SHIMODA Action X30 VS Explore 30 - What is the difference?

[@matthewhenry6281]

I got the X50 black off the Kickstarter. Thankfully I got it in December. I was able to take it on my Canadian Rockies adventure. I very much enjoyed using it.

[@sarahlyndsay]

Matthew Henry awesome to hear!!!

[@pierrejohnson3651]

Lucky you. What camera do you have ? I am attracted to the X50 but feel it may be to big for my mirrorless Fuji X camera.

[@SteveP_2426]

Lucky you Matthew. I ordered the X50 on the Kickstarter last year for a late April trip to Scotland and it finally arrived last week. I know the Virus was responsible for part of the delay and don't blame them for that BUT think they totally under estimated demand , didn't react to that quickly, then spent too long trying to sort out extras people wanted as they went along rather than shipping the bags out and following up then with extras. UK/Europe were then put to back of the queue pretty much. Looks a good bag to be fair but the whole experience put me off ever going with another Shimoda Kickstarter campaign. Rescheduled Scotland/Lake District for October so crossing fingers I can get to use the X50 for what I wanted it for.

[@matthewhenry6281]

Steve2426 I do agree they underestimated the demand but I think the virus had such a large impact that made it difficult to deal with. Hopefully you will enjoy the X50 after such a long wait. I do find it to be an excellent bag

[@SteveP_2426]

@@matthewhenry6281 I agree the virus had a big impact Matthew but some was self inflicted. I even had an email asking if because of Covid I wanted the bag sent to another address. I replied and heard nothing and then bag went to original address!! It looks a good design just have to get core unit layout right. Just whole experience has put me off any futurevShimoda kickstarter campaigns! Hope this bag lasts for more than the 5 years as I'm not a professional. Glad you had a better experience. Stay Safe.

[@ildiopantofola]

Hi, is there any way that a Pro small or Slope medium ICU form Fstop to fit inside a Shimoda Action X30 v1? even squeezing them quite a bit....Thank you so much!

[@lavapix]

I really like my X30. The various pockets are great. Especially the shoulder harness ones.

[@Thedogofdoom1997]

Could you rotate the ICU so that side access is on the other side, or Does the side pocket only open all the way to the ICU on the one side?

[@JohnScaneArt]

Hi I was listening to your interview on the FStop Collaborate and Listen podcast and wanted to check out your channel. I have a new channel too and I'm always interested in hearing other peoples experience with starting on KZbin. Thanks for making this video, I've had the Explore bag for a couple years and I'm waiting for my ActionX bag from their Kickstarter (not one of the lucky ones)....so while I continue to wait I can live vicariously through videos like this :) Great start, looking forward to seeing more videos!

[@bensweeting5572]

Just say I needed a new camera bag that can fit 4-5 long flowing dresses as well as my camera gear. Which of these 2 bags will serve me best? 🤷🏻‍♂️💃🏻😉

[@sarahlyndsay]

Ben Sweeting The roll top :)

[@tristan_todd]

I really need to get one of these Shimoda bags, I'm hearing a lot of good things. Keep the videos coming Sarah!!

[@sarahlyndsay]

Tristan Todd Thanks Tristan!! I appreciate it.

[@djsuth7727]

Hi Sarah, which Shimoda backpack would you recommend for carrying the Fuji GFX system ? For reference my GFX100 is approx. the same size as a Canon 1D X Mk3 ; I usually carry 3 lenses ( the largest being equivalent to a 70-200mm full-frame lens, with the other two each being equivalent to a 24-70mm in size. Also, I often carry a drone ie. DJI Mavic. My current backpacks are all about 30L and barely fit the GFX system. I've had Shimoda recommended to me and I like what I've seen thus far ( online ), but unfortunately there are no local retailers who carry the brand so I can't check out the bags in person. I'm thinking the Shimoda Explorer 30 is possibly too small for my purposes plus I'd find the issues with carrying a water bottle frustrating. I think the Explorer 40 would be perfect in size but I'm now thinking if the Action X50 would be better suited ? Would be grateful to hear your opinion so I can contribute towards Ollie's treats fund :)

[@sarahlyndsay]

When reading your gear my first thought was the ActionX 50!! That’s the newer line of bags... if you want to save a bit on cost then Explore 40 would work. Both lines are amazing bags so either or you can’t go wrong!

