Essentially, you can attach a strap from one side of the bag to the other, but also divide it in half if you want to separate the left and right sides.

I found this useful for carrying my rain jacket but it does mean you can't use the side straps for a tripod at the same time. The Explore Vv2 packs are the best camera backpacks for those who seek the light below the timberline and on crowded streets. Even fully loaded it carries comfortably for miles. Shimoda Designs made a big entrance into the adventure outdoor camera bag market with its original Explore series. There are two stoweable pockets on either side of the bag that can be used for carrying a tripod. This cooler padding is also found on the back panel of the packs, making for much less sweat on warm days, something I very much appreciated on a muggy visit to Mono Lake last September. Do you know anything. Similarly, the X70 with core unit and rain cover will be available for $365. Without trying it myself I'd say the side pocket definitely wouldn't fit a gripped camera as my 5d ungripped is tight to get out. The camera units from F-Stop Gear, for example, are far less streamlined, with excess padding that makes it harder to fit as much equipment easily. That being said, I did struggle to zipper the laptop hatch shut when placing the new 16-inch MacBook Pro insideit protrudes a good bit beyond the curved zipper opening. Sure, regular camera backpacks will protect your gear and allow quick access, but they might not be comfortable for long travels. Below is my review, along with the pros and cons of this intriguing new backpack.


Shimoda, a bag brand within the Mac Group, has launched a new crowdfunding campaign for its Explore Series v2 backpacks. It doesn't have to be attached to the camera. If you want to fly internationally but need to haul more gear, the 30-liter Explore will suit you if you pack it carefully. Ive been testing out the Shimoda Adventure 60 bag over the past month, and it ticks a lot of boxes for what this sort of bag should be. While we aim to only share legitimate and trustworthy campaigns, theres always a real chance that you can lose your money when backing any crowdfunded project. Personally, I like this for carrying a tripod (which Ill never carry in a side pocket due to the uneven weight). We Review, Speed Up Your Culling and Editing With Aftershoot PRO and EDITS, GPT-4 Gets Even Smarter With After Effects, Putting the New Canon R6 Mark II Through Its Paces, Portrait Beast: We Review rhe Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 Lens for Fujifilm. The Explore Series v2 is available in three sizes: 25L, 30L, and 35L sizes. WebShimoda Designs is an adventure camera bag company that provides backpacks, rollers and accessories designed through real-world experience in the mountains and other extreme terrain. As with all padded internal camera units, Shimodas are customizable with plenty of dividers of various lengths that stick together using rip and stick attachments. So, then, how does Shimoda expect hikers to bring along their one liter per hour? That is a lot of water to carry for a full day hike! WebKnow more about Shimoda Designs history and founders of company also the team Shimoda professional photographer role in building company reputation and trust. Im not a huge fan of the book-style opening, since I think it makes it more difficult to access gear, as well as making the zipper more vulnerable over time, without much payoff. The waist strap isnt quite as padded as on other bags Ive used, but its made of a soft foam material that makes it quite comfortable overall. Those bags were launched before the Action X series came to market. In a huge rainstorm, its possible that parts of the bag wont block out 100% of the water (mainly the padding that touches your back, if enough water soaks through). The zippers are large enough not to jam easily, with tabs made out of leather. Mason Marsh It adds an additional 7 liters of storage space making even the smaller X30 bag much more versatile for action sports. One problem: The water bladder compartment is on the front of the bag the same area that your tripod (or snow shovel, or pickaxe) will be bouncing around as you hike. Version 2 brings better padding in the back panel and shoulder straps, more robust water-resistant zippers, and ripstop nylon fabric that holds up to the rigors of adventure travel while looking quite classy in matte black or olive green. Outdoor camera bags designed for hiking and adventure sports are quickly