A Look At The Wotancraft Pilot Lightweight Modular Camera Sling Bag 

I got this very bag from David when he was already poorly and still use it every single day whilst commuting in London... It reminds me of our time spent in assorted cafes, talking about gear, photojournalism, his career and mine. It was great to call David a friend.

Even though I don't have much interest in videos about camera bags and such, I still watch all of David's content. Because - 1. I'm going to learn from a sage's wisdom by causing me to think differently. 2. Its David Thorpe. The guy could post videos about #2 pencils and I would still be intrigued.

Thank you for pointing out something else I can’t live without...😀😀

So, normal, when it comes to bags that is,... absolutely loved it, plus with the shoplifting capabilities it will pay back for itself, brilliant! Great video as always sir. Kind regards.

Oh! David, thank God you're here. I had heard that Olympus had sold you to investment fund Japan Industrial Partners Inc. Thank goodness.

Thanks David. An amazing amount of design research obviously went into this bag. It looks great as well. Best wishes

Oh David our prometheus what fire of knowledge do you bring to us mortals today

Love the Wotancraft camera bags & backpacks. The modular add on components are a nice design feature. (I hate to confess it, but I have way more camera bags than 5.)😅😅😅

I have to show your video to my wife as proof of having just 3 bags makes me “bellow average photographer” and I am urgently need to pick up ;) Excellent video, looks like really nice messenger’s bag. I do have Peak Design Messenger 13 (old one), it is nice two with own quirks but still lovely. Main disadvantage of PD it is HEAVY for given internal volume. Good but heavy, this one looks better in this department. Thanks for video!

Dear David! You will soon reach the level of an average photographer! As always, greetings from Sweden!

Thanks for video David. I don’t own a decent camera bag preferring a strapless zoom case used as a module inside a rucksack. I think though you should be getting together with Christian Prudhomme and Chris Boardman to discuss interesting ways to film next year’s tdf!

Dammit now the wife will have to do without her Christmas present.

Nice review, maybe it should have been in the form of song though 🤔🙂

Is the 10L version?

What is it about camera bags? Only a few months ago I purchased a Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 direct from Billingham, I love it for my M4/3 gear. I’m still in the honeymoon period with my Billingham and this bag has diverted my eye and exposed my wanton desire. I will not leave my Billingham but I might checkout this bag.

Hi David, love the review and that the bag is ideal for shoplifting. :D I'm returning a new Thinktank Retrospective 7 which I love but feels a bit heavy, and the edge trim around the strap padding is too firm and digs into my collar bone. Is the trim around the Pilot strap padding soft and flexible? Is your bag in the video the 7L or 10L? Your Wotancraft shopping link above is for the 10L. I believe the Pilot 7L is under 900g and the 10L is 1100g. I'm hoping yours is the 7L because it looks roomier than I expected. The only place I can find the Pilot bags other than direct from Wotancraft in Taiwan is Photospecialist who are based in Netherlands but won't have stock for a couple of weeks. I'm tempted to buy direct from Wotancraft, but Photospecialist have a refund policy where you can reclaim return shipping if you want to exchange or get a refund. Guess I'll wait and if they don't get stock soon I'll just order from Taiwan.

Very beautiful, very functional, of good quality, but somewhat expensive ... although lately it seems usual, the more expensive (even if it is a kickstart campaign) the cooler you seem 😅

Never had good experiences with plastic fittings. They always break on me :(

It'd be interesting to hear your thoughts on the Pilot versus the Trooper. I assume you've decided on replacing the latter with the former, but what is the reasoning behind it? Mainly the weight savings?

Does converting a regular backpack to a camera bag count? How about big, old and cheap (sounds like me) cases used for storage only? If not, then I make the cut with 5 bags. I spoke to these folks over eMail as I saw the advertising for their bags on Instagram. Really nice people. I like the versatility and certainly the price is pretty darn nice at $199 USD. I loved my Billingham 445 that I had to sell but this is half the price and weight. Hmm.... Oops, that will make 6 bags....

Haha, you old tart.....another bloody hand bag! The last one cost me a months wages that beauty of a leather one you tested. This one looks nice I will check out the price , it looks super practical. I must add though it does suit you sir....but your way sexier in leather! Lol

How is this bag for cycling? like does it move around alot or is relativly static

What about Billingham?

It makes me sad that you didnt mention the olympus 17/1.8. Are you ok? :)

Dear mr Thorpe. Your reviews are mesmorizing. (I still come back to the 40-150 pro review 2 years after I got the lens). Will you please stop reviewing bags. I am fighting it and it is costing me too much money. I already got the Wotancraft Trooper. Please let me be happy with it. I can spend the money on other gear. On that account, please don't ever do a review on the Godox AD200. I don't need it.

I would sit through a #2 pencil review video if you posted it so, please, don’t.

That's all very well, but I cannot find a single source for this item in Germany and hardly any in other places for that matter. What with the modularity this is probably best bought in person in a real store. These Wotan - what a horrible name - people need to get their distribution act together, otherwise their promotion efforts I'm not going to amount to much.