[@djsuth7727]

@@sarahlyndsay Thanks for the reply Sarah. Am I right in thinking that the large DSLR core unit would be recommended for my purposes ? I wish I could find more specs on the dimensions of the ICUs or examples of configurations. I think I agree with about the Action X50, though :)

[@sarahlyndsay]

dj suth I would get a medium core unit with 1 or 2 smalls. You have more options this way and you can create a large core unit. The Explore series is 30 percent off right now... something to consider!! The water bottle pocket on the ActionX series is much better than the explore though... that was a game changer for me with the two line of bags.

[@djsuth7727]

@@sarahlyndsay Yup, I think it would be a game changer for me, too. I don't like using hydration bladders. Interesting you've suggested a medium and a small ICU core. That option seems to be winning the vote at the moment :)

[@sarahlyndsay]

Well... I think we have sorted out a solid bag plan for you! Action X 50 for the win! Remember it has the roll top for extra volume. You’re going to love the bag :) I fell pretty hard with my x30 right in my back but the bag kept everything protected. They are tough for explorers!!

[@ahmedadambd1939]

Thank you for all this detailed information. Both bags are interesting, especially the Action X30. It's expandable when needed and could be useful during a trip where the volume will depend on the air company. I would like to see a backpack that will also think of sound enthusiasts. Let's take the example of sound designers who travel and move around, filming the landscapes a little and especially by recording their sounds. In this case, there will be little video equipment and a lot more audio equipment, or at least audio equipment that is not limited to a camera microphone. And besides, even outside of the sound designers, a few small clips (or other tips) to securely attach one or two microphones will be useful for several people. And so as not to take the risk of designing a whole bag, all at once, just for the sound-designers, the solution can be limited to a few accessories that can be added (optional) or a kind of ICU designed more especially for this kind of need. (Moreover, what serves as a "tie" for a tripod, can generally serve as a tie for a small pole) I hope that through your contact, Shimoda will take my suggestions into consideration.

[@sarahlyndsay]

Great feedback! This video about the bag actually became quite popular so I’m thinking about doing a more detailed one now that I have more video experience! I will pass on your suggestions to Shimoda 😊

[@ahmedadambd1939]

@@sarahlyndsay Indeed, the bag, its storage and its contents form a popular subject. This is how I discovered your channel. Thank you! I will be happy to know that my suggestions will be heard. It's time to think about the audio equipment as well. Thank you again for your fascinating sharing.

[@sassytbc7923]

Great review and helpful information. Your pup is adorable.

[@johnredwine]

Do you have to buy the medium camera core separately or does the bag come with the core?

[@michellewright1301]

Hey Sarah, so good to hear an honest review! I'm a 5'3 lass looking for a great bag to fit my 200-600 in :) I would need the Large Core unit but wondered if that would fit in the Action X30. Have you tried that? And have you tried the 50 at all? If you have did you fit the torso length ok or too big? Because I might have to go that route unless I could get the large in the 30.... Thanks for any feedback!

[@sarahlyndsay]

You can’t use a large core unit in the X30 so 100 percent you should get the 50. I have not used the 50 but there are days when I wish I had it. Remember that the x30 is targeted at mirrorless camera shooters but does fit DSLRs!! I mostly carry a 5Dmk4 and 16-35 in my X30.

[@michellewright1301]

Sarah Lyndsay Thanks. Yes I have a mirrorless sony. Just concerned the height of the pack will be too big for me on the 50... 😬

[@sarahlyndsay]

Michelle Wright the x30 fits up to the medium core size! If you can find some images of different setups with the medium core unit I think that would help you in this decision!! The x30 is pretty small... I have the explore 60L and for everyday use it’s too big. I have not seen the x50 yet.

