This is the best backpack review I've ever seen. My goodness, I was going insane as I watched a dozen other reviewers making endless justifications for clear inadequacies in the design, but you've very concisely pointed them out, offered a realistic example of why they are inadequate, and then moved on. Exactly what a review should be. Thank you, sir!
I can only echo what others have said before me: An honest review without sugarcoating any shortcomings in the bag design. I wish I had watched your video earlier, I could have saved a lot of time. The review was very helpful in my decision making process between this bag and two competitors. In the end, I decided against the Shimoda bag and ordered the Nya-Evo Fjord 60-C instead. Thanks again for your excellent video. I'll check out your channel for more photography content. Best regards from Germany.
@@Joe-tq8fr Hi Joe. I am quite satisfied with the NYA-EVO Fjord 60-C. I haven't had it filled to max capacity (yet), but carried loads of stuff in it. I found it rested very well on my shoulders and I had no problems whatsoever. Sweating is an issue though, but this probably wouldn't be any different with the Shimoda or any other brand. Of course there's always room for improvements, e.g. I would greatly appreciate a grab handle on the bottom. The way the Shimoda bag opens for accessing the camera is very intriguing and I would love to test it myself in the field. There's plenty more to say, but I'll leave it at that for the moment. I am definitely happy with my purchase (I bought the L and M inserts to go with 60-C). If you have any specific questions, let me know. (Sorry for the belated reply.)
Interesting how spot on your comments were on some of the aspects or this bag. So much so, that it feels like shimoda watched this video when making their V2 bags.
Many thanks for viewing and for the comment. Ah, it would be nice to think that Shimoda watch these things and take note, but if they did, they never got in touch; I suppose I'm way too far down the food chain for them to bother with😉.
I bought the bag, in big part to your honest and detailed review. I knew what I was getting into and how to mitigate some issues, so thank you. 1) The extra accessory straps that I got will come in hand for carrying on the top or bottom of the pack. 2) The booster strap set has already proven very useful for carry snowshoes (three sets at one time, to be exact…). 3) I bought the Women’s simple straps, which made attaching a Peak Design Capture Clip in just the right spot very…simple. 4) I also bough Superior Wilderness Designs (SWD) water bottle shoulder pouch and hip belt pockets. I’ll sew webbing in the right places to secure them 5) I’m still considering a Zpacks DCF backpack rain cover. It may not be worth it. 6) Also considering the small core unit as my kit grows, but no need now.
That has got to be the best review for a bag i have seen, been looking at this bag or the new explorer 2 series. you clarifies some worries i had. May i ask what make those small carry bags are for the batteries
Hi Paul. Many thanks for viewing and for the comments. If you're referring to the toiletry bag, this is made by Eagle Creek; it was the 'Pack-It sac' Small, which I got here in the UK from Rohan (www.rohan.co.uk/eagle-creek/pack-it-system). However, it looks as though the specific item I got has now been discontinued, though there are some similar items; there are some similar items, but either you have to buy them in a set or the items are larger. Luckily Amazon UK look as if they have some of the old ones still (www.amazon.co.uk/Eagle-Creek-Original-Packing-Organiser/dp/B087DFC6ZY) @ £10. Not affiliated links I hope that helps
Watched ur mind shift backlight reviews first, saw in comments u went with this bag. Your backlight review was really good and I might be sold on the 36 but wanted to check out this one first since u said u bought it over the other two. While I appreciate the honest review, this bag looks like it has some pretty big issues and very surprised u picked it over the others. I couldn’t keep watching past 13 mins, way too many legit issues. Thanks for the review, now a little more research to make sure there’s nothing that fits my needs better than the backlight. Appreciate your hard work!
Many thanks Ron for viewing and for your comment. I can empathise with your search for the that appropriate bag; I won't say perfect, because there is never one that seems to offer everything you need. And that was actually my reasoning for going with the Shimoda in the end; as I mention towards the end of the vid, I realised that I was gong to have to make compromises some way along the line, and the Shimoda won out basically on its versatility. Having a medium and a small Core unit, I can take one of these out when I want to travel lighter and still have a good amount of space for other stuff in the top section, without having to unroll it. Many of the niggles I identified haven't really bothered me too much, and it is comfortable, but of course everybody has their own needs. Happy hunting.
Good review, Mark and I agree with your comments having used it for 6 months now. The key reason why I love this bag so much is the comfort while hiking as they have taken lots of clues from real extended hiking backpacks vs. "photographers" bags, most of which are not comfortable for extended periods. The hip belt is fantastic and really does transfer weight via the frame to the center part of your body vs sitting on top of your back as so many bags do. ICU storage is good, though tight with the Lee150 Filter bag (as you have) and the SW150 hood. I purchased the waterproof cover as the ripstop nylon seems only water resistant. To your point, no bag is perfect, but this the best I've used to date, by far. I'm sure they will improve the design with newer models.
Many thanks David for viewing and for your comments. I've recently, finally, been able to use the bag for day hikes, and I concur with your view on the bag's comfort. It is way more comfortable than my old F-Stop Loka.
Its all relative. Yes it does carry better than a Loka but my lowe alpine rogue 48 with a ICU distributes load better, is way more comfortable and carries much better than this shimoda. Not to mention, its also cheaper !
I paid for this Back bag with the bigger insert unit $ 295.--. Was on sale with a discount. I love it. I don't care sometimes the zipper is a little bit difficult to open. But the straps has to be somewhere to hold the case on the gravity point together to center the weight out. You have to pack your bag smart. Find out what you need the most time and place it where you have quick access. Expendable pockets are good ... but some people overdue and this put stress on the zipper and can go bad. I own 4 different back bags. Each of them for some special reason. All in one I am very happy and had no problems. Would buy again. Make me a raincoat from a strong trash bag. I never needed.
Thanks for the review. Can you fit a 40cm tent pack in the top compartment with the Medium DSLR core unit inserted, providing the upper section is fully loaded but still closed (like on the 26:43 shot on the right)?
Hi, many thanks for viewing and for your comment and question. Unfortunately not having a tent pack I can't provide a definitive answer but I do have something similar that I've been able to test out, a rolling duffle bag that rolls up into a stuff sack. Once placed into its stuff sack it is @42 x 20cm. This fits upright into the top section, with just the Medium DSLR core inserted below, and allows you to fasten the top with two folds applied, though this is tight. It fastens easier with a single fold however and there is some spare space either side of this item. But of course it will be more difficult to fasten the more crammed you fill the top section. For information, with the Medium DSLR Core unit fitted, it is @ 50 cm to the very top of the bag opened up. I hope that helps?
This is probably one of the best reviews on a Shimoda bag. Better than all the ones that have just had it given to them a few days before and gush lovingly over it. I am considering the V2 models, but slightly annoyed that that use a breathable padded mesh on the back/ straps etc on the women's version but not on the men's.
Many thanks for viewing and for your kind comments. Like you I’d have preferred a mesh back and strap, which the V2 Explore has. Shimoda’s apparent rationale for the way it is on the Action X, is that it’s easier to wipe snow etc away 😏. I had hoped that with the introduction of the V2 Explore that they would have made available the straps from that model as an optional accessory. Eventually I swapped out the standard strap for the Action X with the Plus Strap, which has the mesh backing. It’s more comfortable, but also bulkier.
@@MarkLindstrom I agree i really don't see their reasoning for nor using the mesh types. The women are as likely to go out in snowy conditions as men, plus all the major rucksack manufacturers have been using padded mesh straps for over 10yrs now without issues. Personally i think it's a cost cutting measure from Shimoda.
Very comprehensive! I have been considering this bag for a few months now. I have been through many. All have some good, some bad, and some ugly. As a life-long packaging engineer (37 years) it's the little picayune oversights like those that you mention that irritate me the most. I have yet to find the "perfect" photographer's backpack. This is a HUGE help in narrowing down my decision. Thank you!
