WotanCraft Phantom Travel Backpack Review – $1000

We see a lot of great products at BestLeather, mainly due to the fact we seek out exemplary companies to review with. I’ve had the supreme pleasure of taking a look at several products from WotanCraft. This time around we’re examining the WotanCraft Phantom Travel Backpack, a strikingly designed pack that aims to handle all of your carry needs and look damn good doing so. Does it fit the bill? Let’s find out.

The Phantom’s exterior shell is entirely made from vegetable tanned cowhide Italian leather. The red spine plate uses English Royal Saddle cowhide leather.

It has a thick, substantial feel to it and emits a luxurious leather scent – I’ve wore the pack as a hat more than once just to enjoy the aroma.  All compartments feature a velveteen lining which translates into an incredibly tech friendly bag.  High strength metal hardware accentuates the bag along with bronze YKK rustproof coated zippers. The bottom of the pack features high density foam lining to provide shock absorption to interior contents. Bag roughly measures 11”x 6” x 19” I’d estimate the capacity around 1,500 cubic inches. The bag weighs approximately 4lbs 12oz empty. The main compartment has zippered top access with flap. Side non zippered compartments use a strap to knob closure and the front pocket is button fastened.

The Phantom is a pretty straightforward pack. Styled after traditional rucksacks, the Phantom has the large top accessed main compartment. Inside of that there are 2 slotted pockets good for water bottle, telephoto lens, etc.

The waterproof camera insert (Sold separately Size XS) can be positioned at the top of the bag’s main compartment, and thanks to the vertical zipper on the back, you can still access your other gear from underneath. The back of the Phantom is padded and the stiff red leather backbone adds rigidity to the pack.

The side cylindrical shaped pockets have pull tabs and are great for water bottles or similarly shaped objects. The pouch on the front has a button closure and is great for storing medium sized items such as thin hoodies or snacks. Overall its a very functional strap, with some tradeoffs. There are no sternum or waist straps so heavier loads might be more strenuous, also due to the lack of padding on the shoulder straps. I wouldn’t try hiking with the Phantom but normal everyday loads are more than manageable.  

The Phantom is truly a striking pack. Simply put, it refuses to blend in. I feel with the black color you’ll either gravitate to it or opt out. I would really like to see this bag also offered in brown someday. The leather is of such a fine quality that the pack exhibits a subdued sheen. Unlike cheap “genuine leathers” or even worse….bonded leathers that reflect light like Uncle Phil’s head from Fresh Prince, the Phantom seems to absorb light.

This enigmatic luster gives the bag an understated testimony to the skill and craftsmanship involved in its conception. Aside from the hidden top opening, the lack of zippers, velcro and other modern pack features really make the Phantom a timeless bag that will never feel dated. The red spine on the back panel lends just the right amount of intrigue. Just looking at the bag is comparable to watching a  suspense thriller while indulging in tiramisu…all the while riding top speed at Le Mans; all in the span of a few seconds.

The WotanCraft Phantom Travel Backpack is on another echelon entirely. For a more down to earth guy like myself, it would be hard for me to comprehend the thousand dollar price tag. Sure, you can get a bag literally one tenth the price that does as much. However I like to play devil’s advocate and defend the point most owners of high end watches argue, it’s not that they just “tell the time” but its the thought, complexity, skill, inspiration and passion that are involved that set them apart from others. I feel this is true for the Phantom,  although in the words of the great Levar Burton, “But you don’t have to take my word for it.”

Also note WotanCraft’s Christmas Special is still on which offers free gifts based on purchase amount.

WOTANCRAFT RANGER CAMERA BAG + WATERPROOF INSERT COMBO SET – $549.00

In our last review with Wotancraft, we were introduced to their striking Ryker camera bag which combined a compact sized carry with excellent craftsmanship and detailed features. Unlike Biz Markie, Wotancraft is no one trick pony, they offer a full selection of carry options. We were very excited to review one of their larger and more rugged bags, The Wotancraft  Ranger Camera Bag + Waterproof Insert Combo Set.

