Wotancraft Pilot 88 Chris Niccolls Special Edition Review

The special edition Wotancraft Pilot 88 builds on the original Pilot Travel Camera Bag, shaped by Chris Niccolls’ real-world use and thoughtful refinement.

Best known for his work on the PetaPixel YouTube channel and as co-host of the PetaPixel Podcast, Chris partnered with Wotancraft to develop this special edition. It reflects a genuine appreciation for the original design, backed by years of hands-on experience in the field.

Highly Recommended

Wotancraft Pilot 88 Chris Niccolls Special Edition

Fashion, function and form collide in this thoughtfully designed, durable camera bag.

Check Current Price

Since 2009, Wotancraft has earned a reputation for crafting thoughtfully designed, beautifully made bags. With a strong focus on detail and uncompromising quality, this boutique brand continues to resonate with photographers and carry enthusiasts alike.

In 2021, Chris selected the original Wotancraft Pilot 10L as DPReview’s Gear of the Year, further cementing its reputation as a standout in its class.

Having previously spent time with other highlights from the range, including the recently updated Leather Pilot Travel Camera Bags and reimagined Rider Series V2, I am genuinely looking forward to getting hands-on with the Wotancraft Pilot 88 Chris Niccolls Special Edition.

Let’s take a look.

What is the Wotancraft Pilot 88?

“It’s protective, functional, and looks great. It’s the kind of camera bag that photographers instinctively reach for without a second thought. That’s the Pilot.” – Chris Niccolls

The special edition Pilot 88 by Chris Niccolls, in collaboration with Wotancraft, is built on the renowned Pilot Travel Camera Bag and refined around real-world use, shaped by over 20 years of professional experience.

Key updates include a beautiful, exclusive vintage grey Cordura finish, refined sizing to better accommodate larger lenses, and a repositionable external carry system that allows tripod storage on either the front or bottom.

You also get quick side access to a spare lens via the included Armor 14 module, a tunnel pocket for stowing a jacket, and an upgraded shoulder pad for improved comfort over longer shoots.

Wotancraft Pilot 88 Specs

Not too big and not too small, the Wotancraft Pilot 88 is just the right size.

Design and Build Quality

The grey is a versatile neutral colour with a refined, timeless look. It comfortably fits a Canon EOS 5D Mark III with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L attached, plus a DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit.

With an 8.8L capacity, the Wotancraft Pilot 88 sits comfortably between the standard 7L and 10L Pilot Travel Camera Bags. Its proportions have been thoughtfully refined to better accommodate larger lenses without compromising overall usability.

Chosen specifically by Chris, it’s offered exclusively in a vintage grey Cordura 500D ripstop that’s designed to develop character over time. The tone pairs effortlessly with any setup, while the black detailing throughout gives it a clean, purposeful look that feels as good as it performs.

One of the more practical updates is the fully repositionable external carry system. This allows you to mount a tripod either to the front or the base, depending on how you prefer to shoot.

In some cases, small modules such as Armor 04 and Armor 05 can still work with the external carry straps moved to the front.

Side webbing now supports the included Armor 14 module, giving you quick-access storage for a spare lens when it matters most.

You’ll also find a tunnel pocket for stashing a jacket, along with an upgraded shoulder pad that improves comfort across longer days in the field.

External modules mount securely to the front and sides of the Wotancraft Pilot 88, while the cargo straps can secure extra gear to the front or base.

The shoulder pad itself features SBR rubber with an anti-slip underside, helping keep things stable while on the move. It’s also easy to adjust on the fly thanks to the bright red leather pull.

Inside, Wotancraft’s signature medical-grade microfibre lining continues to protect your gear. It’s a proven material across their range, designed to maintain your equipment as you move through different environments.

The interior remains fully velcro-compatible, making it easy to swap modules and reconfigure the included dividers to suit your kit. This flexibility is backed by high-density EVA foam padding throughout the bag and dividers, helping absorb impact as you move.

Storage is well considered, with a front pocket tucked beneath the main lid, an easy-access rear pocket, and a discreet compartment hidden within the front tunnel.