Many thanks Kevin for viewing and for your comments. Yep, the perfect bag is as ellusive for many, as the proverbial Sasquatch! In addition to the Shimoda, I also liked the look of the Atlas bags, but of course, they too are not perfect for everyone. Good luck with the search!
@@MarkLindstrom I currently have and have been using the Atlas Athlete for 2 years. Not impressed. My most notable complaint is the nylon material wore through from abrasion in places on some of the outer pockets. The most annoying thing however, is having to constantly flip the bag over to access gear on both sides. I ordered the Shimoda 50 today. Fingers crossed. I do like many of the design features and attention to detail of the McKinnon bag but it's more cheek than chic, "show than go", and way too expensive (Pete's got to get his cut afterall). Also too small for my needs. Hey, maybe we should design a bag together! Cheers -
@@KODOPhoto Interesting what you say regarding the Atlas bag, as this was one of my concerns. Especially the pocket on the front of the bag, when you're constantly laying that side down in order to access the rear opening. The flipping the bag over might also be an issue with the Shimoda, dependent on whether you need to access things in the other areas when you've got the back panel open. I was going to add to my vid that it might have been useful for Shimoda to provide access to the top section from the rear, in much the same way Atlas do, but I was conscious that it was already a long video. 🤣🤣 If we did design a bag you can guarantee that others would find issues with it😉 Good luck with the new bag, I look forward to hearing how you get on👍
Great video. I've watched a couple dozen reviews on Shimoda bags (Mostly looking at the Explore V2 actually) and almost ALL of them have been sent the bag. They aren't as critical of the bags because they want to be sent more in the future, or aren't as bothered by the faults because they don't have to use it if they don't want to and don't have to look at their bank accounts afterwards. I wonder how many of those people even know how much the bag costs. So it's great to see a review from someone who actually paid for it and will be more critical of the issues. Looking forward to ordering one myself, and returning the Wandrd Prvke which I got which shattered all of my expectations, from reviewers who I'm assuming didn't actually buy the bag.
When people are being sent the bags do they have to return it or they just get it for free? This was the first review that mentioned some negatives, and the first that actually bought the bag lol. But still it looks like pretty good bag it's just hard to navigate these reviews when all of the landscape youtuber/influencers are having sent the bags…
@@Razertw I’m 90% sure they keep the bag. In the end I bought the Shimoda Explore v2 30 and it’s by far the best bag I’ve ever owned, miles better than the Prvke. It was expensive but well worth it.
@@sidbrun_ Thanks for info. Nice to hear you're happy with it. It does makes you curious when the majority of landscape photographers/vloggers you watch are using the same bag. So you are wondering if it's really that amazing or if Shimoda is just targeting this niche with free bags and people like me see it everywhere and think all the pros are using it so it must be the best. Ofc they are going to use 400$ bag they got for free. The other reviewers are not lying, they just say only the good stuff about the product so you use their affiliate link and they will get more free stuff in the future. Fstoppers recently made a video about this “non-paid marketing”. Anyway I still think these bags are super good it's just that we need more reviews like this that also talk about some problems and “gripes”.
@@Razertw Agreed, there aren't enough reviews of the Shimoda from people who paid for it, and that put me off quite a bit at first. After being completely let down by the Wandrd Prvke, I became very skeptical of the reviews of the Shimoda given they were almost all sent the bag.
Hi Patrick many thanks for viewing and for your comments. In short I’m still very happy with the bag overall despite the various negatives I highlighted in the Vid. I’ve found it comfortable to carry, and capable of taking all my gear. As I suspected, it’s not any better or worse at dissipating heat and sweat, and it would be interesting to see if the straps on the new Explorer help in this area and whether Shimoda make these available as a separate item. However one area that I’ve had specific issues with is the Peak Design clip. I’ve found it more awkward to access because it sits higher up the strap. I hope that helps?
What a great review - and so nice to hear it from one who actually bought it himself! I do like that you take on all the details and thus end up with almost half an hour. Thank you. I have one question for you since I am considering the f-stop Tilipa 50L against this bag (or maybe even the Shimoda Explore 60). The question is, if you know if it it possible to attach e.g. a tent externally at the bottom of the bag and e.g. at sleeping bag at the top? From googling and youtubing it seems to be possible with the Tilipa 50L using their "gatekeepers".
Hi Sverre. Many thanks for viewing and for your comments. I was concerned that it was getting a little long; I prefer to keep vids @ 15 mins, but there was a lot to go through. So thanks for sticking the course. In answer to your question, there shouldn't be a problem attaching a tent externally to the base of the bag. There are fixing points that I refer to in the video (@5:27 to @5:37) that take either Shimoda's or third party straps. There are two on the rear edge of the base (which can be seen at @3:20) and two on the front of the base of the bag located by the loops for poles (which can be seen @5:25 and @5:30). There are also pairs of attachment points at the top of the bag, front (as seen @ 5:28) and back (as seen @ 16:00). But if you expand the roll top, then the distance between the anchor points will obviously increase and you might need a strap of about 2' or 60 cm to reach between font and back points with the top fully loaded. I hope that helps?
@@MarkLindstrom Yes, certainly a big help. Thank you! Now the Tilipa is no longer in my consideration. Instead it is a matter of X50 or X70 :) Would love the X70 because I could bring my flyfishing gear also - but probably a bit harder to get through at the airport... Thank you very much.
@@sverrequist3194 The X50 is 22" tall with nothing in the top, as small as it can get. Some airlines have a 21" restriction (Iceland Airlines), others are 22" (Delta and United), and 24" (Southwest). The X70 will not comply with the 21". So I got the X50. I can always use an externally mounted stuff sack mounted on top if I need the extra space.
Crazy money, £295 for a bag that doesn't do the job. I use my Berghaus Arete rucksack cost me £35 on fleabay and pop my camera in a Lowepro case offering far more alternatives and just as much protection.
First of all, thank you for that detailed review, knowing what someone didnt like (or had issue with) helps me so much more in deciding if a bag is for me, than someone giving a review "i love everything in this bag". It gives me confidence in my "remote" buying decission (as you cant try on most bags these days unless you have a shop that sells them close by). Ramble Ahead: I own a Lowepro 450 AW for hiking and if i need to carry longer lenses (Airshow for example, yes switzerland has airshows in the alps :D ) i found the backpack to just lack that little extra space for a Jacket or an additional bottle on the inside ( i like to carry at least 1.5L on summer hikes, preferably 2... just because a cool wind is blowing doesnt meen the sun isnt trying to cook my skin off my body) . And what you showed with the EOS R and the 70-200 is roughly what i have as a size limitation. (i own the R6 and 70-200 f2.8 EF but i guess those are near identical). I usually dont go out on hikes when its raining sideways, but if you go up high you never know. What i love with the Lowepro AW series, you have an integrated raincover you can pull over the backpack even while walking without taking the backpack off. I need to think about the points you mentioned in terms of water proofing. As for the size... i first was looking at the X30 but i think the X50 would be a better option for long dayhikes where i need to carry more stuff. Else i end up with two similar bags with the same capacity issue. I mostly plan to take my 70-300 (or the 200, about the same lengh) with me. and a 16-35 f4, all adaptet. Thats about it. Later maybe the RF 100-500 but then i dont need the 70-300 anymore. A starter kit costs here 420$ which isnt exactly cheap, hence i am really happy about detailed reviews like yours compared to when i buy a lowepro that only costs 150 or so $
Many thanks Axonteer for viewing and for your comments. The Shimoda's are certainly not cheap; if you do decide to go for one, I think the X50 would be the better option for you. The X30 is slightly shallower and as a result it's restricted to using the 'Mirrorless' core units; you wouldn't be able to stand the 16-35 plus RF adapter, on its end within these. The lack of a rain cover, whilst annoying, isn't too problematic; the material has withstood the modest rain that I've used the bag in, and cheap third party rain covers can soon be added. Another option is the Mindshift Backlight bags; I did a comparison of the 26L v 36L bags (ua-cam.com/video/CsWDjPsoSDM/v-deo.html), and both are great bags, and cheaper than the Shimoda, but ultimately they didn't provide me the flexibility that the Shimoda offered. Good luck on your search.
