Shimoda Explorer v2 - Epic Camera Bags

The Explorer 2 is out now from Shimoda. Here's my take on the review. Timecode links below:
GET THIS BAG: bag.gg/ShimodaExplorerV2
0:00 Intro
1:26 Comfort
2:53 Materials
4:20 3 Sizes
5:05 Camera Cubes
8:58 Side Wings
11:08 Innards
16:18 Final Thoughts
Products Mentioned:
Peak Travel Tripod bag.gg/PeakTravelTripod
Ravpower bag.gg/RAVpower
Bellroy Folio bag.gg/BellroyWorkAccesories
Pakt Anywhere bag.gg/PaktAnywhere
Shimoda Pouches bag.gg/ShimodaPouches
Sandmarc ND Filters bag.gg/SandmarcND
Nomatic SD Card Holder bag.gg/Nom
Chase Lynks:
**************
- win free gear: matterful.co/free-stuff
- the podcast: chasereeves.co/podcast
- gear I use: matterful.co/kit/
- video music resource: bag.gg/Epidemic
~
/ chasewreeves
/ chasewreeves
open.spotify.com/user/chasereeves
matterful.co
*
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[@simonmiles1972]

Finally, someone who will show me the damn bags, so I can actually see the different sizes, what fits, how it would work with real world gear. Thank you. This is how you do a bag review.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

What the heck Chase, you just made my face tingle.

[@mattyjpru]

That intro is arguably the most fantastic thing I've seen on KZbin. You're a champ Chase 😂

[@luisvigueras8645]

7th

[@gosman949]

rap crap

[@MySwatchOrama]

Yep the song made me stay for the rest

[@yeunglee5521]

tbh made me think of Phil in Modern Family

[@FadiHage]

that intro should be the Shimoda national anthem, quite catchy :)

[@janiscollette1737]

This is the most comprehensive and enjoyable explanation of a camera bag. Thank for you going over every nook and cranny of the bag. After looking for weeks....you sold me. :)

[@DavidManningvlog]

I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at a camera bag intro! Tears in my eyes. You set the bar high my friend!

[@brianhensien]

This deserves an award. Thank you Chase!

[@tdw7434]

LOVE THE INTRO CHASE! That put a smile on my face 😂

[@kje85]

This intro slaps!!! I’ve listened to it 10x now

[@nicholascorby3109]

Very good presentation. Not boring!! You made up my mind of which size I should get. That’s my take!

[@SarahAnn_81]

😂 I’ve never felt more among my age group than with this video intro.

[@xochitllee24]

Omg I love this channel! Watching review videos can feel like I’m just wasting time, but the quality of video and fun that chase gives is more than a video-it’s a friggin experience. I jammed, I smiled, I laughed , and I learned. you da best 🙌

[@tuckerhodges5896]

Dude, this intro is so excellent I am at a loss for words. Just gonna watch again or forever I guess. Keep 'em commin

[@markkrell7845]

the best Shimoda EV2 intro so far imho. You are the only one telling audience the top inner pouch can be upzipped & detached.

[@theoramseyer6761]

That opening song was amazing! Best thing I've seen in a month!

[@utubewatcher486]

Amazing review, Chase. I just got my E30 in the mail- big props to Ian and his team for one of the fastest kickstarters ever. This is such an amazing bag. I would say that lower buckle could be replaced with a G-hook and it would be far easier to deal with. You would need to remove the buckle carefully but you would still have the loop for the G-hook to hook to and it would be stowable when you're not using it.

[@bastianbaggins8700]

Best review of the bag. 1st one to show that the bag at the top is removable and with that 1st time I fully grasp what this bag can do, especially outside of its photography part. And well I don‘t own any photography specific bags yet. Just got a padded pouch for my normal bag but I‘m about to change that.

[@winfilms3681]

By far the best channel for camera backpacks, I didn't fall asleep!

[@youperspective]

Super cool video and super cool intro! I ordered the large model (35) two days ago. I'm so excited that I'm watching other videos about those bags 😅

[@waynewes9466]

Excellent review the best on KZbin so far. This really helps me decide if I want this bag. THANK YOU Chase.

[@davemenard5089]

Speaking of Epic, watched your review of the X30 last night…. Now that’s epic!

[@azpacfan]

4 camera bags. Great work.

[@emilybrown3464]

I overheard my husband watching your video, and I made him play the song three times….so good!! That song sold me on buying another camera bag.😂

[@ChinmayH]

Wowowow what an intro. You are next level man. You are super creative.