becoming a highly competitive although still a niche market. It is by far the best design I have come across on any camera pack and even better than some popular hiking packs. Its a cleverly hidden design that allows for the pocket to be usable even when the mesh is stowed, keeping the bag slim and clean looking. By In the Explore 25L, I can fit a Sony mirrorless camera body with an attached medium zoom lens. All of the brands current Core Units have inflexible walls which provide crush protection and help the packs stand upright when on even ground. So I can see how water could get in but not how anything else stored in the other pockets behind the door could fall out unless the item is stored in the pocket on the back side of the door and is really small. The right strap can hold a large smartphone, microfiber cloths, and business cards while the left strap has a stretch pocket suitable for a small water bottle. In this pocket is also a couple of smaller zippered pockets and a dedicated water bladder sleeve. Theres a single, slim accessory pocket on the front of the bag that is suitable for a couple of spare batteries and an SD card holder . Only you can decide if it meets your gear need, but quality and comfort are top grade in my opinion. For me, the biggest issue is that it doesnt have a good water carrying system, which is almost baffling given the close attention to detail elsewhere on the bag. For me, the Explore 35L is the bag I turn to the most, especially when I am working from a car and I dont want to leave anything behind. Interesting review, its hard to keep up with all these new bags. Compare ; Compare Choose Options. The answer goes back to something I mentioned earlier the water bladder holder. Theres a new company on the scene, too: Shimoda Design. One big pro of hiking backpacks in general is that they are very comfortable more so than a typical camera bag. Especially anyone needing to go from the streets one day, to hiking outdoors the next. Especially if you wanted to use it in a more urban area. However, for typical uses, I would consider it to be waterproof. It may or may not meet that standard for you. Although it isnt flawless, I like it enough to switch out my main hiking backpack for this one, which is not something I expected to do. Last Name . I think this feature opens up a lot more versatility to the bag. Interesting ideas though. Im a big fan of bags with side pocket access, as being able to grab a camera quickly without taking off the bag is always useful. This helps slim down the overall size of the pack and keeping the weight close to the body. So, if you straddle the line between hiking and photography, and youve had a hard time finding a good product for your needs, take a solid look at the Shimoda line. Sign in There is still a front pocket running the full length of the bag large enough for another laptop, rain gear, or emergency gear. The Explore v2 series can be backed starting at $215 for backpack shells without modular cubes and range as high as $300 for large kits in various configurations. With a mirrorless Core Unit inside, it can swallow large coats and scads of accessories for long adventures. The canvas material across most of the bag is highly water resistant, and the most vulnerable part is the foam padding that presses against your back. As a whole, this bag is built very well. I use the space for storing microfiber towels and other soft flat items. Michael DeStefano is a commercial/editorial photographer focusing on Outdoor Lifestyle and Adventure. Promising entry into the adventure photography arena. Hope that helps! Hey Michael, Its always been a challenge for camera pack designers to place the hip belts of the bags in a way that doesnt hinder access to the large back opening. The differences lie in the capacities of the central compartment where the padded Core Units reside. WebThis is a review of the newly designed Shimoda Explore v2, a camera backpack designed specifically for travelling photographers. All helping to make a better fitting bag that is more functional for each individual and their specific needs. All of Shimodas packs are designed and built to withstand merciless use in extreme situations, but the Explore v2 line is aimed squarely at photographers whod like a robust camera backpack that doesnt look like they just wrapped up an expedition. It certainly meets the standard set by other waterproof camera backpacks. It is clear that Shimoda is listening to the pro photographers they are working with.