Mark is by far the most honest review of this backpack. I bought this bag anyway, but in my case after tearing the eyepiece rubber and scratching the Lumix S1, I decided not to keep the bag. In addition, several elements mentioned in your review annoyed me also in daily use. In fact, no bag is perfect, that doesn't make the X50 a bad backpack, just that for me it unfortunately doesn't work. For now, I am considering buying an Ajna Dura Diamond. I hope I will be more satisfied with this one. Best Regards.
Many thanks Yvanoid for viewing and for commenting. Bags are very much a personal thing; what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. As you say, no bag is perfect. I hope the Ajna is more to your needs.
Hi. Many thanks for the view and comment. To answer your question, there is not a built in pass through for a luggage handle, however you could possibly attach one of Shimoda's (or similar) Accessory straps across the back of the bag. There are loops placed on each side, along the rear edge of the bag, just by the top of the main compartment. I believe the new V2 Explorer 35L's top handle is sized to allow a pass through.
This seemed a well considered and balanced review. If there is one thing that I have absolutely wasted money on over the years it's been camera bags. So many hyped products turned out to be absolute rubbish, at least for me. My favourite camera bag remains the first one I purchased, a very simple and small shoulder bag by Tamrac. Since then, I have accumulated a number of bags/packs, none of which has really worked as well as I would have liked. Anyway, I have ordered a Shimoda X30 which will hopefully solve my carry problems and wind up being that last bag I have to buy for a very long time.
Many thanks for viewing Christopher, and for the comment. I hope the X30 works out for you; please feel free to share your thoughts once you've had time to play with it. Like you I'm hoping, or more precisely my wife is hoping, that my X50 will be the last new bag in a long while; but who knows what the future will bring 😉
Hi Stephen. I've responded to your DM message before I saw your question here. However for the benefit of others I will repeat the info I sent: To help you out I’ll first just highlight the sizing of the main compartment of the X50. It is sized so that the large DSLR core fits in with only a small gap at the top, so that you are more or less unable to access the upper inner part of the bag once it’s in place. Using Shimoda’s site info: The DSLR Large Core unit is 11.4W x 15.4H x 7D (inches). The Small Mirrorless Core unit is 9.4WW x 11.4H x 5.1D (inches) So by placing the 2 Small Mirrorless Cores into the X50 with their long edge (11.4) going widthwise (along the bottom), two of these units on top of each other would measure @ 18.8 inches. Therefore there would be @ 2-3 inches of the upper core unit that would be hidden under the upper main fabric of the rear of the bag. Dependent on how you lay your bag out, this might not cause you much of an issue though. However, one thing to consider is that the Mirrorless Core Units being 2 inches shallower in depth, will not be wedged into place by the frame of the bag and so might be prone to movement. You obviously wouldn’t be able to utilise the side opening provision in this configuration. As I mentioned in the video, I use the small DSLR and Medium DSLR combination, and this works really well for me.The overall size is about that which the Large DSLR Core would give but allows the flexibility to remove one of the cores if needed. I am also able to shunt to small core unit, if required further up into the top of the bag for time when I need to stash something else between the two cores. I hope that helps?
Hi Romain. Many thanks for watching and for your question. Not knowing the iPhone 12 pro. all I can do is really reiterate the information that was within the caption regarding the dimensions of the pouch, which are @18cm (7") Deep/long, and @8cm (3") wide. The pouch is actually a little longer than what I've quoted but it tapers off at the bottom, and so I didn't include this. Hope that helps?
Hi Youssef, unfortunately I haven’t traveled by air with this bag and so cannot give a definitive answer. Much will depend on individual airline and regional restrictions, though I know that some have reported using it as carry on. The new Explorer range claims to be airline compliant in different regions depending on size.
Thanks mark! I've had just special ordered this bag into a local retailer who doesn't normally carry them and these can be hard to find right now in Canada. I learned a bunch of things about the bag from your video that I didn't already know from having watched other videos and that is incredibly helpful. I'm curious to know if you've learned anything more about the weather resistance of the bag since making this review?
Hi, many thanks for the view and comment; I'm glad it's helped. Unfortunately, due to the various Covid restrictions here in the UK, I've not been able to get out and do photography, so I haven't been able to test it further. All I can do is reiterate the points in the video, and that is many have had no problems using the bag in adverse conditions, whilst some have. It could be down to individual batches, or the severity of the conditions; who knows? Maybe consider an external rain cover if you plan on using the bag in extreme conditions; they don't cost much and take up very little space. But personally I think the bag will be fine for 'normal' wet conditions. Hope you get on ok with the bag?
Best video on this bag that wasn’t a prepaid advertisement!! Did you consider the X30? If you were considering the 26/36, why not the X30 which is expandable to 37l? Where does the physical carry size compare to the mindshift 26/36L back light packs?
Hi Sam, many thanks for the comment. As I mentioned in the video, I wanted a bag about the same physical size of the Mindshift 26L but with the capacity of the 26L. With the X30 you're restricted to using the Mirrorless inserts as opposed to the DSLR inserts, because it is shallower than the X50. This would mean that I would not be able to carry a number of my lenses stood up in the bag, and also I would not be able to stand my cameras on their ends with L Brackets on, as I tend to do. The X50 is a little taller than the Mindshift 26L but about the same width and depth, and a little narrower and shallower than the 36L, but about the same height (without the top expanded of course). I hope that helps?
@@MarkLindstrom thank-you for the reply. I’ve come to the same conclusion. The X30 depth or mirrorless iCU does not work for me as well. I’m still shooting DSLR and have no plans to switch to mirrorless. I reached out to Shimoda, and they guided me to the x50. The only problem now, is there is a shortage of core inserts. Shimoda completely out of stock, and most retailer’s have limited supply.
I have many of the same complaints. I actually just ordered and F-Stop Tilopa after using the Action X for 3 weeks in Africa on Safari. My new 13" MBP got pretty scratched up and if I used my Sony a1 and attached it to my 200-600 I ended up having to pull off the rubber eye piece. Even if you buy the extra dividers you may find you still have to double up stuff.
Hi, in my case, I returned the Shimoda X50 after tearing the eyepiece rubber and scratching the Lumix S1. I wonder if you are more satisfied with the Tilopa f-stop? In my case, I would like to buy an Ajna. Regards.
@@yvanoid7807 I think there are things I like about both bags but I am more satisfied with the ICU from the f-stop bag. What I really want, is for Hyperlite Mountain Gear to make a camera bag... but that is probably for a different time.
Thanks for your detailed review. I also want to buy myself a similar backpack. But I did not find information anywhere, does the basic compartment for photographic equipment come with it? The description has Large DSLR Core Unit v2. It is he?
Hi Michael, many thanks for viewing and for your comment. In answer to your question, the Shimoda bags usually come without the Core Unit, which have to be purchased separately. There is however a starter kit which does include the Medium Core Unit, but there is no price saving. The Large DSLR Core unit V2 is compatible with the X50. I hope that helps?
A great, thorough video.Having recently broke my old Lowepro bag I researched many new ones including this which I eventually bought. As you said, no bag is perfect and compromise is always needed. I hope that I get at least 7 years service out of this bag (as I did with the Lowepro) because they are sooooo expensive! Thanks for your efforts 🙂
Thanks for a thorough and honest review of this backpack! I wonder if you have also considered one of the Mindshift Rotation backpacks, and if so, what was your reason for choosing against it?
