Mail Bag: The Many Ways to Use A Shimoda Toploader

[@DaveStern2]

good video. to add, when using any holster on a backpack belt, another approach to removing the backpack which is easy to get used to is when you unclip the belt clip from the front of your waist, clip it together behind your back as the first thing you do after unclipping it (you need both hands free for this approach, and unclip it with both hands, one on each side of the belt). that way, the holster remains on the belt and won't fall off. keep up the great work! :-)

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Good tip, thanks Dave.

[@vandalpaulius]

I just love products are designed in such a way that you just can't add anything extra to it. It looks soooo versatile. Clearly designers knew what they were doing

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Thank you!

[@fafnorcal]

Thank you. These short videos continue to be very helpful. Best wishes in 2023.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Your are welcome, have a great 2023 as well. - Ian

[@HappyMSI1]

Now that's an ad that I appreciate : focus on the "How to" with visual exemple rather than a quick montage made by publicist to appeal to your desire. Now if only people would simulate wearing it while in motion, that would be perfect !

[@tammymellertphoto]

Very nice information! For any OM System and Olympus shooters out there, the top loader will fit the OM-1 (without a grip) with the Olympus 300mm F/4 PRO (without teleconverter) lens attached when you extend the bottom. The Olympus EM1-X is very tight in it and I didn't use it with that camera. I have used this many times in my dry bag on my kayak for my camera to add some extra support and padding. Thank you for the video!!

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Thanks Tammy - it's been a while :) - hope you're well.

[@tammymellertphoto]

@@ShimodaDesigns It has been a while! I am doing good and getting ready for some adventures this year with my Shimoda gear. :)

[@ShimodaDesigns]

@@tammymellertphoto Good to hear.

[@Impuls3css]

I was tired of my peak design capture clip ruining my "balance" and hurting my shoulder and was looking at camera chest rig, osprey just released one on their US website, Hyperlite mountain gear had one for a while, and then I thought I'll just check if Shimoda has one, after all i have two of their bags who knows. Damn you really think like a hiker AND photographer (which you seem to be so it makes sense), this product looks so versatile functional and nicely thought, and it's not that expensive compared to the alternatives, I'll be ordering one, hopefully I'll enjoy it :) anyway, thanks for making outdoor with a camera much simpler.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

I do enjoy the outdoors :) Personally, unless its a light camera, I am not a big camera clip user for the reasons you have stated... I would also add the danger of clipping the exposed camera on a ledge while down climbing into an ice cave, in Iceland - and watching it disembark and tumble to a bigger ledge below bruising the camera body and smashing the lens... not that that happen to me ;)

[@PeteD]

yesss that 25L explore v2 sideload has sold me on the top loader

[@ShimodaDesigns]

It's a nice set up. Light, easy and compact 👍

[@thewitcherfan1420]

Love the background of your video 😀 And great video as well 😄

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Thank you for noticing, so many headaches went into getting this place renovated and set up. Appreciate your comment. - Ian

[@thewitcherfan1420]

@@ShimodaDesigns I thought so. Such a background is not occuring random :))

[@BradMangas]

This is very nice to see. I have been trying to find something exactly like this since last summer. I have purchased 4 types of small bags. Have returned 2 and have kept a couple of LowePro packs that "kinda" work. My order is on the way. Thanks Ian.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Thank you Brad. 🙏

[@AGCipher]

Been using the "Jetpack" hack for lightweight walks, but the side slinger seems great for when I need the extra gear from the backpack, great overview! :)

[@majamidzor3801]

I use it for 150mm filters and holder, with Haida filter "CU". I put it in top of my e30, if empty, so when I don't need filters, I have that extra bag for camera and lens only. A bit heavy, but best combo I could found for filters.