[@cutitcold]

That is the best review I have seen so far. Thanks bro 💪👍

[@TheRyanMackfall]

thanks dude, this is super helpful. Only just heard about this brand and this video gives me all the info I need to mull it over.

[@EquatorialVillager]

Can't stop replaying that intro. Definitely going to take a close look at epidemic sound. As for the "movie" in the closing I think it's from "The Nutty Professor". Great thorough review of the bags especially the size comparison and to answer your question I do not own any camera bags ... yet 😉 but I do follow this channel.

[@mrpeepers629]

These intros are so stupid, in the absolute best way possible, they're actually fucking jams. I love this direction you are going in.

[@Ali_ReBORN]

Love that energy and spirit brother! Stay blessed 😊 thanks for the infos! Getting one ❤

[@dbllck]

I honestly want to download that intro and put it on my regular playlist! Also, I have 5+2 camera bags (just sold one), a Peak Design with all 3 camera cubes, 3 Lowepro, a Tenba, and I have pledged for 2 Shimodas now. (The 25 and 30 for different purposes after this vid clenched my justifications.)

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Great video. Keep going back and forth between wanting to have a bag that supports a gripped mirrorless body and a small one where I have to take the grip off so both a. E30 or E35. Went with the E30 because my older E30 V1 is deeper and can take a DSLR medium core unit and take a gripped body. Have even with the post-kickstarter bough a E35 V2 to test as well along side my E30 V2. Bag fanatic for sure. Own two Shimoda's now, 3 Mindscape Backlight (18L, 26L, 36L), ThinkTANK Urban Approach, Urban Access, Streetwalker Pro and Hard Drive, and a few sling bags as well. That does not count any of my shoulder bags (total of 5).

[@gmartinezcabrera]

Dude. You are talented. You are like flight of the conchords but for bags.

[@timothylinn]

Love the intro, Chase. Major bonus points for the Galen Rowell Tibetan monastery reference. How many bags? 1-Shimoda Action X30; 2-WANDRD PRVKE 21; 3-LowePro Dryzone 200; 4-Wotencraft Trooper M; 5-Wotencraft Trooper S; 6-F-Stop Loka; 7-F-Stop Guru; 8-ACME Montgomery Street; 9-Think Tank Change Up 2.0; 10-Think Tank Urban Disguise 40; 11-Think Tank Urban Disguise 30; 12-Kata Pro-Light FlyBy 76; 13-Manfrotto Professional Shoulder Bag 40; 14-Shimoda Carry On Roller v2 #1, 2, 4 and 14 are easily my favorites. Also, my wife must never see this list. (Just kidding. She knows I have a problem.)

[@DaveStern2]

my wife said to me the other day, "you have more bags than I do." I said "I have no problem with that"! ;-) sad but true.

[@souIsynapse]

Convinced me to get it. It'll be my second camera bag, outgrew my mindshift photocross 10.

[@HaleyLafaye]

I have 1 camera bag. I got the WANDRD PRVKE after watching hours of your videos. I like it I use it for daily carry and I got the integrated camera cube for it. I’m not thrilled with the side access as you know the zipperage? of it is not stellar. I am also trying to get away from the roll top as well. Had the bag about a year would still recommend it but still looking for the right bag to fall IN LOVE with. Thanks for all your videos and the great content.

[@toy_geek_photo]

wowowow nice intro broooo. Congratulations.

[@sergiosala]

Haha best intros in the whole KZbin!

[@daniellefernandes8423]

I own I think 6 camera bags, my favorite one I have right now it the Brevite Roamer II, which is not discontinued, but I am definitely thinking of getting the e30 to replace it.

[@davidjoseph4459]

Love the song. I have nine camera bags, two Pelican cases, and about 50 backpacks in total. Love your channel. You have caused me to buy most of my bags. My favorite bag is the GoRuck GR2! Unfortunately, I went with the 40L, but have always wished I listened to you and bought the 34L instead. Thanks Chase, for the insights!

[@DaveStern2]

50?!

[@puyattravels5961]

damn!! that's some legit fresh review. Rewind selecta!

[@saxmastasteve]

best intro ever!! lolz well done!