[@Missbagpipernorthwest]

I’d like to get the Action x30 when they start production again, did you have any issues with your hair getting caught on the buckle of the roll-down top? Any thoughts on when they will have the black bag for sale again? Excellent review, thanks!

[@sarahlyndsay]

Hey Deborah!! No I haven't had issues with my hair. I have had my hair caught in my tripod though!! OH my goodness that is a nightmare!! There is a link in the description where you can get 10 percent off your bag. LYNDSAY10 is my discount code! Enjoy your bag!!

[@physical_mechanic]

You are good at product description.😊😊

[@aklight47]

would this be good for carrying a mirrorless full frame camera, 2 lenses and tripod on a 14 mile round trip hike with maybe 3000ft elevation?

[@leef3167]

Hi. Thanks for your video. How accessible is the camera area while hiking?

[@sarahlyndsay]

It's very accessible via that back access and side access so you do not have to take the bag off your back :)

[@leef3167]

Thanks. What about switching lenses too? How is the dog doing🤣?

[@nicolaguy]

Thanks for sharing with us. And Ollie is just adorable!

[@robdonchez]

How tall is the X30 when empty. Also, to what height can it be compressed down until you get to the frame?

[@burakbeyaztas2620]

Hey Sarah, came from instagram 😌 you have nice videos congratulations 👏🏼 i was planning to get a mindshift backlight but new shimoda looks really nice. Thanks for informations and wish for you best👌🏼🙏🏻

[@carleensmith5359]

I've been trying to buy one but the site asks for American phone number and address when I get to the checkout, but I'm in Canada, so I can't process my order.

[@lem0nwings]

I funded the Kickstarter back in December for the X30. Unfortunately it seems that I won't get it until this June. Oh well, it's not like I can go out much anyway!

[@sarahlyndsay]

lem0nwings yes!! The virus really threw a wrench in everything didn’t it!! You will love your bag when you get it :)

[@SteveP_2426]

I sympathise as only got my X50 mid June too. Like I said to Matthew Henry above - virus was responsible for good part of the delay but I feel the way Shimoda handled the whole process caused a good part of it and if you are in Europe like me they put us to the back of the queue. Anyway - hope the bag lives up to all the reviews I based my order on.

[@toeriest]

Do they sell the action x30 in Europe? After having a quick look, it seems like they don't, but maybe you know more :)

[@pierrejohnson3651]

They do. The bags themselves are available on the British or the French web sites. The units will be available in July. Go to www.shimodadesigns.com/gb/action-x-system or to www.shimodadesigns.com/fr/action-x

[@aarondaines7163]

Hey Sarah, was just trying to help you out by using your code. I’m assuming it expired. This bag looks amazing and I’m wanting to get one soon. Idk if I can still use a link to help you out on the shimoda website.

[@charlesmeyer5352]

Do you know if the MacBook Pro 16 will fit?

[@SteveP_2426]

Hi Sarah, I bought got the Action X50 version through the Kickstarter campaign (eventually they supplied my UK order 2 weeks ago!) as a 'big brother' to my Mindshift Thinktank 26l. That size was marketed as taking the medium core DSLR or the medium core mirrorless. I have had to order a small core unit to go with it. I love my Thinktank Backlight but wanted the expandable capacity to cope with the clothing we need in the UK for our wet weather (lol) plus it was just a little small to comfortably carry my tripod. Haven't used the X50 in anger yet but seems robust and looking forward to trying it out.

[@djsuth7727]

Hi Steve, could you tell me what lenses/camera gear you can comfortably fit into your X50 ? I'm thinking of getting one to carry my Fuji GFX system on day hikes. It's basically full-frame DSLR sized despite being mirrorless. Like you, and also being in the UK, I like to have some extra space for a lightweight rain jacket, waterproofs etc. My current 26-30L backpacks just don't cut it any more ( they are fine for smaller format gear eg. Fuji X-T3/4 ).

