Wotancraft Rider Series V2 Review: Style Meets Function

Building on the success of the original Rider Series, Wotancraft, through listening to feedback from real-world use, went back to the workshop to reimagine and refine it, resulting in the Rider Series V2.

Offered in three sizes and two classic colour-ways, it caters to a wide range of carry needs of the everyday user, commuter and photographer, all while maintaining the distinctive vintage-inspired aesthetic that defines the brand.

Highly Recommended

Wotancraft Rider Series V2

Versatile messenger bags combining style, comfort, and durability—ideal for travel, photography, or daily life.

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Since 2009, Wotancraft has built a reputation for crafting thoughtfully designed and beautiful bags. Known for its attention to detail and uncompromising quality, this boutique brand continues to win over both photographers and carry enthusiasts alike.

Having previously explored other standouts from their collection, including the recently reimagined Pilot Leather, I was lucky enough to get my hands on the updated Rider Series V2.

Now that I’ve had time to thoroughly explore the new series, I’m ready to share it with you in more detail.

What is the Wotancraft Rider Series V2?

Wotancraft rolled out three sizes to cater to a wide range of users looking to fulfil a variety of needs and purposes.

Wotancraft Rider Series V2 Specs

There are three sizes in the Rider Series V2 range, but they’re compressible to reduce the profile and bulk in order to keep them nice and tight.

The Rider Series V2 is a thoughtful evolution that brings subtle refinements and added versatility.

Whether you’re a commuter, cyclist, photographer, or just someone who appreciates a well-designed everyday carry, the Rider Series V2 delivers.

With a redesigned three-point harness system, a more refined internal layout, and subtle weight reductions, it’s built to offer greater comfort and functionality in daily use.

Available in a stylish, discreet Black or a standout Khaki Brown, the Rider Series V2 fits nicely within the Wotancraft eco-system of accessories and bags, allowing continuous adaptation to ever-changing needs.

Design and Build Quality

Wotancraft use weather-resistant materials and strong and secure hardware, and always include stylistic functional details.

Attention to detail and uncompromising quality—that’s how I started this article, and that’s the message I wish to carry throughout.

The Wotancraft Rider Series V2 is a refined and reimagined continuation from the original lineup, and is available in a signature Khaki Brown colour-way or a more discreet black option.

I may not be a rider, but I love being on the road. The aesthetic may have been designed to appeal to the two-wheeled crowd (motorised or manual-powered), but I have to say, it definitely appeals to those who hit the streets on four.

Wotancraft wrapped the Rider Series V2 in Dualcoat Water Repellent 500D Nylon Canvas and held it together with ultra-strength bonded Nylon 6,6 thread.

It’s held up very well throughout this very wet winter here in Sydney.

Wotancraft continue to use beautiful leather while keeping their bags stylish and functional, from soft padding to easy-to-find grab points and pulls.

The boxy soft-shell design with “battle-distressed” vegetable-tanned cowhide leather details does have structure to it.

The bag sits firm against your body through a high-density EVA foam-padded rear panel and a subtly firm compressible base. This not only helps to keep your gear safe, but also maintains a level of shape for ease of access and packing.

Slide open the YKK rust-resistant electroplated zippers and you’ll find soft medical-grade durable microfibre lining and cotton fabric lining throughout the main compartment and internal pockets.

The Fidlock straps at the top of each Rider Series V2 bag can be used to compress the bag and also secure items to the outside.

Using the Fidlock buckles, you can compress the shape of the bag to suit the capacity you’re carrying. You can also utilise them for external carry as well.

But do note, the Rider Series V2 can protrude out when at full capacity and with external Armor Modules attached. I’ve bumped a few people while racing through Central Station with these bags.

Also, there are no bottle pockets on these bags either, so consider that if you’re one to carry a water bottle everywhere. But I guess you could use an Armour Module?

Storage Capacity, Compartments & Organization

Each Rider Series V2 bag has multiple zipper pockets and an internal padded sleeve for a slim device. However, there are no mini-pouches inside the larger zipper pockets.