Hi Tim. Many thanks for viewing and for your comment. I didn't look at the Rotation range as I felt the camera storage wouldn't have met my needs and I wasn't keen on having to remove the camera cube to gain access to the camera gear. There will however be many where the removable cube and access to it whilst wearing the bag, will be an advantage. It just wasn't what I needed. I hope that helps?
@@MarkLindstrom Hi Mark, Thank you for your reply! Quick access to gear while carrying the bag would be a huge boon for me, hence my interest. I'm looking for a bag that will pack 2 medium-sized bodies and a handful of lenses of different sizes, plus hold a tripod, or perhaps 2! :D And has some room for some non-gear things as well, optionally, depending on what trip I'm making. Given all that I'm actually considering the Mindshift Rotation 50L v2 but it's hard to get at the moment where I live, and there are not many good reviews of it yet! It does look like a pretty decent sized bag though and it has access to the extra cube-inset via the back cover, so you do not have to take everything out, unlike the 34L. (Not sure anymore about the earlier model).
Hi Tim. Having now had a quick look the V2 certainly looks a nice bag, and there are some features that I prefer to that on the Shimoda, such as the gusseted side pockets and the front stuff pocket and storage area. I came across a video which was quite informative, which you've probably seen already: ua-cam.com/video/-4RkJ46ZcRE/v-deo.html. And although there is rear access, as you mentioned to an additional (optional) storage unit. It would mean that you would be having to access camera gear from two areas. I have some experience of this with a previous bag and found it frustrating, having to fasten up one section and then open the other section in order to get the item you wanted. But it all boils down to how you want to use the the bag and what your priorities are. If access to camera gear without removing the bag a high priority then the Rotation certainly would be a better bet than the Shimoda. Good luck in your search.
@@MarkLindstrom Well, right now my solution entails 3 bags! :D - A messenger-bag which allows rapid access but has gotten too heavy to carry as I got more gear that I want to bring. - A simple shoulder bag good for 1 camera and small / medium lens that I can hang on the handlebar of my bicycle as extra storage - The pannier bag of my bicycle for the lenses and filter pouch that don't fit my main bag - And finally the tripods attached to the bicycle somewhere. Quick access is important to me because when I see something while biking, I want to be able to stop, get the camera out, shoot, and go on without unloading everything. Then I will make some longer stops at my planned destinations and get out my filters and other gear for what I planned to do at that location, or walk the parts where I cannot get by bike before setting up... Quick access isn't so important at that stage, but being able to bring it all with some comfort is! I don't know when I'll go hiking for daytrips again, but when I do I'll most likely be with family and then quick access will also be important so I don't hold up the others too much. I'll be bringing less gear though for such trips.
"and because they don't have the word 'photography' in them they're a lot cheaper" :D ain't that the bloody truth! Thanks for the thorough video. I appreciate the fact that you told many measures that others tend to leave out, for example your own height (I'm 6'3" and many bags don't fit well but this actually might).
Many thanks Michale for your comment. Unfortunately I don't have any direct knowledge of the Tilopa, other than what I see online. I know it is slightly bigger than my Loka and has beefier straps. As they both accommodate similar sized iCU's I suppose any decision much depends on whether you need/desire the roll top and shoulder strap pouches of the X50, as well as the ability to remove/swap the shoulder straps and waist strap, which the Tilopa doesn't offer, nor does it offer side mesh pouches. Though it does have zipped side pockets, and the mesh pockets in the top of the Tilopa are probably more accessible as well. Additionally, the Tilopa does seem to be capable of carrying a 17 inch laptop, so that might be a consideration for you? Hopefully somebody else might be able to offer a more informed opinion between the two. Good luck with your deliberations
Very comprehensive review.,why don't they just include the rain covert's not like the bag is cheap. overall seems to be a good bag, and as you say there's no perfect bag. do you feel this is the best you can get ?
Many thanks for viewing and for your comment. I note with interest that Shimoda actually do now include a rain cover with the new Explorer range; so a move in the right direction. As for being the best there is? I wouldn’t be so bold to make that claim without having tested a lot more bags. Having used the bag for over a year now I am still content with it; the main change I would like to see in a future version is access to the top section from the rear.
@@MarkLindstrom I have pulled the trigger and ordered the Action 35, did pay the extra to include the rain cover, which should be included at no extra cost, but no point leaving that out for not wanting to pay the extra €10. watched many reviews, all glowing, and would feel a bit disappointed once I went through the less positive points. Your review helped me have a better view of the bag overall, and knowing in advance a few things I might not like, will make it a much better experience receiving the bag and not having a sour feeling. I feel like I know what I'm paying for, delighted to have bought it and looking forward to use it in Iceland this March. Cheers Mark.
Thanks for that great video, with all the information. I was looking around for a photography bag for hikes in the alps in Germany. Well i guess this bag will be my future one. I have an Fujifilm xt3 with 3 lenses and some filters. I guess the medium core unit will fit great. I have one little question, do u think that the straps outside of the bag are capable to carry a pair of skis? Thanks again for all the information!
Hi, many thanks for viewing and for your comments. The medium core should be fine for your particular set up. Also, although I'm not a skier, I have seen many images from Shimoda that show Skis being strapped to each side of the bag, and the lower rubberised straps on the sides are claimed to be suitable for such use. For information you'd be able to strap an item of @ 17 cm to each side. I hope that helps?
Thank you very much for the valuable input~ Was considering getting this one, I used to have the Fstop Keshmir UL, but then, realized that the Fstop 30L is even bigger than this Shimoda 50L...cannot believe it.
A) Honestly, you're a great reviewer. It took 20 minutes (fully packed with information) to get to the back access/ICU itself and I mean that as a great compliment, because it was all practical and entertaining. B) Do you have a Bosch washing machine? :) *I came here to decide between Shimoda x50 and F-stop Tilopa. Do you have any experience with the other by any chance? Thanks for what you do and good luck on your endeavours!
Many thanks Maroš for your comments. No I don't have a Bosch washing ;-) Re the Tilopa, unfortunately I haven't any direct experience of that bag, only the F-Stop Loka, which is a bit smaller. Others have spoken earlier about these two bags and there seems to be mixed views as to which is better. All I can offer is that they both accommodate similar sized iCU's, and so any decision may well depend on whether you need/desire the roll top and shoulder strap pouches of the X50, as well as the ability to remove/swap the shoulder straps and waist strap, which the Tilopa doesn't offer, nor does it offer side mesh pouches, though it does have zipped side pockets. Additionally the mesh pockets in the top of the Tilopa are probably more accessible as well.
If you want to film in intense downpours your best bet is to use a gopro hero 9. No camera bag is totally water proof unless its a surfing bag. What gripes me about these expensive bags is gimbal storage and hydration seems like a after thought . I would like for once to store my gimbal in a internal protected sleeve or something ,not a outside pocket were all the weight goes on too once you lay the bag down. The helmet carrier looks like a loin cloth lol the overall look of the bag looks nice though. Iam on the fence about the looks of the harness lol it is pretty wide almost like a support bra but is probably comfortable o well.
The kind of reviewer I want reviewing any related photo gear Holds no punches. Clearly you are not an affiliate of the company . There is a photo mantra that many go by - everything is a compromise with tradeoffs. All any of us can do is find what best serves are needs best, short of designing it your self. In all fairness Shimoda is one of the better ones out there presently, although I like Gregory & Osprey hiking bags that open in the rear as well, and are very comfortable.
Great review, and great observations. It makes you wonder who (if anyone) actually tests the bags pre-launch, and has the balls to question and criticize the designer. Nobody, I’d guess…
Good review. They should have handed a few of these out for testing by photographers. maybe they did and did not take into account any feedback provided.
This backpack has one substantial design flaw and Shimoda has not rectified it in V2 either. It is supposedly water resistant with YKK waterproof zippers but that goes only on the front of the backpack. The back zipper that accesses main compratment is completely non water proof and not even water resistant. And it is not even covered by rain cover that much. Considering that laptop compartment sits right under the zipper - this to me a disater waiting to happen. Why Shimoda could not use the same water resistant zipper there as on front parts is beyond me. FWIW my PGYTech One backpacks all ise the waterproof zippers in that area and I so far never had a problem in downpours.
