Best Camera Backpack? Shimoda Explore V2 35 Backpack Review (2 Weeks of Use)

[@JulesMaximum]

At 13 seconds I new this was going to be a good video. So many reviews don’t actually show what the bag looks like on someone’s body. I appreciate that attention to detail!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for checking it out, Julio! 😊 -Eric

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Hi Eric, thanks for making a review - a nice surprise. Just to clarify the Skin/dust cover is not meant to be used in the pack with the Core Unit. Its intention is a dust cover that can also be used as a Packing Cube. Of course you can use it as you wish, but it will drastically slow down camera access. Thanks again Ian

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the insight, Ian! We’ve updated our written review to include this information 😃 -Eric

[@MichaelSeneschal]

The rain cover is also a packing cube??!?!?!? The amount of detail that goes into these bags is just amazing.

[@bruceonthelo0se]

Endless search for an ideal camera bag, shimoda v2 has been the best. I have the 25 L and it's perfect for traveling around cities and out hiking in the mountains (that's where it really shines). Having been caught in downpours in both without the rain cover, everything inside was still shockingly dry (those 2 holes are to drain the larger front zippered compartment as you can hang a water bladder in there or store wet layers). What's even better than the durability is the comfort of the carry. The bag is on the heavier end but with the frame and wide shoulder straps its one of the most comfortable bags I own and don't feel the weight

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the detailed insights, Bruce! We found it extremely comfortable, too. Where’s the most remote place you’ve taken it hiking? 🧐🥾 -Eric

[@vincenzodellama7158]

@@PackHacker2 how does it stacks up in comfort to an actual hiking bag like the Deuter Futura Air Trek? I've seen people recommending to not buy a shimoda and buy it instead along with an ICU.

[@WillieJarlNilsen]

The hipbelt is a hipbelt, not a bellybelt! Place the belt down on your hip, not above the hip as show. This will make carrying much more comfortable.

[@PeteD]

I already have the 25L, just passing through for some sweet sweet validation on what I already know - this backpack is amazing

[@PackHacker2]

What’s your favorite feature, Peter? 🧐 -Eric

[@PeteD]

@@PackHacker2 I'll be honest it's more a combination of the features that makes it as good as it is. THAT SAID, the straps are probably the most functional and comfortable I've used

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing 😃 Great insights! -Eric

[@MyShanaenae]

Thanks!

[@lincolnmackinnon1]

Hey just wondering what tripod you both have in the photo of you wearing the backpack?

[@mtbboy1993]

What about helmet holder?

[@rafa_objectif6148]

Merci. Et que sont les différneces entre les modèles XV2 de Shimoda? Merci

[@freetimephotographer]

comfort, which better? Wandrd fernweh or shimoda harness system?

[@keithabados4826]

Hi! Would the 35L fit under a typical North American airplane seat? or should I just go for the 30L?

[@patrickshannon8112]

I’ve been wondering the same thing. Have you found an answer?

[@smallbatchsessions6892]

I’m a bag n go guy . I have been using an older LowePro . Can’t remember if it’s the 250 or 350 but I love this design. But I cannot strap on a tripod. It has an external water bottle holder but no straps above to act as a tripod holder as well. It appears my Sony 200-600 will fit along with other lenses. If not I just spent $400 for nothing. I did look at the companys 70ci pack and really like it but it seems a touch big . I like the layout of this pack for the most part . If it won’t fit my big lens with multiple others I did see a Manfrotto with wheels to add maybe. I need a grab n go for two Sony a7siii’s , a tripod, monopod , a Zoom h6 , Rode boom mic , Sony 200-600 and 5 more prime Sony and Sigma lenses. I need pockets for Two ND filter kits that takes me from 49-95mm . I want to be able to have room for extra SD and CF card holders , wallet , keys , sunglasses, reading glasses, multi tool , pocket knife and a spare shirt . This is what I carry now but cannot put in the Sony 200-600 and the tripod. This is why this pack appears it’ll handle the 200-600 inside “please” I paid $80 for the two LowePro I believe 250s they are beasts. I’ve absolutely punished these things hard daily. I hope the extra $350 with adding the large mirrorless insert it’ll hold up like the LowePro packs have for 7-8 years of abuse and going strong .

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for your detailed insights 😃 It sounds like you’ve been around the block a few times! -Eric

[@KrisCarreon]

I thought I was the only one who carries a Uline catalog in my backpack.

[@swadventurer6624]

Will this be Mexico carry on allowable?

