The PERFECT Camera Bag (with 1 Major Flaw) Shimoda Action X30

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This is the camera bag I've been using for the last year. It's a full fledged camera backpack that combines a hiking backpack aesthetic with a functional camera bag interior, but it has 1 major flaw! Here's a review of my favorite camera backpack! This video is NOT sponsored! UPDATE: Shimoda reached out and provided me with the discount code you see above. It's good for any backpack off of their website!
Also available here: geni.us/ya83bN
📷 [MAIN COMPARTMENT]
Mirrorless Camera: geni.us/5iXTa2
Lens attached to camera: Lens 3: geni.us/RF2470
My favorite Telephoto Lens geni.us/RF70-200mm
Lens Filter Holder: geni.us/CSsnA
Air Blower: geni.us/tD9PF
USB Power Bank: geni.us/AAvnkf
Universal Charging Cable: geni.us/XBi5p
Pocket LED Light: geni.us/uqiRG
Action Camera: geni.us/vL3ScM
📷 [ALSO SHOWN]
Woman's shoulder Strap: geni.us/GlW1wB
Main Core Unit: geni.us/Yn8swd
Small Core Unit: geni.us/FzTF
Ultra lightweight Tripod: geni.us/vBrvoec
Camera Clip: geni.us/ZOfbo
Water bottle: geni.us/CaLQn
Small Camera Cube: geni.us/rkdSZ
Camera Storage Cube: geni.us/YDoY
📷 [TOP COMPARTMENT]
Headlamp: geni.us/6pAvEw
Powerful Flashlight: geni.us/gMM0e
Rain Jacket for your camera: geni.us/pAYK
Sunglasses: geni.us/LHdU5m
Winter Gloves: geni.us/KxQd3r3
📷 [FRONT COMPARTMENT]
Multi-Tool: geni.us/iPQbJA
Folding Knife: geni.us/idoC
📷 [OTHER BAGS SHOWN]
My favorite Hiking bag: geni.us/P6Sj
My Casual Day bag: geni.us/uwKc
My 60L Hiking Bag: www.mysteryranch.com/overload...
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👨🏼‍🎓 1 on 1 Mentorship for Creators: geni.us/1on1mentor
🎵 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
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📷 MY GEAR
Even more Gear Recommendations: kit.co/AnthonyGugliotta
*Please note, I may earn a commission on some of the links above.
📸 INSTAGRAM: / gugliotta.one
♪ TIKTOK: / blameanthony
🌐 WEBSITE: gugliotta.one
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[Timecodes]
0:00 The "PERFECT" Camera Bag
2:45 How I used to carry my cameras
3:37 Overview / Style
5:07 Capacity
6:59 Functionality & Features
10:08 Durability
11:54 Comfort & "The Big Flaw"

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

I showed a lot of gear in this video. 😅 Would you be interested in seeing a dedicated "What's in my camera bag" video?

[@teslaplaid]

Yesssss please

[@willsanders2921]

YESSSS

[@sarwarhussain3981]

Yes pleeaassee

[@FrissonArtCollective]

dont mind how few comments are here plz we will watch if you create it

[@poorbadger]

Would love to see a video on how you adapted the MysteryRanch and compare it to the Shimodo etc. Doesn’t seem like it would be awful w the center zip. Also, check out some of the Evoc bags - mountain biking company w a few camera packs.

[@willbritton133]

The men's shoulder straps with the pockets are one of my favorite features of the bag!

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

Sounds like it really is the perfect bag for you! 😉

[@ShimodaDesigns]

Hi Anthony thanks for the review. Just to clarify the reasoning behind our straps.. We use jersey on the Action X line and Air-mesh on Explore. Jersey is a more durable construction to fend off snow, dirt, and abrasion from mountain tools. Explore uses Air-mesh - which is more breathable and offers a plusher feel and was very much requested by landscape and travel photographers. Air-mesh doesn't gel well with sharp or pointy mountain tools like crampons, poles or ski edges. Aside from our actual reasoning - most of our customers are asking for opposite of what you want here - which is also a unique scenario, as the Simple Strap is not used or owned by nearly as many as our stock designs. The roots of that model is an option for fitting different body shapes. Most want more Air-mesh options - not Jersey - breathability seems to be a higher priority. For what it's worth I prefer Jersey. Aside from that please send me an email at [e-mail] - thanks again.

