Smaller Siblings for Lighter Days

The new Pilot 2L and Pilot 3.5L take everything we love about their larger siblings and shrink it down to a lovely size for single body and lens, or compact shooters. For size reference, I was able to fit a large mirrorless body and any lens except a super telephoto in the 3.5L. The 2L easily fit a compact mirrorless with most reasonably sized lenses. Depending on the size of your gear, and how you want to orient it, both sizes come with a divider which I found handier in the 3.5L.

While the main compartment is where you’ll be storing your camera, the only other built-in storage are slip pockets on the back and front of the bags. Both have a zippered pocket on the backside, with a waterproof zipper. Under the front flap, the 2L has an open top pocket, while the 3.5L uses a zipper like the larger Pilots. You won’t fit much in these compartments, but they’re great for a lens cover or extra SD cards. Extra batteries would probably be better served inside the main compartment using one of Wotancraft’s many inserts.

Mostly everything continues to scream “this is a Pilot”, but the biggest change to the silhouette comes in the form of the removal of the side pockets. It’s a reasonable change, as those pockets start to be unwieldy on such small bags, or just useless if they’re too small. Their removal opened up the opportunity to move the typical PALS of the Pilot series to the sides, where I think they’re much happier on these two. This lets you attach any number of Wotancraft’s wonderful pouches, like a lens cover case or zip pouch. The ability to add more storage is welcome.

The new Pilot 2L and Pilot 3.5L are not only great camera bags, but they’re also great camera cubes! That was one of the most pleasant surprises I came across in my time testing them out. I’m not sure if they were designed with this in mind, but they were easy to shove in any backpack or larger bag and they offered peace of mind with their beefy and well-padded construction. Once you get where you’re going, pull it out and you have a wonderful sling to go about your day with.

Pilot Line Updates for 2022

Not only are we getting new sizes, but we’re getting a few small updates for the entire Pilot line of camera shoulder bags. It goes without saying that these are all welcome updates, and we’re happy to see them become standard features. To put them right in front of you, these updates are a new quick-adjust strap with a very nice red leather pull, and the change to Fidlocks being the default on all models. You’ll see these changes on the Wotancraft Pilot 2, 3.5, 7, and 10.

Adventurous Camera Bags for All Shapes and Sizes

The new Wotancraft Pilot sizes were a nice surprise when we heard about their development. While we’ve obviously sung the praises of the 7 and 10, they are a bit big; full kit-type bags. As cameras and equipment continue to shrink in size rather than grow, the smaller offerings are a smart move. Personally, I’ve fallen in love with the 10L and 3.5L Pilots – they’re the perfect size for those little-bit-extra days, or on the flip side, those little-bit-less days. Goldilocks sizes, if you will.

No matter your kit, it’s now (finally) true that Wotancraft has a bag for every shape and size. Check them out on October 28th, direct from Wotancraft.

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The case can be used with or without dividers, so you have options to carry anything from a camp stove to camera gear to any number of snacks that you might need in your travels. They have three different sizes of the gear box, the 3000, 3500, and 5500 ranging in capacity from 30-55 liters (hence the names). But let’s think inside the box this time and see what it is all about. 

Who It Suits

Do you need a storage solution for your vehicle? Well, then these boxes are probably for you. In all honesty, these could be used for storage for just about anything, but since they are all over $200, they are more suited for situations where you would use them quite regularly.

They work great in vehicles because the bottom of the box has hook on it so it can attach to the carpet of a vehicle and not slide around. I’ll pick up a few for the back of my wife’s car for all her art supplies and such. If you need to be able to organize your mess kit for camping or any other camp items, the dividers that come with these cases are very helpful for organizing. 

Who It Doesn’t

Since these boxes start at $219, they are not great for a general storage solution. I wouldn’t buy a bunch for garage storage or just leaving around the house. Since the boxes are not a hard case or waterproof, the environment and goods stored should be considered before using them. 

The Good

The Radius Gear Box is full of a lot of good things. When not in use, the case can be broken down and stored flat so as not to take up room.

It is modular in that you are able to use the dividers to build the case out as you need to. The exterior of the gear box has expandable pockets to store smaller items, and the handles are nice and sturdy, so even when the case is full, the straps don’t pinch your hands.

If you choose the case with the Fidlock buckle, the gear box stays closed, so if it does happen to slide off of something in the vehicle, the contents won’t spill out. One minor added feature is the plastic divider placer. This small piece of plastic allows you to get the dividers set in place without battling the hook and the sides of the case. 

The Not So Good

While the case is sturdy, and you could pack items on top of it in the vehicle or at camp, the case is not strong enough to stand/sit on. If you tend to use a camp case to stand on or toss them around, this might not be the case for you. As I mentioned before, the case is not waterproof at all, so depending on where you are, this case might bring you issues on that front.  