The Rider Series V2 is a messenger bag, therefore it contains one main rectangle-shaped compartment with additional storage pockets.

Wotancraft also offers an optional removable camera insert (Quick-Draw Camera Insert) that can be dropped in or removed easily.

As standard, the Rider Series V2 bags come with a few additional pockets and pouches for storing your equipment. Each size includes a full-width front zipper pocket, a full-width rear zipper pocket, and an internal tablet/laptop pouch.

Attached to said pouch are a pair of additional pockets (only one on the Mini Rider V2).

You won’t find any handy little stretchy pouches inside the larger zipper pockets, though. Small accessory organisation will need to either be taken care of by the optional internal or external Armour Modules, or your own drop-in solutions.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Rider Series V2 bags and their differing pocket and capacity offerings.

Mini Rider (4.5L):

The Mini Rider V2 is a handy, small grab-and-go messenger bag for lighter or casual duties.

The Mini Rider V2 may be the smallest of the bunch, but it is a capable everyday messenger sling bag.

It’s suitable for those who travel light when out and about. It’s also great as a companion bag if you’re a light traveller carrying a duffel or suitcase and only want to adventure with a light load, or to throw on your back for your daily errands.

It’s actually capable of fitting a full-size Canon 5D Mark III with a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8! Additionally, if you’re a mirrorless owner, you’ll fit a Sony a7 IV with a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 zoom attached, and still have space for additional bits and pieces.

It’ll fit a DJI Mini 3 Pro kit with charger and spare batteries easily, too.

Clip on a single Armour Module to the front for an extra small piece of storage for accessories.

Pockets: Interior Sleeve, Rear Zipper Pocket, Front Zipper Pocket, Interior Zipper Pocket.

Easy Rider (10L):

The Easy Rider V2 is my preference of the three, being versatile enough to easily suit either my everyday or my photography needs.

The Easy Rider V2 is a very capable and versatile bag—great for a commuter who may want to carry their lunch supplies along with additional gear and equipment to the office, or an individual who needs to carry a bit more on their daily errands.

It’s also excellent as a travel bag due to the additional storage pockets for stowing and organising your items while being able to pack multiple bits of camera gear.

Its main 10L storage compartment is capable of fitting a mid-size mirrorless camera with additional lenses. Or if you’re a strategic packer, you can actually fit a mirrorless camera with a DJI Mini 3 Pro Kit.

Equip it with up to two Armour Modules for extra removable storage for accessories.

Pockets: Interior Sleeve, Rear Zipper Pocket, Large Front Zipper Pocket, Interior Zipper Pocket, Phone Pouch.

Lightning Rider (13L):

The Lightning Rider V2 is the mothership of the three, capable of holding plenty of gear and combining duties.

The Lightning Rider V2 is the largest of the set, highly capable and extremely versatile.

It suits almost all the needs of someone who prefers a messenger bag over a backpack, offering a capacity and size that rival some everyday packs while maintaining the simplicity and ease of access of a messenger bag.

Capable of fitting a decent amount of gear in the main compartment, including multiple camera bodies and lenses (and potentially also a fold-up drone), it’s a beast for travel that offers a lower vertical profile than a backpack, allowing easy stowage on airlines or long-haul buses.

In addition to the 13L main compartment, you’ll also get enough space to fit a 16″ MacBook (or slim PC laptop), tablet, notepads, and slim chargers in the other pockets.

Add on up to two Armour Modules on the front for additional removable storage.

Pockets: Laptop Sleeve, Rear Zipper Pocket, Large Front Zipper Pocket, Interior Zipper Pocket, Interior Phone Pouch.

Wotancraft’s Add-on Components

Wotancraft offers more modules than pictured here. I’ve included a Sony battery for scale as I didn’t have a banana available.

