All hype or just right? Shimoda Explore v2 review

[@PharaohMan007]

I use this bag in Shanghai everyday and think it works well in a city atmosphere. I did just take my bag to Mongolia for three weeks and beat the hell out of it so to speak. The quality of the bag is outstanding and after three weeks of sleeper trains, desert exploring, gers, hotels and Ulaanbaatar, the back still looks mint. I also packed my bag to the max with about 40 pounds of gear in it and the handles and shoulder straps never ripped or stretched. Only a few times did I feel exhausted with that amount of weight on my back and that after over an hour of non-stop hiking. It’s a great bag.

[@utubewatcher486]

I own this bag - I upgraded to the 35 after I realized the 30 was too shallow. One thing I would mention that people should know is that the camera cube and its dividers are very inflexible. There is a steel bar along the top of the side access opening, and very stiff material everywhere else. That means that if you use side access, if your camera is even 2mm too tall (say, the hotshoe sticks up past the height of the opening) it is going to be very difficult to get your camera in and out of the opening. My R5 with a mounted arca plate would not fit easily and would get snagged trying to get it in and out. My worst fear is that it would catch and cause me to drop it. This is why I sent back the 30L and got the 35L for the taller cube. Other than that I really don't have any complaints about this bag. It does everything incredibly well and has many innovative and unique features in the market.

[@matttyler8331]

Preordered the 30L V2 after hearing about it and being a fan of Ian Miller (Creator of Shimoda) from his Shimoda Designs youtube channel. Love his channel, lots of valuable info there. I've used my V2 on several camping trips, several family vacations as well as a 10 day trip across Iceland and a long weekend in Lisbon Portugal. I've been more than pleased after putting it through a lot.

[@katman042]

That was an excellent video and very helpful. Thank you.

[@haraldselke]

I have been using the Explore v2 30l for almost one and a half years now; I bought it while it still was a Kickstarter campaign (which was probably the most unusual Kickstarter campaign of all times with the pack being delivered even before the announced date!). I totally agree on many of the aspects you mention, in particular how comfortable the pack is even when loaded with lots of gear. My pack also has quite a few bruises, but nothing major and I don’t see that as a problem - it’s character ;) Yet, for me the pack is less one for longer hikes and landscape trips into the wild (though I have used it for that purpose as well), but more like a travel pack - perfect for city trips where I do travel photography, e.g. The reason being that the space for non-photo stuff is too small when I need to pack for changing weather conditions, e.g. In fact, I am not even sure the pack has a volume of 30l - my Manfrotto Off-Road 30l offers much more space for non-photo stuff (yes, the camera compartment is also smaller on that backpack; but it seems to me that the other compartment is way larger than this difference would explain). Also, the Explore v2 is quite heavy which at least in part is due to the many bells and whistles. It has more than 20 zips and lots of small compartments, all adding weight. Personally, I also don’t see any reason to take a laptop when hiking - and the well-padded pouch for that also adds weight. For a travel backpack, on the other hand, all of these things make sense. Oh, and one more thing: I like to use a water bladder; while the Explore v2 is designed to be used with one, it reduces the space in the front pockets by a lot, so I can pack even less clothing or other stuff. But still: It is a great bag. However, I see myself using the Explore v2 when travelling, on city trips and the like, but less when hiking.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Complete and solid review Todd. Much appreciated. Thank you.

[@photographybydaniellee]

I own it and love! I don’t hike. I’m a portrait photographer, and it gets my gear to my shoots in comfortable style.

[@jwkm6918]

I love my Explore V2 35 L and think it's one of the most thoughtful bags ever created! With regards to your wish for a roll top option, Shimoda offers their "Action X" series bags with a complimentary design to the Explore series bags; and, is available in 30/50/70 liter sizes - they also feature a 4th. strap height adjustment for tall owners. As far as the need for a third tripod strap, you can utilize the additional accessory straps that ship with the bag to lash down gear utilizing the strapping points from the left of the top of the shoulder strap - these additional attachment points (triangular webbing) are cleverly located throughout the exterior of the bag to customize how you strap down additional loads.