Verdict

Overall I would say that this is one of my new, simple, go-to products for vehicle storage. The fact that these gear boxes can be secured to the carpet in the vehicle is something that I enjoy. No more groceries or supplies sliding all over. The ability to move the panels around for storage means that these are great for various items of different shapes and sizes.

The cases are well built and lightweight, with some quality thought and design behind them. While the price might seem high, these are quality products that will last for quite a long time. 

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The Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief comes in at 14L, smaller than a day bag. However, the layout is roomy enough to accommodate quite a lot. The Transit Arkiv is an excellent option if you need a shoulder bag for the daily commute and carry a small lunch, laptop, umbrella, snacks, raincoat, and other accessories. A multitude of pockets are built into the bag, giving the user plenty of options and organization for any use case. If you have additional bags from Mission Workshop that utilize the Arkiv system, this brief can be attached to those bags.

The organization of the bag’s interior is well thought out, with pockets and dividers galore.

I have been using the Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief for a few months now, and it fits everything I need for a workday at the coffee shop or elsewhere in town. 

My usual loadout for a day like this tends to be:

• 15″ MacBook Pro w/ charging cables
• Wireless mouse
• 1-2 external hard drives
• Power bank
• Notebook
• Two sets of headphones (phone and computer)
• 1-2 snack bars
• Nalgene or Earthwell (both 32oz) 

I can fit everything in and still have room to stash a light jacket or rain shell without the bag being too full. The shoulder strap is wide, and due to the bag only being 14L, it doesn’t need a pad even when fully packed. I am a huge fan of waxed canvas, so I picked up the brown waxed version for this review. 

Who It Suits

The Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief comes in several fabrics and colors. You have options if you are looking for a shoulder bag that can be used in an office environment or a more rugged setting. At 14 liters, you have more space than a sling, but not as much as a daypack, so consider what you would use this for and how you would travel with the bag. This is a perfect bag for your carry-on item as it fits nicely under the seat and can hold all you need on a flight. As mentioned above, this shoulder bag is perfect for everyday use as a commuter or office bag. 

Who It Doesn’t

While the Transit Arkiv brief is great for commuting by public transport or your vehicle, I would not use this as a bike commuting bag unless you were to strap it to a rack. If you tend to need more for your workday or pack larger bulky lunches, you might have issues fitting everything in the bag as it is only 14L.

The Good

The layout of the pocketing and the bag’s design are exceptionally well thought out. Several zipped and drop pockets throughout the bag can house various items. You have one big roomy compartment in the interior, with one large drop pocket on one side and an admin panel opposite. The admin panel consists of two pen slots, a drop pocket that can easily fit a hard drive or power bank, and a zippered mesh pocket.

There is no lack of organization in the bag, which is always excellent for travel and the office. The exterior has two pockets on either end. These pockets are not big enough for a water bottle but could hold a compact umbrella, wallet, or some snack bars. There is a laptop pocket that easily fits my 15″ MacBook and should fit up to a 16″ laptop. You might think that the pocketing stops here, but you’d be wrong.

The rear of the bag houses a small drop pocket. This can be used to house the hand strap or to keep items such as your wallet or passport close to your body. On the front of the bag, there is one full-sized drop pocket. Being that this is a large pocket, you can use it for documents, your tablet, or that delicious pita you just picked up. Finally, one small waterproof zip pocket is on the front of the bag. I found myself using this mainly for my headphones and keys as it was easy to reach and secure.

If you are a bike commuter and have a front rack on your bike, Mission Workshop has built-in detachable straps that can secure the brief to your bike for commuting. 

The Transit Arkiv provides the user with a shoulder strap and two hand straps. These options were perfect for travel as the bag carries well over the shoulder while walking through the airport, but the hand straps are great for carrying the bag through the plane aisle. The rear of the bag also has webbing for attaching your brief to your luggage as you navigate the airport. 

The Not So Good

The large drop pocket on the interior is somewhat flimsy. What I mean by this is that when you are filling your bag, this pocket tends to flop in the way and create more of a jumble than help organize. Personally, if this pocket was split in two and provided smaller drop pockets, this might solve this issue and help separate your items better. 

I like that the hand straps have stow pockets for when they are not in use, but the shoulder strap is not easily detachable. This could be an issue for some who prefer not to utilize the strap. It does give the bag a cleaner look by not having buckles, but the strap can get in the way if you want to use just the hand straps. You can remove the strap, it just takes some effort. 

Verdict

If you’re looking for a compact, well-organized shoulder bag that will do double-duty on travel and everyday commuting, the Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv could be a great option for you. Sleek enough for the office, tough enough for travel, and easily able to accommodate your tech and essentials, this is a stylish and dependable piece for office professionals, creatives, and travelers alike.

