The BEST New Bag for Photographers? Shimoda Urban Explore

[@TKNORTH]

Are you considering this one? If so which size and color are you going for? 👀

[@palmartintvete6586]

I am between 20L and 25L. Since I got the Action 30L it seems right to choose the 20L this time!

[@tralfmusic]

Seriously, I don't know why it was SO hard to find someone else to just say a FF camera would fit in the cube nicely with a few lenses, showing the possible orientation. Thank you so much, it's the only review that stated everything I needed to know.

[@PeteD]

I already have the explorev2 black so I dont see much use for this (except for new bag syndrome), but I love seeing new Shimoda stuff out there! nice work on the review :)

[@TKNORTH]

Haha new bag syndrome is real! I think it’s a great option if using the explore and wanting something to use when packing lighter, which is why I went for the 20L! Agree it’s great seeing Shimoda putting new stuff out there, such a great brand. Good to see something that probably extends more to general photographers away from just the adventure stuff!

[@andokewl]

I have the explorev2 30L. I love it so much I bought this urban. Just because it looks slicker to use just in the city. The explorev2 looks a little bit too much. Especially with the shoulder strap pocket and all

[@oilfreeara277]

Great review thanks. I have been on the fence for the last couple of days but have just gone ahead and pledged for the 20, I love the fact that it really doesn’t look like a camera bag making it perfect for cities. I only plan on taking one camera, a small gimble and two small lenses with a couple of filters and a mini microphone. I dont think I’ll miss the waist belt or proper shoulder straps with such a small set up, but for more gear and hiking I’ll be using my pride and joy, the action 30x v2.

[@NathanGrimes-q5q]

love mine! its such a well made backpack. my only nit pick is that the laptop sleeve is hard to access in normal use as it often requires you to take things out of the top pocket. would love if they would add a seperate laptop access point in an updated version. otherwise, super solid bag

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for the video and yours is the only one I’ve seen so far that actually shows the kit you can fit inside, marvelous! I’ve committed to the 25L even though I already own several Explorer V2 backpacks and even a version 1 bag. Two these use the deeper DSLR inserts since I use battery grips on those cameras but those bags are loaded and heavy. Really need something smaller and lighter as I age. Already have the cameras ready for a new home.

[@AdventuresofCarlienne]

awesome video! we just backed the 25L super excited!

[@TKNORTH]

Oh amazing!! I think the 25L is the sweet spot! Hope you really enjoy it 🙌

[@sumit5591]

Thank you for showing what it fits! I have been looking for this badly. I was leaning towards 20L but I guess 25L would be a better choice for me.

[@TKNORTH]

No problem! I think the 25L is probably more of a sweet spot for most people, but definitely depends on your setup 😊

[@owenmars1234]

Hi TK, how large is the tripod pocket of Urban 30L ? The circumference of my tripod is about 31cm, hope you can help to measure, thanks.

[@gerardneedham]

I need this bag 😮

[@TKNORTH]

It’s great man! Their bags are always top notch. The tan colour looks so good too

[@DrJake108]

Great Video! and what was cool is that we use the same equipment. So I often carry Canon R5 with 15-35 f2.8 and either a 50mm 1.2 nd the profoto A2, so very similar to what you had. My question is should I get the 20L or 25L. It seems you were leaning toward the 25L

[@TKNORTH]

Oh awesome!! Yeh I kind of wish I opted for the 25L. I am enjoying having such a compact bag, but just a tiny bit of extra room would personally be great for me! Especially when travelling, tend to add in a few other items that I’m not usually carrying

[@freedompanda9438]

Good review! I have an AdventureX 30, love it. What tripod are you using?

[@sstokoe2301]

Great review….i have ordered the Black 20L

[@TKNORTH]

Thank youuu and enjoy :)

[@ggbmar]

Thanks for the great video review. Is that the RF 50mm 1.2 in your set-up example? Does it fit in the bag standing up with the lens cap facing up? That would give me a lot more options if that is the case. I am trying to decide between the 25L and 30L. Thanks!

[@h.o.j2375]

Thanks for this, I was tossing up between 20 or 25L but you made me realise I only need the 20L.

[@eheheh3263]

Do you think a DSLR body fits in the 20L like the Nikon 850 ???