Each is secured with YKK water-repellent zippers, known for their reliability and smooth operation.

Wotancraft continues its focus on durability with the use of trusted hardware throughout. You’ll find Duraflex fittings on the shoulder strap, YKK quick-release buckles for external modules, and repositionable snap-release clips for the carry system.

Storage Capacity and Compartments

The Wotancraft Pilot 88 combines generous internal storage with versatile external carry capabilities, while the tunnel pocket offers a practical blend of both.

As previously mentioned, the main compartment of the Wotancraft Pilot 88 has been subtly expanded in every direction compared to the standard 7L version.

The added length, width, and depth make room for larger lenses, bringing the total usable capacity up to 8.8L. There’s even enough space to accommodate a 14″ MacBook Pro.

Over the past few weeks, it’s been part of my daily commute, and it’s proven to be a really practical setup. My office 16″ MacBook is a stretch too far, but aside from that, it handles everything I need with ease.

The laptop sleeve is made from a full-width, removable padded divider, and my personal 14-inch slim Dell laptop fits comfortably inside.

Wotancraft also includes three slim divider options, two of which have a lid that lets you stack gear or create a secure pocket.

With 8.8L of internal capacity and the included lid dividers, the Wotancraft Pilot 88 offers a highly versatile storage solution. The lid dividers make it easy to layer your gear and organise equipment efficiently.

On a typical workday, I can carry my Sony a7 IV paired with the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, along with lunch and the usual office essentials.

Come the weekend, there’s room to expand the kit slightly, adding something like a DJI Mini 3 Pro for a more gear-focused outing.

For family days out, it transitions just as well. I can pack my camera alongside all the essentials for my daughter, with space left over for the extras that tend to come along.

The tunnel pocket and external cargo straps are especially handy here, easily holding our jackets and an umbrella for when the Sydney weather cools down. It’s a small touch, but one that makes a real difference in day-to-day use.

As pictured above, the Wotancraft Pilot 88 fits a Sony a7 III with space for a small lens attached, along with the full Antigravity A1 8K 360 Drone Explorer Bundle.

Spare batteries can be stored in pouches or the Charger Hub placed flat across the lid dividers, cables can be kept tidy in the zip pockets, and external modules can be used for additional items as needed.

Regarding larger-sized cameras, I managed to fit a Canon EOS 5D Mark III with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L attached, plus a DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit. Again, that was using the lid dividers to lay the controller flat across the top.

For photographers with a bigger kit than my own, Wotancraft has indicated the possibility of fitting the following:
Sony a7 Series with Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM
Sony FE 70-200mm F4 or Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G

The Wotancraft Pilot 88 features full-width front and rear zip pockets, a versatile tunnel pocket, and a hidden zip pocket tucked within the tunnel pocket for added organisation. External modules further expand the bag’s carrying capacity and organisation options.

Neither of the additional zip pockets includes internal organisers, but their slim profile keeps smaller items from shifting around too much. They also expand outward rather than pushing into the main compartment, so you don’t lose any valuable internal space when carrying bulkier items.

There’s a discreet hidden zip pocket tucked inside the tunnel pouch, giving you a safe place to stash valuables out of sight. It’s subtle, but a genuinely useful addition for everyday carry.

The external carry straps are fully repositionable, letting you tailor the setup to how you use the bag. Mounted to the front, they make it easy to secure gear without affecting how the bag sits when placed down.

Even with items attached up front, there’s still room to run smaller external modules if needed. Alternatively, you can shift the straps underneath to carry heavier or bulkier gear, lowering the centre of gravity while keeping the bag balanced and modular-friendly.

Wotancraft Modules

The Wotancraft Pilot 88 includes the Wotancraft Armor 14 as standard, while other Wotancraft Armor modules are available as optional add-ons.

Like the standard Pilot Travel Camera Bag, the Wotancraft Pilot 88 uses double webbed straps across the front for attaching external modules. One side also features this webbing, replacing the usual bottle pocket in Chris’s design for a more modular setup.

Paired with the Armor 14 module, it creates a quick-access point for a lens or essential gear. The webbing also adds flexibility for items like torches or field tools, keeping key items within easy reach.