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The Cambiata is offered in a large enough selection of colors to appease any preferences, with a 630D Ballistic shell, and Tom Bihn’s signature 200D Halcyon lining (one of our favorite materials) or the newer 210D Cerylon. For this piece, we opted for the Black Ballistic with Zest Halcyon making a triumphant return to the lineup. Long live Halcyon.

While it’s easy to call this a totepack, that’s not exactly accurate. Satchelpack? Pursepack? CrossbodyPack? The Cambiata has a lot more in common with Tom Bihn’s Cafe Bag series than it does with many totes we’ve seen. That’s not a bad thing, just a point of distinction when it comes to deciding how you’ll use this bag. With totes, you’re often carrying them at your side by the handles, or over one shoulder. Realistically, that’s not going to be the case with the Cambiata.

We’ve found it’s best to treat the Cambiata like a crossbody first and foremost, ignoring the backpack straps for a moment. The single handle on the rear doesn’t lend itself well for anything other than picking the bag up – just like on a backpack. The longer included strap can easily be adjusted in length depending on if you prefer that classic crossbody fit or if you want to just be able to throw it over a shoulder quickly.

The Cambiata’s real trick is the readily available backpack straps that tuck into the rear sleeve. Both the straps and their connection points at the bottom stow away when not in use and stay out of sight and out of mind.

These are Tom Bihn’s Contour straps, which are a minimal yet comfortable dual strap setup for their smaller bags. Not quite as beefy as their current Edgeless straps, but a major upgrade from webbing straps. They’re definitely best suited to the shorter amongst us. If you’re over 6′, you might not find them the best fit. Luckily, our household is well under that mark.

The pocketing on the Cambiata is unsurprisingly solid. Tom Bihn is usually a go-to for those who love thoughtful pocketing. On the exterior alone there are four options to stuff your gear into. Two small zippered pockets on the right-hand side, a zippered bottle pocket on the opposing side, and an open top pocket on each of the front and back sides. It’s worth noting that the rear open top pocket is only really usable in backpack mode, and anything in there will probably push into your back – so choose wisely! There’s also a laptop sleeve on the top side rear of the pack. It’s well padded and raised but worth noting that it’s lined with lightweight, gray nylon – not the chosen liner of the main compartment.

Around the inside we have one zippered compartment under the lid – anything heavy here will weigh the lid down, so this is best for small items like keys or a wallet. One side has two open, elastic-topped pockets, while the other side is left free from any clutter. The back side has one full-height, open, elastic-topped pocket – very similar to the front internal pocket on the Synapse and Synik packs.

The Cambiata couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than a Tom Bihn piece. While at first we were a little confused as to how this was a totepack, we really started to dig it after we let any of those preconceived notions go. It’s exactly what it was designed to be, and needs to be. The Tom Bihn Cambiata is at home at the office, cafe, or even on your next trip.

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The Snoskiwoski 40 is one of the newest Mountain Hardwear packs made for the 2022 season, dedicated specifically for white mountaineering. I really like such a specialized pack.

This model was in my top 5 packs for 2022 (briefly reviewed in the Top 5 Active Packs article). But I’d like to share more thoughts and details about this interesting pack. 

Who It Suits

Anyone who goes mountaineering during a cold season, when mountains are covered in snow, especially in winter. But the Snoskiwoski 40 works just as well in spring and autumn in high mountains. It’s a great choice for ski-alpinism, full-day ski touring, free-riding, ice climbing, snow and rock scrambling, and other snow action sports. I’d say it could be an awesome snow patrol pack too for a rescue team member. It’s just PERFECT for all that. 

Who It Doesn’t

It’s not a pack I’d take on any trip during the hot summer. Also, it’s a specialized mountaineering pack so for bushcrafting, overlanding, and general traveling and hiking there are better choices on the market. It’s a tool for a specific job.

The Good

It’s a very handsome-looking alpine-style pack. Slim, tall, very clean on the outside, without any pockets or flaps sticking out. It looks all-business and it’s a serious piece of gear indeed; it becomes obvious instantly when you put the Snoskiwoski on your back. The outer material is 210D high-tenacity ripstop nylon (recycled, which actually matters more and more for me). It looks white, but it’s actually undyed for environmentally-friendly fiber production – well done. The bottom of the pack is made of 500D Cordura so it’s tough and durable when in contact with ice and rock.