It occurs to me that a piece of scrap card or paper from the bin held under the waistbelt while inserting it into postion and then pulled out might work well. Also, should they be referring to the straps as for "females"? Maybe for people with mammary glands irrespective of gender or sex might be more acceptable.
Oh..I forgot to say. Excellent review. You bring up points that all seem valid; none of which have been even touched on by other online reviews that I've seen.
Hi Terry. You can strap a tripod on the back/front of the Shimoda using the straps that go across the front. But carrying the tripod in such a way will be easier with the Mindshift due to the fold out stirrup they have, which provides more stability. I'm sure you'll be more than happy with the Mindshift.
Been wanting this bag for awhile . I prefer the altlas series bags though hydration bladders should be side mounted on camera bags . Like the atlas athlete the icus are non removable though . The benifit is no frame in the way .
Hi Jason, many thanks for the view and comment. The Atlas bags were certainly bags that interested me, unfortunately the Athlete was a little too shallow in the camera storage area, and the Adventure was a little too big overall for my needs. Yeah, the frame as I mention in the video, can be a little annoying; I'd much prefer the unimpeded edge to edge access of a standard bag. Apparently the frame can be removed; though I haven't tried it yet and so don't know how this impacts on the ICU.
thank you for the best review of this, no one tells you the core compartment has to be purchased separately, and i really appreciate you mentioning the Peak design capture clip i was worried mine wouldnt fit this,, thank you!!
Many thanks for viewing and for your comments, glad the video was of use to you. You can of course buy the bag as a starter kit, with a medium core unit included, but there is no difference in the pricing against buying them separately.
This video was tough to get through…I have used a TON of bags in my life…and while no bag is perfect, this Shimoda bag is as close as any bag of this style and size I have ever tried. That being said…did you enjoy this bag? Did you like anything about it? Are you generally someone who only looks for and therefore finds the negative things in life? This review was 28 minutes of downsides and “supposedly’s”. Did you even enjoy making this video? I’m not sure why I’m so triggered but the tone of this review is so low, so nitpicky, it makes me wonder if there is a product on this planet that you actually get joy from using. Is there a review of something you love or do you prefer to take contrarian points of view on everything you review? By the way, I don’t own this bag…I just find it hard to believe that for a product that’s well made, highly rated and selling well, you are the one person telling it like it is. I wish you the best of luck sir, and thank you for making this review…but if you excuse me, I now need a shower and some sunshine.
Totally agree with your comments and feedback on this review. A very negative, gripey and nit picky review. No camera bag is perfect and find the Shimoda better than most. As this review was so negative I assume the reviewer will get rid of it and move onto another bag review to find fault.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
This is the best backpack review I've ever seen. My goodness, I was going insane as I watched a dozen other reviewers making endless justifications for clear inadequacies in the design, but you've very concisely pointed them out, offered a realistic example of why they are inadequate, and then moved on. Exactly what a review should be. Thank you, sir!
Many thanks for viewing and for your kind comments.
Other reviewers please take notes, this is how you do a review video. Spot on
Many thanks Justin for viewing and for the kind comments.
Thank you for detailed review. The best review of Action X series!
Many thanks Vitaliy, thanks for viewing.
This is most detailed review on backpack i have ever seen. Very good and big thank you!
Many thanks Alex, thanks for viewing.
I can only echo what others have said before me: An honest review without sugarcoating any shortcomings in the bag design. I wish I had watched your video earlier, I could have saved a lot of time. The review was very helpful in my decision making process between this bag and two competitors. In the end, I decided against the Shimoda bag and ordered the Nya-Evo Fjord 60-C instead. Thanks again for your excellent video. I'll check out your channel for more photography content. Best regards from Germany.
How are you liking the NYA-EVO? I’m trying to decide between that and Shimoda.
@@Joe-tq8fr Hi Joe. I am quite satisfied with the NYA-EVO Fjord 60-C. I haven't had it filled to max capacity (yet), but carried loads of stuff in it. I found it rested very well on my shoulders and I had no problems whatsoever. Sweating is an issue though, but this probably wouldn't be any different with the Shimoda or any other brand. Of course there's always room for improvements, e.g. I would greatly appreciate a grab handle on the bottom. The way the Shimoda bag opens for accessing the camera is very intriguing and I would love to test it myself in the field. There's plenty more to say, but I'll leave it at that for the moment. I am definitely happy with my purchase (I bought the L and M inserts to go with 60-C). If you have any specific questions, let me know. (Sorry for the belated reply.)
Thank you Mark, for the extremely honest and informative review. It provided a true insight to the bag which is very much appreciated!!
Glad it was helpful Patty, many thanks for watching and for the comment.
Thanks. great to see a review of this bag that wasn't just 100% glowing.
Thank you for the lengthy review - I found it very helpful determining if this would be the bag for me.
Many thanks for watching and for your comment!
Best review I have seen of the Action X! Cheers!
Many thanks Chris.
Best review I have seen in a long time ;)
Many thanks 👍
I totally agree! Best, most thorough review I've seen ever on a pack. I'll be back in the future.
Interesting how spot on your comments were on some of the aspects or this bag. So much so, that it feels like shimoda watched this video when making their V2 bags.
Many thanks for viewing and for the comment.
Ah, it would be nice to think that Shimoda watch these things and take note, but if they did, they never got in touch; I suppose I'm way too far down the food chain for them to bother with😉.
4:40 Good news: Shimoda included rain cover for x40 and my x70 HD back packs.
Really good review! Many thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for viewing and for your comment.
Very thorough! Thank you Mark.
Many thanks for viewing and for your comments.
Thanks for this review! It's nice seeing the negatives of this backpack, too.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for viewing and for your comment.
I bought the bag, in big part to your honest and detailed review. I knew what I was getting into and how to mitigate some issues, so thank you.
1) The extra accessory straps that I got will come in hand for carrying on the top or bottom of the pack.
2) The booster strap set has already proven very useful for carry snowshoes (three sets at one time, to be exact…).
3) I bought the Women’s simple straps, which made attaching a Peak Design Capture Clip in just the right spot very…simple.
4) I also bough Superior Wilderness Designs (SWD) water bottle shoulder pouch and hip belt pockets. I’ll sew webbing in the right places to secure them
5) I’m still considering a Zpacks DCF backpack rain cover. It may not be worth it.
6) Also considering the small core unit as my kit grows, but no need now.
Many thanks for the view and comment Jeremy. Enjoy the new bag.
Brilliant and thorough review. Thank you for taking the time.
Many thanks Heather for viewing and for the comment.
That has got to be the best review for a bag i have seen, been looking at this bag or the new explorer 2 series. you clarifies some worries i had. May i ask what make those small carry bags are for the batteries
Hi Paul. Many thanks for viewing and for the comments. If you're referring to the toiletry bag, this is made by Eagle Creek; it was the 'Pack-It sac' Small, which I got here in the UK from Rohan (www.rohan.co.uk/eagle-creek/pack-it-system). However, it looks as though the specific item I got has now been discontinued, though there are some similar items; there are some similar items, but either you have to buy them in a set or the items are larger.
Luckily Amazon UK look as if they have some of the old ones still (www.amazon.co.uk/Eagle-Creek-Original-Packing-Organiser/dp/B087DFC6ZY) @ £10.
Not affiliated links
I hope that helps
@@MarkLindstrom Mark thanks for your prompt reply :o)
Watched ur mind shift backlight reviews first, saw in comments u went with this bag. Your backlight review was really good and I might be sold on the 36 but wanted to check out this one first since u said u bought it over the other two. While I appreciate the honest review, this bag looks like it has some pretty big issues and very surprised u picked it over the others. I couldn’t keep watching past 13 mins, way too many legit issues. Thanks for the review, now a little more research to make sure there’s nothing that fits my needs better than the backlight. Appreciate your hard work!
