South Korea is so hot right now, and it’s not just K-pop making some noise. Companies like Wotancraft are also gaining global traction through their unique designs and premium craftsmanship.
Although it was my Wotancraft Easy Rider review that came first, it was the Wotancraft Pilot 7L camera bag which initially caught my eye. It was a combination of the rugged heritage-inspired styling and practical slimline design that was so appealing. However, it wasn’t until I got my hands on the crossbody camera bag for a Wotancraft Pilot 7L review that I began to appreciate just how nice it is.
Before diving in, you should know that all of the links in this review are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission. Wotancraft bags are not currently available directly in the U.K. Instead, you can order from Korea, which I cover later in this review.
So, without more delay, let’s get into the review, and hopefully you can learn whether this stylish camera sling bag that’s super popular right now might be your perfect EDC.
Quick Summary
The Wotancraft ‘Pilot’ Travel Camera Bag 7L Upgraded is a mid-sized crossbody bag for everyday carry (EDC), with or without photography gear.
This mid-sized 7 litre version of the Wotancraft Pilot 7L is one of several Pilot bags currently available.
With its modular design, you can customise the interior with Velcro dividers or modules, add exterior modules via MOLLE straps, and attach a small tripod underneath.
A quickly adjustable shoulder strap with proprietary Fidlock magnetic buckle provides single-handed access and a customisable length.
Top-notch materials are used throughout, including a YKK water-resistant zip on the rear and PFAS-free 500D Nylon Canvas.
The main drawback I found was the lack of an internal zip to ensure contents are kept dry in the worst UK weather.
With that quick summary out of the way, let’s get down to the business of reviewing this camera bag, starting with when you might use it.
When would you use this type of bag?
A sling like the Pilot 7L is ideal for street photography and city as it is quite small and discreet. It sits close to the body, and provides quick access without drawing attention, which is helped by the quiet fabric and magnetic opening.
It also works well for travel and city breaks, as an all-day carry when you want a camera, a spare lens or two, and everyday essentials without to a full-on backpack. It’s comfortable for walking, easy to move around in crowds, and simple to take on and off when stopping.
For daily walks or general EDC, the size is just right. It carries plenty to be useful, which makes it a good fit for casual photo outings where you want to stay loose and unencumbered.
Next, let’s look more closely at the changes and upgrades Wotancraft made to the ‘Upgraded’ V2.
What’s new in the Wotancraft Pilot Upgraded V2 series?
Wotancraft manufactured the original Pilot for around a decade before refining the second-generation design. The original was well regarded for years, with reviews such as this in-depth look at the first-generation Pilot bag on North of Known highlighting its build quality and modular design.
The Upgraded V2 builds on that foundation with a number of practical refinements rather than a complete redesign.
The upgraded Wotancraft Pilot V2 series has a surprisingly long feature list for such a compact model.
Standard features include:
Quickly adjustable shoulder strap with red leather tab
Signature Fidlock magnetic buckle
New Add-on Exterior Modules which are attached to MOLLE-style webbing
Dualcoat Water Repellent 500D Nylon Canvas (PFAS-free) outer material
Configurable interior Velcro dividers and additional modules (1x small and 1x medium included)
Rear luggage passthrough strap
Space for a small laptop or tablet
Straps to attach a small tripod on the base
Internal flaps to help repel water ingress
Weight of just 0.7kg without any add-ons
How about size and colour options, what’s available?
What versions and sizes of the Pilot bag are available?
The Wotancraft Pilot range includes four core sling bag sizes in two colour variants, with the Pilot 7L Upgraded sitting in the middle of that lineup.
Right now the lineup includes a small camera bag, mid‑size, and larger options, so you can pick according to your camera type and exactly how much kit you want to carry.
Personally I think that the most versatile for daily use is the Pilot 7L, which fits a camera body, two lenses and quite a few accessories.
The Wotancraft Pilot range includes:
Additionally there are new Pilot leather bags, an 18L backpack and limited edition models for diehard fans who want something truly exclusive. Click here to take a look at all of the camera slings currently available.
Let’s talk a little more about the design and explore the main features in more detail, as these are what make or break the design during real-world use.
Pilot Series Upgraded Sling Bag Design
Being military-inspired, Wotancraft Pilot camera bags are rugged looking, and although not quite Marmite (love it or hate it), they might be considered a little too much for some photographers. I love it personally and it’s the aesthetics that caught my eye initially, both in the black and khaki, which has more tonal variation than the black.
