Best camera bag for landscape & travel photography - Shimoda Action X50 (plus what's in my bag)

Best camera bag for landscape & travel photography - Shimoda Action X50 & what's in my bag.
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I have a huge problem when it comes to finding the right landscape and travel photography camera bag! As do most other photographers I'm sure. I've tried lots! sold lots! lots look amazing.. but never seem to tick all the boxes!
in this video, I give you my first impression of the new Shimoda Action X50 camera bag. Tho I haven't had It long, I've done a fair few adventures with it, and am very confident it'll be the bag for me! Nothing is ever perfect, but this is dam close!! well done Shimoda!

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Hi Gareth, regarding the waist belt stabilizer strap with magnet.... That is to draw the pack load closer to your back and stabilize the load and eliminate any movement while hiking or doing sports. It's adds comfort and saves energy on longer hikes or active movements. The magnetic buckle makes closing and releasing quick and easy. You do not have to use it, but for long distances it is recommended. Thanks for making a review. EDIT: Here is a video showing how simple it is to use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqXKimyjirB8o5I

[@GarethDanks]

Hey thanks so much for watching! pretty chuffed you did! hope my enthusiasm for the bag came through haha.. cheers for that vid! will def give it a try on my next hike.. good to know :-) when are adventure v2 bags available to order? id love one for end of October (trip to Scotland) 😊

[@samd6405]

I’d love to see a real comparison of Shimoda vs. Peter McKinnon’s latest bag. Seems like there are too many promotional videos taking over and harder to pick out shills from honest reviewers.

[@mdc123-v2v]

Unless you're out in the howling wind and rain at 4,000ft + then the X50 is OTT. It's designed for adventure photographers who are skiing and biking to location over rough terrain and absolutely not landscape photographers going to beauty spots. There are FAR better bags for your average urban photographer or content creator. I did Everest BC and Kilimanjaro with the X70 and even that was over-doing it. That was with a A7R III, 600mm Sony lens in the central core unit, 3 lenses, Mavic 3 Cine/3 Batteries, Kase Wolverine, a few snacks/waterproofs/change of clothing and a bivvy sack. There was room to spare. Amazing bag but more than most people will ever need.

[@adamb9931]

digital wedding photographer pulls out a classic Nikon FM2 and cringe-jokes I'm not a hipster... yikes.

[@AlanHoey86]

I love my Action X30 bag though in hindsight I wish I had gone for the X50. 6+ Months hiking with it and it's taken a beating and supported my tent and sleeping bag attached to the bottom and top with the accessory straps with no problems. One problem I have with the design of the bag is the use of the ripstop material on the laptop sleeve.. the X30 isn't as deep as the X50 and after a couple of months of use on long hikes, the ripstop material friction rubbed and caused brassing across the top of my new Z6II EVF hump in the core unit. Very disappointing to see. Since then I have to keep the core unit carry case wrapped around the core unit in the bag and zip it up before closing to stop contact with the ripstop laptop sleeve. I personally have had zero issues with the tripod strap loosening, I'd recommend feeding the TPU compression strap through the loop on the tripod pocket holder as this will stop the tripod from moving.

[@GarethDanks]

Ah no way. Sorry to hear that. My Nikon rubber is wearing away terrible.! It’s a know problem I hear. Good to hear you Like the bag. I thought the 50 was the perfect size. Tho doesn’t feel smaller then the 70l atlas. Weird

[@TheEmp1]

Six foot eleven 😂🤣 made me chuckle 👍good video

[@GarethDanks]

its the new heels!! forgot i had them on! 😂

[@dp5383]

Loosely tie the strap behind the buckle and that'll keep it from coming loose.

[@GarethDanks]

thanks mate.. easy fix im sure :-)

[@AndyBanner]

Certainly the only video of that bag I have seen so far where someone has actually paid for it......

[@GarethDanks]

haha!! yup!! true story!! as annoying as it is! tho i wouldnt wanna be part of that 'cool gang' anyway haha

[@MannyOnePointFour]

Great purchase, Gareth. I have the exact same bag and kit. One of the best bags I've had. Couple of points on your vid - you're definitely not 6 foot 11 lol. The magnetic clasp you complained about - that's for keeping the bag taught against your body. Remember it's an action bag, so designed for people who also do sports, skiing down mountains etc - those extra straps are designed to stop lateral movement so any quick changes in direction means the bag isn't flapping around side to side. Of course this isn't so much a problem when you're just using it as a general photography bag. The excess liner in the top section - that's to accommodate for people using smaller core units - so you get a larger top section. Obviously there's too much 'spare' when you're using larger core units in the main section. They resolved this issue in the newer Explore series. Finally, if you like the Shimoda bags, and want something smaller, I would definitely recommend the new Explore series. I also have the Explore 35 - love that bag too, and definitely more suitable for those smaller day/city trips where the Action series might appear too big, especially when you're jumping on public transport etc. And lol no, I am not associated with Shimoda in any way. You're right, you're probably the only KZbinr who has actually paid for their bag, so respect for that.