Many thanks Ron for viewing and for your comment. I can empathise with your search for the that appropriate bag; I won't say perfect, because there is never one that seems to offer everything you need. And that was actually my reasoning for going with the Shimoda in the end; as I mention towards the end of the vid, I realised that I was gong to have to make compromises some way along the line, and the Shimoda won out basically on its versatility. Having a medium and a small Core unit, I can take one of these out when I want to travel lighter and still have a good amount of space for other stuff in the top section, without having to unroll it. Many of the niggles I identified haven't really bothered me too much, and it is comfortable, but of course everybody has their own needs.
Happy hunting.
Good review, Mark and I agree with your comments having used it for 6 months now. The key reason why I love this bag so much is the comfort while hiking as they have taken lots of clues from real extended hiking backpacks vs. "photographers" bags, most of which are not comfortable for extended periods. The hip belt is fantastic and really does transfer weight via the frame to the center part of your body vs sitting on top of your back as so many bags do. ICU storage is good, though tight with the Lee150 Filter bag (as you have) and the SW150 hood. I purchased the waterproof cover as the ripstop nylon seems only water resistant. To your point, no bag is perfect, but this the best I've used to date, by far. I'm sure they will improve the design with newer models.
Many thanks David for viewing and for your comments. I've recently, finally, been able to use the bag for day hikes, and I concur with your view on the bag's comfort. It is way more comfortable than my old F-Stop Loka.
Its all relative. Yes it does carry better than a Loka but my lowe alpine rogue 48 with a ICU distributes load better, is way more comfortable and carries much better than this shimoda. Not to mention, its also cheaper !
Can you attach peak design capture camera clip to the straps of this bag? Thanks
Hi Youssef. As I show in the video, yes you can, but the bracket ends up being a little higher on the strap because of the pockets.
@@MarkLindstrom ok thank you :)
Very thorough. I need you to review every bag. It feels harsh but fair.
Many thanks Mark for your comment. I'd love to do more reviews, but as I review only what I buy, my wife would have a paddy if I bought more bags;-)
I paid for this Back bag with the bigger insert unit $ 295.--. Was on sale with a discount. I love it. I don't care sometimes the zipper is a little bit difficult to open. But the straps has to be somewhere to hold the case on the gravity point together to center the weight out. You have to pack your bag smart. Find out what you need the most time and place it where you have quick access. Expendable pockets are good ... but some people overdue and this put stress on the zipper and can go bad. I own 4 different back bags. Each of them for some special reason. All in one I am very happy and had no problems. Would buy again. Make me a raincoat from a strong trash bag. I never needed.
Thanks for the review. Can you fit a 40cm tent pack in the top compartment with the Medium DSLR core unit inserted, providing the upper section is fully loaded but still closed (like on the 26:43 shot on the right)?
Hi, many thanks for viewing and for your comment and question.
Unfortunately not having a tent pack I can't provide a definitive answer but I do have something similar that I've been able to test out, a rolling duffle bag that rolls up into a stuff sack. Once placed into its stuff sack it is @42 x 20cm. This fits upright into the top section, with just the Medium DSLR core inserted below, and allows you to fasten the top with two folds applied, though this is tight. It fastens easier with a single fold however and there is some spare space either side of this item. But of course it will be more difficult to fasten the more crammed you fill the top section.
For information, with the Medium DSLR Core unit fitted, it is @ 50 cm to the very top of the bag opened up.
I hope that helps?
This is probably one of the best reviews on a Shimoda bag. Better than all the ones that have just had it given to them a few days before and gush lovingly over it. I am considering the V2 models, but slightly annoyed that that use a breathable padded mesh on the back/ straps etc on the women's version but not on the men's.
Many thanks for viewing and for your kind comments.
Like you I’d have preferred a mesh back and strap, which the V2 Explore has. Shimoda’s apparent rationale for the way it is on the Action X, is that it’s easier to wipe snow etc away 😏.
I had hoped that with the introduction of the V2 Explore that they would have made available the straps from that model as an optional accessory.
Eventually I swapped out the standard strap for the Action X with the Plus Strap, which has the mesh backing. It’s more comfortable, but also bulkier.
@@MarkLindstrom I agree i really don't see their reasoning for nor using the mesh types. The women are as likely to go out in snowy conditions as men, plus all the major rucksack manufacturers have been using padded mesh straps for over 10yrs now without issues. Personally i think it's a cost cutting measure from Shimoda.
Very comprehensive! I have been considering this bag for a few months now. I have been through many. All have some good, some bad, and some ugly. As a life-long packaging engineer (37 years) it's the little picayune oversights like those that you mention that irritate me the most. I have yet to find the "perfect" photographer's backpack. This is a HUGE help in narrowing down my decision. Thank you!
Many thanks Kevin for viewing and for your comments. Yep, the perfect bag is as ellusive for many, as the proverbial Sasquatch!
In addition to the Shimoda, I also liked the look of the Atlas bags, but of course, they too are not perfect for everyone. Good luck with the search!
@@MarkLindstrom I currently have and have been using the Atlas Athlete for 2 years. Not impressed. My most notable complaint is the nylon material wore through from abrasion in places on some of the outer pockets. The most annoying thing however, is having to constantly flip the bag over to access gear on both sides. I ordered the Shimoda 50 today. Fingers crossed. I do like many of the design features and attention to detail of the McKinnon bag but it's more cheek than chic, "show than go", and way too expensive (Pete's got to get his cut afterall). Also too small for my needs. Hey, maybe we should design a bag together! Cheers -
@@KODOPhoto Interesting what you say regarding the Atlas bag, as this was one of my concerns. Especially the pocket on the front of the bag, when you're constantly laying that side down in order to access the rear opening.
The flipping the bag over might also be an issue with the Shimoda, dependent on whether you need to access things in the other areas when you've got the back panel open. I was going to add to my vid that it might have been useful for Shimoda to provide access to the top section from the rear, in much the same way Atlas do, but I was conscious that it was already a long video.
🤣🤣 If we did design a bag you can guarantee that others would find issues with it😉
Good luck with the new bag, I look forward to hearing how you get on👍
@@KODOPhoto what was the verdict on the Shimoda X50?? I am about to return my hiking bag to REI and pull the trigger on one of these.
Great video. I've watched a couple dozen reviews on Shimoda bags (Mostly looking at the Explore V2 actually) and almost ALL of them have been sent the bag. They aren't as critical of the bags because they want to be sent more in the future, or aren't as bothered by the faults because they don't have to use it if they don't want to and don't have to look at their bank accounts afterwards. I wonder how many of those people even know how much the bag costs.
So it's great to see a review from someone who actually paid for it and will be more critical of the issues. Looking forward to ordering one myself, and returning the Wandrd Prvke which I got which shattered all of my expectations, from reviewers who I'm assuming didn't actually buy the bag.
Many thanks Sid for your comment.
When people are being sent the bags do they have to return it or they just get it for free?
This was the first review that mentioned some negatives, and the first that actually bought the bag lol.
But still it looks like pretty good bag it's just hard to navigate these reviews when all of the landscape youtuber/influencers are having sent the bags…
@@Razertw I’m 90% sure they keep the bag. In the end I bought the Shimoda Explore v2 30 and it’s by far the best bag I’ve ever owned, miles better than the Prvke. It was expensive but well worth it.
@@sidbrun_ Thanks for info. Nice to hear you're happy with it.
It does makes you curious when the majority of landscape photographers/vloggers you watch are using the same bag.
So you are wondering if it's really that amazing or if Shimoda is just targeting this niche with free bags and people like me see it everywhere and think all the pros are using it so it must be the best. Ofc they are going to use 400$ bag they got for free.