What are the Wotancraft Pilot 7L Upgraded Best Features?
At first glance, this looks like a fairly simple and understated black camera bag. However, use it for a while and you’ll discover a ton of handy features for different situations.
Here are some of the most notable exterior features:
The outer fabric is a tough yet eco-friendly Dualcoat Water Repellent Waxed 500D Nylon Canvas, which is PFAS-free. This feels robust, and suitably weather-resistant to protect gear inside.
On the rear there’s a weatherproof YKK-zippered pocket for a notepad, phone, or anything relatively small and flat. You’ll also find the luggage passthrough on the rear, as well as a grab handle, which is a nice touch when you need to grab and go.
The front features a semi-hidden, non-weatherproof zippered pocket that stays dry under the main flap. Inside, there’s space for everyday or photo accessories such as batteries, filters and other small items. The front also has Wotancraft’s signature passthrough pocket for a small tripod, jacket or jumper. This hides yet another meshed secret pocket where you could surreptitiously keep valuables like a passport.
At either end are water bottle pockets, although they are too tight for a large bottle, but could house a vlogging tripod or similar-shaped items with ease.
The MOLLE-compatible webbing is more than just for looks, and really handy for adding modules to the exterior, which we get onto later.
Let’s talk about interior features next as there’s plenty more modular flexibility and organisational features to keep your gear tidy.
What fits inside the Pilot 7L camera bag main compartment?
Although relatively small and lightweight, you’ll be surprised at how much fits into the Wotancraft Pilot 7L Upgraded interior. We’ve seen that you can keep plenty of everyday items as well as camera accessories in the many pockets on the exterior, but the interior is where it’s at for most users.
My daily carry with this kind of camera sling includes a Sony full‑frame camera body with a small zoom lens attached like a 24-70mm, as well as one or two prime lenses depending on what I’m shooting. A 35mm f/1.4 or 85mm f/1.8 fits easily, along with a small tablet and even an ultralight rain jacket or other lightweight clothing above the camera.
There’s space for a notepad and pens too if you wish, but personally I like to keep some breathing room in the main compartment, making it easier to grab my camera for a quick shot, rather than overpacking and having to move things out of the way. For everyday shooting, there’s plenty of space to bring what you’ll need.
Now onto the distinct‑looking red leather tab and strap comfort.
How comfortable is it?
It’s generally best not to overload a camera sling, as it places all of the weight onto one shoulder, which causes strain over time. It makes the padding and adjustability on a sling crucial if they’re to remain comfortable. In this respect, Wotancraft has done another fantastic job with their upgraded quick‑adjust strap, which features a signature red leather release tab.
I find the system quick and easy to adjust one-handed, letting you raise or lower the bag smoothly. It’s particularly useful on a sling, sitting higher on your back when walking and lower when you swing it round to access your gear.
The replaceable shoulder pad has ample padding for lighter loads and a rubberised non‑slip finish to stop it sliding around on your shoulder. Nice. The shoulder strap itself attaches to the bag via high‑quality rotating metal connectors, which compensate ergonomically as the bag moves around, while also catering to left or right shoulder hanging.
All in all this is a super comfortable, lightweight crossbody bag that holds a modest amount of camera gear and accessories comfortably.
Is the magnetic system any good?
Wotancraft camera bags feature a proprietary Fidlock mechanism that gains you access to the main compartment. This mechanism is quick, convenient, and works so well it will no doubt achieve legendary status soon. To open, simply press the centre of the buckle and it separates, then bring the halves together again and they snap closed magnetically. Genius!
Is this the best camera bag? Possibly, but it certainly has one of the best opening mechanisms that I’ve come across.
What are the negatives of this bag?
There must be some downsides, right? For all its strengths, this is still a sling bag, and that’s the first limitation. It’s a sling, which means it’s not ideal for some subjects like landscapes and wildlife where you need bigger telephoto lenses or a pro-sized tripod. So…get a backpack too, after all there really is no ‘one bag fits all’.
Although rugged, it’s probably not the best option for heavy downpours and sideways rain, which we get in the UK, but you could get a rain cover if you’re desperately keen on shooting in those sorts of conditions. Rather you than me!
Lastly, the design won’t be for everyone. You’re either vibing on it or not, which about finishes all of the negatives I can think of.
