SHIMODA EXPLORE V2 Review: This Is THE PHOTOGRAPHY BAG TO BEAT

[@BrentHall]

Here's the kickstarter page link if you wanna get you one: shimoda-explore-v2.kckb.st/brent-hall Also, bonus points if you find my cameo in their commercial video for it. :P

[@photographybydaniellee]

Glad you found your brace! Thanks for the review.

[@BrentHall]

You bet man, thanks for watching, and I hope it helped!

[@michaelshaw608]

Time to shop for one. Thanks!

[@BrentHall]

Yas!!!🙌😀

[@ahmedadambd1939]

Thanks for the helpful sharing ^^ A suggestion between the Action X30 and the Explorer 30 to be able to use it during plane trips from one country to another with an average amount of audio equipment but also clothes and anything else?

[@timothylinn]

This may be the best Explore V2 review out there. Certainly top 3.

[@BrentHall]

Oh wow, thanks man, I appreciate that! 🙏 😀

[@rebelwithano]

Will the large dslr core unit fit an rf 24-70 standing up? Or the rf 70-200? Great review.

[@BrentHall]

Thanks! Yeah those both fit standing up in my medium and large cores.

[@MarkJ1776]

Zippers can definitely be deal breakers. I have a bag that takes two hands to use a zipper, and it drives me crazy. Thanks for the real world review.

[@BrentHall]

True story, lol. Glad you liked the video too, thanks for watching!

[@RichardBO9]

Cool video. Is the insert deep enough to accommodate an R6 with a battery grip?

[@BrentHall]

Thanks man! I don't think the one I have is deep enough for that. I don't have a grip for my mirrorless, but I still have my 1DC and it sticks up a bit with the medium insert I have. They do have the large dslr one though, which is enough, cause I have that one too and it fits well.

[@narutodayo]

It seems like a good bag. I wish it came in olive, brown, or even camo, some color to blend in more for nature photography.

[@BrentHall]

It does come in green.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

The green color could be very easily be sold as Olive.

[@larryrudnick1519]

Excellent review and glad to see the way to pull the core unit out if needed and carry it on a plane. Two questions: 1) is the frame removable in case you wanted to pack the bag into a larger suitcase and just bring the camera gear onto the plane using just the core unit, 2) do you think the bag (within a large core unit or fitting into the top compartment, be able to carry a large telephoto zoom like the Nikon 200-500? Thanks.

[@BrentHall]

I'm actually not sure if the frame is removable. The large core should fit that lens, it fits my RF 800 no problem.

[@alejandrocampollo]

Hey man i have a 16.5inch gaming laptop, so a bit ticker than normal laptops, i saw you have a gaming laptop, how does it fit? how many inches is that one?

[@BrentHall]

It definitely won't fit in the laptop sleeve on the rear access panel. It will fit in the front part, but there isn't much padding in that part.

[@alejandrocampollo]

@@BrentHall sorry I just checked it's a 15.6inch, GE 66 2022 laptop would it still fest on the rear access?

[@BrentHall]

@@alejandrocampollo probably not. Mine was an asus rog 15 inch and it was too thick, but my wife had another asus zephyrus 15 that was just a pinch thinner and it barely, and I mean barely fit with a lot of careful shoving in the back pannel.

[@lavapix]

I've been happy with my X30. A very versatile bag.

[@fotokozlowski]

So, I didn't understand exactly part, about fitting thik 15" gaming laptop :) Will this bag fit such laptop? Or its only for thin equipment like macbook?

[@BrentHall]

There's just too many different laptops out there to really say. All I can say is it does not fit my 15" Asus Strix, but it just barely fits my wife's 15" Asus Zephyrus. (though I still wouldn't recommend doing that). So yes, I'd say it's definitely only designed for thinner style 15" laptops.

[@fotokozlowski]

@@BrentHall allright, that;s rally helpful for me to make a decision :) Thanks for info!

[@kiench]

Great review. Does the waist or hip strap help to support heavy load? It seems flimsy and thin. Does it allow weight to be supported by hip? Some ride up and doesn’t do much.

[@BrentHall]

I've been really happy with the waist strap. I think it's a good mix of lightweight, but still enough to help support the load.

[@DrJake108]

Thanks for the review - I have the Shimoda Action X30 and will get the new 35L. Will there be times that you will still use your X50 or is it retired now

[@BrentHall]

I do think I'll be using the Explore V2 for my main bag moving forward. I just really like the subtle improvements and design differences. I will still be using my Action X50 for my wildlife outings, and bigger hiking and backpacking stuff though.

[@kiench]

One more question. Do you know if the large insert can take 600mm f4 sony lens

[@BrentHall]

I've never used that lens before. I don't think it would fit in any of the core units, but the bag itself is plausibly big enough for it. Maybe it could fit diagonally in the largest core unit?