The other reviewers are not lying, they just say only the good stuff about the product so you use their affiliate link and they will get more free stuff in the future. Fstoppers recently made a video about this “non-paid marketing”.
Anyway I still think these bags are super good it's just that we need more reviews like this that also talk about some problems and “gripes”.
@@Razertw Agreed, there aren't enough reviews of the Shimoda from people who paid for it, and that put me off quite a bit at first. After being completely let down by the Wandrd Prvke, I became very skeptical of the reviews of the Shimoda given they were almost all sent the bag.
I like very much this review - thanks for pointing all aspects of the backpack.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Mark, Thanks for the honest and detailed review! I am curious what your experiences are now that you have used the bag for over half a year.
Hi Patrick many thanks for viewing and for your comments. In short I’m still very happy with the bag overall despite the various negatives I highlighted in the Vid. I’ve found it comfortable to carry, and capable of taking all my gear. As I suspected, it’s not any better or worse at dissipating heat and sweat, and it would be interesting to see if the straps on the new Explorer help in this area and whether Shimoda make these available as a separate item. However one area that I’ve had specific issues with is the Peak Design clip. I’ve found it more awkward to access because it sits higher up the strap.
I hope that helps?
@@MarkLindstrom Thanks!
Great video. Hope all is well
What a great review - and so nice to hear it from one who actually bought it himself! I do like that you take on all the details and thus end up with almost half an hour. Thank you. I have one question for you since I am considering the f-stop Tilipa 50L against this bag (or maybe even the Shimoda Explore 60). The question is, if you know if it it possible to attach e.g. a tent externally at the bottom of the bag and e.g. at sleeping bag at the top? From googling and youtubing it seems to be possible with the Tilipa 50L using their "gatekeepers".
Hi Sverre. Many thanks for viewing and for your comments. I was concerned that it was getting a little long; I prefer to keep vids @ 15 mins, but there was a lot to go through. So thanks for sticking the course.
In answer to your question, there shouldn't be a problem attaching a tent externally to the base of the bag. There are fixing points that I refer to in the video (@5:27 to @5:37) that take either Shimoda's or third party straps.
There are two on the rear edge of the base (which can be seen at @3:20) and two on the front of the base of the bag located by the loops for poles (which can be seen @5:25 and @5:30).
There are also pairs of attachment points at the top of the bag, front (as seen @ 5:28) and back (as seen @ 16:00). But if you expand the roll top, then the distance between the anchor points will obviously increase and you might need a strap of about 2' or 60 cm to reach between font and back points with the top fully loaded.
I hope that helps?
@@MarkLindstrom Yes, certainly a big help. Thank you! Now the Tilipa is no longer in my consideration. Instead it is a matter of X50 or X70 :) Would love the X70 because I could bring my flyfishing gear also - but probably a bit harder to get through at the airport... Thank you very much.
@@sverrequist3194 The X50 is 22" tall with nothing in the top, as small as it can get. Some airlines have a 21" restriction (Iceland Airlines), others are 22" (Delta and United), and 24" (Southwest). The X70 will not comply with the 21". So I got the X50. I can always use an externally mounted stuff sack mounted on top if I need the extra space.
Crazy money, £295 for a bag that doesn't do the job. I use my Berghaus Arete rucksack cost me £35 on fleabay and pop my camera in a Lowepro case offering far more alternatives and just as much protection.
First of all, thank you for that detailed review, knowing what someone didnt like (or had issue with) helps me so much more in deciding if a bag is for me, than someone giving a review "i love everything in this bag". It gives me confidence in my "remote" buying decission (as you cant try on most bags these days unless you have a shop that sells them close by).
Ramble Ahead:
I own a Lowepro 450 AW for hiking and if i need to carry longer lenses (Airshow for example, yes switzerland has airshows in the alps :D ) i found the backpack to just lack that little extra space for a Jacket or an additional bottle on the inside ( i like to carry at least 1.5L on summer hikes, preferably 2... just because a cool wind is blowing doesnt meen the sun isnt trying to cook my skin off my body) . And what you showed with the EOS R and the 70-200 is roughly what i have as a size limitation. (i own the R6 and 70-200 f2.8 EF but i guess those are near identical).
I usually dont go out on hikes when its raining sideways, but if you go up high you never know. What i love with the Lowepro AW series, you have an integrated raincover you can pull over the backpack even while walking without taking the backpack off. I need to think about the points you mentioned in terms of water proofing.
As for the size... i first was looking at the X30 but i think the X50 would be a better option for long dayhikes where i need to carry more stuff. Else i end up with two similar bags with the same capacity issue.
I mostly plan to take my 70-300 (or the 200, about the same lengh) with me. and a 16-35 f4, all adaptet. Thats about it. Later maybe the RF 100-500 but then i dont need the 70-300 anymore.
A starter kit costs here 420$ which isnt exactly cheap, hence i am really happy about detailed reviews like yours compared to when i buy a lowepro that only costs 150 or so $
Many thanks Axonteer for viewing and for your comments. The Shimoda's are certainly not cheap; if you do decide to go for one, I think the X50 would be the better option for you. The X30 is slightly shallower and as a result it's restricted to using the 'Mirrorless' core units; you wouldn't be able to stand the 16-35 plus RF adapter, on its end within these.
The lack of a rain cover, whilst annoying, isn't too problematic; the material has withstood the modest rain that I've used the bag in, and cheap third party rain covers can soon be added.
Another option is the Mindshift Backlight bags; I did a comparison of the 26L v 36L bags (ua-cam.com/video/CsWDjPsoSDM/v-deo.html), and both are great bags, and cheaper than the Shimoda, but ultimately they didn't provide me the flexibility that the Shimoda offered.
Good luck on your search.
Can we put a tripod in the bag & not outside? It works? I prefer to avoid steals
Mark is by far the most honest review of this backpack. I bought this bag anyway, but in my case after tearing the eyepiece rubber and scratching the Lumix S1, I decided not to keep the bag. In addition, several elements mentioned in your review annoyed me also in daily use. In fact, no bag is perfect, that doesn't make the X50 a bad backpack, just that for me it unfortunately doesn't work. For now, I am considering buying an Ajna Dura Diamond. I hope I will be more satisfied with this one. Best Regards.
Many thanks Yvanoid for viewing and for commenting. Bags are very much a personal thing; what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. As you say, no bag is perfect. I hope the Ajna is more to your needs.
Thank you for the thorough video. Is there a strap or loop to pass a rolling carry on handle through to wheel the bag on top of a rolling carry on?
Hi. Many thanks for the view and comment.
To answer your question, there is not a built in pass through for a luggage handle, however you could possibly attach one of Shimoda's (or similar) Accessory straps across the back of the bag. There are loops placed on each side, along the rear edge of the bag, just by the top of the main compartment.
I believe the new V2 Explorer 35L's top handle is sized to allow a pass through.
I really leaves my wondering, why they wouldn't use stretch material for all the inner pockets. I thought that would be an industry standard tbh.
This seemed a well considered and balanced review. If there is one thing that I have absolutely wasted money on over the years it's been camera bags. So many hyped products turned out to be absolute rubbish, at least for me. My favourite camera bag remains the first one I purchased, a very simple and small shoulder bag by Tamrac. Since then, I have accumulated a number of bags/packs, none of which has really worked as well as I would have liked. Anyway, I have ordered a Shimoda X30 which will hopefully solve my carry problems and wind up being that last bag I have to buy for a very long time.
Many thanks for viewing Christopher, and for the comment. I hope the X30 works out for you; please feel free to share your thoughts once you've had time to play with it.
Like you I'm hoping, or more precisely my wife is hoping, that my X50 will be the last new bag in a long while; but who knows what the future will bring 😉
did it end up working oUt for you? im debating it. what was the purchase price?
Very helpful in my buying decision. Thank you.