It is basically one big top-loading sack with a draw-cord top opening and integrated storm flap. The volume of 40 liters is big enough for a full day in the snowy mountains in any weather. There’s additional side access too (via a weatherproof zipper); it comes in super handy when you carry skis in a classic alpine A-frame style, which restricts top access. Generally, side access is a big plus on a winter pack, when you might not be able to unload all the stuff to reach to the bottom in severe wind and snow. On the other side, there’s a full-length integrated zipper pocket. It’s dedicated to quick-access gear like an emergency jacket, thermal bottle, ski skins, extra gloves, or other gear. 

The inside is just one big cavity with a separate bladder sleeve. Yes, the Mountain Hardwear Snoskiwoski is fully hydration compatible. But, before using this feature make sure your actual hydration system is sub-zero rated with thermal insulation on the tube and an anti-freeze valve. Hydration is also a good option during warm and sunny alpine routes – trust me it is, I’ve done that before. There are multiple gear attachment points on the pack: daisy-chains, gear loops, crampon straps, side compression straps, ice-tool loops, and even reinforced A-frame ski loops on the sides.

There’s also a simple but ingenious system that allows you to mount and cinch skis diagonally on the back without removing the pack. A godsend for ski-alpinists if they need to traverse a mixed area that is not possible to cross in skis – there’s not always enough flat space to remove and put a pack down to mount the skis. The possibility to do it on the fly is an amazing feature.

The real hallmark of the Snoskiwoski is the big flat quick-access external pocket for an avalanche rescue kit (pictured below). Inside the pocket, you can see two open-bottom sleeves: one for an avalanche probe, the other one for a snow-shovel handle. The bottom of the pocket is tough enough for shovel blade carry. Of course, there’s some more space for an emergency blanket or other stuff (if you don’t want to use that pocket exclusively for rescue gear). Plus there’s a small zipper pocket, good for a small IFAK or a backup headlamp. The avalanche pocket is made of a 500D Cordura for enhanced durability. It’s also additionally padded on the outside, so there’s enough separation between avalanche gear and skis if you carry them diagonally – exactly across the pocket.

This pocket can be a true life-saving feature since a rescue action after an avalanche is mainly about time. Statistically, during the first 15-18 minutes the probability of saving the covered people is about 90% (if they have even a minimum breathing area around the mouth). But after 30 minutes this ratio drops down to only 25% – so time equals life in this case and with the Snoskiwoski you can grab life-saving gear instantly.

The suspension is another ingredient that makes the Mountain Hardwear Snoskiwoski such a good choice for winter. The shoulder straps are comfy and functional. They’re filled with double-density foam for comfort and are ergonomically shaped. They are also long enough to carry the pack on heavy winter layers and are equipped with load lifters, a sternum strap, and gear attachment loops.

The waist belt is well padded too, with exactly the same material as the shoulder straps. It’s wide enough to transfer a big portion of the pack’s weight to the hips – exactly what a hip belt on a full-size pack should do. You’ll find a climbing gear loop on one side and an elastic zipper pocket for essentials on the other (perfect for a headlamp, multitool, or other handy stuff). The belt is removable, which is good if you’d like to use the pack for winter climbing. But for dynamic winter action like skiing (considering 40L capacity) I’d leave it on the pack, even just for stability.

The Mountain Hardwear Snoskiwoski has a built-in aluminum frame with an additional (and removable) high-density foam back panel frame sheet. The padding is quite thin and not as soft as on classic trekking packs, which is a good thing in a winter backpack. The back material is just nylon, without any kind of mesh. So it’s exactly what you want on a snow sports pack – it doesn’t collect snow, is easy to clean, and stays dry.

Just remember – it’s also your base layer and insulation, which works as padding in the winter. It is the wicking effect of proper layering that protects you from sweat build-up on your back; not a mesh or bungee back panel, which are great for summer of course. And that’s exactly what makes the Snoskiwoski a true winter pack; not a white color scheme or overall look, but this purpose-driven harness system and some ski-specific features.

Not So Good

This pack is almost perfect so there’s not much to make it better. Still, there are some minor things that could be improved in the next generation. Ice ax mounting loops leave the pick fully exposed. On ultralight minimalistic packs that is okay. But on a dedicated ski mountaineering pack, I’d prefer to have sort of protective webbing strips or even a sleeve for the ice ax head so that the ice tools are flush with the pack. I’ve seen that on some other packs (like the Arc’teryx Alpha AR35 or Patagonia Ascensionist 45). That would protect the skis (in a diagonal back carry) from contact with steel elements. This also increases safety for people around you.

Another thing (and it’s real nitpicking) is the G-hook which closes the pack. May I suggest making that hook a bit deeper? The way it is made now, it can sometimes unhook if the pack is not cinched really well with enough tension. It’s hard to call these two flaws, but rather some areas for improvement.