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CONSTRUCTION

Wotancraft’s Ranger is primarily fabricated from their W.A.L. (Water-repellent, abrasion-resistant, lightweight) waxed canvas. All metal hardware is used for the buttons and buckles. The large front flap is made from specially ordered sheepskin and the strap is constructed from full grain leather. All straps are reinforced with a Box X pattern stitch for added strength. The removable interior is a U shaped foam padded insert with a microfiber interior, and features removable velcro padded partitions for separating gear.

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The same interior configuration for the padded insert is used in the waterproof insert which Wotancraft describes as a “Waterproof insert made of hovercraft-grade thermoforming technique, making the insert fully waterproof all the way up to the zipper height. The zipper itself is YKK water-repellent zipper with edge sealing, capable of sustaining temporary drowning when fully zipped.”  

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So yeah, you can totally take this bag crocodile shooting. If one tips your boat, just rest assured that while you might not be found, at least your camera will be intact. The bag itself (excluding inserts) weighs in at 3lbs 8 oz. The microfiber insert weighs just over a pound and the waterproof insert comes in at 1lb 11oz. Bag dimensions are 12” high, 16” wide and 7” deep.

FUNCTION

If you’re carrying expensive camera equipment, rest assured it will be very protected in the Ranger. The U shaped insert offers ample foam padding on the bottom, sides and top. This bag is able to carry multiple DSLR’s and lenses. The smaller side pockets are great for memory cards and spare batteries. The flap allows quick access to your gear, and you can zip up the main compartment when you feel the need to keep your contents secure. Just by handling the bag, one can notice how much thought went into functionality. The button snaps have small finger pockets under them to allow you to close them one handed by pinching them shut rather than pressing.

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The Ranger is more than just a camera bag. Thanks to the removable inserts, the Ranger doubles as a great overnight bag, I was able to smartly pack for a overnight stay. You can fit a 15” laptop no problem, and the interior zippered compartment is great for tablets or books. The bottom has leather straps great for attaching a tripod or spare jacket as well making this bag a great option for someone desiring a multipurpose carry option.

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AESTHETIC

The great thing about the Ranger….is that it actually looks just as good if not better than it does in pictures. It’s rugged without being over the top, and refined enough to transition from outdoors to city effortlessly. Waxed canvas, much like leather, only gets better with age, so expect character to develop with use. The grey canvas will be more forgiving and be able to hide stains and markings which I really appreciate as well. With an aesthetic that really conjures up adventure, the Ranger really lives up to its namesake.

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CONCLUSION

Good looks, versatility and quality construction make this bag a triple threat. With a hefty price tag of 549.00,  The Wotancraft  Ranger Camera Bag + Waterproof Insert Combo Set isn’t for everyone. If you really like the bag but don’t feel the need for the waterproof insert you can nab a Wotancraft Ranger for $499. Either route you go you’re getting a top notch bag that does a lot more than carry your camera.

 

WOTANCRAFT RYKER CAMERA BAG REVIEW – $379

Photography can be a very rewarding hobby and just about everyone dabbles in it at some point. So if you’ve mastered the Starbucks macros and decided to get into some serious picture taking, you’ve likely bought a camera body, lens, SD cards and a plethora of other gadgets. Now you’ve got all this great gear and no place to carry it!  Before you buy that cheap black nylon case from Best Buy, I’d recommend researching some quality leather alternatives like the Wotancraft Ryker Camera Bag.