[@DecemDierum]

Ive been looking a while for a backpack thats not absolutely huge that can also fit my Pentax 67 back there, this looks like it could possibly work! Can't wait for the release

[@august4542]

8:17 finally i got someone actually showing how the gear is putted inside bag. why is it so hard for content creator to show how the bag works?

[@TKNORTH]

Can't speak for anyone else, I'm just a photographer who tries to show / talk about what is important to me when buying a camera bag.

[@stevetqp9152]

Excellent review TK! As a Nikon Z System landscape, wildlife and product photographer, I’m considering either this 25L version or the Explore V2 25L. Question please…Which model can hold a medium camera cube and/or a Nikon Z8 with several Nikkor lenses? Thank you sir!

[@Axonteer]

Im glad i found your video, im thinking of getting an alternative to my Action X30 V2 for city trips and such where i want a backpack and not take my peak design messenger for obvious reasons. I was torn between the 25 and 20, i do want to go small and not basically a x30 with less "mountain" style. Luckily you basically use the same gear as i do, while mine is a smidge lighter. 24-105 f4, 70-200 2.8 (without the lense hood) and MAYBE a prime but very rarely. (35 1.8, 50 1.2, 85 f2) In most cases i run with two lenses only. But it was good to see the 15-35 in there, i own that one too and its a chunker but a good point of reference! I think ill go with the 20L as well, i want it for the small size, so i should just go for that and adapt.

[@TheAfricanChronicles]

Does the bag stand upright when you put it on the ground?

[@TKNORTH]

Yeh it does, both packed or empty. Because of it's internal frame.

[@TheAfricanChronicles]

@@TKNORTH Thanks! One last question: Do the zippers have an anti theft system?

[@kostas9535]

Hi there ! Nice review ! Do both laptop sleeves have the same dimensions ?

[@TKNORTH]

Thanks so much! Tried to show this in the video but one sleeve on the 20L is much smaller and will only fit a tablet or similar. Then the dedicated laptop sleeve in the front pocket will fit a 14inch.

[@vikingjack9994]

Wich of your backpacks Would you go for, for a Sony a6400 + kit lense. 56mm and sony 70-350. Angeling to buy the ulanzi f38 travel tripod as well. I mostly do street and landscape, as its what i Come across the most.

[@Brian444]

What did you end up going for?

[@sanghuloom6943]

Hi! Great review. I have a question though, can the 25 or 30L fit a thick laptop in an EVA case on the back or front laptop compartment? Mine is an ASUS TUF 15.6 gaming laptop at 3cm Thickness that I put in an EVA case for additional protection with 4.5cm thickness when the laptop is inside. I'm just curious because most of my camera bags will fit my laptop but with the Hardshell EVA case then it wont fit anymore. I'm a casual gamer and have mirrorless camera gears and a small drone when I travel. Laptop EVA case with Laptop inside Dimensions are: Length 28cm x Thickness 4.5cm x Height 49cm. Hope you can answer. Thank you!

[@블리스-d7x]

really informative video! thanks tk i still sitting on the fence between the 20L and 25L. concerned the 20L is a tad small but im also a smaller female so am also concerned the 25L would look too big on me

[@TKNORTH]

Thanks so much! What camera setup are you using? I think that would probably be the deciding factor! I’m just managing with a larger full frame setup in the 20L but you definitely need to be quite thoughtful on what to leave behind. A smaller setup it might be pretty versatile still.

[@블리스-d7x]

@@TKNORTH thanks for responding! I'm looking at a r5 + 100-500 + 24-70 for sure but might throw in a 70-200 depending on the situation. do you find yourself wanting the 25L more or you reckon you can make do with the 20L?

[@ricardomendezDLP]

Can you link the camera strap? also, do you have presets for your video?

[@xxcaseyxxc]

I ordered mine off Kickstarter about a week ago. I went with the 30L boa color.

[@Cccc7cyccc]

Perfect camera bag and light, this backpack can hold my Xh2s and2 lens xf16-55 and xf70-300 and xpro3 with 27mm pancake

[@jamesgerboc]

Very similar to Incase ProSLR for $150. Used for years. Very comfortable.

[@tjyo427]

I’m stuck choosing btw explore v2 and urban explore.. I wish I got this one during kickstarter, price would’ve been dealbreaker.

[@12frogman24]

Hi, can you still squeeze in a 16in MacBook?😬 thx!

[@TKNORTH]

Hi! Unfortunately you wouldn’t squeeze it in the 20L!