[@Lucaemar]

Excellent review, thank you! To your question: I unfortunately have 3 PeakDesign backpacks, and two slings, so Im struggling to justify getting a Shimoda, but while the PD bags are excellent for city-travel and flying, they're not the best for a more outdoorsy / hiking kinda trip, where you carry the backpack for longer periods of time without setting it down in between, which is why Im looking for one more bag ;)

[@maaattW]

Would love to see you packing in your peak design packing cube and other accessories for a 4-5 day travel trip 🤞🏻

[@cattango7155]

Great video! You and your dulcet tones sold me on the 30L. Just backed the campaign.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Thank you:)

[@cattango7155]

@@ShimodaDesigns Thank you! I appreciate how open you have been to the community and your willingness to answer questions (you actually responded to a question I had in another video). Looking forward to the bag! Just apologize if you’ve noticed I’ve changed my pledge a couple times haha I can’t decide if the 30L will look too big on me (I am 167 cm) but I love how much it can hold.

[@antant06]

Awesome stuff man

[@dylaneatseverything105]

AMAZING intro

[@papsny]

Great review! I have 63 camera bags... (yes my wife hates it) but I only use 3... and two of those three are roller bags (Think Tank Logistic Manager 30 for photo and Think Tank Production Manager 50 for video work) I use the Think Tank Urban Access 15 for general carry

[@simoncoley2094]

Great video. Quick question. If you buy a 35L bag and put a medium mirrorless core in it can you reduce the depth of the bag with the side straps or will kit move about in the extra depth?

[@Christomshack]

I hardly ever like or subscribe, and I rarely comment. That intro deserves all three. Keep on, keepin' on yo

[@DaveStern2]

Chase you asked how many camera bags - current use is: 2 wandrd prvke (21L, 31L), 2 PD (15L zip, 20L everyday), 1 lowepro photo active BP 200 AW, 1 mindshift gear rotation 180 34L (new), 2 slings PD 3L and 6L. I think that covers it. Oh and the AER city sling X-pac which has to be one of the finest bags I have ever had (too bad I missed the tokyo edition).

[@Mr.HarryPotter]

Thanks Chase for the video. I just placed my order for the E35 even though I got the Action X50 from the last Kickstarter and really needed a 70 Lt with the bottom handle. The only problem I had with your video is that the bags are upside down from the top-down view.

[@daniellower72]

Good review I enjoyed it. Didn't know about removing the top pouch and I have an Action X50. I will have 6 bags in total when the Kickstarter Topshelf 22litre arrives and the Explorer V2 30 litre arrives. I also have a Tenba shoulder bag. A panasonic shoulder bag which was a complementary I think with my micro four thirds gear and another sort of lightweight brown shoulder bag which can take a full frame nice for short walk abouts. Think I'll lose the Tenba though prefer decent harnesses now the Action X50 has raised the bar.

[@kalashnikov190891]

Hi bro! I love your videos. Thanks to you I purchased the Wandrd Fernweh! I have a question, what would be better for European city breaks? This one, the Explore V2 or the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45l? I still can't decide. Thank you so much for your help!

[@cohoonatube]

Great video, getting one! If they affixed Molle on the sides/back and made the straps removable... Perfect! Still very close. I've tried the Tenba Axis v2, OneMo v1, Vanguards, Protactics, etc. All missing something that would make it the perfect EDC (80% camera, 20% Personal/Travel)... this bag is 98%. Thanks for the review!

[@EmoEmu]

I hope they're working on an Action v2 as well. I'm sitting here ready to pounce.

[@pierre42600]

Magic Intro !!! Have you ever try a fstop bag to compare built quality and confort ? My old Loka fstop start to fall appart after 8 years of carring heavy stuff and i m after substitute maybe more confy on sholder and hips but still compact.

[@DaveStern2]

Just effing epic. not the bag but the intro. yes bag is good too .. but a new chase video? epic. and great POV in the beginning as something a little different / new. looks like a great bag if I didn't just get a different brand for exploring. Edit: Damn it Chase, just backed it.

[@MrDiPY]

Great opening song 😂

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

I knew Shimoda would put out a bag Id actually buy after buying two Wandrd Proverkees🤣

[@samarth9341]

I Have two f-stop Ajna and some cheap national geographic edition bag. Looking forward to buy Shimoda x30

[@Daniel-Condurachi]

Nice review, great photography backpack. I have a few comments for your comments :) If you put stuff in that top open space compartment, without the "this kind of thing", all the small stuff will just fall. You know... gravity. When you'll open the side access to grab your camera, some of that small stuff will just fall even without you ever noticing. Yes, you can use smaller bags in that top open space. But all those bags also weight something, so you will just increase the overall weight. It's true that in some situations suing some pouches/smaller bags might e more convenient. But at least you have the option. I am not considering other bags for this exact reason. The Shimoda Explorer v2 has that bag already and it's nice that it zips into the pace and stays put. For other bag I would have to do by myself a bag that would fit in the top open compartment. There is the Gitzo Adventury 30L and f-stop Kashmir that accommodate a big 16.5 laptop a bit better and are kind of similar to the Shimoda Explorer v2 I sold my photo backpack because it was too big for my current needs. I just have a 15 old Tamrac top-loading small camera bag to carry on the shoulder and a 10 years old Lowepro lens bad that now is called ProTactic Lens Exchange 200 AW. I am looking for a backpack to take my small number of lenses (2 - hopefully will have a chance to get some more), camera, thick old laptop 16" and a change of clothes. The Shimoda Explorer v2 30L seems the best to fit my needs now, but it's way too expensive for me.