[@sidoi37]

Wow its the best 👍🏼 love it

[@tonjelilleaas]

I love my toploader👌 Wondering if anyone has tried to use it as a handlebar bag for biking? If so; how did you attach it? I’m a wheelchair user and recently got my ExoQuad. I would love to be able to attach the toploader to the handlebar for easy access to my camera when I’m out and about👏

[@ShimodaDesigns]

I have in the past and it worked as good as handle bar bag generally does. But you will need to make your own webbing attachments. With that said, I have never been comfortable leaving my camera attached/connected to my bike as the vibrations always seemed like they may have some lingering effects on the camera. The degree of that would depend on the terrain, what your bike is made (carbon/alloy) and how rowdy you are getting :) but from my experience most people would be using Alloy which tends to be a rough ride that sends vibrations everywhere. It also might be challenge on a ExoQuad if there isn't much space for it to hang it.

[@davidwilliamson1995]

I have a top loader . I can just squeeze my Z8 it in without a strap on However I use it to carry other things on a hike too. Have you any plans on making a slightly larger version? I would defiantly go for one.

[@noelinma8838]

I am overwhelmed, in a good way. This is an excellent video! Trying to figure out what to carry on a trip to national park, this summer. I will have two set ups (24-105mm and 100-400mm). I will mostly day hiking in warm weather (with occasional overnight). The issue is, I'm a woman, 95 lbs and 5'. I tend to prefer carrying on my waist but not sure this is possible.

[@danhiggins8733]

Thanks, Ian! You saved me some money. ;-). I was considering buying the Explore V2 to use as a lightweight and small day pack when I want to carry just a body and lens. But I couldn’t find one without the ICU. (I already have a small, mirrorless ICU.) So I was kind of stuck and wondering if I could simply find a lightweight hiking pack and find some sort of insert. I had completely forgotten that I had a Toploader in my closet from I purchased the Action X 30 during the KS. So I pulled it back out and it works great by itself. I am sure I can find a small Osprey daypack to put it in on day hikes. And when I want less than that I can use this as a one-body, one-lens shoulder bag.

[@willbritton133]

Can you do a video on zipper maintenance? What do you recommend for cleaning and lubricating zippers?

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iavHnXhqjLpjrsU

[@pranjanac]

Do you think you can design a larger top loader that would fit SONY fe200-600?

[@ShimodaDesigns]

It is unlikely, it would quite heavy and awkward to use.

[@Patto2276]

Nice idea, but too small for my D850, despite what the website says. The packs are made for landscape photography so it's reasonable to expect there could be an L-bracket attached. My camera with bracket DID fit, but too tight to be useful. If you have a smaller body, it's probably great!

[@loneelychaiir3582]

Thanks for this, I came here looking to see if this was practical for my D850 with L-bracket.

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

I tried side slinger but being a short lady I found my arms are just not long enough on a full pack to connect the bottom strap behind the waist belt. I am going to try the chest mount which is not ideal for us ladies.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

I'm not entirely sure I understand but if you are referring to the mounting process, maybe try and reverse the buckle connection sequence? It won't be as convenient but it might make it possible. With that said, for women the vertical strap may also restrict the comfort if it is sitting over the chest area.

[@dantemclalla2804]

Dear Ian, I'm going to order a Shimoda bag, likely an Explore V2. I'd like to downsize as much as I can to fit the very tight airlines rules in Europe. My equipment is a Nikon Z9 with a lens attached and and additional lens. From my understanding - thanks to its depth - the only core unit capable of holding my Nikon Z9 is the medium dslr V2 which only fits in the Explore V2 35l. Any chance to fit my gear in a smaller bag like the 30 or 25 liter explore v2 bag? Any suggestion? Thanks for your highly detailed video and support.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Unfortunately you have one if the biggest cameras in its class, if not the biggest. You will not fit a Z9 in anything less than DSLR if not unmounted and laid down.

[@dantemclalla2804]

@@ShimodaDesigns Thanks for this Ian! and then the only choice I have is the Explore V2 35l, right? sorry to ask but in Italy unfortunately I have no chance to see and try Shimoda...

