially after Brexit, when there’s still some confusion about import duties and taxes. Ordering directly from Wotancraft in Taiwan might sound worrying, but without a UK supplier, it’s probably the best option if you want one of their camera bags.
You do benefit from a 3 year free repair warranty (from date of purchase) for items purchased from the Wotancraft official website too.
Shipping to the UK is free on orders over $100.00 and costs $19.00 for orders under that. In my experience it took just over a week, and I was kept informed of progress the entire time, first by Wotancraft and then by FedEx, who handled the delivery.
You’re buying a premium-quality bag and may need to pay import duties, so bear that in mind when considering the final price.
Read more first-hand experiences from people who ordered directly from Wotancraft on reddit.com.
With that out of the way I wanted to shed some light onto the new bag material being used.
Does the bag use Eco textiles?
Wotancraft has stopped using Cordura Nylon for the Easy Rider V2, choosing to develop a unique Dualcoat Water Repellent 500D Nylon Canvas textile that is more water resistant and durable, as well as being PFAS-Free. The material effectively prevents water from penetrating, with similar effect as a canvas tent.
Wotancraft worked with Adventure Lifestyle Photographer and Video Maker Alex Wander, editorial and commercial photographer Justin Mott amongst others to field test the new material, so we’re in good hands.
More about C0 finishes
C0 finishes refer to a type of Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating that’s more environmentally friendly than the commonly used old DWR. C0 finishes contain no harmful per-fluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are known to persist in the environment. The result is fabric that resists water but still breathes, which is ideal for outdoor gear and these weather-resistant bags.
Why Use C0 Finishes?
The main reason is that it’s PFAS-free, which avoids long-lasting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which can accumulate in the environment and living organisms, which is a clear environmental benefit. By removing harmful fluorochemicals, C0 coatings reduce environmental impact.
Is it Durable and effective?
C0 finishes create an invisible barrier that beads water on the material’s surface, protecting contents from rain. They’re not quite as effective at repelling oil as older C6 coatings, but the trade-off is minor for applications like camera bags.
Research and development has improved how long the coatings last, so water repellency now lasts well through repeated use and washing, although you probably won’t be washing your camera bag too often.
Which has an article about avoiding the forever chemicals in waterproof clothing and ScienceDirect goes into significant detail about the effect of weathering on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from durable water repellent (DWR) clothing here.
Nobody’s getting on a soapbox, but credit where it’s due as Wotancraft genuinely seems to be making gear that is both durable and does less harm in the process. Me like, end of.