Shimoda Uban Explore...Awesome but kinda weird

First look at the Shimoda 30L Urban Explore

[@AbcDino843]

Interesting, because everything that you found odd and weird are the things for which I love this bag. I use this bag for EDC as well as a carryon for travel. When I travel, I keep the laptop in the back pocket because I want it more protected, and a tablet or my kid's Nintendo in the front, and for EDC I keep the laptop in the front. I love the side access because I have my camera setup across, at ninety degrees compared to yours. The flat front pocket is where I keep my tickets (inside pocket) and my boarding passes when I travel. I love the direction in which the back opens because it's easier to handle when I am going through the security check and I need to get all my electronics out, it's less "dangly", it opens like a small suitcase. One of my favorites, which I don't think you showed in the video, is the secret pocket on the outside, at the bottom of the back padding, where I keep extra money. I love all the little extra nooks and crannies of this bag.

[@hasenmyer]

Thanks for watching! Sounds like this backpack is perfect for you. Bags can be so personable with everyone needs being different. Overall I really like the backpack. Keep an eye out as I'm going to do another video about it soon. also I had no idea about the secret pocket at the time of filming this video.

[@robinchaplik2340]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@edwtg59]

Hi Adam...this was helpful for me. I ordered the 25L version (in black)....and wish I had ordered the larger 30L pack! I have 2 other Shimoda packs and love them, but hard to gauge size from a Kiskstarter. -Terry

[@paulonuno1973]

I think the bag is svery well put together, that small pocket above the cube works perfectly for some protein bars. The second laptop compartment indeed is a bit pointless, maybe can fit a hoodie, or a pouch with filters, I'd rather they had put individual small pockets like the Nomatic McKinnon. I only have the Shimoda Action X30,which is amazing for my out in the wild trips, but I will be ordering the Shimoda Urban 25L very soon. thanks for the review!

[@Paine137]

Totally agree. The bag looks great and functions well, but it lacks internal structure for storage and forgoes some otherwise usable space. Floppy pockets can be irritating, and having a second laptop sleeve inside is redundant - though Shimoda would probably say that the bag is meant for a cityscape or for commuting, so tech storage therefore is a priority. Regarding that odd zip in the back above the cube, rather than bring a small IFAK, instead I place the contents in there, which works out well because it’s infrequently used. Lastly I would just say that the 30 probably fits better, even if you don’t need all the space. The smaller bags can look goofy, especially when they’re full. Good review, thanks.

[@hasenmyer]

thanks for watching. The clear plastic zip pockets would have been perfect for the inside the back opening flap, but otherwise a REALLY nice backpack

[@lasticonoclast]

Thanks for the detailed review. I also felt too much of the bag capacity was wasted on the camera cube, sacrificing space up top for bulky things like jackets, snacks, accessories, etc. The point of these "daypack" style camera bags is to balance the space for more than camera gear. Otherwise, I would just take a regular camera backpack and use available space inside for smaller non-camera items. I think Tenba did a better job of balancing the space with its Fulton V2 series of bags.

[@hasenmyer]

Thanks for watching! Yes those Tenba bags look really nice. Also, I got a Shimoda small mirrorless camera cube to use instead of the standard and that seems to work better for me. I have a video about it if you want to watch.

[@ShoeGod]

Great review! I have the same color and size and pretty much agree with every critique in this video 👍

[@hasenmyer]

Thanks!

[@Hunkbud]

Guess you’ll end to buy camera gear