Verdict

I’ve used this pack quite a bit. Not only in good weather but as you can see also in a blizzard and some really nasty conditions. I checked it for general mountaineering, and it did just fine. But also I used it for skiing (including ski carry, of course) and I was not able to find any major flaw in both design and craftsmanship. Sure, it’s not a cheap pack so expectations are high, but it really can help to get through the day in severe winter weather. It is feature-rich but not over-engineered. This pack just works!

The Mountain Hardwear Snoskiwoski is made with premium materials, fully snowproof, comfy, and lightweight. Actually, at just 1100 grams I’d say it is a super light pack considering the construction, which includes an aluminum frame, 500D Cordura reinforcements, and a lot of straps and buckles to attach winter mountaineering gear. Assuming skis are in your arsenal of mountain tools, this is one of the best snow mountaineering mid-size packs out there in my opinion. For sure the best I’ve actually tested. 

Frankly speaking, it might be considered a really flawless pack for its intended use, and that’s the power of specialized products. There’s no need to be a ‘jack of all trades’ if the tool (or the pack in this case) is really purpose-built. It’s a professional pack for conscious mountain enthusiasts. 

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Carry-On Camera Bags

One of the biggest changes in this series is the sizing. Explore V1 came in a 30/40/60L, whereas the second version comes in a 25/30/35L selection. The sizing change is a nice move as it sets the explore series apart from the Action X bags (30/50/70L).

Shimoda changed these sizes to accommodate travel/landscape photographers worldwide. Carry-on options are different depending on where you are flying and what airline you use. The E25 will fit in carry-on sizing globally, with the 30 sized for the EU and the 35 sized for the US. This sizing works for those who carry a smaller kit when traveling or shooting to fit in carry-on compartments.  

Savvy Organization and Security 

The other significant change on the V2 is the amount of organization that you have with the pack. That was my biggest issue with the V1, the lack of organization. The Explore V2 has several new organizational features that make this a stellar option when looking for a new camera pack. The new organization features are fantastic; from the filter pocket to the hidden passport pocket, the second front pocket, and the internal document pocket, there is room for nearly every accessory that you might need to carry. 

Another thoughtful feature is the addition of the lockable YKK zippers on the bag. This allows a traveling photographer to keep their gear secure even if they need to check their bag or just for peace of mind. 

Comfort for the Long Haul

Shimoda improved on something that I did not think was possible; their harness system. I will venture to say that the harness on the Shimoda bags is one of the most comfortable and well thought out in the industry. The designers at Shimoda changed the face fabric of the harness system from coated nylon to mesh, giving the user a far more breathable carry system when in hot/humid climates or on long treks. 

There are also new additional handles on the Explore series. The side handle is a nifty addition as there are times when carrying the pack sideways helps in certain situations. This side handle also doubles as a luggage pass-through. There is an added handle at the base of the pack to aid in handling the pack if the rear panel is open or just for extra support. 

Taking Rain and Rough Use In Stride

Shimoda now includes a rain cover with the Explore series. While the packs themselves are incredibly weather-resistant, there are times when we need a fully waterproof cover to protect our gear. Including the rain cover is a solid move. 

Something that I found was changed but not listed was a reinforced bottom to the pack. The bottom is now the same as the Action X line. The material change gives the user a better abrasion resistance if you find yourself in situations where the bottom of the bag rubs or drags on rough surfaces. This change is a significant improvement as I tend to beat up the bottom of my bags. So props to the team for beefing this section of the pack up. 

Action X or Explore?

So, you are looking at the Shimoda bags and trying to figure out which bag is the best for you, the Action X or the Explore; which do you choose?

The first thing to consider is what you primarily shoot and what kit you need to achieve the result. Suppose you need to carry external equipment such as ice axes, rope, skis, snowboards, or other equipment. The Action X series is what you should look at.

If you need a pack that you can travel easily with and are carrying a simple kit, the Explore Series is more up your alley. If you tend to shoot a little of both, I would choose the Action X as you can carry the sports equipment when needed, but you could still carry the camera gear no matter what you are shooting. 

The big thing to keep in mind with these packs is if you run a mirrorless setup or carry larger DSLR systems or even larger video equipment – while some of this is decided by the size of the bag, the Core Units play a considerable role in what you need to carry. The team at Shimoda has designed a user-friendly page to help you decide what you need for the kits you carry. 

Overall the Shimoda Designs camera bags are some of the best on the market. You can be sure that no matter which one you purchase, the bag will fit what you carry and will be one of the most comfortable bags that you wear, even fully packed and for long periods of time. With all of the new features on the Explore series, from the latest organization to breathable straps and reinforcements, these bags will last you for many adventures to come. 

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And this year, the small Hong Kong outfit took home their very first Carry Award, with the Able Carry Max winning Best Carry-On. But the thing is, this is more than just a travel pack, it’s one helluva all-rounder too.