[@paulboskerphotography]

Wow, thank you for a great review and showing me that Shimoda has deeper core units which I need for my Z9 and like for my longer z/mirrorless lenses to standup rather than taking much more space laying down. No other reviewing so far has shown me this and I was getting ready to order the 30L version. So thanks.

[@robertnystrom289]

I have the 30L Action (roll top). I added the thicker straps and they are very comfortable. The side double pull out pockets also work well. I find that the 'inner' side pocket could be more generous. I have a hard time storing gloves in them, but of course there's always batteries, etc. I solved the tripod 'problem' by using Think Tanks tripod straps. One clamps around the tripod neck and hooks to two others that are clamped on the top shoulder pad D-rings. Think Tank bags have a rear loop on the bag itself. One inserts the tripod leg(s) into the loop and then clip onto the shoulder straps. The tripod sits at your side horizontally. I made my own loop to hold all three legs (TT's is one leg). It needs to be semi rigid so the loop stays open to easily get the legs through. Mine is about 6" diameter made from a semi rigid rubber strap and clipped to a tab on the bag bottom rear with a carabiner. The tripod sits close enough to my side that walking poles are not an issue. It's quick to stow and deploy. It gets rid of the high center of gravity wiggling that sucks with tall tripods on the side of the bag. Why don't bag manufacturers make it easy to INVERT the tripod and keep the head weight low? The side pockets are never big enough to hold the head. Took me a few times to get the straps right and get used to setting up the tripod BEFORE I take the pack off- and put the pack on before stowing the tripod (old dogs and new tricks). I have no desire to go back to the conventional mount. It might be a bit tough between some narrow rocks, though.

[@warricksmith5178]

I've been using the Shimoda Action 30 for a few years now, including in some crazy terrain and conditions. It is great. One difference in design between the Action and the Explore is that the Action has an expandable roll-top, which provides the flexibility to adjust the profile to the amount of gear you need to carry -- a very useful feature which addresses directly one of the reservations you expressed about the Explore. I've had no difficulty using the Action as a carry-on bag, even when the roll-top is in use (although I do put my tripod in a check-in bag).

[@cl8505]

Would you say it's good for an everyday bag as well? Not too big for an everyday bag? Such as if I wanted to use it as a work bag to throw my laptop in and a charger and also bring my camera along with me as I like to bring it everywhere with me. It looks big to me but maybe just because its sitting on the table next to him.

[@warricksmith5178]

@@cl8505 I think it could be used for multiple purposes. But the Action X is designed for rugged outdoor use, and so has features that would not really be needed or useful for everyday use, and in some cases might be inconvenient. For example, the main mode of access is from the back, rather than the top. Shimodas come in multiple sizes. I have the 30 Liter, which is at the smaller end of their offerings. That size, and it’s specialized ICU, allow me to carry a decent-size camera, 4-5 lenses (including a 70-300 mm zoom), a bunch of accessories, and a laptop, all in the main compartment, plus external carriers for tripods and water bottles, and an expandable roll-top big enough for cold weather/waterproof gear, and possibly even a compact one-person tent and some basic cooking equipment. I think it would be overkill to use it as a basic commuter bag for a laptop, camera with one or two lenses, and a sandwich. It’s specialist features and construction also mean it is more than double (maybe triple) the price of a more basic bag that would meet the needs of an everyday commuter bag. That is why I complement my Shimoda with smaller bags so I can “size-right” for whatever I need to carry.

[@0123nikon]

I have struggle for many years to find the perfect backpack and i found it with the Shimoda explorer 25 & 30 l , i am a small woman almost 5 f and 122 pounds with 2 nikon mirrorless body and lens

[@kellenholt6655]

