WotanCraft’s NEW Rider V2 Series Sling Bags RULE!

WotanCraft recently upgraded their lineup of Rider Sling Bags, and the new V2 series is another homerun. WotanCraft always combines optimized functionality with handsome styling and extreme comfort, and the Rider V2 Series is no exception. Shutterbug had a chance to put a 4.5L Mini Rider, the smallest in the series, through the wringer. Here’s our report.

Rider V2 Sling Bags come in three sizes: 13L (Liter), 10L and 4.5L, and two colors (black and khaki). The original Rider bags were designed with cyclists in mind. The V2 series comprise features that enhance security and comfort during vigorous activities—like biking, climbing and navigating the urban landscape. Constructed of 500D (Denier) nylon canvas, they’re equipped with YKK zippers (the best), Fidlock clasps, super-strong nylon 6,6 thread and medical-grade microfiber lining. In other words, WotanCraft Rider V2 Series Sling Bags are built to last, to say the least.

Key Features of the WotanCraft Rider V2 Series Sling Bags
· Expandable design
· Water repellent 500D nylon canvas construction
· Ultra-strength bonded Nylon 6,6 thread
· Medical-grade durable, scratch-free microfiber lining
· Cotton fabric interior
· 3-point security with stabilizing strap
· High-density EVA foam padding (rear panel)
· YKK rust-resistant electroplated zippers
· Fidlock buckles for speed & added security
· “Battle-distressed” vegetable-tanned cowhide leather trim

How Big is a Liter?
Bag manufacturers typically specify the cubic volume of their products in liters (L), and sometimes incorporate the approximate liter volume in the name or model number of the bag. In this context, one liter equals 61.02 cubic inches. An object 4 x 4 x 4 inches has a volume of 64 cubic inches. A traditional kitchen/bath tile is roughly 4 inches square. These facts may help you visualize the sizes mentioned here, but mentally translating dimensions into irregularly-shaped containers can be a challenge.

Virtual Tour
The WotanCraft Mini Rider V2 Sling Bag is expandable. Simply unsnap the secure Fidlock clasp on the front strap and watch it grow. Naturally, the 4.5L does not expand as much as the larger sizes. Also protected by the front strap is a hidden zippered pocket that’s perfect for lens caps and large enough for a smartphone. The front of the bag and zipper pulls are trimmed in what WotanCraft describes as “battle-distressed” vegetable-tanned cowhide leather. There are no side pockets, but there’s a zippered pocket on the back a bit larger than the pocket in the front.

The main storage compartment is secured by a two-way zipper that extends nearly to the bottom on either side. That makes it easier to retrieve the contents and is especially helpful on smaller bags like this one.

Inside, on the back wall, we find a padded sleeve-type pouch suitable for a small tablet. In front of that lies a third zippered pocket. The bag interior is lined with soft microfiber that’s scratch-free and includes removable, multi-fold dividers, one large and one small.

The WotanCraft Mini Rider V2 Sling Bag weighs a wee 18 ounces  (510g), light enough to carry all day without fatigue. Oh—I almost forgot—there’s also a padded Grab Handle on top, which comes in handy if you stuff the bag between the car seats as I sometimes do.

In the Field
I packed my Hyper Color IR-only Olympus PEN E-P5 (specially modified by Lifepixel) with Panasonic Lumix 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens plus another lens in the 4.5L-size WotanCraft Mini Rider V2 Sling Bag and headed out on a short trek that took me to a nature preserve, downtown shopping area, grocery store and a couple other places. The smaller size was perfect for this outing and equipment assortment. The shoulder strap was easy to adjust, and the bag was very comfortable throughout.

The stabilizing strap (or you might call it an “underarm strap”) took me a minute to properly configure, but once set it allowed me to walk briskly with zero bag-flopping. It would have stayed in place if I had been running, too, but every time I get the urge to jog I lie down until the urge fades away.

BTW, Life Pixel Infrared, referenced above, is a premier place to buy an IR-only camera or to have your camera converted. But way above and beyond that, their website is a literal treasure-trove of tutorials, detailed explanations and other information useful for anyone interested in any form of IR photography. If you have an itch to learn about IR, their site is your destination.

WotanCraft Upgrades Already HOT Pilot Photo Bags

NEW: WotanCraft Genuine Leather Camera Straps

WotanCraft Paracord X Leather Straps

How to Shoot Mind-Bending Infrared Digital Photos with a Modified Camera

Conclusion

The WotanCraft Mini Rider V2 Sling Bags deserve a close look if you’re in the market for a great looking bag that’s heavy on features and built to last. If, like me, you often head out with a camera around your neck and two or three lenses in a shoulder bag, the 4.5L may be just what you’re looking for.

Price & Availability
WotanCraft Rider V2 Series Sling Bags can be ordered directly from WotanCraft in classic black canvas or khaki brown canvas. WotanCraft products are covered by a 3-year free repair warranty. International shipping is free, but duty and tariff charges may apply.

• WotanCraft Mini Rider V2 4.5L Sling Bag costs $169.
• WotanCraft Easy Rider V2 10L Sling Bag is priced at $239.
• WotanCraft Lightning Rider V2 13L Sling Bag sells for $269.

WotanCraft Gear for Cameras, Watches & Cyclers
In addition to exceptional bags for camera equipment, WotanCraft manufactures neck and wrist straps, straps for wristwatches, and a full lineup of bags optimized for bicycle riders (including the new Pioneer Mini Basket Bag). WotanCraft uses top-quality materials only, and many of the fabrication processes are done by hand. Some of their wrist and neck straps include models compatible with popular Peak Design Anchor Links. Hands down, WotanCraft’s are the best looking bags we’ve seen, and we’ve seen hundreds.

BONUS CONTENT: How to Choose a Camera Bag
How does one decide the best camera bag for their individual needs? In an article we ran a couple years back (link here) we listed 10 characteristics to consider when determining the right camera bag for you. This approach might also suggest some options you never thought about. The list is arranged in no particular order because what’s important to me may not be important to you at all, which is a significant fact of life when camera bag shopping. And remember, all camera bags and photo backpacks are compromises, another reason many of us own more than one. Or two. Or, okay, a bunch.

—Jon Sienkiewicz