I’ve been running the Able Carry Max for several months and absolutely love this pack. It’s been my go-to bag for most of my carry needs. I have used it for coffee shop workdays, short trips, day hikes, and even a photography outing.

Here’s how it performed… 

Who It Suits

If you like technical materials and looks, like the Dimension Polyant X-Pac used here, you will love this bag. It’s strong, light and holds its structure when half-filled.

If you’re after a clean, well-featured travel pack, then you know this is a winner already.

And note, the Max is big, so be aware of that, it could be overkill for your daily needs if you carry light. But its size is also a plus, if you carry lots of gear and need it for varying scenarios, it can totally do crossover work.

Who It Doesn’t

If you are looking for a small daypack or EDC bag, this is not for you. Check out Able Carry’s other options.

It works alright for a photography bag with an insert, but I would instead use a dedicated photography bag for most cases.

As a hiking pack, the Max works well, but without a waist belt bouldering or things like that might be a bit hard. 

The Good

As mentioned above, the materials and construction are outstanding. The fabric is Dimension Polyant X50 (or VX42 and VX21 on other models), which if you are familiar with this fabric, you know is a bomb-proof material. The zipper for the laptop compartment is a waterproof YKK, which, mixed with the fabric, makes this area secure from any water that may try and ruin your day.

The laptop compartment will easily fit my 15″ MacBook Pro (Able Carry says a 17″ laptop will fit in this space). The laptop sleeve is suspended, so even if your pack drops to the ground, your laptop should be safe. There is also room for other items in this compartment and ample organization options. You have a small mesh drop pocket and a zippered pocket, providing four mesh pockets and a larger area to store AirPods, small hard drives, or other items.

The main compartment of the bag is 25L with a semi-clamshell opening. This is nice, so if you open it all the way, all your items do not spill out. On one side of the main compartment, there is a mesh drop pocket about the size of a pair of gloves or a rolled wind shell. There is a webbing daisy chain on the back panel if you need to attach a panel of some nature.

The front, by the zipper, has six webbing loops to attach other items if needed. On the front panel, there are two pockets; one mesh sized to fit things like a journal or thin pouch, and the other ripstop nylon, which is perfect for a pen case or sunglasses case. 

The pocketing and organization don’t stop there. The outside of the pack has several other organization options. On one side, there is a water bottle pocket that expands into the interior of the main compartment. With smaller bags, this can be an issue, but I like this feature due to the size of the Max. There is a small slim pocket on the opposing side with a short webbing daisy chain. This pocket sits perfectly to access quickly without removing the pack. When traveling, I use this area for my passport and keys as it works well, and the pocket is not glaringly obvious. The front panel on the pack’s exterior has another quick-access drop pocket. Inside there are two mesh sleeves and a webbing key clip. I have been utilizing this pocket for either snacks or my gloves/hat during cold weather most of the time. 

The pockets still don’t stop there. There are two “hidden” pockets on the Max. One is right above the laptop compartment on the pack’s interior. A zipper is tucked under a fold, which opens up to the foam back panel, but there is a small Velcro pocket. This is perfect for placing any sensitive documents while traveling. The second pocket is on the pack’s exterior, just above the straps. This zipper is also tucked under a small fold. It may not be as hidden as the other pocket, but I didn’t notice it for the first week of using the pack. 

When it comes to the organization and the pocketing of the Max, this company did a stellar job. The straps are comfortable even when fully loaded, which is nice because 30L can get heavy. Throughout the pack, you can find various webbing attachment points, so you can attach other gear if you need to. 

Not So Good

Honestly, there is not much in the way of negatives that I can say about this pack. It is well thought out, comfortable, and it looks good. It would be nice to have some sort of waist belt when fully loaded, especially if you decide to use it more as a hiking or adventure pack than an everyday bag. The water bottle pocket expanding into the interior might be an issue for some, but I did not have any trouble with this feature.

Verdict

As I mentioned before, I have been using the Max for several months, and it is my go-to bag for a lot of things. It is built exceptionally well, and I know this pack can handle a lot. I love the organization layout and the overall aesthetic of the bag, and I think you will too.

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The Scout is dubbed as their City Explorer, and over the last ten days I’ve had a blast taking it with me everywhere. It has served me well in a surprising amount of situations, and while some elements of the bag took a little getting used to, I think that the short learning curve is worth it.

Heritage Style – Modern Materials

The first thing that anyone would notice about the Scout, and any of Wotancraft’s bags, are the looks. It’s hard not to swoon over the classic silhouettes, distressed accents, and heritage vibe. Both colours, the Charcoal with black leather that I have been using, and the Olive Green with Brown leather are handsome choices that would suit most tastes. A simple rectangular profile, with ever so slightly rounded edges (adorned with battle distress leather) and an elegant lid that closes with leather Y tabs. All of the hardware is custom, including the Wotancraft logo and name subtly embossed. 