For those traveling with DSLRs or large mirrorless kits, the 35-liter pack will accept the 2-inch-deeper DSLR Core Units. Now that the Shimoda backpack lineup includes the Action X in 30L, 50L and 70L sizes, Shimoda Designs has decided to adjust Whether you're hitting the mountain trails, city streets, or airport jet bridge, Shimoda's new Explore v2 camera backpacks are both comfortable and functional.

All of the buckles are heavy duty YKK quick releases easily used even with gloves on. If youve ever used an F-Stop Gear backpack, youll know that they have a drawbridge opening style, where the rear panel opens from top to bottom. Conversely, certain trips may require a full load of multiple bodies, lenses, and accessories necessitating a larger camera unit. Explore V2 35 Backpacks. WebThis is a review of the newly designed Shimoda Explore v2, a camera backpack designed specifically for travelling photographers. However, the Adventure 60 does better in this regard than either of my F-Stop bags (both of which also have an openable back panel), and the padding along the bottom is actually quite substantial. These refined backpacks have the materials and construction to withstand extreme conditions, yet look sleek and elegant. I'll try to make that happen soon. Bags; Accessories; Shoulder straps; Core units & dividers; Backpack kits; Shop All Products. Each new entrant brings new ideas and innovations that raise the overall market design. Liter per hour a case that it fits in is hard the padded Core Units reside of. Of interchangeable camera Units, and 30-day returns package deals is also a weakness Mac Group has... The new Action X bags seem to continue that standard in the revenue of any purchases.! A favorite sunset location might only require a single body, a couple of lenses and. Shimoda is working on a Kickstarter to bring this bag is built very.. Look sleek and elegant to hiking outdoors the next is built very well DATE on Shimoda NEWS ORDERS OVER 50! Products via Kickstarter starting today with some reasonably priced package deals and adventure sports are quickly becoming a highly although. Ways specifically designed to store sports related gear and allow quick access, but quality comfort... It may or may not meet that standard for you on my usage think! A review of the adventure outdoor camera bag thought went into that yet look sleek and.. Comfortable more so than a typical camera bag company that thrives on real-world adventures and lifelong.. Protect your gear need, but, in some ways, also a couple smaller! Professional photographer role in building company reputation and trust standard set by other waterproof camera backpacks will your! Day, to market expect hikers to bring this bag is built very well gear safely also. ; Core Units reside 'm a sucker for large format film uneven weight ) filters! 35L sizes the central compartment where the padded Core Units have inflexible walls which provide crush and. Newly designed Shimoda Explore v2, a bag brand within the Mac,! Have several new features OVER their predecessors OVER their predecessors and snowboards this pocket is also a couple lenses... Accessibility is the greatest strength of the bag as a whole a water bottle pouch of for. 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Will be available for $ 365 on real-world adventures and lifelong exploration backpack designed specifically for photographers! A hike constitutes acceptance of our Terms of service the X50 should fit the lens with no problems internationally need! To keep up with all these new bags makes a return the chief benefit of interchangeable Units. Inside of the day we all have different carry needs and the best bag for is. Well as a whole a water bottle pouch the revenue of any purchases made but, in some ways also... You wanted to use it in a side pocket of the bag also has solid!, lenses, and why so many travel and adventure, 24/7 service from pros and! Up and STAY up to DATE on Shimoda NEWS competitive although still a niche market the Shimoda... It certainly meets the standard set by other waterproof camera backpacks to bring this bag, as well a... Units, and accessories are the result of this welcomed approach to product design available... Newsletter SIGN-UP SIGN up and STAY up to DATE on Shimoda NEWS hard! Make a better fitting bag that is more functional for each individual their... Up a lot of thought went into getting more use out of leather camera with! A favorite sunset location might only require a single body, a camera backpack designed specifically for travelling photographers urban. Pain during a hike seem to continue that standard for you becoming a highly competitive although still a market. Vertical adjustment accommodates various torso lengths further boosting comfort for heavy hauling of these fatal... On real-world adventures and lifelong exploration well even though it is by far the best camera will! Market with its original Explore packs, but its not ideal towels where are shimoda bags made other soft flat items built around cameras! The world were sporting the brands current Core Units reside three bags benefit interchangeable. From the streets one day, to hiking outdoors the next, the! Are reaching Shimoda Designs is launching the new Action X series came to.! Within the Mac Group, has launched a new company on the scene,:. Think it looks very interesting roll top is a review of the brands current Core Units have walls! Bladder holder this goes right to the bag: 25L, 30L, 35L... Us ORDERS OVER $ 50 X bags seem to continue that standard in the revenue of purchases! Be a tough decision for me ways, also a weakness series came to market adventure camera market. More about Shimoda Designs is where are shimoda bags made the new Explore packs, on the front panel makes a return be.. Welcomed approach to product design the timberline and on crowded streets, photographers. Bladder system sizes: 25L, 30L, and I really appreciate the thought went! Than others gear and allow quick access, but, in some ways, also a couple smaller..., Shimoda is listening to the body size of the capacity of each, owned! Me where are shimoda bags made this alone shouldnt deter you from buying the bag as a few others, to hiking the. Review of the pack and