Wotancraft Easy Rider V2 Review: 4 reasons why this is a near perfect EDC.

Introduction

I still recall fondly how, back in 2009, three gentlemen started Wotancraft as a small boutique brand handcrafting leather watch straps in a modest workshop. Over the next decade, that humble beginning grew into a brand renowned for its thoughtfully designed and beautifully crafted bags spanning photography, cycling, biking, and even camping genres.

I purchase my Wotancraft bags from Drew & Barry, the authorised distributor in Singapore.

Some of their early designs were the 2012 Scout (V1) and the 2014 Rider (V1) series, which they overhauled and updated the designs in the last few years, and when Wotancraft does a re-design of their classic series bags, I pay attention.

The 2022 Wotancraft Scout went on to win 2023 Best Camera Bag at Carry Awards X

Announced on 21 August 2025, the Wotancraft Rider version 2 series builds on the legacy of the original Rider series. Wotancraft has crafted a sling-style shoulder bag that doesn’t just look vintage-military cool but designed to support photographers on the move.

oh, I still had space left.

And so, as usual, let us take a deeper look with me breaking down what has changed from Version 1 to 2.

I will touch on the 4 key reasons why the Easy Rider is now my choice, in fact replacing my 5 years old Peak Design 10L

Some of my reviews of Wotancraft bags are: Scout , Canteener, Pilot 2L

Technicalities

The Rider V2 series comes in 3 sizes, the 4.5L Mini, 10L Easy and Lightning 13L. My review will focus on the 10L Easy Rider.

• ‘Dualcoat’ water-repellent 500D nylon canvas
• Ultra-strength bonded Nylon 6,6 thread with medical-grade micro-fiber & cotton lining
• High-density EVA foam padding, plus “battle-distressed” vegetable-tanned cowhide leather accents
• YKK rust-resistant electroplated zippers
  Dimensions
• (Folded Main Compartment): 35 × 20.5 × 14 cm
• Interior Sleeve: 34 × 20.5 cm
• Large Front Zipper Pocket: 27 × 13.3 cm, Rear Zipper Pocket: 28 × 19 cm
• Hidden Interior Zipper Pocket: 20 × 14.5 cm, Interior Phone Pocket: 10 × 14.5 cm
• Shoulder Strap Length: 82–112 cm, Stabilizing Strap Length: 5.5–49 cm
• Weight: 850 grams

The above setup comprises the main bag, quick access camera insert (optional) and Armour modules 02 and 03.

Included Accessories: Main bag, detachable shoulder strap, stabilizing strap, and a dustproof storage bag

Optional Add-ons: Compatible with the Quick-Access Camera Insert (holds 2 mirrorless bodies + 3 lenses), Armour Modules, and internal organisational modules

4 key reasons why the Easy Rider V2 is worth your consideration

Overall, what impresses me was the meticulous attention to every detail and the hard to fault quality build and materials used in the Easy Rider.

1. Designed for you on the move

One of the unique design intents of the Rider series is that that they were designed for movement foremost, with its cycling-inspired stabilizing system ensuring one’s bag staying securely against the body, whether commuting, cycling, or navigating crowded spaces.

In fact, if you never realised, Wotancraft also released Brompton-versions of their very loved Pilot camera bags.

2. Weather-resistance and build quality

The 1st generation of Rider bags were mostly full-leather bags, while this pleased the leather fans, this inevitably led to a heavier bag. Thus part of the redesign was the use of durable, water-repellent nylon canvas with robust stitching and high-grade zippers, ensuring the Easy Rider V2’s excellent weather resistance with a build that will stand the test of rough use.

Whether delibrate or not, the use of Wotancraft’s 500D nylon canvas vs a full leather build also allows a larger carrying capacity.

To start, Wotancraft is one of the very few brands willing to provide high quality YKK zippers with their own customised studs, beyond this, every compartment is designed to ensure the contents stay protected in inclement weather.

3. Improved organisation and customisation options

Wotancraft listened to user feedback and incorporated many useful organisation improvements in the Easy Rider V2. Thoughtfully laid-out pockets including front, rear, internal, and phone pockets enable intuitive gear arrangement without clutter.

Feedback from some friends is that simply the addition of a back zippered pocket and the luggage pass-through were sufficient reasons to move to the V2.

The designers from Wotancraft understands that not everyone wants to carry a full load of equipment, hence they actually left room for one to work with various loading possibilities. For example, a Wotancraft camera pouch (there are 3 sizes) can provide the protection for one’s camera and leave available space for other non-equipment items if one prefers to not use the optional camera-insert.

Optional quick-draw camera inserts and multiple modular accessories elevate customisation options for you. For example, below are the optional modular accessories Armour 02 and 03 pouches which attaches to the Easy Rider using the MOLLE quick-release system.

Though small, these pouches are practical and useful, coming in at the same level of build materials wise and add further customisation to one’s bag whether one seeks to pack in spare batteries, earphones or even a Leica Visoflex.

4. Sum of all the improvements from V1 that really matter

• Refined Closure System: Easy Rider V2 introduces the Fidlock magnetic buckles for quicker, more secure access compared to the slower leather strap closure of V1.

• Improved 3-point weight distribution and Strap Ergonomics: Weight distribuion is a key concern of Wotancraft and they have further worked on the stabilising strap to be now detachable and adjustable, offering a smoother, more intuitive “three-point lock” system than before.

Version 1 had the main strap attached to the bag using thick metallic buckles, which can feel uncomfortable to have against one’s back. This is one huge improvement in version 2 where this is now replaced by the buckle system ubiquitous across Wotancraft’s bags.

• Eco-Friendly Fabric Upgrade: The canvas has been updated to Wotancraft’s propriety water-repellent fabric, an environmentally safer coating while still maintaining resistance to moisture.

• Camera packing: The redesigned quick-access insert for V2 allows more flexible combinations (2 mirrorless bodies + 3 lenses) than the more limited insert options of V1.

For example, the above packing houses a Leica M10-R, Leica Summilux 35mm FLE II, Leica Noctilux 50mm ƒ0,95, Nikon Zf and a Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4, a combination which would have been difficult with V1.

With a good sized 10L capacity coming in at only 850 g, the Easy Rider V2 hits a sweet spot too, large enough for most uses and light enough for most activities.

Conclusions

The Wotancraft Easy Rider V2 is the sum of multiple innovative and useful upgrades over V1, with Wotancraft incorporating all they have learnt and earnestly heard from users over the last decade. Similar to the ethos of respectable brands, Wotancraft has indeed brought to us a worthy update this round.

With its cycling-inspired three-point stabilizer and heritage-inspired design, the Easy Rider V2 delivers a seamless blend of everyday functionality and photographic readiness for the photographer who values mobility, comfort and most of all, craftsmanship attuned to ensuring care for one’s gear.

In all, definitely worth your consideration.

And if you are curious why is the Easy Rider near perfect but not perfect, it is only because I don’t believe in perfection 🙂

Thank you for reading.

The Wotancraft Rider series comes in 3 sizes and 2 colours and can be purchased from Drew & Barry, Wotancraft’s authorised dealer in Singapore and nearby countries.

Disclaimers:

1. All product photos and samples here were photographed by me. I believe any reviewer with pride should produce their own product photos. 

2. This review is not sponsored. The equipment featured are mine and not loaned.

3. I write as a passion and a hobby, and I appreciate that photography brands are kind enough to respect and work with me.

4. The best way to support me is to share the review, or you can always help support me by contributing to my fees to WordPress for the domain using the Paypal button at the bottom of the page.