[@ShimodaDesigns]

And to reply to my own reply... I'll add... the shape of the stock shoulder straps adds a great amount of comfort to the overall packs fit. It distributes weight across the chest area while offering 'free weight' when using the pockets for heavier items like a water bottle. The rear of the packs weight will counter balance the front pockets weight - seemingly erasing it from the overall packs load. It might sound complicated but - using water bottle weight as an example - it eliminates any rearward pull that bottles weight may add. The actual shape of the strap also helps eliminate rearward pull and distributes the weight across the chest (much like a belt does on the hips) - rather than pull backwards on the shoulders. Overall there is much greater weight distribution than with a strap like the Simple. With that said... anyone with a more compact or svelte torso may not love the is design as it may seem over-engineered when fit on a smaller chest. It tends to dominate the chest area while reducing how tight you can make the actual sternum strap. Trade offs... - Ian

[@SgtMajor82]

Your UK website is wrong and you didn't answer my question from another thread on another video where your UK website didn't even have a description or link to the 40ltr version. You make excuses and ignore genuine concerns regarding the cost and display on your website. Keep taking the money at all costs though!

[@Battlem0nk]

Shimoda answered you request! Their new "urban" Explore series has a strip on the shoulder strap exclusively for PD capture clip mounting. Also their new women shoulder straps combines the Action EVA foam you like with the Explore Air Mesh padding. Plus they curved it more so it isn't taking up space around your chest feeling bulky. Only downside you can't buy it separately yet. Only comes included with the Women teal color backpack kit.

[@derbagger22]

I'd love to try it out. But I'm absolutely loving my Atlas Athlete bag that I bought used a year and a half ago. I still haven't seen something with as many tricks. I love that I can add a 2.5 liter water bladder and built in rain cover that you don't need to have to find.

[@Gr33n1872]

I’ve tried to replace my atlas athlete with so many other bags including this one. I always go right back to the Atlas 😂.

[@BrandonTalbot]

Just bought the X70 and it's a wonderful bag.

[@KaReEdCa]

Anthony great video Man. Shimoda bads are by far my favorite bags. 5/5 comfort... I carry my Explorer 40L at around 30 lbs, and I can do so for extended periods without pain. I do agree on the capture clip design this needs to be improved, but as you said, it's the same in most camera bags. As for the men's straps being overdone, I disagree... The size of these makes it so comfortable. Keep up the great work man.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

Good point! The added width of the straps definitely adds a touch of comfort and distributes the weight better. 👌

[@bruceonthelo0se]

They have an air mesh version of men's strap. It feels awesome and honestly makes the carry pretty comfortable as it distributes the weight across your chest! Also forgot to show the side access of bag! Another way to access gear!

[@billjclements]

Question, what is that compression stuff sack? The green one. All I can see is MEC but doesn't bring anything up on a search.. Thanks!

[@Tripppaniwozik]

Love the video! What do you think about the smaller x25? I want to ski with a camera bag, and this seems like the best choice. Do you think the x25 could fit a mirrorless camera with a 70-180 lens and maybe a gimbal? If not, do you think that the x30 or 35 could? Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks so much

[@calebe16]

Finally finding someone who might be able to answer my doubt. If you would go hike (3-5 days) and do some landscape photography, would you use a hiking backpack with cubes or do you think a bigger Shimoda action would suffice?

[@thewanderinglens10]

Hey Anthony, great video, I've been trying to decide whether this is the next bag that I would like to get..and this was very helpful. One piece of information that I haven't been able to find is whether that front pouch that's meant for a water bladder..is that waterproof? I'm assuming that if my bladder leaked in there, it wouldn't all just go into the main part where my camera gear is?

[@SgtMajor82]

I spent 23 years in the military and the one flaw the Shimoda X40 has is the loops positioned above the top zip. Always getting caught as I try to zip it up.... And oh yeh! £375 just for the shell! Although compared to my Otrlieb back pack which totally did my head in as I couldn't even fit my hand in the inner pouches it's really good! Although as an MTB bag it has too much play in it around the body and slides around a bit, especially around the chest area. For MTB and as a work cycle bag it needs to be more huggable around the body. Feels like I could easily lose control of my bike in a pinch due to the movement around my body, as it sways too much. Still, at least my hands have stopped bleeding from trying to literally getting anything out of my Ortlieb back pack!