[@rogalaphotography]

I have the Shimoda Action X50, McKinnon 25l & 35l, Peak design Travel & 20l Everyday v1 & 10l Sling, LowePro Protactic BP 450, LowePro Powder500 AW and the Best360 backpack…I plan on adding this Explorer V2 to my collection most likely the 35l…

[@wedchic7]

Savage intro Chase! Just like your initial opinion, the bag looks good but would not be ideal as a daily carry due to size. And yeah, strappy.

[@rubelukeable]

Dude, I love watching all your reviews. Keeps me from buying 20 bags and then trying to return 19 of them. Appreciate all your work, research and expertise. Most of all, you're the "Jim Gaffigan" of bag reviews. I always crack up at all the shit that you say. Keep em coming!! I decided to go with the 30 L and small camera cube..

[@Jasonysz]

hi, how did you go with the 30L? is it easy to fit telephoto lens in? e.g. the fujifilm 100-400? THanks.

[@stevetqp9152]

Whoa! What an awesome Intro! I've been considering the medium Shimoda Explore V2 for my mid-size Z8 System, but not sure if it will hold more gear than the bags I already have or had...WANDRD PRVKE 21L, Nomatic 25L and PGYTECH OneMo V2 25L...The latter is the roomiest, and the only one with 2 side access flaps big enough to fit a Z8 with 24-120 f/4. My only concern is that none of these will accommodate a potential 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 zoom (12.4" long). Do you think the medium Shimoda would handle this kit? Thanks!

[@nkuete]

this intro song is everything

[@PiotrPavlov]

🔥 fantastic

[@darrenhaken]

Hey, do you think this is suitable for a city travel trip or more for adventure and hiking type? I can't make my mind up if it looks too "adventure" or not.

[@designdolphin]

Hi, does the E25 qualify as a personal item backpack for aircraft carrier? Hi f so, they can design a shoulder strap so the user can carry the E25 as a shoulder bag (personal item) and carry another carry on backpack on their back. Maybe a X25 that can carry 16” MacBook is on the wish list. Maybe they should add dual zips on all zips so they can be locked if the user wants to. Wonder if they have the female version of the comfy straps for Explore V2? Seems that they used the Action version for the female straps of the Explore V2. It is nice to have female version straps than none at all though.

[@joshua4578]

Great review...just one thing, I can't find where a tablet goes if you want to carry both?

[@upsidedownjim]

I have a Shimoda Explore 40 and a Wandrd Prvke 31 (as city / day bag). Would like to replace the Prvke with either the E30 v2 or E35 v2 for everyday carry. Is there a big size difference between the two? From the specs it looks like the E35 is only ~1” more in H and D. I shoot Canon 5D4 so the E30 might be a bit tight. But the E35 is pushing closer to the E40 which is a bit too big as an everyday carry. Decisions!

[@mathiaslibor287]

Thanks for the good review man. What do you think, will the E30 be useable with a medium DSLR core unit? I already have the X50 paired with the medium DSLR and would like to save the extra dollar for an additional core unit.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

E30 only takes Mirrorless depth Core Unit's.

[@friedrichengesser6601]

Mac 16" barely fits, but 15" Lenovo Thinkad P1/X1 won't even in the V2 35 - the only reason I'm leaning towards wanderd prvke. Would you recommend something else? The Shimoda is otherwise a great bag.. just the small notebook sleve sucks.

[@yoddythegreat]

Rad intro!

[@chosenideahandle]

Can’t watch after intro… laughing, need oxygen. Excellent

[@andreas1701d]

SO many bag reviews (and even product photos) don't bother showing all the compartments and straps properly. Well done, thanks!

[@timotheo4784]

2 proper camera bags, one sling, one shoulder bag, and a regular one with a camera cube inside… and I guess now I have to get another one. Dang

[@BrandonTalbot]

Get this man a movie/rap/shoe deal

[@yiorkis401]

That intro fk loving it 😂

[@massimo7005]

I briefly saw a peak design capture on a shoulder strap, so for these bags is it compatible? On my Explore 60 I can't use it.