[@davidjoseph4459]

I hope Shimoda didn’t give them this backpack. They didn’t even show how it works to get the camera out the quick access pocket. And he obviously doesn’t use cameras, as nobody would leave the cube flap unzipped but not wrapped behind the cube. And some of the best features are how the backpack works carrying it which he also didn’t do any justice for. Anyone that’s interested in this backpack realize this is one of the best camera backpacks ever made. And you can take the camera cube out and it’s an amazing travel backpack. Something else to note is the new 16” M1 MacBook Pros don’t fit in it properly. It’s just a bit too tight. The older 16’ MBP just barely fits but then the zipper hits it. This is a better backpack than the Nomatic McKinnon travel backpack. I have taken mine as a one-bag traveler with camera equipment and clothing/tech. Incredible backpack and materials. But the shoulder harness system, ability to adjust it, ability to remove hip belt and the way all the parts store camera gear and phone while wearing the hip belt and with shoulder straps is amazing. Try to find another review. Maybe the one by Chase Reeves will help. Super disappointed as I think this is the laziest Pack Hacker review I have ever seen.

[@TheRem484]

I bought the 25L on kickstarter, and of course ended up purchasing a 16" M1 MacBook afterwards. I read a recent comment by the founder of Shimoda being a bit sarcastic about someone needing to fit that size laptop when asked if they were considering a smaller everyday version. This is what turns me off about the bag in general honestly. It's a huge miss if you ask me. Plenty of adventure photographers want to travel with their laptops. We might not bring it out during the actual adventure part but it needs to fit during transit.

[@ianmillar382]

What was the sarcastic comment?

[@TheRem484]

@@ianmillar382 There was a post in the shimoda Facebook page asking if you would consider making a smaller everyday backpack with similar dimensions as the v2. Your response was "if we do, will you (the world) promise to not need it to carry the inevitable MBP 17, 18, 19inch laptops!?". I've been a customer of yours for quite some time. I realize you can't accommodate everyones needs. However, given the size of most of the bags, there's no reason why a 16in laptop couldn't fit. Also, women who have smaller frames are somewhat forced to purchase larger bags (that don't really fit their smaller sized frames) if they want to carry their laptop along.

[@ianmillar382]

@@TheRem484 Hi there, the reply comment was on the 'fun' side of sarcasm - I hope you read it that way (it seemed others did)... The point I was making is some people expect Shimoda (and our designs style) to be able to carry more than it is capable of. We make bags for camera, accessories and outdoor gear. That is our thing, we don't just make bags to carry a camera and or a laptop - although they can do that, our priority is mtns - and that requires a different approach. There are plenty of bags out there that are built for less intensive outings and carry cameras and bigger laptops in a smaller form - but those generally are not using an internal frame, rear access or built for outdoor adventure use and needs. Believe it or not there are many users who think the laptop sleeve is not needed and it would be better without it for weight savings, space and making it a 'true' mtn bag. I can't argue with that as it is very simple too pack a Laptop in a case, and just pack it while in transport. We make outdoor bags for people who need carry gear around the mountains. I will add again - our bags (except the E25) can also carry a 16" laptop in the front sleeve - simply put your laptop in a padded sleeve and put it inside the front pocket. The 25L is much narrower, and regardless of how you feel about it - you can't force bigger into smaller. The comment you referred to asked for a smaller than Explore (25L) bag... which will be even less capable of accommodating bigger laptops (17,18,19). *You wrote: "However, given the size of most of the bags, there's no reason why a 16in laptop couldn't fit. " - Well there actually is - "sewing, assembly and usability tolerances". For example - if a house is 10m wide, it doesn't mean you can fit 10m wide of items inside. You have a frame (which we do too) and a door (which also has a frame frame - (which we also do)). All require tolerance and take up space so it can be assembled and used. Just like a house - you don't get the width you see on the outside. *You Wrote: "Also, women who have smaller frames are somewhat forced to purchase larger bags (that don't really fit their smaller sized frames) if they want to carry their laptop along. We do not force women or men to buy any of our products - anyone can buy any bag they can afford and has the choice to do so. We are likely the only brand in our category who offer 3 different shoulder straps designed around female figures (for free). Which is is more than we offer for men. Women do not carry different camera gear and laptops than men - the gear is the same size. Sony and Apple do not make 'woman size' gear. Just because there are smaller women (and men too), doesn't mean we are able to make their camera gear, laptops and packs smaller. If anyone is 'forcing' it would be the manufactures of hardware they choose to use. Has anyone contacted them? We should not purchase bags based on a size we want but the size we need for the gear they need to carry. Sometimes a persons physical size, will complicate the options available to them, which is unfortunate and that can mean they can not use our gear and they should seek out a product better suited for them. In this case, you can comprise on your pack size or laptop size. Hope that makes sense. Kind Regards 🙏