I purchased an explore 30 v2 about 3 months ago after mulling over a few different bags. Like you, I’m often shooting outdoors and wanted a bag I could fit camera gear in but also have room for extra clothes / water / snacks / supplies, etc. Ultimately for me, the bag does check a lot of boxes, but it’s also got some rather perplexing design choices that have become rather noticeable annoyances and have me contemplating selling the bag. PROS - The bag is extremely well built, and it “hikes” the best of all the camera bags I’ve tried out. I would gladly take this bag out just with hiking gear and would be very happy with it. - The camera cube and the dividers in it are both very well engineered, and I have no concerns about any of my camera gear getting damaged or jostled in them. - There are a TON of pockets of varying sizes so the bag can accommodate a wide variety of gear as well as organization styles. This is both a pro and a con though (more on this below). - The straps and waist belt are indeed incredibly comfortable, and this bag is easily the most comfortable to wear for me especially with a heavy load of gear. - Personally I really like the look and aesthetics of the bag. Yes, it is a little "outdoorsy" but it looks a lot more unique compared to the myriad of generic looking black camera bags out there. CONS - As you noted in the video, the bags seems to show scuffs and abrasions much easier than other bags I've owned. They don't lessen the integrity of the material (i.e it's strictly aesthetic), but mine was already showing scuffs after one use, which is kind of a bummer for a bag that retails for $300+. - You have to buy the 30L model at minimum to fit a 16" laptop, and even then the fit is a bit tight. This honestly is really puzzling for me as I have multiple laptop style backpacks that are much lower volume but still fit my 16" macbook pro easily. I get that making a large laptop fit amongst everything else going on with this bag is a bit tricky, but this seems like a miss for me. - On that same laptop topic, getting a laptop in and out of this bag is not very easy or smooth. There are indeed two options (either opening the bag panel up or accessing the sleeve through the top pocket), but neither is very quick to get into and both take some maneuvering to get your laptop into. I get if you're landscape photographer you may not be taking your laptop out in the bush, but if that's not the priority why even include a laptop sleeve/pocket? - At least for the 30L model that I have, this bag does NOT fit under airplane seats (i.e if you're a carry-on only traveler and already have a suitcase in the overhead bin). This is a big negative in my eyes for those trying to travel light (*raises hand*). - The pocket layout and design on this bag are a little head scratching at times. The pocket that opens around the middle of the body on the back/outside of the bag has a very slim opening but is extremely deep. This means any small objects you put in it sink to the bottom but are still difficult to dig out due to the tight opening. IMO it would be much better to make this pocket shallow so you don't have to reach so far to get to the bottom of it. Additionally, the 2 separate "top" pockets on this bag seem redundant, and when you fill one up with gear/objects, it basically renders the other one unusable. You can unzip the mesh pocket out of the bag which opens the space above the camera cube up, but then if you fill that space up, it renders the other top pocket almost unusable. I could see how some might find this layout workable, but I'm yet to find a method of storing my gear throughout the myriad of pockets that feels intuitive. I watched a lot of Shimoda's videos on their YT channel with the owner showing how he packed various loads in the bags and it seemed great in the videos, but once I actually got the bag in my hands and started using it with *my* load, I've really struggled to make the bag work for me, and thus why I'm potentially considering selling it for something else. I'd say for anyone considering these bags, make sure to purchase it from a retailer with a generous return policy, then take it home and actually pack it out with all your regular gear and make sure it works for you before committing.

[@heystefl]

Hi, Kellen. Where are you usually flying? I've been able to fit the 30L bag under the seats of various flight providers here in the States. I'll be traveling through Europe shortly, however, and it certainly won't fit under those seats.

[@antnguyen]

I think Shimoda is one of the most underrated bags out there, possibly because they sort of lack a bit of “influence”. I’ve had the Action x50 since it’s kickstarter campaign and has loved it since. For a little background, I do a lot of multi-day wilderness backpacking where you’re packing in and out all of your gear, water, food and shelter. A proper pack is ESSENTIAL for this and a feature that any proper bag should have is a padded hip belt, load lifters on the shoulder straps, and key, an adjustable torso. The thing with the hip belt is that unless is it placed properly on the hip, it will do little to nothing in transferring the weight of the pack from the shoulders to the hip. I’m used to osprey or north face packs for my trips, but none are specialized packs for camera setups. They allow minute adjustments for a proper fit. Enter the Shimoda Packs. They are one of the few brands out there that allow for this adjustability albeit not as minute. Throwing on a hip belt as an afterthought, as other brands have done, will really only help a small percentage of people who’s torso fit the size just right. I’ve tried many of the other popular brands, nomadic, peak, wandrd to name a few, and hauling heavy camera gear for more than a few hours suck with them as they really start to wear on the shoulders. I’m not saying they suck, but for my personal needs (hauling heavy loads for extended trips) they don’t do it for me. I DO think shimoda is specialized in the fact that I only use it during backpacking trips.. I have an aer bag or bellroy sling for city trips. I just wish Shimoda would use lighter materials… empty, they’re still quite heavy compared to my osprey and north face bags.

