First Look: Billingham Mini Eventer vs Wotancraft Scout.

[@robinlennon4752]

Great review Take, you really do take the time to do products justice in your reviews. The Mini/Eventer really is the premium in Billingham's range, not unexpectedly the leather adds just under 50% extra weight compared to the Hadley Small Pro but if you can cope with that it's a bag for life. I've got 9 in the range with some of their side pouches and a couple, the small L2 Alice and the 225, have leather round the bottom corners with the brass feet studs you mention, it's a really nice feature when setting down and feels even more premium compared to my others. Quality product, quality company.

[@bigheadtaco]

Thanks for sharing. There are times where you definitely want to save on weight, and other times you want to have the toughest bag with the best materials. I actually want to compare the 225 vs the 307 I currently have. I do love the brass feet, but that also adds more weight :-)

[@robinlennon4752]

I think you might like the 225, it has good dimensions for mirrorless sized gear, built like a tank and quite customisable using their different sized flexfold inserts. More of a travel bag for me than a daily shooter. @@bigheadtaco

[@ManikasKathern]

Bought the clear bag from kislux to go to a concert. It was GREAT! Breezed through security and wore it as a crossbody so I could dance and groove!!

[@sixteenbitter]

Super thorough review of both bags. Much appreciated. But I'm most mind blown at the reusable shopping bag, lol. Looks like overkill, but at least you won't have to deal with torn handles or anything. That's a shopping bag for life!

[@bigheadtaco]

Thanks for watching. Yes the reusable shopping bags are awesome. I always have them on me. Very useful way of adding extra carry space while still protecting whatever item you have :-)

[@o2mpx]

Having owned Billingham backpack and Hadley, based on personal experience, found their “classic” design to be old and low in usability. The front tab slots require 2 hands to open and enlarge overtime. The bag and the shoulder strap particularly the pad are stiff and don’t fit well with the body.

[@bigheadtaco]

Thanks for your input. I haven’t reviewed a Hadley or one of their backpacks, so I can’t really say. However, I love the SP50 shoulder pad. Initially it’s stiff, but over time it moulds to your shape, which is nice. The soft neoprene should pads are definitely softer, but it tends to bounce while on your shoulder, which I don’t like.

[@awdrpepper]

Thanks, Take. Awesome review.

[@bigheadtaco]

Thanks for watching!

[@MyNorthAmetican40]

To me these are fine bags to transport equipment via plane, train or auto....but I can't imagine filling one up and carrying it around. It would weigh a ton. Unless you're a true pro and need "all" your equipment with you for a 'shoot' just too much stuff. I carry a backpack to transport my equipment then always move to a smaller bag for day trips. Hard to blend in when carrying something like this around...On the other hand, they are beautiful bags and very well made but also scream that you have expensive photo equipment inside.

[@bigheadtaco]

I know many photographers who exclusively use Billingham, and have had no issues. I guess it depends where you live in terms of being too fancy to use to carry camera gear. I’ve had no problems in Vancouver, and many of my colleagues in the UK, Japan and Hong Kong also have no issues using Billingham. But I’m sure there are places where you’re better off using a more discrete bag.

[@MulliganAl]

We travel a lot and there is no way I'd walk around all day with this bag filled, it would be murder on my shoulder, but then my wife and I walk a lot when we travel to tune of 8-10 miles. I love the looks of this bag though but I think the Hadley Pro Small will suite my needs for my Leica setup and when I need to take my Sony a7rv gear, it's certainly tighter but not as bad on my shoulder after a long day. Beautiful bag though, and I do like the security of the zippers when traveling to higher pickpocket areas.

[@chrisdan8139]

still hesitating between the 2

[@bigheadtaco]

Both bags are great. The biggest difference is styling. Functionally, the Mini Eventer is more waterproof, while the Scout is larger and has more functional pockets and closures, and can hold a 13” laptop. I’m not sure if that helps

[@chrisdan8139]

@@bigheadtaco nope but still its a good answer ; )

[@bigheadtaco]

@@chrisdan8139

[@_o__o_]

u need more bags

[@bigheadtaco]

Yes I do…

[@demen87]

thank you for the review. billingham bags didn't worth that price muchOVERpriced. Wotancraft Pilot is my choise.

[@vha42]

Just out of curiosity, how many Billingham bags have you tried and owned, or at least tried over some days? Personally i prefer to buy Billingham second hand, ready worn in (less stiff) and less money spend. We can talk about overpriced after 25-30 years of use, when the bag still works great, and you only want a new one because they have now more colours. (bought a early Hadley from a friend, had it for 12 years, traded it back, now his son claimed it, because of the patina. Lots of bag left after 20 + years) Just my two kroner *nok, btw reusable shopping bags? Ikea Knalla if they still around . . .