It would be easy at a glance to consider this a waxed canvas bag, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that this is an older bag that has been well loved and cared for. However, that would betray the innovative materials that hide behind its charming design. You see, the Scout is built from Waxed Cordura® Canvas. It is military grade, and is exactly what you’d choose for a hard wearing everyday bag.

On a rudimentary level this means you are getting the elegant aesthetics of waxed canvas, including the patina that will come from your own use, paired with the lightweight abrasion resistance and weatherproofing of the modern Cordura material. Wotancraft have replaced traditional waxed canvas with their own Waxed Cordura on their bags since 2014. It’s a similar story with their battle distressed leather, where the cowhide has been left rugged and untrimmed at the edges and infused with wax to create its own patina. I love this leather and I do wish they had used some of this delightful leather as zipper pulls.

Medical grade microfiber lining protects any contents from any dings or scratches, and also avoids the dreaded pilling and fuzzing that I often associate with velcro inserts. The bag’s body and the dividers are also padded with a high density EVA foam that adds structure and protection. These choices may not seem hugely significant in writing, but in the flesh they translate to a wonderful tactile experience, and give you great confidence trusting your equipment or daily carry in this bag.

EDC or Camera Carry?

The simple answer is both. While Wotancraft are perhaps better known for their photography carry capabilities, this bag serves dual purpose, and works for a roving photographer or an urban commuter. The removable dividers are equally adept at holding your camera set up or your daily carry. For example, I have often used one divider only in daily carry mode to accommodate a 26oz water bottle and a plethora of bits and pieces such as a jacket, a hat, a book and pair of glasses.

With a 9L volume, this can hold a decent amount of camera equipment. I’ve carried both my full frame set up and a more compact kit. My FF load out is usually a body, two lenses, a spare battery, a pocket rocket, and a strap. While for my smaller APSC kit, I’ve managed to easily carry two cameras, three lenses and supplement that with some extra EDC such as a water bottle or jacket. This was a welcome surprise to me, because although many bags can pitch themselves as a versatile do it all piece of carry, there often feels like a compromise on one end of the spectrum. That in itself isn’t a problem, but I prefer a bag to do one or two things well, rather than four of five things poorly. I’m happy to say the Scout is in the former camp, and genuinely does an excellent job of both.

Access

This was a bit of a learning curve for me, as I’m used to smaller messengers exposing the whole interior in an instant after you unzip or unclip. With the Scout, you have to release the pull-tabs and the covering, then unzip the main compartment. Once you’ve done that, you are presented with a concertina opening, which took me a little getting used to. However, after a couple of days, the 40º entrance is an absolute joy to use. Your contents stay protected at all times thanks to the pleated fabric and your items will not fall out easily, which was my initial concern.

It makes the bag comfortable to use on the go, in fact I found my arm, hand, and wrist entering the bag at this angle feeling far more natural than than the traditional top down method. I didn’t have to hold the bag at any particular angle to access my camera or water bottle, I could just unzip and access with the bag rested against my body. Not only that, it makes the bag great for desk or table use, you can both access and view the contents with ease. The laptop sleeve, which can be accessed from its own separate full length zipper, held my 14” MacBook Pro or my iPad Pro comfortably, and they felt very well protected.

The two front pockets are great for quick access items, I found them to be a natural spot for sunglasses, notebooks, snacks and the like. The closures are excellent designed with a finger loop behind each snap to aid easy use when full, which I find an often overlooked feature when snaps are used. It accelerates use and increases functionality, exactly what one would hope for from an everyday bag. If you are deep into the Wotancraft ecosystem, you can use their modules here to dial in your equipment carry. These pockets are also covered by the top flap when fully closed, providing extra weather protection for anything inside, along with added security.

There is a lightly padded top handle to carry briefcase style, and the shoulder strap is removable. Although, that said, I’m not sure why you would ever remove this strap as it is one of the most comfortable I have ever used. The neoprene padding moves with you on the go, and decreases shoulder fatigue significantly. On the rear of the Scout, you’ll find a luggage passthrough, which sits atop a somewhat hidden pocket that runs the full width of the bag. I found this the perfect place for my wallet, car keys, and phone. It keeps them secure against your body/back, and out of sight.

All-in-all, my first experience with Wotancraft was everything I hoped it would be, and more. As a photographer, I’m always looking for ways to use my gear quickly without shouting from the rooftops that I’m carrying an expensive payload for any would-be thieves. Not only that, I love bags that blend into surroundings, rather than standing out. I love the fusion of classic design and modern materials, complimented by the excellent functionality. I would feel comfortable taking this to either a wedding or the top of a mountain, and everywhere in between. The Scout gives you permission to do exactly that.