[@RX8Omega]

Been looking at packs and am looking at either a Shimoda Action, F-Stop Tilopa or getting a hiking backpack that can handle heavier loads and just throwing an ICU in there. I mostly do day hikes but have been wanting to do multi-day backpacking. Have you ever tried taking the ICU from the Shimoda pack and using it with your Osprey or other backpacking bags? Or do you usually just stick with the Shimoda since it works, is comfy and holds all the gear you need?

[@lloydstuartm.d.5625]

such a great review. With so many camera bags out there and after buying quite a few crappy bags, I really appreciate your comments! I've heard great things about this bag so I think I'm going to take the dive again. My wife thinks I'm crazy because this will be my forth bag. Hopefully this one will do the trick! Thanks again Todd!

[@MegamanNova]

Did you pull the trigger? If so, how do you find the bag?

[@lloydstuartm.d.5625]

@@MegamanNova I sure did and I love the bag!

[@NinaSusanneOfenloch]

Your cons are all solved with the Nya Evo Fjord 60C. I am looking for sth a bit smaller at the moment, that's how I landed here. The two are very very similar. Thanks for the thorough review.

[@sweetvolcano2739]

best backpack review i've ever seen

[@MichaelVillaMiguelito]

If you put the tripod head down, with the legs up, it helps with the weight distribution of longer legged tripods. Just be patient when taking the head out of the pockets, the various adjusting knobs can get stuck if you try to remove it quickly

[@zerixos]

I own both the Shimoda Action X50, and the Shimoda Explore V2 in 25 liters. I do think the 30 or the 35l of the explore are better sizes, the 25 sometimes is a little to small but I bought it as a smaller size back because the X50 is pretty large. I use the 25l for day trips and it works just fine, but if you want to bring any other clothes other than just a jacket and you have a mirrorless (smaller dslr should fit but a pro body will not fit the mirrorless core unit) with at least 2 lenses, you can't really pack any more clothes. The action 50, well its amazing, but might be to big for some, but I think its a great bag to use when you pack camera gear and overnight clothes and equipment. if you're a outdoor photographer with just one bag, the E35 or the X30 are your best choices, but I like the look of the E35 beter, and it fits the same as the X30 with the rolltop.

[@jessicafolgmann4267]

I do own the 30L Explorer V2 and am very happy with it. I have a shorter torso and being able to adjust the shoulder straps is amazing. I noticed that a lot of bags can’t do that. Since I ordered from Shimoda directly I was also able to get the women tech straps for free (which come as an addition and not replacement) I was very relieved because the woman straps don’t come with that breathable padding. While they fit very nicely the body shape, for me they were a bit uncomfortable. I also go hiking a lot so maybe my shoulders are just used to padded shoulder strap. But yeah I ended up switching back to the “men version” which are also very comfy.

[@MrJak427]

I got the 35ltr like it so much I got the 25ltr for smaller outings I carry 12kgs in the 35 it’s pretty dam comfortable I love the pocket layouts and options

[@stevetqp9152]

An excellent intro/review of the Shimoda Explore V2, Todd! One question please...I am considering adding a NIkkor 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 zoom to my mid-sized Nikon Z kit, and was wondering if that 12.4" lens would fit in the smaller Shimoda Explore V2 30 Liter Adventure Backpack? (I think that the 35L would be just a bit too large for me.) Thank you!

[@koenpijpersphotography]

I have the 25L and the x50 and I couldn't be more happy with them. Most of the time I just use the 25L as the 50L is really big for daily use.