[@ShimodaDesigns]

@@dantemclalla2804 the E35, X50 or X70 fits DSLR Core Units. Regards

[@tragically1969]

Does top loader fit in Action X30 for side access the same as the Explore? Also any tips for making chest strap tighter, mine seems to be tightened all the way down but still isn't tight enough across my chest, i'm not particularly small chested either, this is man's chest by the way!

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Hi, yes it fits the same for side-access. RE: sternum strap. My only advice is excessive amounts of fried chicken or pectoralis exercises：） The straps is at its minimum possible width as it is.　The pockets on the shoulder straps bring it closer together than other products without the pockets. It's an unfortunate trade off. You can try sliding the straps up and down to find a better fit but you have likely tried that.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

I should that sometimes you can adjust the lower adjustments on the straps to create more width but small amounts.

[@tragically1969]

@@ShimodaDesigns LOL thanks!

[@denegrindal4268]

Question: Can you fit a Z9 in the top loader?

[@ShimodaDesigns]

I have not tried but it is not designed for gripped bodies. It very likely will not.

[@PharaohMan007]

@@ShimodaDesigns : ( I hope you make one for gripped bodies. These look great!

[@ShimodaDesigns]

@@PharaohMan007 I have made gripped versions in the past - including a version of this Toploader. This issue and reason we do not sell them is the extra weight and for lack of a better word "awkwardness" the grip creates. It somewhat turns in to a pressure point because it is not flush with the lens, so the weight of the unit is directed there. It might not make sense, but it is not a comfortable item to wear. A grip-less body has a nice flush base with the lens and sits nicely. Also specifically with Nikon, this would be heightened as Nikon makes oversized bodies which will add to this issue. Lastly, the idea is keep it compact and the added required depth makes it notably bigger when positioned on the body. I know other brands make them, but those items are quite large and bulky. Ian

[@PharaohMan007]

@@ShimodaDesigns Oh, bummer. Thanks for the detailed explanation. I'm loving the Explore 35 for the Z9, by the way.

[@PierreJohnsonPro]

Can’t find the toploader in the European French web site

[@ShimodaDesigns]

fr.shimodadesigns.com/par-serie/accessoires/toploader/

[@vicentjack235]

為什麼沒有綠色版的！！！！！！！！！！！

[@MLKYWY503]

When are you going to make a sling bag?

[@ShimodaDesigns]

At this point in time, not a likely Shimoda product.

[@MLKYWY503]

@Shimoda Designs thank you for responding.

[@YZYANDSYD]

action x50在一侧装上脚架后重量就会失衡，怎么解决啊

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Pack your bag to balance it out. Or center mount if a very heavy tripod.

[@YZYANDSYD]

@@ShimodaDesigns but，中间怎么固定呢？试了好多种方法最后都是左摇右摆的

[@MattWiener]

Wow! What a complicated bag.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

The bag is quite simple, but there many ways it can be used.

[@PhotoTrekr]

Love the bags. Hate the light blue inside color.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Sorry provoking the "hate"!

[@PhotoTrekr]

@@ShimodaDesigns Is "strongly dislike" better? Nothing personal. I just don't like the color. 🙃

[@ShimodaDesigns]

@@PhotoTrekr Hate is a very strong word thrown around far too easily IMO, it seems to have lost it's meaning. To each is own 👍 We make backpacks, hopefully not hate inducing ones. :)

[@PhotoTrekr]

@@ShimodaDesigns Sorry, I seem to have offended you. That was not my intention. I agree that we certainly don't need more hate in the world. I just don't like the interior color. And I believe you meant "reducing" and not "inducing".

[@ShimodaDesigns]

@@PhotoTrekr not offended, and I corrected - 'not' hate inducing...

[@jhrphotoart5038]

To small for Z9 ! 🙁

[@ShimodaDesigns]

There is a comment above addressing why. Regards

[@hakankizil1076]

Whatever....... still waiting for my warranty request since months.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

... please forward your warranty emails to [e-mail] so we can see what the issue is.