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Bellroy Mod Phone Case + Wallet

Starting off with the Mod Phone Case + Wallet; coming in at $89, the one I’ve been using is designed to fit the iPhone 12 Pro. But there is now an updated model to fit the iPhone 13 series. The primary material is a flexible polymer that snugly covers all edges of the device. It also provides a slightly raised lip to protect your screen when placing the phone face-down. The back portion of the case is covered in eco-tanned leather. This is lightly textured and also features magnetic rails to attach the 3-card wallet with a snap. Leather will naturally take some scuffs and scratches over time and that is evident on my case. But it has kept my phone protected every day and has shown no sign of coming apart despite the constant use and occasional abuse.

The case itself is slim and adds minimal bulk to my phone. This was really appreciated as I tend to prefer no case at all. Additionally, I also like that branding is pretty minimal; just a debossed Bellroy logo on the bottom portion of the case. 

The case still gives clear access to the switches, buttons, and ports on the iPhone, though I do wish that they had a slightly more positive “action” to them. It can feel a bit spongy to press the buttons, though I’ve found in use, it always registers the press. The case also maintains compatibility with Apple’s MagSafe chargers and has worked with every third-party wireless charger that I’ve tried. But it is worth noting that you of course maintain unrestricted access to the device’s Lightning port for wired charging or accessories.

The primary party trick of this case, aside from the obvious protection of your device, is the magnetic rail system that allows you to quickly attach and detach a slim wallet that is able to carry 3 cards comfortably. It’s also made from the same type of leather as the case and minimally increases the bulk when in use. 

The wallet is designed to only carry cards. While I’m sure you could fit some cash in there, it might be a little troublesome to retrieve. The exterior face features the primary access slot, and you can store two more on the inner face. When I first received the case, I found it a bit difficult to retrieve my cards from the inner face. But with time and use it has become very easy to do (though nothing has ever fallen out accidentally). Though I have used the case and wallet daily for months now, there has been no sign of the magnets weakening or becoming loose in any way. The wallet always firmly attaches every time it’s in use and has never once disconnected without me specifically doing so. 

Bellroy Pod Jacket Pro

Moving on to the Pod Jacket Pro which retails for $39; it’s a one-piece design to cover the case of Apple’s AirPods Pro. It makes for a precise fit on the case and features the same quality of materials that are found on the phone case and wallet. The case is designed in a way that supports wireless charging and has an opening to allow you to plug in a Lightning cable for wired charging if needed. In use, I appreciated the fact that the Pod Jacket Pro has kept my AirPods case from getting scuffed or damaged (because my AirPods go with me everywhere). But there was a notable flaw in the design that made it frustrating to use. 

The single-piece construction means that there is a thin leather hinge that joins the top and bottom sections together. This hinge would often (but not always) bend in a manner that prevented the case lid from opening fully. Bellroy was aware of this design issue and has since released an updated revision; a two-piece design that removes the hinge altogether. The original version still serves its purpose as a stylish and protective cover for the AirPods Pro case. But I would choose the newer design in this instance purely from a usability perspective. 

Despite my complaint about the hinge, I have kept the Pod Jacket Pro on my AirPods case all this time and it has done its job admirably. My case has taken no damage, despite a couple of accidental drops and frequent handling; my AirPods are no worse for wear.

Bellroy Watch Strap

Let’s finish up by talking about the Watch Strap. It comes in at $69, and is, in my opinion, one of the best third-party Apple Watch straps that I have ever used. It’s available in two sizes to support the various sizes of the Apple Watch and the length should support most wrist sizes. The blend of leather and polymer allows the band to hold up to daily wear and tear remarkably well. Despite a few superficial scuffs, there has been zero separation in the strap pieces. And the fit is perfect for the curved design of the Apple Watch itself. It’s available in multiple leather finishes, based on your personal preference, and features subtle and minimal branding.

I was particularly fond of the small orange accent on the buckle, which doesn’t functionally enhance the watch strap in any realistic manner, other than showing me that this is a considered and intentional design choice, which I appreciate. 

Another design choice I enjoyed was the decision to blend leather and polymer together for the band; this gives it excellent durability. Not only that, the lightly textured underside helps reduce sweat buildup (I can attest to the validity of this claim). Over time, the leather will develop a natural patina (along with all the other products mentioned in this write-up) and take on an individual character based on how you use it. I like that. 

All in all, Bellroy is known for making quality bags and accessories that feature a considered design. But their roots began with focusing on the small daily carry items we usually have on our person. The Bellroy Tech Collection (which features more items than just those highlighted in this review) is a stylish addition to their existing line and provides you, the user, with some great options to protect your tech.

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