[@12frogman24]

@@TKNORTH noted, thx!

[@RishiRaj-cg7hi]

Brother, have you ever changed the shutter assembly of canon r5 camera in all these years ?

[@TKNORTH]

Nope I haven't!

[@RishiRaj-cg7hi]

@@TKNORTH Thank you for replying brother but I have one more question, I have canon m50 mark ii so if my shutter count cross 100000 then I should change my shutter assembly or shutter performance go down then I should change my shutter assembly

[@KennethTjun]

Great Review, dude! May I know your height though?

[@nomad0714]

Hi TK North, New sub here. Nice video! I got the Boa 30l but it looks like the Anthracite that you’ve shown here might be the color I will be switching too. My only concern with black is if it’s the type of material that attracts dirt, lint, and pet hair and not easily cleaned. Can you let me know from your end what’s your experience with it? Thanks!

[@TKNORTH]

Heya 👋 thanks so much! Black is always a safe option but I do really love the boa. I’d go for 25L boa as my pick. I’ve just returned from a trip using the 20L black and it does have a few little marks here and there. They seem to wipe pretty easily so far though! I think I’d agree the boa might actually be easier to keep clean, surprisingly for a lighter color!

[@DDHDTV]

I think this was available in the EU. That said, 400 bucks for a bag hurts. This does seem perfect to me though

[@pablogonzalez8304]

I find there is room for improvement. The spring handle will eventually wear out and will be down to the metal or maybe just break. Not very comfortable. I think it wouldve been nice to have a small roll top like the action series to at least stow away raingear or what ever. Some loops on the right shoulder too would also be great to tuck away the chest strap anyway all in all still not a bad bag

[@Sevenc077]

我在中国如何购买

[@rumattso]

It's hard to understand that there is no waist belt. I have a small Tenba 12 liter rucksack (in addition to a Shimoda Explore 25), even on that there is a waist belt, and that makes even a small rucksack much better to carry. I would like to buy this new one from Shimoda, but without a waist belt it is completely out of the question.

[@TKNORTH]

It’s usually a must for me as well. But honestly I’ve found this one wayyy more comfortable than bags I’ve used that have one. My pgytech bag for example the waist strap doesn’t seem to offload the weight much at all. Wasn’t a fan of the one on the old peak design bag either. I just got back from a two week trip carrying it almost every day with a R5 and up to 3 large lenses (70-200, 50 1.2, 15-35). I never once even thought about it missing a waist strap. It depends on size I guess. If you really load up the 30L then yes perhaps you’d need one. But then this bag probably isn’t for you, go for the regular explore v2!

[@TomMorterLaing]

You can apparently add a waist belt, it just doesn’t come with it.

[@999torres]

I actually prefer bags without a waist strap majority of the weight I carry doesn’t even constitute a waist strap. In my opinion too it looks tacky like a hiking rucksack and those type I know all too way in the Army.

[@rumattso]

@@TomMorterLaing It looks like it is not possible to fasten the waist belt!

[@atsurao]

there are people that have been using it with the peak design waist strap and apparently it works well

[@darrenhaken]

What size is in the video?

[@TKNORTH]

20L

[@darrenhaken]

@@TKNORTH thanks. I was hoping you were going to say the 25L as it’s the size I intend to order. Looks a great size on your back

[@TKNORTH]

Honestly I think the 25L is the best option! Still relatively compact on your back but with a bit more space!@@darrenhaken

[@crazzei]

Can I really not get this for the holidays? This would be the perfect gift for someone. Really unfortunate that they timed the release poorly to be after the holidays

[@TKNORTH]

That is unfortunate! I’m sure they did try to get it out as quickly as possible

[@osmewilkins]

Nope, it wouldn't even stand on its own. Just another hyped product. But the OneMo Lite way better and cheaper.

[@ThomazMartinez]

Looks cheap

[@oilfreeara277]

Agreed, but being that its Shimoda I’m confident that its very well made and that it will protect my gear. As a city bag when you want to fly under the raider and not advertise that your hauling some expensive gear this bag is perfect. The Shimoda Explorer v2 is smarter, with better shoulder straps and a removable waist belt, but its undeniably a camera bag.

[@AdamLMore]

Honestly, that’s part of the appeal.

[@davecavanaugh3300]

Not at all. I have it, it is premium.