[@trkauff]

While I haven't researched the dimensions yet, do you know if it will fit under an airline seat as a carry-on if it's not over stuffed?

[@BrentHall]

The 25L version should fit under a plane seat, but I don't think the 35L will. Idk yet though since I haven't been on a plane in a while. The 35L should fit in the overhead bins for most planes though. My Action X50 does.

[@markledbury3666]

Thanks for the excellent video Brent!

[@BrentHall]

You bet man, thanks for watching!

[@adjake1]

Looks like a good update. I wish they would do a suspended back panel like a few of my osprey packs. I have an x50 and my back starts sweating within the first 1/4 mile. Have they updated the camera inserts yet?

[@BrentHall]

I've been really happy with it, in addition to my action x bag! I didn't touch on it enough in the video, but they did update the straps and waist band to be mesh, so they're a bit more comfy and ventilated. I think they did do new inserts for the V2, they should be up on the kickstarter page.

[@haraldselke]

Yes, there are a new small and large mirrorless core unit.

[@chiu2003MOBILE]

still cannot decide v2 30L or action x30. seem x30 can load more as it get roll top. But v2 is more comfortable and good for travel and move around?

[@BrentHall]

Yeah, that's pretty much the gist of it. I still really like my Action X, but I will be using the Explore V2 for main bag from now on, unless I need way more space and am going out for my wildlife stuff, then the Action X will be go to bag for that.

[@jamesgjurovich7893]

you did not say if you use it for overnight or just for day hikes?

[@BrentHall]

I haven't gone on any overnight backpacking hikes since I got this bag. I don't think it would be big enough for that, at least not for the stuff I would bring. I'd use my Action X50 for that.

[@marc-antoinefournier5705]

Hey! I am strongly considering contributing for the Explore V2 35L medium DSLR GREEN bag, but I had some questions for the fit for my type of body. I am a 6ft tall, 200 pounds guy. The length from my hip bone to my shoulder is about 21 inches. I read the dimensions for the 35L and it seems like it will fit. Around the 7:15 mark, you talk about the fit for 6ft1in height and it seems ok. I am a big fan of waist straps and it is a must for me that they rest properly on my hips since I tend to pack a lot when I go out for my field trips. Could you elaborate on the fit for your size? Does it rest properly on your hips? Thanks a lot!

[@BrentHall]

Yeah, it fits me great. It's the most comfortable camera bag I've ever used. Like I said, I'm 6'1" and 200 lbs and have a long torso and all the straps fit me very well.

[@marc-antoinefournier5705]

@@BrentHall thanks!

[@dinoj001]

Can I ask, do you think the 35 is large enough for somebody who is tall? I am 6’3” and I’m concerned the 35 will be too short while hiking with the waist belt. I know I can always remove the waist belt but that’s a concern of mine

[@BrentHall]

I think it should be fine. I'm 6'1" and I don't feel like it's small.

[@beckykuperstein]

Great review! The woman carrying the bag around 7 min, is that the 35L?

[@BrentHall]

Yes, that's the 35L, and she's 5'1", so it's huge on her, lol. When she put the women's straps on and adjusted it to the smallest settings, it was manageable for her, but still a little on the big side. I'm gonna get her the 25L.

[@beckykuperstein]

@@BrentHall Thanks! I am the same height. It is a tough choice between space for gear and not going over-board. I am leaning towards the 30L as a compromise.

[@KarenVaisman1]

I am 5”4 and large sized but as woman wanting a lighter bag but I have the gripped Z9 so I’m also torn what to do. I am told the smaller bags won’t fit Nikon Z9. Any advice? Also with a thicker laptop does it hit top of taller cameras when closed? Can you use side access with camera and 70-200 on or is that too long for medium cube? Thanks!

[@rudyreimer302]

Hmmmm going to check this out. Thank you!

[@BrentHall]

You bet man, thanks for watching!

[@KeqiangZhu]

Very nice video！BTW，how tall are you？x35 should fit or match。thanks

[@BrentHall]

I'm 6'1"

[@rontopp]

Any idea if this will fit under the seat if you’re flying?

[@BrentHall]

I doubt the 35L will fit under the seat, but the 25L will.

[@rontopp]

@@BrentHall that’s what I was afraid of. Was hoping that the 30 might fit, but I can’t find any info on their site. You’d think since it’s marketed as a travel bag, they’d give you more info for traveling….

[@michael-4k4000]

can you compare this bag to the Peter McKinnon Bag?

[@BrentHall]

Sorry, I don't have that bag.

[@seantomlinson3320]

I ordered a green 35 for me. Thanks for the video!

[@BrentHall]

Oh nice, thanks for watching!