For added organisation and flexibility, Wotancraft offers a range of external pouches known as Armour Modules, along with a padded camera insert which they call the Quick Draw Camera Insert, made for easily turning your everyday bag into a ready-to-go camera bag.

You can still use the removable internal dividers that come with the Quick Draw within your Rider Series V2 without the insert, but the Quick Draw adds an extra layer of padding for your gear while making it even easier to switch between camera and everyday use.

You can purchase the dividers separately, too.

The Quick Draw Camera Insert

The sides and base of the Quick Draw are designed to compress with the bag. The lid can also be tucked away.

Available in two sizes to pair with either the Easy Rider V2 or the larger Lightning Rider V2, these inserts feature a soft microfibre/cotton lining with high-density foam padding for added protection.

They’re slightly shorter than the full width of the Rider Series V2, leaving a handy side gap for tucking away other items.

They drop in and lift out effortlessly, letting you switch your Rider Series V2 from an everyday messenger to a camera bag in seconds.

Each size comes with a tailored set of internal dividers, and if you’d like extras, you can simply add them to your cart when ordering.

Armour Modules

Easily attach or remove the Armour Modules as you need, and with a wide range of shapes and sizes available, you can repurpose them as you wish.

Available in matching colours across the range, the Armour Modules come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

They attach neatly to the front of your Rider Series V2 bag via MOLLE webbing, keeping everything secure and within easy reach.

From extra pouches for organising small accessories inside and out, to dedicated modules for lens filters or your phone, each piece is versatile enough to serve multiple roles depending on what you carry.

For sizing, the circular Armour Module is pictured here with an 82mm filter inside.

Every Armour Module is compatible with the entire Rider Series V2 and Pilot Travel Camera Bag lineup (excluding the Leather models).

The larger modules will still also fit the Mini Rider, and though it won’t sit completely flat when placed down, it remains perfectly functional in use.

Internal Modules

The Internal Modules can still be used in the Rider Series V2 bags without the Quick Draw (as pictured). This means you can use these for office items one day, and camera gear the next.

Wotancraft also offers a versatile range of internal modules with Velcro backing designed to attach inside both the Rider and Pilot series bags.

They provide extra organisation for the small essentials such as cables, memory cards, batteries, coins, or anything else you may not want to lose inside your bag.

Protection and Security Features

The water just beads and rolls off the canvas that Wotancraft selected, protecting everything inside incredibly well.

As I mentioned earlier, Wotancraft wrapped the Rider Series V2 bags in a Dualcoat 500D Nylon Canvas material, which provides a great deal of water resistance.

To support this, the YKK zippers also provide a nice level of protection as well (at least, in the downpours I endured).

If camera gear protection is what you’re after, the Quick Draw Camera Insert is padded on all sides. In addition to that, the base of the Rider Series V2 bags also has a layer of padding (which folds to help compress the bag in size).

It’s been very wet weather the last few weeks here in Sydney, and I’ve had to endure that during my daily commute and weekend errands. The Rider Series V2 has put up with it quite well.

Nothing stored in the bag has succumbed to moisture issues, while the outer materials also remain clean and untarnished.

I’ve bumped the bags a number of times on seats, walls, poles, and other commuters during the morning and evening rush. Again, nothing: no marks, dents, or visible blemishes.

For added support and security, Wotancraft provides an additional stabiliser strap to help secure the bag in place. This prevents it from sliding around your body as you ride or from an unsavoury individual trying to separate the bag from you while you’re wearing it.

Accessibility and Ease of Use

It’s pretty easy to attach, adjust, or remove both the stabiliser strap and shoulder strap on the Rider Series V2.

You’ll likely find the Wotancraft Rider Series V2 bags very easy to utilise from the very get-go. Messenger bags, by design, are simplistic. But it’s all the additional extras that may take some consideration to set up the way you like.

The shoulder strap is very easy to adjust with a large leather pull to easily grip and release. The additional stabiliser strap attaches at two points: one on the bag and the other clips to the shoulder strap.