[@GarethDanks]

ahhhhh.. yes makes sense! tho does it really add that much more support being that its attached to the same point on your hip? and good point re the internal 'mess' haha hadnt thought of that.. im def looking for a 30l soon! tho this bags skint me for a bit haha

[@MannyOnePointFour]

@@GarethDanks Lol yes defo makes a difference. Try the bag with and without using them. They should probably be the last straps you tighten up. Have a bit of a wiggle on the spot and you’ll see how much difference they make. Ps I remember seeing in the vid the bottom of your tripod wasn’t sitting straight. You’ll see a little loop in the bottle/tripod holder pouch. Feed the bottom (rubber) strap through that then synch it up 👍. And yeah I agree, they definitely are pricy bags - especially when you need to buy additional core units and accessories. Great R&D gone into them though. Ps you were lucky to get those additional pouches/bags - they’re not part of any kit.

[@DGriffGallery]

Cheers mate. With all of the fanboys and sponsored freebie videos I was in 2 minds about this. Needed something to improve on my previous pack and when I came across your review the deal was sealed. An easy win for Shimoda when it's reviewed so well by someone whose opinion I totally trust. So when we manage to organise that meet up, we're going to be bag buddies!! 😂👍

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Well done mate. The do the 30x get the small one that's the same. Going to get a pouch good idea. Only problem I have is that the main camera compartment is NOT waterproof the big zip let's water in when is running down your back my gear got socked the other week. I could not get a discount either haha

[@Samwebbe93]

Thanks for the video, really useful. I'm considering buying one and one of the tripods I have is a Benro Mach3 TMA47AXL which is literally a BEAST! Not sure if you've ever used one but wondering how you thing the bag woukd up with this?

[@GarethDanks]

Thanks mate. It’s a great bag. I have the Mach 3 38 and it holds it fine 👍🏻

[@Samwebbe93]

@@GarethDanks cheers mate 👍

[@thevalleywalker]

The bag oozes quality, you know what I have here. If you are 6ft 11" I am Peter McKinnon 😂 The Action X comes with a few extra items by the looks, that pouch/sack thing to keep your jacket is a nice touch.. Good review, hope they reach out to you mate. Atb Al

[@GarethDanks]

!!! oi coles!!!! back in your corner!! haha i am 6'11" actually!! im wearing some funky new heels so there!! 😂

[@apierc1]

I did think surely 6 ft 11 must be xl if not more, certainly not medium 🤣

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

The X50 would have been ideal - but I shoot wildlife with 600/4 and/or 400/2.8 much more often than I shoot landscapes -- so I needed 18" internal sized ICU. I "had to" by the X70 and DV Extra-large insert -- now waiting for delivery. I bought the additional rain cover for mine as well. I have crates full of straps and other gear to "make the bag work" for me - often a tripod with gimbal or unique ball head. Like you I have a iphone pro max sized phone -- so I am pleased yours fits)

[@bratwurststormtrooper2576]

Hey Gareth, Great Video! I have a question regarding the FTZ Adapter on the Sigma 100-400.. what kind of tripod plate do you have on the lens? Doesn’t look like the tripod clamp for the sigma. I have the older version of the FTZ Adapter and I am looking for a tripod plate which I can connect to the FTZ Adapter Mount.. keep up the great work! 🙌🏼

[@theunsunghero9]

If you are 210 cm, then I am a bush. Besides, being just an L and not an XL at that height, who the heck is XL for? Goliat? Other than that, love your videos man, always with a laugh - love it. PS: what happened to you Fuji stuff?

[@Murvalous]

I've got the x30 and replacing it with the new explore 35, I do need a big one for wild camping, you think the 50 is big enough? I am thinking the x70 or the atlas 70 (the new atlas is only 60!)

[@GarethDanks]

Yeah I was surprised to see it’s only 60l. 50l is dooable with a much smaller icu. Not winter tho. I’d love the 70l.

[@Murvalous]

@@GarethDanks I might go for the x70 then, then I'll have the Explorer v2 35 and the x70 :)

[@hyphenphotography]

I love my X50 apart from one thing...... it squeaks when I'm walking. May be something to do with the Paramo jacket I wear. Anyone else have this problem?