[@SteveP_2426]

@@djsuth7727 Hi DJ, well of course it depends on what other accessories you have but I now have the DSLR medium core unit and added a small core unit so it can now hold my Canon 80D with the Sigma 18-35mm f1. 8 Art Lens on it plus my 70-200mm F4 is USM lens in the medium core section and in the small core I have a 10mm-18mm and an 18-135mm kit lens. That way I can decide if I take the small core out with me or leave it in the car and take extra clothing or food. Just started to use it and seems sturdy and definitely the X50 was right size for me but I did need the small core too. If you are willing to leave an email address on here I'd be happy to send you some photos of how my bag is kitted out. If you are going biking with it you won't be carrying all the gear I have in it! 😀

[@djsuth7727]

@@SteveP_2426 Hi Steve, thanks for the detailed reply. I use a GFX100 which is the same size as a gripped full-frame DSLR eg. a Canon 1D X Mk3. I typically carry 3 lenses all of which would be about the same size as your 70-200mm f4. In addition I quite often pack a DJI Mavic Pro with controller and 3 batteries. Other accessories typically include a nest of screw on ND filters ( and polariser ), remote trigger release cable, spare camera batteries, blower & cloth wipes, snacks, some light clothing/layers that can stow away and pack down and an external 1L water bottle. I do have a hydration bottle but my preference is for the external bottle. Also, I carry a tripod ... usually a Gitzo Traveller 1 series but sometimes I use a Mountaineer series 3 when I feel the conditions demand more stability. I think the catch for me is the large, grip sized body ... the camera isn't heavy for it's size ( 1.4kg ) but it does take up a lot of room. For that reason I think I probably need the large ICU DSLR core, and it looks like the Action X50 is the smallest backpack that will accomodate that. I'm not sure if the medium DSLR core has the same depth as its large counterpart ; if it does I could perhaps get a medium and small ICU and configure as required. More often than not, though, I think I'd have to use the large ICU. As I mentioned in my last post I do sometimes ditch the medium format gear and head out with one or two Fuji X cameras. They literally cut down on the bulk/weight by a factor of two, and for those trips I can get away with almost any backpack between 20L to 30L in size. The Action X50 would probably be overkill ! But my chief concern is finding a quality backpack that can accomodate my GFX setup, and be comfortable on long-ish day hikes. My email is [e-mail] by the way. Thanks for the help.

[@SteveP_2426]

@@djsuth7727 OK DJ, I'll drop you some photos later. Sounds like the large ICU may be what you want then as possibly more versatile. There was no large ICU option on the Kickstarter. There are far more partition dividers than you could ever need! So if you don't fill all the large ICU up then you can put other things in there. I have my 80D APSC sideways up in the bag but it has a permanent L bracket on it which has to be extended a bit to use the Canon articulated screen. I'm not adjusting it to store it. I carry all the normal excessories you do just no drone. I recall a Vanguard backpack that had specific drone carrying options. It was significantly cheaper just my priority was more the waterproofness and ability to carry clothing and food. I have been using a Mindshift Think tank Backlight 26L which I love but bit small for a day hike in Lake District. They do a model now with an ICU. Anyway good luck. I'll send you photos soon as I can.

[@djsuth7727]

@@SteveP_2426 Thank you :)

[@sunbab]

love the doggie, such beautiful eyes ! ha ! great video thank you

[@TrillMurray]

Dog seems really confused about why it's on the table. Or maybe I'm projecting

[@erichanson7429]

I love my Shimoda Explore 60, but the Action X series solves two nitpicks of my Explore by adding the extra side pouch and enlarging the front strap pouches. However, I'm still searching for a good excuse to justify the cost of switching for minor improvements.

[@sarahlyndsay]

I agree about the side pockets. That was the biggest thing for me!! Funny how the smallest changes make such a big impact and I completely understand that. You already had the explore 60 which is an amazing bag so I understand what you’re saying!!

[@othrower74]

Came here for the review...entertained by Olie.