[@thenationalparksguy.1718]

It's a camera/hiking bag. I don't think they designed it for MTB in mind, just saying.

[@Zomlies]

Also, loved watching you drag a suit case through the woods lol

[@YuiSenpai]

hey man, thanks for the review!

[@Jaylord1668]

What if the buckle breaks on the roll top? Your bag would be done for good right?

[@brolinkhadventure]

Amazing brother ❤️👍😍

[@ThatCoffeeFueledGuy]

I'm a sucker who loves the Peak Design Everyday Backpack. Got the 30L version, perfect for my needs.

[@Sketchupification]

I actually have both the everyday and travel backpack from pd and I use both depending on my needs. I don’t get why the travel backpack of peak design is so overlooked by photographers. You can Kit it it out as you want and have plenty of room for extra and expandability.

[@Battlem0nk]

@@Sketchupification I have both everyday/travel PD backpacks. They are great for urban commute or short travel. But, for extended travel where you wear it for long periods that is where PD falls short. You can do it but not nearly as comfy compared to other backpacks. PD designers commented before they made the stiffer straps as a trade off for durability warranty & functionality of their accessories.

[@janmajnik6889]

Well not every person uses this clips on the straps like you do. I have done a lot of hiking in the mountains and I never seen anyone use this. This video is the 1st time I've seen it :D I'm probably gonna order this one. Maybe I will look at the Mckinnon bag as well. Do you think this could be a good backpack for a fpv drone + sony a7s3 with one lens combo?

[@avartefilms7346]

Is it possible to use dividers without the core unit? I need to put my 40cm lens through the top compartment inside the bag to quick access it from the top zip...

[@lightningblender]

I’d like to share my favourite one: LowePro Whistler AW 450 II Let me explain why it’s _my_ favourite. If you’re as dumb as I am and would like to bring 10kg (22lbs) of camera gear only on a one day hiking trip of +30km and +2km (up) you’d want something comfortable but big to bring your tele to capture animals, your wide to capture the stunning view and a macro to get shots of the unique flora on your way up, as well as water, emergency kit, food and other essentials. If your flying you’d want something fitting most airline requirements. If you’re out onto a multi day trip you’d like to bring clothes. If you’d like to go birding, you’d want your 600mm f4 to fit with room to spare. If you’re going into watery or snowy regions, you’d want something to put wet clothes into, knowing comfortably that your camera is not getting wet. If you’re going skiing, you’d want to be able to fix them to the bag as well. I think this bag can do it all, sometimes not all at once, so if your flying, you cannot stuff it, but 8kg already is a challenge. I’ve done all of the things above and am very pleased with what LP has done here. The only gripe I have is that it does not have an outside bag for water, a dedicated space to put a tripod would’ve been nice and the top space could’ve been secured „better“ so that the Velcro does not loosen itself, that small items might fall into the camera space. However, a large tripod can easily be fixed to either the back or the side, although I prefer to put my jacket in the back and my water normally fits into the wet compartment easily. Also Anthony: please use your waist strap. It is not „necessary“ but boy does it relax your back if 99% of the weight is on your hips, even with „only“ 20 lbs. The longer and harder you hike the more your back will thank you.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

Thanks for sharing. You could also get a rain cover and keep it inside your camera bag just in case for those rainy days! ☺️

[@lightningblender]

@@AnthonyGugliotta Thanks for the reply. A rain cover is included. Although I usually wear a large rain coat, which fits over me, my bag and my camera hanging on a PD clip in the front. It most certainly doesn't look sexy wearing that, but when you're the only person completely dry, who's laughing last then! A thin and light plastic raincoat is also part of my emergency kit, since the weather can change rapidly high in the mountains and staying dry is really important...

[@mdlsh]

Hi! I had a look through the links below, but what is this roll bag youve stuffed clothes in at 12:17, it looks super handy for carrying extra layers in and not having them sprawl all over the place!

[@NPCLiam]

Man is a Division agent in the thumbnail haha - Aces video dude I've been needing a new bag for a while so this was quality info.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

The Divison is peak aesthetic! 😋

[@NPCLiam]

@@AnthonyGugliotta Can't wait for the 3rd 😂

[@commane21]

At 6:00 I see a filter kit that I don’t see in your list of gear, nor in your filter recommendations. What are those? Thanks.