Wotancraft put thought and consideration into their design, keeping everything within easy access for those who do things on the move.

The boxy nature of the design means that once you swing it from your back to your side or front, you can easily open it up wide to access your equipment without worry of it spilling out onto the road. The bag sits upright and firm against your body, keeping access nice and secure.

Comfort and Portability

The Rider Series V2 stays firmly against your back, and with the stabiliser strap attached, it’s even more secure. The Easy Rider V2 is my preferred size as it has a decent capacity without feeling cumbersome.

I’ve used lighter messenger bags in my time, but these are built tough and feel rather firm against the body.

Note that, while I say lighter, I don’t mean to imply that these bags are heavy—but you do feel the weight of quality materials versus other options on the market (i.e, economic materials, performance-based lightweight X-Pac style bags, etc).

But, these are comfortable to use as they have a softness to them, and the shoulder strap is nicely padded (10L & 13L). That said, I found that the shoulder strap of the Lightning Rider V2 felt just a little too long for my body size.

Taller individuals would find a more secure and tighter fit with the Lightning Rider V2 (13L) than I did. The Mini Rider V2 (4.5L) and Easy Rider V2 (10L) fit me perfectly.

Regarding portability, I found the Easy Rider V2 (10L) to strike the best balance among the three options for commuting, adventure, and everyday use. It’s not too bulky for public transport, and is also a balanced size for photography (such as at an event).

The Lightning Rider (13L), meanwhile, is just that much larger that I found it less ideal on my daily train commute, but for somebody riding or driving, it’d be much less of a concern, I’m sure.

The Mini Rider V2 is incredibly portable and surprisingly very useful. It’s a great, handy little bag that you can easily grab and go without worrying about it getting in the way or being overloaded with a bunch of things you don’t actually need.

Versatility and Travel-Friendliness

Gym bag, office bag, diaper bag, travel bag, campus bag, and camera bag. The uses for the Wotancraft Rider Series V2 are endless.

The Rider Series V2 bags are built with versatility in mind. They’re ideal for everyday usage, such as tossing in a towel and a change of clothes for the gym, packing office gear for your commute, or dropping in the Quick Draw insert to instantly turn it into a camera bag.

Travel with the Wotancraft Rider Series V2 shouldn’t be an issue. They’re light enough that they shouldn’t chew too much into your carry-on allowance, and the sizes will allow for stowage both under the seat or in the overhead compartments.

Moving through crowded settings would be a consideration, but if you’re used to larger backpacks on travels (rather than intentionally slim-designed), I’m sure you’ll manage.

The Lightning Rider (13L) sticks out a bit more than I’m used to (especially with the Armour Modules), but once I got a better idea of my silhouette while sifting through busy train stations, it became less of an issue.

When it comes to pick-pockets, however, the Armour Modules could be an easy target for those with bad intentions, so keep that in mind.

However, durability and water-resistance offer great value to travellers, ensuring your gear and equipment is kept safe, secure, and dry.

These bags will take a beating through varied terrains and endure unexpected rainfall. However, do be aware that they’re water-resistant, not waterproof. So be careful on boats – they’ll handle the sea-spray, but don’t let them get submerged!

Alternatives to the Wotancraft Rider Series V2

Wotancraft offers a wide variety of different style bags. From slimmer and simpler messenger bags to fully configurable backpacks, there’s surely something to suit your needs.

Wotancraft offers a range of other carry solutions on their website, from softer, lightweight sling bags to high-quality handcrafted leather messenger bags, and all the way up to heavy-duty modular backpacks.

The Pilot Upgraded Travel Camera Bags feature a simpler design with a softer build that molds around the contents. I reviewed the original version back in 2020, but Wotancraft have since worked their magic and upgraded them.

These are made from the same materials as the Rider Series V2, but offer a more slender profile that’ll bulge to fit your needs, and also include at least one extra external pocket. The camera cube is also integrated into the design.