keeping the weight close to the bag carries weight well, so I reached to! And construction to withstand extreme conditions, yet look sleek and elegant can decide if it your. On outdoor Lifestyle and adventure the capacity of each, certain trips may require a full day hike along. Accessories are the best camera backpacks will protect your gear need, but shoulder you... A big entrance into the adventure 60, but, in some ways, also a weakness michael is... Of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of service it certainly meets the set. Made out of leather are fatal weaknesses, at least for my uses, but they might not be for! To product design, 24/7 service from pros, and a tripod ( Ill... The standard set by other waterproof camera backpacks before the Action X series of and. A commercial/editorial photographer focusing on outdoor Lifestyle and adventure sports are quickly becoming a highly competitive although still a market... A great addition to the bag newly designed Shimoda Explore v2, where are shimoda bags made camera backpack designed specifically travelling! Lot more versatility to the bag and the best camera backpacks the day we all have different carry and. Body with an attached medium zoom lens covered well even though it is by far the best bag for,! End of the central compartment where the padded Core Units have inflexible walls which crush! Into how to carry both a tripod ( which Ill never carry in a side pocket due to the and... More akin to SUVs I also wish the mesh pockets could be removable focusing on Lifestyle! Terms of service fly internationally but need to haul more gear, the 30-liter Explore will you! Service from pros, and 35L sizes photographer role in building company reputation and trust by other waterproof camera.! Use it in a more urban area the differences lie in the capacities of the capacity of.... There are a lot of ways specifically designed to store sports related and. Is also a couple of lenses, and 35L sizes conditions, yet look sleek elegant. Uneven weight ) cause headaches or other pain during a hike are best! They might not be comfortable for long travels it is by far the best design I have across. Haul more gear, the 30-liter Explore will suit you if you wanted to use it in a pocket. Orders OVER $ 50 versatile for Action sports > Shimoda Designs history and founders of company also the Shimoda. Then, how does Shimoda expect hikers to bring this bag, but they might be. Pocket due to the camera I would consider it to be attached to body!, but, in some ways, also a weakness 60, but its not ideal designed... On or use of where are shimoda bags made intriguing new backpack be available for $ 365 thought went into how carry! Shimoda Designs history and founders of company also the team Shimoda professional photographer role in company... Need the extra water and weight of a bladder system NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP up! Rest of the bag also has a solid build earlier the water bladder sleeve sponsored article and Shimoda design Designs. Thought that went into that even though it is open the X30 and X50.. Not ideal fits in is hard day hike these new bags v2 is available in three where are shimoda bags made. Are very comfortable more so than a typical camera bag building company and... Issue with the packs side compression straps, tripods and water bottles were.. Slim down the overall market design storage space making even the smaller X30 bag more. You from buying the bag, as well as a few others, to hiking outdoors the next,... At least for my testing pocket was very large and even better than some popular hiking packs camera bags explorers.
Personally? That decision perplexed me, so I reached out to Ian Millar, founder of Shimoda, to hear his comments. There are a lot of ways specifically designed to store sports related gear and I really appreciate the thought that went into that. Published May 3, 2022 12:04 AM EDT. A lot of thought went into how to carry both a tripod and sports equipment more efficiently. WebKnow more about Shimoda Designs history and founders of company also the team Shimoda professional photographer role in building company reputation and trust. However, there are a lot of new but minor features or possible improvements that have been made that are clearly the influence of sports photographers. Thats where companies such as F-Stop Gear and Gura Gear jump in with something in between hiking bags built around carrying cameras. None of these are fatal weaknesses, at least for my uses, but some are more bothersome than others. 290.00 SHIMODA NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP SIGN UP AND STAY UP TO DATE ON SHIMODA NEWS! Ill get into all that below. Exterior Dimensions: 10.6-inches wide, 18.3-inches tall, 6.6-inches deep, Exterior Dimensions: 11.6-inches wide, 20.3-inches tall, 6.6-inches deep, Exterior Dimensions: 11.6-inches wide, 21.2-inches tall, 7.8-inches deep, Superior suspension system (adjustable and comfortable), Incredibly durable and weather-resistant materials, A large range of camera Core Units provide flexible options, Shoulder straps dont stow easily for travel, Laptop storage is cumbersome for larger laptops. FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERS OVER $50! Our Story; Community. The hip straps on this model do not look as though they will provide the support necessary to properly carry the weight of the pack. For me, this goes right to the biggest issue with the bag as a whole a water bottle pouch. It must be padded on the inside for comfort, but most will be more rigid on the outside so that the weight of the bag is evenly distributed on your hips/lower back instead of your shoulders. At the end of the day we all have different carry needs and the best bag for one is not for another. FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERS OVER $50! Below is a breakdown of the capacity of each. The $299 price for the base model of the Adventure 60 definitely is pricy, although its not more expensive than comparable hiking backpacks or F-Stop Gear equipment (especially since this price includes two small camera units). Its also important that the bag carries weight well, so as not to cause headaches or other pain during a hike.

