Some big things are happening here at Carry-On Photo! Ok, well not exactly huge things, but I’m finally starting to utilize YouTube a bit. Medium sized things! I’ve finally created a YouTube channel for Carry-On and I thought that the best way to premier the channel was with my first ever camera bag review. Anyone who has been to my studio probably knows that I have a closet full of camera bags of various shape and size, because like many photographers I’m always on the look out for the perfect bag that will function beautifully in every single situation (hint: it doesn’t exist, but damnit I’ll keep looking).
A few years ago I wrote a blog post with my initial impressions of the Wotancraft Commander camera backpack. Since that time I’ve had the opportunity to use that bag on my travels, as well as the newer version that was released more recently. In light of those developments I received a few requests to update my overall review of the Commander. How do the two versions compare? What’s it like to travel with? Etc etc. That seemed like the perfect opportunity to make my first video. It’s a bit long so please bear with me, I definitely do a deep dive into the pros and cons of the bag and I try to explain my opinions. I’ll include a brief summary of my conclusions below, but to really get some elaboration on some points you should just watch the video! Please note: I don’t do a lot of video work, virtually none actually, so I apologize in advance for the amateur cinematography and sound – if you guys like gear reviews like this I will do more and try to improve my technique along the way.
Summary: The Wotancraft Commander (both versions) are really beautiful looking bags. Vintage, rugged, and discreet – they don’t scream “Photographer! Expensive items within!” They’re relatively weather proof (I’ve learned the hard way that regardless of advertising, nothing is 100% waterproof), the fabric is tough and won’t tear easily, the leather straps make it super rugged. Overall, it’s a great bag for it’s versatility. You can fit a ton of gear in this bag plus there’s extra pockets for accessories and a laptop sleeve. However, you can’t put a ton of gear in any bag without it getting heavy and that’s where the Commander lost points for me. I’m a big guy, my chest and shoulders are broad (just ask any poor soul that has to sit next to me on a plane), and the Commander just wasn’t made for my frame. The shoulder straps are hard to adjust on the go, there isn’t a hip belt to alleviate the weight of the bag when it’s fully loaded, and the sternum strap on the new version was a complete failure in design. So to summarize, for 80% of the population, this bag could be everything you ever wanted, especially if you’re the type of shooter who likes to take 4 cameras, a laptop, and the kitchen sink with you when you’re out in the field. But for me it just doesn’t really work. I’ve tried both versions on several trips around the world now and it’s just been too uncomfortable to deal with, which is tragic because I really wanted to love this bag.
I hope you all enjoy the video, please feel free to leave comments or questions below and don’t forget to hit the “subscribe” button on the Carry-On Photography YouTube channel!
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