In this blog I will share my experience using the Wotancraft Pilot 3.5L camera sling. I’ve had it for a few months and used it occasionally, however no where near as much as the 7L version. Many aspects are shared between the two bags so I will refer back to the 7L blog throughout this one too. For the full 7L blog, click here.

For full transparency, I need to disclose that Wotancraft sent me this bag for free to keep. All they asked was for me to mention it on social media a couple of times; however, I suggested writing this blog instead. They insisted that I use it for as long as possible in order to give it a fair shot. They did not stipulate what had to be said, nor did they have a chance to read this blog before anyone else. Unlike other brands, they have not been chasing me for this blog and, if anything, encouraged me to take longer with the bag.

Size & Capacity

The bag isn’t very long but it’s deep. It can take one body with lens and have room for either another lens or some accessories.

You can also fit a longer zoom lens on a body or use the dividers to create a shelf and add an extra item on top.

It can also fit an 11” iPad vertically however since there’s no suitable divider, anything else in the bag will rub again the iPad.

Materials

The bag is made from a fairly standard material seen on most bags with a degree of weather resistance.

Inside, you’ll find plenty of padding and Velcro material for the dividers and accessories, which I’ll discuss later.

I do wish the clips and buckles were made from a more premium material rather than the plastic currently used. While it doesn’t feel like it will break, it doesn’t feel particularly premium considering the price. Overall, the material choice is functional but lacks the premium feel of offerings from Peak Design or Bellroy. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker—most people wouldn’t care—but it’s something I noticed.

Harness, Zips & Clips

The harness is my least favourite part of this bag, and if I were to continue using it, I would need to replace it. Firstly, the giant buckle that adjusts the length can occasionally dig into your back.

The way the strap runs through the shoulder pad means it often twists, which becomes uncomfortable.

Finally, if you prefer to wear the bag closer to your body, the strap doesn’t have enough reach before the buckle clashes with the shoulder pad. This isn’t an issue for taller people or those who prefer the bag to sit further away.

On the other hand, the magnetic clasp used to access the bag is by far my favourite feature. It makes quick lens swaps a breeze while remaining extremely secure. I’ve not seen this system before, and now I think I’d struggle to go back to a traditional zip. I’ll elaborate on this in the next section.

Access

Accessing this bag is pure joy. There’s a giant flap covering the top, and the way the material folds keeps water, dirt, and other people’s hands out. It features a magnetic clasp that automatically latches when the flap is closed.

It’s a clever system: to close it, you simply bring the two parts together, while opening it requires sliding them apart. This makes it very secure without being a hassle to use.

The bag’s design allows for easy and quick access to all your gear, making fast lens changes simple. The 7L has the same system and during my Vietnam trip, I kept two lenses in the bag, separated by a divider, and could swap them in moments. With other bags, such as those using a zip, this process would take much longer.

External Features

At the back, there’s a document pocket with a weather-sealed zip, ideal for a passport, phone, or cash.

The bag also features ample lashing points for mounting accessories and a top grab handle that’s very useful.

Internal Features

Internally, the bag is minimalist, designed as an open space you can customise to your liking.

Accessories

This is where the bag becomes modular and quite unique. It includes standard internal dividers to split the bag into sections for organisation.

Additionally, the bag comes with various accessories. Some attach internally via Velcro, while others clip onto the exterior. These include options like a filter pouch, lens holder, and other useful add-ons. However, I’d advise caution—it’s easy to overload the bag with these accessories, making it bulky and heavy.

Wear & Tear

Please read the 7L blog here for wear & tear

Value For Money

Overall, I feel the bag is good value and an excellent choice for travelling photographers. It’s ideal for cities and hot environments, while not being overly large. The only thing I’d change is the strap, and I plan to do so when I get a chance.