[@vntrgirl]

Anyone have experience with the Lowepro AW 400 and the Action either 30 or 50? I have access to the AW 400 and the straps were unusable for me. It is kinda like fate guy in a little coat so there is no way I can cycle with it. How does that compare to your experience with the specific shimoda straps you use? Thanks for the help guys!

[@paulengle5784]

That shimming action at ~1min 30s is legitimate. I'll take feeling momentarily silly over slipping on ice.

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

Very cool

[@filmguyryan]

What is the green outer shell jacket that you’re wearing?

[@YoussefHallouly]

Weird, mine came with the rain cover.. I love this bag I have the same model, but for walking around town I hate it, too much strappy and it looks to much like I'm on a hike, I got myself the best camera bag for around town and I'll make a video on it soon :)

[@gilcarag274]

Why did you choose the woman’s straps inthe first place if you prefer the padding of the men’s traps? I’m still hesitating between the Explore v2 30L and the action X30….. The X30 has a good discount in the Uk and I could get it for 200GBP without any core unit and I like the expandability of the Action . Thanks.

[@kingofgame4003]

Bro sorry to bother you but what setting do you use

[@pablogonzalez8304]

This is the best camera bag

[@iBeaver1973]

1) shoulder straps are not meant to be the load bearers. Thus the hip strap. My problem is with a good load in the bag, trekking 12 hours say summer glacier hikes or winter ski tours, the padding at the lower back is just too wimpy so you don't really get that proper weight load on your hips. Add something more like a millet or arcteryx. 2) the camera insets are not possible to secure to the actual backpack so they float around. A full bag and a day of adventure - on off on off - the bag isn't packed in the shape you started with. The male Straps for me are the twizzle wizzle ( meaning it's good !)

[@deathmine474]

What bag do you recommend then?

[@iBeaver1973]

@@deathmine474 i was hoping someone else here might add a suggestion 😉 I can't afford a new bag every year.

[@holdmyown32]

That’s the lowepro aw II either 350 or 450

[@ariffinwahaha]

Ur shorts has more views than ur videos. I wish its the other way around. Cauae uve got great quality content and you deserve it!

[@someguy3987]

You got a lot of content out of that one trip eh

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

Always! :)

[@805gregg]

Best camera backpack is one you already have, just buy a B&H camera insert $10 and put it in your old backpack

[@daviddru942]

Camera store?

[@queenredspecial]

Heartbroken I have to return this bag. Totally in love with everything about it, but even the 35L and large core cannot work with my Nikon D4 setup. If any women are in here, I need a backpack for shorter torsos or adjustable straps to be able to carry a fully assembled D4 even with the 70-200.

[@kj3d812]

@queenredspecial have you seen/tried the new Shimoda Women's Collection?

[@queenredspecial]

@@kj3d812 no, how new is it? I emailed with the owner of the company, and he said basically they don't care to accommodate Nikon SLRs sizes, because it's not a large enough market. Such a shame, because 1.5cm would make ALL the difference. If you're telling me they've put out a new collection, I will happily check it out.

[@ericshutter5305]

any camera bag of this size - should - have a hip belt ... no belt? /move along 😂

[@dhakali895]

first to comment btw thanks I was on hunt for a camera bag

[@Valencia_Media]

As you grow... please done change your content. You remind me of the good times on KZbin, that changed when they started getting sponsored by big names.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

Thanks Victor! I'll always try to provide as unbiased a review as I can! ☺️

[@Valencia_Media]

@@AnthonyGugliotta we appreciate that!

[@travelswithmytribe]

I thought this was a great and really informative review. I have only one criticism and that is the request to change something that has been specifically designed for women, to suit a man’s needs. While I appreciate your reasoning behind it, the market is already saturated with items designed for men, particularly in the performance market. Maybe next time your request could be structured more along the lines of ‘please can we alter the men’s strap in this way….’. I mean this as a genuine critique and not to bash you in any way.

[@JoeLopez]

Any bag that requires you to remove it to access your gear is not perfect.

[@lucashagerman]

The Waffle House has found it’s new host