[@mtbboy1993]

How does the back feel in mid summer heat? Do you overheat? Is the back a mesh? is it separated from the rest to give air flow? It doesn't seem to be. How's the shoulder comfort?

[@stratopause]

Todd, I got the E35 with the mid DSLR core unit and the new large DSLR core unit after watching your review. Took the backpack to Hokkaido with a 2 cameras and 6 ape-c lenses set up. I really like the different compartments, love it so far (An owner of Peak Design Travel 45L)

[@bumderize]

I’d love to know which you prefer. The PD or Shimoda if you get this message. Thank you

[@tompurvis1261]

Thank you for the review. I have a very nice backpack for hauling laptops and other work related products. I have attempted to use it as well as a travel camera bag on several trips to Europe. It worked OK to get the gear there safe, along with other items, but it does not work as a camera bag. I have taken additional bags in the past, but that has not worked out well. We are headed to Switzerland in a few months and I am looking for an upgrade. My wife and I just gifted each other for our anniversary $10 per year of marriage. More than enough to cover a premium backpack. I used your link and coupon code to order this unit along with the Small DSLR insert. I am bringing with me 2 5DM3s and a half dozen lenses. Additionally I am hoping the bag holds my MBPro, iPad, travel CPAP, batteries, cards and other accessories. I like the expandable water bottle holders. I wrapped an expensive bag, Everki, by putting a Swell water bottle and loading up the bag. It is also really heavy and lacks the premium straps this one has. I will let you know my thoughts when it arrives.

[@Zaqfalcon]

Hi Todd, thanks for your great review. I also watched your review of the Peak Design 45l and would be interested to hear your opinion of their comparison please, thanks.

[@rogalaphotography]

If you want expandability then check out the Shimoda Action X series. I have the Action X50 and it is amazing! I’m looking at the 35l Explorer V2 to have a smaller bag for every day. I have the Peter McKinnon 35l & 25l bags but the 25 is too small and the 35 is too big and not really made for landscape photography. This Explorer V2 seems to be the mama bear for me!

[@timothymcdaniel7372]

Nice review. I have the x70 HD already and can't decide between the Action x40 or Explore 35 v2 as a smaller airline friendly pack. Have you tried the explore 35L with a large DSLR core unit yet? If so, what was the upper storage space like?

[@albertospinella6399]

Such a nice review...I have a question for you...I recently buy the DJI AVATA 2 (with the bag 23x21x17...WxHxD) is it possible to store it in the top of the backpack (obviously no in the core unit, but in the top?) hope you can give me an answer, thanks for the perfect review and have a nice day...Alberto

[@david.surovec.fotograf]

Hi, is it possible to use the core unit from action X70 in this backpack?

[@CanInelli]

I have both the 25L and the 35L. I used the 35L in Santo Antao, Cape Verde during my hiking sessions. I carried 13kg of equipment every day for 6-7 hours, including a Mavic3 + 3 batteries, Sony A7III, Sony 24-105 Lens, water and some other stuff. It's hands down the most comfortable backpack I have ever used. After that trip I decided to also buy the 25L for shorter trips and less carry. The 25L fits under the seat of most airlines whereas the 35L doesn't. However I was able to take both of them inside the cabin during my flights. I didn't have any issues with the 35L as a carry on bag in the cabin. The only downside for me is the fact that it's a pain to fit my 16" MBP in the 35L. Shimoda should come up with a V3 update where it is actually easier to fit in a 16 MBP.

[@matsudakodo]

So no 16" in the 25L then, and the 35L doesn't fit under the seat. Bummer, that's a dealbreaker.

[@ldouglass6]

Does it accommodate a hydration bladder?

[@Keilikeramen]

I still can't decide which one should I get between manfrotto multilioad and shimoda explor 30-35L for comfort and tough hope you can help me😅

[@tonyb2760]

I have the original Shimoda Explore and really hate the one side pocket design more than I thought I would. I actually now use more often and prefer a Lowepro Powder BP. I don't think for the price I will chance another Shimoda design.