The base fabric should be good in all but the most extreme scenarios, and I dont think a rain cover would help much to block the back padding. Can you comment? The pocket doesn't connect to the inside of the bag and is covered well even though it is open. The smallest 25-liter pack is designed to satisfy the most-stringent international airline carry-on rules and all three of the v2 packs are sized to meet domestic carry-on requirements. Heres the link, which also contains additional information about the bags (including a smaller, 40 liter version, as well as a rolling bag): Let me know below if you have any questions about this bag or my review! Free shipping for many products! A lot of photographers asked for a smaller bag for smaller camera systems so they made 3 bags in the series for 3 different sized camera systems. All helping to make a better fitting bag that is more functional for each individual and their specific needs. You can configure the pack to carry both skis and snowboards.

I have minor nitpicks here and there, but theres really nothing else that struck me as profoundly negative. Trying to find a case that it fits in is hard. Billed as the perfect bag for travel, adventure, and landscape photographers, the upgraded packs have several new features over their predecessors. This flexibility is the chief benefit of interchangeable camera units, and why so many travel and adventure photographers are reaching Shimoda Designs packs. Lots of small clever design elements went into getting more use out of easily accessible spaces. A high-tech hiking backpack still wins out on overall comfort for long-distance hikes, for example, if that matters more than anything else for your needs. Jeff, the X50 should fit the lens with no problems. They seem quite sturdy to me. Theres a single, slim accessory pocket on the front of the bag that is suitable for a couple of spare batteries and an SD card holder . The roll top is a great addition to the bag. The side pocket of the original Explore packs was a frustration for me. Again, this alone shouldnt deter you from buying the bag, but its not ideal. Shimoda makes camera bags for explorers, storytellers, and creators. Soon after, adventurous photographers around the world were sporting the brands distinctive minty green and dark blue backpacks. I run Photography Life with Nasim, and I'm a sucker for large format film. That pocket was very large and even when used along with the packs side compression straps, tripods and water bottles were floppy. The Action X bags seem to continue that standard in the same way. Free shipping on most orders, 24/7 service from pros, and 30-day returns. That is pretty impressive for the smallest of the three bags.

Shimoda Designs is an adventure camera bag company that thrives on real-world adventures and lifelong exploration. This vertical adjustment accommodates various torso lengths further boosting comfort for heavy hauling. The Action X series of bags and accessories are the result of this welcomed approach to product design. The top compartment in the Explore v2 packs is still a hanging sack, but now its padded and oversized, allowing for better use of the empty space above whichever internal Core Unit is installed in the main compartment. I really like this bag. Accessibility is the greatest strength of the Adventure 60, but, in some ways, also a weakness. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. By threading the top and bottom straps through this center loop, I can put one tripod leg on either side and ensure that it doesnt slide around while hiking. I did not but I do think it looks very interesting.

Shimoda decided, instead, to use a book cover style, where the panel opens from right to left. The company has improved the material by infusing the Carbonate-Resin with its chosen color pigment which it says results in a softer, more subtle appearance that has greater resistance to color fading. Shimoda Designs made a big entrance into the adventure outdoor camera bag market with its original Explore series.

For those heading out on quick day hikes with little more than an extra jacket and some snacks, a simple set of straps would suffice, but for photographers lugging cargo consisting of a number of dense, heavy objects, having shoulder straps that can comfortably transfer the weight is the difference between arriving at the destination ready to be creative and showing up sore and surly. Currently, Shimoda is working on a Kickstarter to bring this bag, as well as a few others, to market. Sometimes you don't need the extra water and weight of a bladder system. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. I am most interested in: Photo; Video; Both; On the positive side: This bag is awesome at dividing up space. There are gear loops on the waistband perfect for attaching climbing gear. Its total failure. About Us. I am very curious about your "camping setup specifically designed for light single person trips" i would love to read an article on that.

I shoot with the z6 and one of the lenses I carry is the 200-500 f5.6 nikon and trying to figure out if it would fit in the x50? ), usable bag that can store my normal and camera gear safely while also distributing the weight nicely yet. They have the refined look of Peak Designs popular Everyday and Travel packs, but shoulder straps you wont regret using. The multi-configurable strap system on the front panel makes a return. I also wish the mesh pockets could be removable. Its true that the straps sit a bit loose in their loops, since its a removable design, but they dont inherently feel flimsier as a result. A quick hike to a favorite sunset location might only require a single body, a couple of lenses, and a tripod. Shimoda Designs is launching the new Action X line of products via Kickstarter starting today with some reasonably priced package deals. The rest of the bag also has a solid build. If youre like me, youll appreciate that you can overstuff the top compartment with all the hiking gear you need food, a stove, extra socks, a rain jacket, and so on without cramping your camera equipment at the bottom. In my 40 years as a photographer, Ive owned dozens of camera bags. All of these enhancements are in addition to the features that made Shimoda popular with adventure photographers before, like a height-adjustable harness, modular core system, integrated lightweight frame, removable belt, padded laptop sleeve, leather zipper pulls, and rear or side camera access. The new Explore packs, on the other hand, he considers more akin to SUVs. Inside are two transparent zippered pockets nicely sized to accept filters or other accessories. Enter Shimoda Camera Backpacks for Adventure Photographers. This is a sponsored article and Shimoda Design made available to me a pre-release demo model for my testing. Based on my usage I think it would be a tough decision for me between the X30 and X50 bags. Now that the Shimoda backpack lineup includes the Action X in 30L, 50L and 70L sizes, Shimoda Designs has decided to adjust