The Pilot Upgraded is available in 4 sizes (2L, 3.5L, 7L & 10L) and the same two colour options and materials as the Rider Series V2. Key differences are the additional pockets and the more structured shape being offered by the Rider Series V2.

Both lines are compatible with the Armour Modules and internal modules.

If you’ve decided that the Pilot Upgraded Travel Camera Bag better suits your needs, and you’re feeling like a bit of extra luxury on top to split the difference, you could consider the Pilot Leather Travel Camera Bag as well. It’s much like the Canvas option, but is made with high-quality European leather and has no external module compatibility.

Regarding backpacks, should you realise you need more carry capacity for future-proofed adventures, you could look to the Pilot Travel Camera Backpack (which has also been upgraded since my 2021 article).

Price and Value for Money

Price doesn’t always constitute quality, but in the case of Wotancraft, it absolutely does.

The Rider Series V2 has a starting price of around US$169 for the Mini Rider V2, US$239 for the Easy Rider V2, and US$269 for the Lightning Rider V2.

But attention to detail and uncompromising quality do not come cheap. You’re paying for high quality with handcrafted details, a supportive warranty, and a product designed to last a lifetime.

Should you require camera carry, the Quick Draw Camera Insert is an additional cost, and external Armour Modules also cost extra. You can use these as camera bags without the camera insert, but you won’t have the additional padding or simple removal/drop-in capability the Quick Draw offers.

However, the dividers can still be purchased individually (lid and no-lid) from Wotancraft and can also still be used inside the bag without the Quick Draw.

And if anything ever feels off, don’t worry, the Rider Series V2 is covered by a 3-year repair warranty.

FAQs

With or without modules, the Wotancraft Rider V2 is perfectly capable of fulfilling its purpose of being a durable and versatile solution.

Do I need to buy additional modules to get value out of the Rider Series V2 bags?

No, you don’t. They’re a value-add option. The Rider Series V2 bags are highly versatile even without them, so if you’re not totally sold on the modules, don’t stress. They’ll always be available should you decide later, but you’ll be very happy with just the bags should they not suit your needs or budget.

How water-resistant are the Rider Series V2 bags?

Well, I don’t know any official ratings, but I’ve been caught in heavy rain with the Easy Rider V2 and no umbrella. It faired pretty well through the 10-minute rush from station to office. It was drenched outside, but bone-dry inside. My clothes, meanwhile, were saturated. That was a tough day.

The photos of the wet bag in this article were taken near my office in Sydney while standing in mild rain with an umbrella over my head and camera. The Easy Rider V2 was placed initially dry under the raindrops and left uncovered for the full 15 minutes.

Should I buy the Pilot or the Rider?

Well, that depends a great deal. The Pilot is a lighter and simpler designed option, whereas the Rider is bulkier, has additional pockets, and a wider shape for storage. While they have a lot of similarities, I feel like the Rider is the heavier-duty option.

Wotancraft Rider Series V2 Review | Conclusion

Having experienced all three sizes and compared them with Wotancraft’s other bags, I can say the Rider Series V2 truly lives up to its name and reputation.

Wotancraft has always lived up to its reputation. Since I first experienced the Ryker back in 2019, I’ve believed in the Wotancraft team’s dedication to their mission.

Their products are made to last, with careful attention to detail and uncompromising quality throughout. Knowing how durable and well-built Wotancraft products are, you’re getting something that’ll last.

The Easy Rider V2 suits my lifestyle the most out of the range, but the Mini Rider V2 is something to definitely hold on to as a great grab-and-go camera bag for my simple Sony kit. It’s enough space for just the camera and some additional necessities, and nothing more; exactly what I’d need for that moment.

Personally, the Lightning Rider V2 is probably a bit too much for my needs, but for somebody with more equipment or necessities than I do, it’d be a perfect fit.

Highly Recommended

Wotancraft Rider Series V2

Versatile messenger bags combining style, comfort, and durability—ideal for travel, photography, or daily life.

Check Current Price