Final thoughts
Having been fortunate to use the Wotancraft Pilot 7L Upgraded over the last few months, it has unquestionably become my favourite mid‑sized sling bag when bringing core camera kit for a photo walk. It’s tough, looks the business, comes packed with useful features, and is made using rugged and eco‑friendly materials.
It also offers modular adaptability to bring more gear, or stay minimalist when you only need the bare essentials. Your bag, your call.
Keep in mind Wotancraft offers a three‑year warranty, and replacement parts can be purchased from the website, which helps extend how long it should last. It certainly feels like it will last for many years.
For a closer look head over to Wotancraft and browse the wide range of camera bags, slings, backpacks, accessories and other products they offer.
Orders placed early in 2026 include a limited New Year gift of beautifully designed red envelopes marking the Year of the Fire Horse, pictured below.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Pilot 7L be worn crossbody and as a shoulder bag?
Yes. The Pilot 7L is a sling, and works as both a shoulder bag and across the body, helping distribute weight and keep the bag secure.
What size tablet does the Pilot 7L hold?
It fits a 9.7‑inch iPad or any similar or smaller sized device.
Is it a waterproof camera bag?
Not completely, no. The fabric is treated to repel water, and offers strong water resistance rather than total waterproofing.
Does it stand up on its own?
Yes. When the bag is partially or fully loaded, the thicker padded base helps it stand upright, which is handy when you set it down for any reason.
Can I buy the Wotancraft Pilot 7L bag in the UK?
No, not currently. You can order directly from Wotancraft in Taiwan or from selected EU suppliers.
Is it safe to order from Wotancraft in Taiwan?
Buying from another country can feel daunting, especially after Brexit when import duties and taxes still cause confusion. Ordering direct from Wotancraft in Taiwan might sound a bit worrying, but it’s likely the simplest route if you want one of their bags.
How long does shipping from Taiwan usually take?
Delivery times vary, but my order shipped from Taiwan and arrived within 7 days. Tracking is provided, and delivery is handled by established international couriers.
Will I have to pay import tax or VAT when ordering from Wotancraft?
Yes, UK buyers should expect to pay VAT and possibly import duties when the bag arrives. Full details are on Wotancraft’s website.
Are the modular add-ons worth getting?
At first, I wasn’t entirely convinced. However, having lived with the bag and add-on modules for some time, I can confirm they extend the usefulness of the bag considerably. They’re quick to add and remove, and hold accessories that might be needed frequently, and give the bag a more utilitarian look.
Which Armor Pocket Modules are compatible with the bag?
Most of Wotancraft’s Armor Pocket range is compatible with the Pilot 7L, letting you add exterior modules for things like camera batteries, filters, remote controls and lens cloths that you want quick access to. I’ve been using the Armor 04 and Armor 05, both of which work well with the Pilot 7L Upgraded and are available in the same two colour options.
Can I use my own MOLLE accessories with the bag?
Yes, you can. Pilot bags offer modular expansion, and MOLLE‑style attachments are part of the whole idea. Wotancraft’s own Armor series accessories are designed for the system, but you’re not limited to Wotancraft’s modules. Most standard MOLLE accessories from other brands should work, provided the straps and attachment hardware line up correctly with the webbing.
Are Wotancraft Bags handmade?
Yes. Having started out hand‑making bags in Taipei in 2009, Wotancraft continues to draw attention to their high level of craftsmanship with handmade bags.
Are replacement straps or parts available?
Yes. Replacement straps and accessories can be purchased separately, which is useful for long-term ownership.
Can the sling be worn on the left and right side?
Yes, the strap hardware allows the bag to be worn over either shoulder, depending on how you route it.
I shoot street photography. Is the bag noisy?
No, it’s actually pretty quiet compared to some, and feels suitably discreet. The fabric doesn’t rustle much, and the Fidlock makes a soft click rather than a loud snap, which is helpful for quiet environments.
Who should NOT buy this?
This bag isn’t suited to photographers carrying larger bodies, multiple lenses, or full-size tripods. If your kit regularly demands more, you’ll be better served by the 10L sling or a backpack.
Does the bag use Eco textiles?
Yes. Wotancraft has developed a Dualcoat Water Repellent 500D Nylon Canvas textile that is water resistant and durable, as well as being PFAS-Free. The material effectively prevents water from penetrating, with similar effect as a canvas tent.
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.