[@iaincphotography6051]

The Hip straps don't look substantial enough and the shoulder straps look a tad too thin. The weight should be on your hips (it's not a waist strap). Adjust the height of the shoulder straps to get it correct, that will keep it stable. I would sooner use inserts that can fit into a rucksack that is designed for Mountaineering or Hill Walking. Would I use that as a Rucksack, no chance. However, I do like your enthusiasm and your photography.

[@stevemarson9665]

Prefer the previous series ..... the X series just have too many straps, zips, loops and other things that catch and get in the way.... and not at all keen on the waist belt in the back flap and the magnetic catch on the left either. Although the main body is fairly waterproof without the cover the back flap/zip isn't and water from your coat penetrates. Sometimes less is more .....

[@dcallan812]

Its a real issue bag lust, made worce by Google and Amazon I keep looking for diffrent bags and camera protection. Only problem Im disabled and cant even carry a bag anymore.🤣 👍👍

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

Never tried shimoda bag even though I was researching a lot. Thanks for sharing!!

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

I would like the interior of their backpacks to be just a few centimetres wider. Like, just an inch wider in English units. That would make it so much easier to put 2 bodies in with L-brackets on them, and lenses.

[@ajarmo]

Great video mate - Is this bag acceptable as a carry on as is the Telopa F-stop ?

[@nojarhead]

Been using my X30 for everyday carry and street photography for a year and I absolutely love it. The amount of features and the comfort is unparalleled. My only wish would be for a smaller camera cube and more versatile dividers. My Medium Mirroless unit is 60% empty (X-T4 and two primes is all I carry most days) but I'm always short on space in the top compartment. Shimoda just released a smaller camera cube but it sacrifices the side access if used on the X30/50.

[@brandonnguyen8580]

How much can you fit above the camera cube? I'm planning on doing a week-long getaway in hostels so I have to bring everything with me. Wondering if there's space for 2-3 sets of clothing and toiletries without looking ridiculous with the rolltop fully extended.

[@nojarhead]

@@brandonnguyen8580 I think you could pull that off if all you use the top compartment for is clothing and a minimalist toiletry kit. And the backpack doesn’t look too goofy even with the rolltop fully extended.

[@Zlin0035]

I like the price of these, was also looking at the Wandrd Fernweh which is also an increadible backpack but damn its expencive.

[@reeciep]

"Only youtuber to have actually bought a Shimoda bag" so true lol. He says looking at self paid for Kickstarter Shmoda Explore v2 25L :-)

[@GarethDanks]

sorry reece youve lost me there, what have i said wrong mate?

[@reeciep]

@@GarethDanks That every other reviewer has been given them so it is a good pun. Plus I've bought one anyway too.

[@GarethDanks]

I haven’t backed the Kickstarter tho. I’m never that flush haha I’ll wait for the release. Sorry I must have miss read your comment

[@jeremyhendersonphotography]

Beat me to it. Gareth - you're a great guy. You deserve a free bag just as much as the rest of them!! But please - if you go on any photo road trips, be aware that a bunch of blokes with matching backpacks is irretrievably sad :-) :-)

[@thevalleywalker]

@@GarethDanks I know a man that did :)

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Gareth. Many thanks for doing this. I've seen the bag reviewed many times but always by folks who were sent it by Shimoda. Not doubting their impartiality but knowing you forked out for one makes a difference imho. I'm very tempted to invest in this next year as I'm just not getting on with my LowePro Whistler 450 after a couple of years use - love the storage, but the shoulder straps are really uncomfortable when you're carrying 15 kilos of gear. There's no doubt this is a real quality piece of kit, and the features you've shown are impressive, but the cost is a real issue. Might wait for Shimoda to send you a discount code mate ! Thanks again for sharing this review.

[@thomashill5768]

As a fairly new father surely you'd agree that no camera bag can compete with a pram...

[@GreasyFox]

Been waiting for this backpack ever since they announced it 2 years ago. NIce to see a real review. :)

[@RodLittle]

Great review, really shows what a quality bag it is. I've just started using the Explore v2 30l and would highly recommend that too

[@GarethDanks]

Cheers rod! love the thing!! i think my next one will be the 30 :-)

[@reeciep]

@@GarethDanks I think the V2 is a good compliment to the Action X as it takes much of the feature set from it but looks more travel oriented rather than outdoors. Sharing the med mirrorless insert only works with the 30L as the 25L uses a smaller one. The 30L or 35L makes more sense if you have extra camera stuff like you do.

[@GarethDanks]

Yeah I saw that when putting the vid together. Makes sense plus up to 40l is carry on.

[@DaveStern2]

the explore v2 is one amazing bag, love it

[@samd6405]

Thinking the new v2 explorer bags are better suited for the majority of users. I have an x50, considering picking up an v2 explore 35l, but probably too much overlap. Unfortunately, having a dSLR I need the larger packs for the depth.