[@jaysun070476]

Iam indecisive about getting the shimoda actionx vs atlas athete bag. I have a fstop ajna that i used once nice bag put the straps just are not thick enough disappointed to say the least

[@SteveP_2426]

I had the same dilemma jason, I eventually plumped for the X50 really due to the fact I could get a deal on it via the Kickstarter campaign and the Atlas website was seemingly always saying a belt/harness 'upgrade' for the large size was 'on order'. I met aguy with the Atlas last year in the Lake District and he was very happy with it. I think whichever you get you will be happy with to be honest...or always wonder if you should have got the other one! lol.

[@ptrbssr]

A used to have a F-stop Ajna. Sold it when switching from dslr fullframe to mirrorless crop. Now looking for a new backpack for use in both built environment as when hiking. Seems to me the straps are way more comfortable on both of the bags you mentioned. Since Shimoda is available in camera stores, those are my preferred bags. I want to feel it whit some load in my back and be able to simulate the real life use. So Shimoda (Explore) is on top of my shortlist.

[@heliflyer999]

Sarah, a very good review, but, you left out showing how your/other camera gear actually fits in the module. I am not familiar with this bag at all, and am looking for a carryall bag for: EOS6D, 70-200mm, f2.8, L; 24-105mm, f4L;100mm f2.8L MACRO, 50mm 1.8, the first 3 with hoods, along with places for remote trigger, 600EX flash, batteries, etc. It would help to see how all fits, as I have looked at several bags that 'say' they will fit all of this, but after getting them, the gear is not in a usable location efficiently! Thanks! Good Luck with your channel. Will subscribe and be back later!!!!

[@davidmatychuk]

thanks for the discount code!

[@Kevin-xq2tv]

00:50 that face i cant😭

[@andrebossphotography7967]

Good explanation, thanks ;)

[@raylui6998]

thx

[@katharinewyland3070]

I love Ollie!

[@josephcole3187]

Nice Job Sarah 👍🏻 now if only i could afford one lol.

[@sarahlyndsay]

Joseph Cole Thank you!! They are awesome bags :)

[@gaprofitt]

The laptop pocket on the inside is a dealbreaker.

[@mireillex7249]

Great vid👍 thank you:)

[@RikkiRockettsLegendTripping]

Remind me not to eat off that table!

[@VyavharAgarwal]

May Be 6 Or More Intro Attempts Shattered By Your Pet 🐶

[@johnhjic2]

Love your dog...

[@tariqphoto]

all the way down to the base 😉

[@maxmillion4216]

Ollie, scene stealer...lol

[@sarahlyndsay]

max million haha!! I know right!!

[@correctaperture]

ATTENTION: DAMAGE IS VERY LIKELY TO YOUR ACTION X50 IT HAS ISSUES WITH DESIGN OF BASE FABRIC MATERIAL. Please read below including response from Shimoda design team.... Your marketing seemed pretty clear to me that this new extra tough model from the Shimoda range has an extra tough base material built in. But what I've actually found after just a few outings is that the base is actually made from a less abrasion resistant material than the coated nylon you have put on the rest of the product, and in fact all your ranges prior. You seem to be in the defence already here on expected life span of surface materials. I can assure you 100% my action X50 has been handled with care when laying it's back on the ground, and I am horrified by how fast the base has surcumed to damage compared to the rest of the packs surface this is surely a design flaws as it does not hold the same tough nylon laminated properties as the main bags surface area. I promise you all surface areas of the product have been exposed to an equal abrasion situation on my photography trips as the pack has to lie backside down during access to the rear door panel as you are aware. I never sit it on the base, and it's a true error in the manufacturing choice of material as if you would have continued to keep to your original series formula of ripstop reinforced coated nylon the base material would not in my opinion have suffered this same damage in a short space of time, as is proven by the material exposed to the same rigur above this area on my bag. I am a very careful owner of all my outdoor gear and look after everything I use, as I expect many months and years of use. This is not acceptable I am sure you will agree, here In my assessment stated. RESPONSE BELOW FROM SHIMODA... hi Chris, Our bags are designed for outdoor environments, regardless of how many days they have been in the field - abrasion can cause damage to the pack. They are not indestructible and I do not think our marketing has ever claimed them to be. Ian Millar, Shimoda.

[@kneehoowin]

doggo don't care.

[@raylui6998]

thx