[@nicholascorby3109]

Yes please comparison.

[@henrytemd]

Hey, where do I get my bonus points? 🤓 Your presentations are always pleasing and enjoyable, even when you’re rushing around, short on time, and still getting those incredible captures. Looks like I need another bag. I picked up a dedicated camera bag (2) a few years back, won’t mention the name (named after one function of a camera lens), and the black weather coating started flaking off on the outside and inside. One wonders why they would use such a material on a backpack camera bag. Contacted them, received a generated ticket number, and that was it, no further contact. Perhaps, the bag is just old and flakey. After watching your review and others, checking out the Kickstarter campaign, Shimoda Explore v2 appears to hit all the marks. You have spoken highly of your other Shimoda bag and it looks like their designer put much thought and energy into creating additional functionality, convenience, AND comfort. Again, appreciate your presentations!

[@BrentHall]

Oh wow, that's a bummer! I've had several of their bags as well, but moved away from them when I got my Action X.

[@henrytemd]

@@BrentHall yeah…got them in 2014. Still, they weren’t cheap especially for back then. Somewhat disappointing that the weatherproofing material is flaking off and making a mess. They are probably using better materials nowadays. They do have good stuff. The camera bag market is very competitive! So, it’s nice to have reviews that are thorough and honest. You put the Shimoda bag on my hotlist and cool, they have a Kickstarter campaign!

[@raylander6329]

Hi Brent Hall, I would like to purchase this bag through you as you took the time to do a great review; Do you have a Code for B&H discount? Thank you from Ray

[@BrentHall]

Hey thanks man, I really appreciate that! Unfortunately I'm not a B&H affiliate and my discount code only works for the Shimoda site.

[@jamesgjurovich7893]

How many nights do you think would this bag be good for?

[@shoreline9759]

what is the mic u use

[@BrentHall]

It should be in the description. It's the Synco G2. The last video I published yesterday is more about it.

[@thevalleywalker]

We haven't had rain all year says Brent then pulls out an umbrella and rainshell 😂

[@BrentHall]

Prepping for monsoon season! 😅😁 Which is finally here, and it's been raining every day!

[@thevalleywalker]

In Wales we are currently having a heatwave.. thats 29 degrees and sunny for 6 days - that's probably a cool summers day for you Brent 😂

[@BrentHall]

@@thevalleywalker 29 is still no joke, especially if you aren't used to it. In the summers here in the NM mountains, we usually average low to mid 30s.

[@techguyml]

How is this better than the action?

[@BrentHall]

It's more different than better. If you don't need the extra space and the roll top, then I do like the mesh straps, back, and waist strap on the explore v2. I also like the extra laptop access point on top, as well as how they shortened up the main top pouch for the explore v2.

[@haraldselke]

Great review, thank you! I immedately went over to the Shimoda website; didn’t know they had something new coming. My first thought was: How does it compare to the Action series - so yes, you read my mind. I would be happy to see a comparison. Personally I am particularly interested in the amount of non-photo stuff that can go inside as I tend to keep my photo stuff rather minimized but need room for, say a three-day hut trip (not necessarily a camping trip; I guess that wouldn’t work with a 35l pack). I was thinking of buying the Action X50, but this video makes the Explore E35 sound like a viable option. P.S.: I just watched Ian’s video over on the Shimoda channel on the differences between the two series. I guess that answers almost all of my questions :)

[@BrentHall]

You can still fit quite a bit of non-phot stuff in the explore v2, especially if you just have the medium or small core units, though the action x50 is bigger, as well as has the roll top and is definitely more accommodating for that kind of stuff.

[@middleclass-014]

f-ing expensive here in Japan. but I want one.

[@eViperRabbit]

Not sponsored, not paid. Who wouldn't say nice things if the bag is free. LOL!

[@BrentHall]

I stand by what I said. If it would have had any major negatives for me, I would have talked about them. I don't owe any companies anything and certainly don't need to pander for free gear. That said, this is still (and probably will be for a very long time) my favorite bag ever. I use it everyday and I'm still very happy with it.

[@SHENRAR]

I am putting some money aside so I can buy it in a few months, because its the perfect bag, but it is expensive as fuck.

[@BrentHall]

Yeah, it's pricey, but I think it'll last a really long time!

[@SHENRAR]

I understand that quality comes at a price, I use my backpacks to an extreme, everyday, everywhere I go, I carry mine, out in the woods, on the sea, mountains or just sitting next to me when Im working from my home office, because I have all my stuff right there, so I understand that it's an investment, if it stands my use for 10 years, it's 40$ a year, which is a bargain. The one I have now has traveled with me around the world and still works, but now I carry a DSLR and lenses instead of a Lumix bridge as I used to, so I need something bigger.