[@greeceinfocus]

Nice backpack. I like the design, but I already have a very good one. I don`t like to change because it takes much time to get used to it

[@Trial4life]

Thank you for the review. How about the Peak Design Capture clip? Does it fit well to the right strap? I'm asking because it seems to be a bit wide...

[@haraldselke]

Shimoda have a video on their channel where they show how you can use a capture clip on the backpack. I wouldn’t want to use one on my Explore v2 30l as their is already so much going on on the shoulder straps and it also seems to me the clip would damage the strap in the long run.

[@possiblecreators7595]

Hi, Can you explain the difference between the Polaroid Lightmixer AF660 and the Polaroid Sun Autofocus 660? Thanks :)

[@pinedaandco]

Sooo, would this one fit, say, a Canon 6D with a battery grip?

[@alanp253]

I am wondering about the carry-on size you mentioned. When I flew on Iceland Air, they had a carry-on size limit in inches. The largest size backpack I could find that fit that limit is 26 liters. How do you get to 36 liters and still comply?

[@jonicolton]

i cant speak for icelandic, but i've been flying domestic/international with 35L for over a year with no issues.

[@jwkm6918]

I've encountered similar published restrictions when flying on some regional airlines in Southeast Asia. As a result, I pack a smaller, foldable, daypack into my carry on so that I can stuff my camera cube and laptop into in the event that I'm required to check the bag due to size or weight. So far, I haven't had to deploy the backup daypack, but I'm prepared if/when this were to happen.

[@haraldselke]

Shimoda are as specific as you can get on their website when it comes to carry-on size: The 35l “meets U.S. and some international Carry-On regulations”, the 30l “meets the strictest EU and Asian Carry-On regulations and even fits under some airplane seats”, and the 25l “meets the strictest global Carry-On regulations and even fits under an airplane seat”. In fact, it is the height of the two larger pack that exceeds the limits of certain airlines. IIRC, Ian Millar demonstrates in one of his videos how you can remove the internal frame to achieve carry-on compatibility as long as you don’t fill the pack up to its maximum capacity; but that seemed to be quite cumbersome. I guess, I’d rather take the core unit with its cover, holding the most important parts of my gear, as carry-on and check the bag if I ran into problems at the check-in.

[@TheLimey1664]

I have the 35 & 25L.. I use the 25 as my small personal item as fits under the airline seat (even with Ryan air) when I have a roller carry on. I use the 35L when I have hold luggage. ive recently flown to Qatar and took the 35l and that went under my seat if I went top first, but I don't have the DSLR core unit so it compresses more.

[@joenicklo]

Todd, you've got to snag a Cinebags backpack man...

[@stevef2114]

It looks great, but i really dont like covers, and also I cant find any info on the zippers... are they even watertight?!??!

[@jeffreycollins2273]

I want one but it only comes in black and ugly army green, neither of which I'm thrilled about. Why not navy blue like their now discontinued blue nights series? Come on Shimoda, give us a decent color!

[@b.boogie9456]

I got fed up with Peak Design owned 3 backpacks from them, the zipper keeps breaking with the V1 and V2 models, stupid design really, 2 20Ls failed during a shoot, so embarrassing carrying it around with your gear exposed. I bought this instead problem solved, it's expensive but your gear is sound and safe.

[@ItsDavidMorris]

There is no chance of getting to carry on with pretty much every European airline, they are so strict to allow them to squeeze every penny out us which is a shame as airline travel could be far more enjoyable and slicker if there wasn't so much waiting around.

[@SneakyCaleb]

You gotta pay an extra 100$ for the cube ? Wack

[@dominey]

There's a "kit" version that includes a core unit with the backpack at a reduced price. You only need to buy additional core units if you want to fill the space above the medium unit, replace it with a larger one, or swap core units if you have different gear sets (eg, one for video, one for photography, etc). Most people I'd imagine would be perfectly fine with the medium core unit included in the kit.

[@jaegermah]

Nice review. But this bag is NOT for a professional corporate videographer. Client work is demanding and your organization and efficiency is key. Having a lid / flap with no pockets for cords, cards, accessories is a complete deal breaker. This means the videographer will have a lot of maneuvering to do to access back / front pockets.

[@davidpringuer3553]

Yawn