[@readitoutloud]

I’ve seen people using the DSLR insert on explore 35 v2.

[@neilcole3406]

6” 11 no wonder you got back problems!

[@remdog7827]

Nice one. Btw….are you selling the Atlas?

[@GarethDanks]

I am mate yes. The Velcro back needs tlc tho. So if I sold it that would need fixing. (Superglue or new Velcro easy fix)

[@remdog7827]

@@GarethDanks sweet. Email sent 😉

[@baladino]

I’m glad that you’re pleased with the bag. You seem absolutely delighted. No offence though I feel that a lot of photography bags are over engineered and somehow have a subliminal effect on photographers to pack more gear in. We don’t always use absolutely everything we bring and our gear usually changes according to the situation we find ourselves like for example family outings. Speaking to senior photographers who warned me about back problems later on I have consigned myself to the loggtest possible layout of gear I bring each time. It’s been a revelation. Less is more for me.

[@Patto2276]

I think the subliminal effect you're referring to is intrinsic to photographers; we do NOT want to need that niche lens or 4th battery and not have it. 😂

[@neilcole3406]

Yep sometimes l need a head torch to find my head torch!

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

I am waiting for the 25L with ladies shoulder strap. Like you, struggle where to put the capture clip because too high & it is a nightmare to use & too low it gets in the way of the chest strap. With my age, did I hear you right 6ft 11? no.

[@GarethDanks]

😂 yup!! youd never think so i know

[@owenrichards77]

WOW great vid can I just ask 1 question. Are you really 6 foot 11 inches?(😂 😂)

[@GarethDanks]

😂 yup!! definitely!! tho i hid one of my feet well! 😂

[@peterwideman1425]

6ft 11???? Nah, that must be a mistake. 5ft 11 maybe?

[@GarethDanks]

😂 just abit. Not sure why I said that

[@peterwideman1425]

@@GarethDanks 🤣

[@pxlhoboo]

Fragile 😂 not the best start for a bag.

[@harveyarber2543]

not cheep are they

[@davidpearce2981]

Great bag , should of had one in my 30s I was stronger then, oh no way are you 6ft 11 😉

[@GarethDanks]

i am today! im wearing heels! BIG ONES haha

[@bcegerton]

Great review Gareth. Personally the bag isn’t any good for me as it’s just too much back for what I need. What I’m really in need of and and noticed you carrying them is the gloves, are the Valleret ones as good as people say? I do shoot some Landscape but mainly Street and have been wondering if the “Urbex” ones would do me. Problem for me is I’ve tiny hands and causes an issue every year without fail.

[@Patto2276]

I can't tell you how many photography gloves I've tried (I also have small hands) and subsequently donated to charities; Valleret gloves are the best and I have two pair, one for cold-ish days and one for winter, but not the Urbex so I can't address them specifically.

[@bcegerton]

@@Patto2276 I did eventually go to push the boat out and buy the Markhof Pro but the V2, didn’t see the point in paying the extra £10 for what I need them for, I have mobility issues so no hiking up mountains in deepest Winter, but then got an email with a £10 voucher code so went for the V3 in the end. After a couple of months ( I bought in September ) and a few wears I got in touch with Valleret to say that they were just too loose, even though I measured my hands with their chart and they happily exchanged them

[@kitbentley3809]

I’ve been frothing for this bag... I actually think I prefer bags to carry cameras more than cameras these days 😂😂

[@GarethDanks]

haha! yeah im terrible! ordered a new one for street photography too lol

[@kitbentley3809]

@@GarethDanks what did you go for? I ordered the new wandrd roam for street 🙈 just got bad news that the delivery is delayed until Feb next year but I'm stoked!

[@andrewlunn]

Good looking bag

[@GarethDanks]

you saying i compliment it? 😂

[@andrewlunn]

@@GarethDanks Haha... I think you give it a 99% rating

[@alanmcdade2459]

Not sold, I love my f-stop Satori, Loka and my billingham bag. They are all pretty indestructible had for years, 10 for the Loka. I hate roll tops, had the F-stop Kenti for a while.

[@GarethDanks]

ive seen one or two other fstop bags which do look really nice.. the ajna wasnt up to the same standard imo

[@AMusset]

A little trick for Peak Design Capture on the strap. Ian Millar himself suggested that in one of the videos on the Shimoda youtube channel and it does work really well! Put 2 penny, one on each side before tightening the capture onto de strap. The added thickness is such that the bolts once thightened end up flush with the Capture clip instead of « digging » into us!

[@AMusset]

The « magnetic thinghy » like you called it 😉 is there to stabilize the side-to-side rocking motion of the bag if you are jogging or doing more intense activity.