For a more integrated setup, Wotancraft’s external modules are the natural fit. Purpose-built for the system, they keep things secure and cohesive. I’ve used the Armor 04 module and Armor 05 module with my Pilot 88, which add compact storage without bulk.

On the standard Pilot Travel Camera Bag, these modules are optional and only available in black or khaki. The Pilot 88 includes the Armor 14 module in matching grey for a more unified setup out of the box.

Armor 14:

The included Wotancraft Armor 14 attaches neatly and can be used as an accessories pouch, quick-access lens pouch, bottle holder, or carried separately using the included shoulder strap.

With the webbing moved to the side, the included grey Armor 14 module now works as a side-mounted drawstring pouch.

Chris’s intentions were to make it a quick-access lens solution for the Pilot 88. If you have the standard Pilot Travel Camera Bag, you’d be using it on the front.

It’s versatile beyond camera gear, with space for personal items or even a 500ml water bottle. It offers less protection than the main bag, so it’s best suited to lighter or less fragile items.

A drawstring closure keeps contents secure while allowing fast access. It also includes a shoulder strap, so it can be used as a standalone pouch when traveling light.

Additional front webbing allows for smaller items to be attached, adding extra flexibility day to day.

Armor 04 and Armor 05:

The Wotancraft Armor 04 and Armor 05 are the same size, but differ slightly on the outside. Their compact size also allows the cargo straps to remain usable on the front of the Wotancraft Pilot 88.

The Armor 04 and Armor 05 modules are compact, low-profile pouches for items such as a small camera, batteries, filters, or daily carry essentials.

Both maintain front strap compatibility. The Armor 04 includes webbing for attachments, while the Armor 05 swaps this for a mesh pocket.

Each module features high-strength velcro-compatible fabric, giving you the option to personalise them with patches if that’s your style.

Additional Module options:

There are more Wotancraft modules than most people will ever need, but there is likely an option that fits the way you organise your gear.

For most users, the Armor 04 module and Armor 05 module strike the best balance between size and practicality, while preserving front strap usability. If needed, taller modules can expand capacity further.

The system runs from 01 through to 14, offering a wide range of shapes and sizes. More specialised options exist too, like the circular Armor 10 module for lens filters and caps.

Inside the bag, internal modules focus on organisation. They attach via velcro to the dividers and walls, helping manage cables, memory cards, and smaller accessories within the main compartment.

Accessibility and Ease of Use

The Wotancraft Pilot 88 features a wide-opening lid with an adjustable Fidlock fastener to keep your gear secure.

Wotancraft has clearly prioritised fast, intuitive access with the Pilot 88, keeping you moving and ready to respond when a shot presents itself.

As a shoulder bag, everything centres around a single main compartment with one primary entry point. Inside, the space is highly adaptable, with a generous set of dividers that let you rework the layout as your needs change.

The lid is secured with an adjustable Fidlock Slider magnetic fastener, which becomes easy to operate one-handed once you get the feel for it.

The lid itself carries a bit of weight too, so it naturally falls back into place and keeps your gear covered, even when it’s not fully clipped in.

Accessibility continues throughout the bag. There’s a slim quick-access pocket at the rear, plus a front pocket tucked neatly under the main lid.

Adding paracord zipper pulls is a simple upgrade (~US$10-12), making the already dependable YKK zippers even easier to grab, while adding a bit of personal flair.

The tunnel pocket remains the quickest grab point of all, so it’s worth being deliberate about what you store there.

The shoulder strap adjusts easily on the go via the red leather grab loop.

Adjusting the shoulder strap is simple using the integrated grab loop, making it easy to fine-tune the fit on the go. The shoulder pad also slides freely along the strap, allowing it to be positioned where it feels most comfortable for your preferred carrying style.

Fitting external modules can feel a little fiddly at first, but once you get the hang of the YKK quick-release buckles, it becomes a smooth process. Swapping modules on and off starts to feel natural, rather than something you avoid.

The external carry strap buckles, however, do take a bit more patience. Finding the right motion to release and secure them wasn’t immediately easy for me, and took a few tries to master.