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ABOUT

Aside from having a ridiculously cool brand name, Wotancraft has an interesting backstory. When we reached out about the company’s past, they replied as such:

 We created WOTANCRAFT ATELIER back in 2008. We shared the same crazy love for Panerai diving watches, but are just too frustrated to realize that none of the aftermarket leather straps are worthy of the inspiring and nostalgic military background of Panerai. At one point, we figured that if no one else is up for it, then maybe we should be the ones to make it happen. The guys at WOTANCRAFT are very intuitive when it comes to our creations and aesthetics. In 2010, when our friend walked into our atelier carrying a WWII Swiss Army backpack and a Leica M6 camera, right then we made the decision to create tough, rugged and military inspired camera bags, which lead to our launch of the “City Explorer” series, with military-hovercraft-grade waterproof inserts that people have never seen before in the camera bag market.We are continuously growing, not in business size, but in our ambition for greatness. Our existing lineup of products are being enhanced through generations, because we want to make every creation our classic, not fashion items that are created and discarded per market trend. Same goes for aesthetics. Many of our friends make fun of us having “old souls” living in our bodies, because we don’t make our products “teen-friendly” enough. But that’s the way we are; if you want to stay true to yourself, pleasing everyone is just not an option.

For those wondering, Wotancraft is named after Wotan. In Germean mythology he was the god of war and victory. Atelier is the French word for “workshop.”

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CONSTRUCTION

The Ryker is a medium sized bag coming in at roughly 11” long by 9” tall and 4.5” wide. At 3 lbs 3 oz  it’s lightweight without feeling cheap. Wotancraft provided us with some insider specifics about the leather used:

We use thick, full grain leather for all products, where the pores and skin textures are still visible, and we manually trim the leather if different parts require doing so. This is a lot more work and more costly than padding materials beneath thin leather processed by provider (how cheaper bags in the market are made), but for us this process has to be done to ensure the right look and hand-feel when bending the leather.

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We are also very specific in the leather characteristics that we use. The leather trim and shoulder strap on a Ryker bag is tanned with vegetable agents such as Quebracho, Chestnut and Acacia, which gave the bag an overall scent of fresh sweetness. We could have easily chosen leather that smells like ordinary leather and does not cause any love-or-hate contradictions, but for us love outweighs all others. It’s the same with the grain texture on the Ryker bag, we just love the specific hand-feel of such texture, and elegantly accentuated by the smooth oil-enriched trim and velveteen lining.

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All metal hardware is used for the buckles and rivets. Bronze YKK zippers are used with a rustproof coating. An incredibly soft, padded velvety interior is used to protect contents.

FUNCTION

The main functions of a camera bag for me are to protect the contents and to provide fast access. The Ryker has a magnetic flap which reveals a top loading zippered compartment. This configuration provides more overall protection but with the small cost of an extra step in accessing your gear. The adjustable, padded shoulder strap is very comfortable and provides great cushioning when carrying heavy loads. Even after a long day of shooting around town, my shoulder and traps held up fine.

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Thanks to the padded inserts and velcro walls I can securely pack my lens and body with virtually no wiggling around when on the move. The interior slotted pocket is great for carrying a 7” tablet or thin books. The smaller exterior storage options include the zippered pocket which is handy for smaller loose items such as memory cards or film.

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The Ryker will typically fit around 3 lenses and a camera body depending on your actual gear. I like to pack minimally so I had my 35mm, body, and 70-200mm lens all in the bag with no issues. The only features lacking that would make the bag easier to use for me would be a handle along the top so I can carry it briefcase style when not using the shoulder straps, and possibly buttons instead of magnets to increase the flaps secureness.

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AESTHETIC

The Ryker is easily one of the most handsome camera bags I’ve come across. The large panels of whiskey colored leather contrast beautifully with the dark brown pieces. The hardware demands attention and I ironically find myself snapping images of the bag rather more so than anything else! The real selling point visually is the Ryker’s ability to look good in a variety of environments.  Whether on the trail or in the city, this bag never looks out of place. Another great benefit is it looks like a messenger bag so you’re not advertising the fact that you have expensive camera gear on you. Looks good with an axe too, which is a major plus.

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CONCLUSION

Wotancraft’s Ryker Camera Bag’s looks and quality is head and shoulders above any option found in a big box store. At $379 it is pricey, but once you hold it in your hands the cost will likely seem justified. If you’re on the hunt for a bag that will securely protect your camera gear and look picture perfect in the process, I’d recommend checking this bag out.