[@leonugen]

The 25L bag is 4.5lbs which is very heavy for travel and walk around all day. How does it feel for all day walk with full camera gear compared to say Peak Design 20L 2.5lbs everyday backpack?

[@alexiscastro8257]

Hi Chase. Love your videos. I know this is a camera bag but could this be used as a one bag travel? I’m interested in the 35L but I would love to see how it handles as a travel bag with packing cubes.

[@chasereeves]

Yea, totally. Big and spacious if you don't use the camera cube. Very comfy back panel and straps. Plenty organization. Durable. Is solid for travel.

[@alexiscastro8257]

Great thanks for the response. I will def try it out then. Greetings from San Diego. Will u ever return? By the way I love the intro 👍🏼😀

[@queenredspecial]

Are the 30 and 35 significantly different from the outside, carry-wise? (I am a female photographer with a million bags, none of them work 100% for me, choosing this one for the adjustible straps.)

[@katelockhart4441]

I have WAY more camera bags than a rational person should have. I often get a bag that does 8/10 things really well, but I wish it did those other two things as well. Then a new bag comes out that addresses those two things, so I end up copping. But then that new bag only does 8/10 things really well, and...rinse and repeat.

[@overstandification]

I have one. A Dakine Sequence 33L… looking for a new bag for the first time in 6 years.

[@astrobjto]

I am already own an Action X30. Will you recommend me getting this E30? Is that too duplicated having both X30 and E30v2?

[@eheheh3263]

Which color looks better in your opinion since you’ve seen them in person?

[@MiddleClassNaPobre]

Sorry I just came back for that sick intro.

[@kalvin.]

Each new design gets me more and more intrigued. I feel that shimoda should split their products the way evergoods does with their civic and mountain line, where one is more streamlined and daily carry and the other is hyperfocused on outdoors usage. As it is the strappiness on the outside would be a no go for me as far as daily carry. Love their attention to detail on other areas though

[@ShimodaDesigns]

We'll get there, time is all we need :)

[@usaf05]

@@ShimodaDesigns I think the appeal of this bag is that it can go from trail to city effectively. There are plenty of options out there that are great for the city or great for the mountains but not practical in the other application. This bag seems well suited for both use cases which makes it uniquely useful in my mind. Really interested in this one!

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Thanks @fitzmaso . That was definelty a design goal, but I think it came out better than I hoped. I really wanted a nice looking travel bag that could climb mountains well. I'm very happy people like it. 🙏

[@antonroux6737]

@@usaf05 I agree it covers both applications just fine, at least in black. A beige colour of some sort could work too (in both city and outdoor applications) where heat mitigation might be an issue

[@southpaww]

You’re not right. I dig it.

[@KaleoNoeau]

Iʻm trying to decide between the Shimoda Explore 30 V2 backpack and the PGYTech Onemo 30L backpack. What are your thoughts? I need a bag to carry my Canon R6, 24-70 and 70-200mm lenses and assorted accessories while traveling (city walks in Europe) and especially meet the airlines requirements for carry on. Your comments would be really appreciated.

[@wl5609]

I'm in the same boat as you. I've narrowed it down to these two bags as well. We're leaving in 2 weeks for a multi-year adventure to Mexico & Central America. I want only one bag for: a 15 in & 13 in laptop, Sony A74 with 2 lenses, a Fujifilm X-T20 w/kit lens, a drone, a GoPro, and accessories. I seriously considered McKinnon's Nomatic but mucho $$$ and maybe overkill? I may have to get spendy though... What did you end up getting?...♥️

[@philliptamez]

So I know most people that have these bags have MacBooks, but can my MSI Raider 15.6” fit in the 30L (thicker than MacBook)?

[@smokeontherocksbbq]

Would you say this is a bag that could be used every day or a bit overkill /large ?

[@PhotoTrekr]

Love Shimoda bags. But, hate the light blue interior.

[@trueblack6760]

Great review! I about to purchase the 25 but I found it is too expensive....

[@ldr8276]

😂😂😂😂😂 Subbed just for that bad ass intro

[@kashifimran201]

I have already 2 bags and going to buy third bag which is Shimoda but confused between 25L and 30L

[@chopworksmedia6984]

That MF Song! Multi platinum!!! 🎉😂

[@matthiashehn4410]

I do like the hat, can you please share what brand that is

[@dyong888]

I'm gonna cut a slot in my X50 to reach the laptop from the top and still have the internal pockets. Maybe put some velcros over the slot.