Comfort, Portability, and Gear Protection

The shoulder pad is longer and thicker than the standard Pilot and has a rubberised grip to help keep it secure. A grab handle and luggage pass-through also add to the bag’s portability and convenience.

The Wotancraft Pilot 88 is a genuinely comfortable bag to wear. It sits firm against your body with a reassuring amount of padding, so you’re not feeling gear pressing through or dealing with sag as you move.

The only time comfort really takes a hit is if you overload the rear pocket with bulky items. Keep it to slimmer essentials and the bag maintains its clean, close fit.

Up top, there’s a sturdy grab handle, and the shoulder strap has enough length to easily swing it over your head into a crossbody position.

It carries just as naturally on one shoulder like a messenger, and you can remove the strap altogether if you’d prefer to carry it like a briefcase

The shoulder pad has been upgraded too, 6cm longer and 5mm thicker than the standard Pilot Travel Camera Bags.

It features a layer of SBR rubber underneath for added grip, helping keep it in place. The extra length means it consistently covers your shoulder, no matter how you adjust the strap.

There’s also a sense of reassurance that comes with it being a Wotancraft bag. The build quality leans heavily into durability, with generous padding throughout to protect your gear from bumps and knocks.

The Cordura fabric, paired with YKK zippers, brings solid weather resistance too, handling rain and damp conditions without fuss.

Inside, the soft lining adds another layer of protection, both physical and mental: you know your gear is well looked after.

Versatility and Travel-Friendliness

Stylish, functional, and versatile, the Wotancraft Pilot 88 is ready for a day out in the field, a trek through the city, a commute to the office, or an adventure with family.

Wotancraft designs its gear with adventure in mind, equally at home in busy city streets, quiet bushland, coastal regions, mountain trails, or dry desert landscapes.

Versatility sits at the core. These bags are built to be reconfigured day to day, adapting to whatever you need to carry in the moment.

While they use heavier-duty materials like 500D Cordura instead of lighter options like X-Pac or standard nylon, the real-world weight difference isn’t as noticeable as you might expect.

What you gain is durability. The kind that makes the bag well-suited to travel, ready to handle changing conditions and rougher use, while still staying reasonably lightweight overall.

That flexibility extends to the external carry straps, too. You can shift items underneath to keep the profile slim, or mount them on the front so the bag stands upright when you set it down.

The tunnel pocket adds another layer of practicality, easily handling bulkier items like a jacket or towel, ideal for cooler weather, rain, or a spontaneous stop by the water.

With the included Armor 14 module, you get expanded carry and quick access to an extra lens. Add a couple more external modules and the setup really opens up, giving you a system that can handle both planned gear and those unexpected extras along the way.

Lastly, there’s a luggage pass-through on the back panel of the Pilot 88, allowing you to take the weight off your shoulder and seat it safely atop a suitcase.

Alternatives to Wotancraft Pilot 88

Fashion, form, or function, you do not have to settle for just one. Wotancraft offers bags that bring all three together.

Wotancraft offers a wide range of carry solutions, from soft lightweight sling bags to handcrafted leather messenger bags, through to heavy-duty modular backpacks.

If you’re considering the Pilot 88, the most direct comparison is the standard 7L or 10L Pilot Travel Camera Bag. They’re reliable and versatile options that can be expanded with the Armor modules.

That said, there are also a couple of other options worth noting.

The Rider Series V2 takes a different approach, with a boxier messenger-style design, more pockets, and photography as a secondary focus. In contrast, the Pilot range is lighter, more minimal, and purpose-built for photography straight out of the box.

The key differences come down to shape, styling, compartments, and size options. Similarities include build quality, material choices, colourways, and compatibility with both external Armor modules and internal modular systems.

Left to right: Wotancraft Pilot Leather Travel Camera Bag (7L), Wotancraft Pilot 88 (8.8L), Wotancraft Easy Rider V2 (10L)

If you’re leaning toward the upgraded Pilot experience and want a more premium feel, the Pilot Leather Travel Camera Bag in 7L is a worthy option. It mirrors the standard canvas version but uses soft European leather. However, it does not support external modules or have bottle pockets.

Within the Rider range, the Easy Rider V2 is the closest match in capacity, sitting at 10L (also available in 4.5L and 13L). For photography use, it pairs best with a padded Quick Draw insert, effectively turning it into a modular camera setup that can be removed instantly to become an everyday bag.

The Easy Rider V2 is more structured and boxy than the Pilot 88, but remains highly versatile for travel, photography, and daily carry.

Just like the Pilot 88, the 10L main compartment in the Easy Rider V2 can fit a mid-sized mirrorless setup with extra lenses, or a mirrorless camera alongside a DJI Mini 3 Pro kit with careful packing.

The Easy Rider V2 doesn’t have bottle pockets, but is compatible with Armor modules.

Price and Value for Money

The Wotancraft Pilot 88 Chris Niccolls Special Edition offers strong value for money, crafted by a trusted brand in collaboration with a well-known figure in the photography community.

The Wotancraft Pilot 88 is priced around US$288. That price reflects the level of attention to detail and build quality involved.

Limited-edition runs also add to the cost, with value coming not just from exclusivity but also from handcrafted finishing, durable materials, and a design intended to last for years of regular use.

It’s uncommon to see Wotancraft bags on the second-hand market, as they’re typically kept long-term. That said, they are backed by a 3-year repair warranty for added peace of mind.

If you’re being more cost-conscious, the standard Pilot Travel Camera Bag remains a strong option. The 7L starts around US$179, while the 10L sits at roughly US$219. Both are versatile, well-tested, and widely regarded as dependable everyday carry options.

The optional Armor modules start from US$22 and go up to US$49, depending on size and style.

FAQs

The tunnel pocket is a standout feature of the standard Wotancraft Pilot range and a welcome addition for handling changing weather conditions.

How limited is the Chris Niccolls special edition Pilot 88?

Wotancraft is limiting the release to just 300 items globally.

How much does it actually differ to the recently updated Pilot Travel Camera Bags?

It sits between the 7L and 10L Pilot Travel Camera Bag in both size and capacity. It avoids the bulk of the 10L while still offering a meaningful increase in usable space.

Under Chris Niccolls’ guidance, a series of subtle quality-of-life refinements have also been introduced, improving the overall experience.

Key highlights include an exclusive vintage grey Cordura, revised internal space for larger lenses, repositionable tripod carry, quick-access side storage via the Armor 14 module, a tunnel pocket for items like a jacket, and an upgraded, more comfortable shoulder pad.

That said, the standard Pilot Travel Camera Bag remains one of the most capable and versatile shoulder camera bags available, especially when paired with optional external modules.

Is buying extra Armor Modules or internal modules a necessity?

They’re a value-add rather than a necessity. For my work commute, I usually leave the external modules off entirely. But for days out with family, I’ll add them back on for things like accessories, kid snacks, toys, and other handy bits.

The internal modules are useful when you’re not fully packing out the main compartment, helping keep smaller items organised. That said, depending on what you’re carrying, they can occasionally get in the way if space is tight.

Wotancraft Pilot 88 Chris Niccolls Special Edition Review | Conclusion

The Wotancraft Pilot 88 is the result of careful, intentional design, built for purpose and ready for just about anything.

The Wotancraft Pilot 88 Chris Niccolls Special Edition stands out as a thoughtfully designed piece. Everything just clicks, especially when paired with the Armor 14 module on the side and additional modules up front.

As a daily carry, it fits naturally into my routine; simple enough to grab and go, yet flexible enough to reconfigure depending on the day ahead.

For photography and travel, it’s a setup that will just continue to work reliably and wonderfully.

The collaboration between Chris Niccolls and Wotancraft really comes through in the final product, resulting in something cohesive, intuitive, and thoughtfully refined.

The design choices truly feel intentional, and overall it comes across as a well-considered, long-lasting, and useful piece.

I feel grateful and fortunate to have this as part of my collection.

Highly Recommended

Wotancraft Pilot 88 Chris Niccolls Special Edition

Fashion, function and form collide in this thoughtfully designed, durable camera bag.

Check Current Price