Glad it helped. Many thanks.
Good and interesting review, thank you
Thanks for watching and for your comment.
Excellent review thank you. Do you think you could fit 2 small mirrorless core units on their side in the x50?
Hi Stephen. I've responded to your DM message before I saw your question here. However for the benefit of others I will repeat the info I sent:
To help you out I’ll first just highlight the sizing of the main compartment of the X50. It is sized so that the large DSLR core fits in with only a small gap at the top, so that you are more or less unable to access the upper inner part of the bag once it’s in place.
Using Shimoda’s site info:
The DSLR Large Core unit is 11.4W x 15.4H x 7D (inches).
The Small Mirrorless Core unit is 9.4WW x 11.4H x 5.1D (inches)
So by placing the 2 Small Mirrorless Cores into the X50 with their long edge (11.4) going widthwise (along the bottom), two of these units on top of each other would measure @ 18.8 inches. Therefore there would be @ 2-3 inches of the upper core unit that would be hidden under the upper main fabric of the rear of the bag. Dependent on how you lay your bag out, this might not cause you much of an issue though. However, one thing to consider is that the Mirrorless Core Units being 2 inches shallower in depth, will not be wedged into place by the frame of the bag and so might be prone to movement. You obviously wouldn’t be able to utilise the side opening provision in this configuration.
As I mentioned in the video, I use the small DSLR and Medium DSLR combination, and this works really well for me.The overall size is about that which the Large DSLR Core would give but allows the flexibility to remove one of the cores if needed. I am also able to shunt to small core unit, if required further up into the top of the bag for time when I need to stash something else between the two cores.
I hope that helps?
Great review.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thx for your test i would Line to know if my iPhone 12 pro Max can fit on thé frontal smartphone pocket
Hi Romain. Many thanks for watching and for your question. Not knowing the iPhone 12 pro. all I can do is really reiterate the information that was within the caption regarding the dimensions of the pouch, which are @18cm (7") Deep/long, and @8cm (3") wide. The pouch is actually a little longer than what I've quoted but it tapers off at the bottom, and so I didn't include this.
Hope that helps?
@@MarkLindstrom thx a lot I have just received mine and iPhone 12 pro max without bumper fit perfectly with Apple official bumper it a ok but it tight
Many thanks; useful info for others. Enjoy👍
Do you think this bag could fit as a personnal item for air travel?
Hi Youssef, unfortunately I haven’t traveled by air with this bag and so cannot give a definitive answer. Much will depend on individual airline and regional restrictions, though I know that some have reported using it as carry on. The new Explorer range claims to be airline compliant in different regions depending on size.
@@MarkLindstrom ok good thanks !! 😊
I really think that this bag needs a version 2 to be competitive! @Shimoda
Thanks mark! I've had just special ordered this bag into a local retailer who doesn't normally carry them and these can be hard to find right now in Canada. I learned a bunch of things about the bag from your video that I didn't already know from having watched other videos and that is incredibly helpful. I'm curious to know if you've learned anything more about the weather resistance of the bag since making this review?
Hi, many thanks for the view and comment; I'm glad it's helped.
Unfortunately, due to the various Covid restrictions here in the UK, I've not been able to get out and do photography, so I haven't been able to test it further. All I can do is reiterate the points in the video, and that is many have had no problems using the bag in adverse conditions, whilst some have. It could be down to individual batches, or the severity of the conditions; who knows?
Maybe consider an external rain cover if you plan on using the bag in extreme conditions; they don't cost much and take up very little space. But personally I think the bag will be fine for 'normal' wet conditions.
Hope you get on ok with the bag?
@ubercurious I've owned this bag for about half a year so far. It works fine without a rain cover and has good water resistance
Many thanks for the additional info👍
Best video on this bag that wasn’t a prepaid advertisement!!
Did you consider the X30? If you were considering the 26/36, why not the X30 which is expandable to 37l? Where does the physical carry size compare to the mindshift 26/36L back light packs?
Hi Sam, many thanks for the comment. As I mentioned in the video, I wanted a bag about the same physical size of the Mindshift 26L but with the capacity of the 26L. With the X30 you're restricted to using the Mirrorless inserts as opposed to the DSLR inserts, because it is shallower than the X50. This would mean that I would not be able to carry a number of my lenses stood up in the bag, and also I would not be able to stand my cameras on their ends with L Brackets on, as I tend to do.
The X50 is a little taller than the Mindshift 26L but about the same width and depth, and a little narrower and shallower than the 36L, but about the same height (without the top expanded of course).
I hope that helps?
@@MarkLindstrom thank-you for the reply. I’ve come to the same conclusion. The X30 depth or mirrorless iCU does not work for me as well. I’m still shooting DSLR and have no plans to switch to mirrorless. I reached out to Shimoda, and they guided me to the x50. The only problem now, is there is a shortage of core inserts. Shimoda completely out of stock, and most retailer’s have limited supply.
I have many of the same complaints. I actually just ordered and F-Stop Tilopa after using the Action X for 3 weeks in Africa on Safari. My new 13" MBP got pretty scratched up and if I used my Sony a1 and attached it to my 200-600 I ended up having to pull off the rubber eye piece. Even if you buy the extra dividers you may find you still have to double up stuff.
Hi, in my case, I returned the Shimoda X50 after tearing the eyepiece rubber and scratching the Lumix S1. I wonder if you are more satisfied with the Tilopa f-stop? In my case, I would like to buy an Ajna. Regards.
@@yvanoid7807 I think there are things I like about both bags but I am more satisfied with the ICU from the f-stop bag. What I really want, is for Hyperlite Mountain Gear to make a camera bag... but that is probably for a different time.
Thanks for your detailed review. I also want to buy myself a similar backpack.
But I did not find information anywhere, does the basic compartment for photographic equipment come with it?
The description has Large DSLR Core Unit v2.
It is he?
Hi Michael, many thanks for viewing and for your comment. In answer to your question, the Shimoda bags usually come without the Core Unit, which have to be purchased separately. There is however a starter kit which does include the Medium Core Unit, but there is no price saving. The Large DSLR Core unit V2 is compatible with the X50.
I hope that helps?
@@MarkLindstrom Thanks for your answer.
The starter kit is noticeably expensive for me. I decided to take Lowepro Powder Backpack 500 AW
Thank you for a very helpful video!
Glad it was helpful David!
A great, thorough video.Having recently broke my old Lowepro bag I researched many new ones including this which I eventually bought. As you said, no bag is perfect and compromise is always needed. I hope that I get at least 7 years service out of this bag (as I did with the Lowepro) because they are sooooo expensive! Thanks for your efforts 🙂
Many thanks Peter. Glad it was helpful!
I am trying to decide between this backpack and the Compagnon Element Backpack. Tough decision...
Thanks for a thorough and honest review of this backpack!
I wonder if you have also considered one of the Mindshift Rotation backpacks, and if so, what was your reason for choosing against it?
Hi Tim. Many thanks for viewing and for your comment.
I didn't look at the Rotation range as I felt the camera storage wouldn't have met my needs and I wasn't keen on having to remove the camera cube to gain access to the camera gear. There will however be many where the removable cube and access to it whilst wearing the bag, will be an advantage. It just wasn't what I needed. I hope that helps?
@@MarkLindstrom Hi Mark,
Thank you for your reply!
Quick access to gear while carrying the bag would be a huge boon for me, hence my interest. I'm looking for a bag that will pack 2 medium-sized bodies and a handful of lenses of different sizes, plus hold a tripod, or perhaps 2! :D
And has some room for some non-gear things as well, optionally, depending on what trip I'm making.
Given all that I'm actually considering the Mindshift Rotation 50L v2 but it's hard to get at the moment where I live, and there are not many good reviews of it yet!
It does look like a pretty decent sized bag though and it has access to the extra cube-inset via the back cover, so you do not have to take everything out, unlike the 34L. (Not sure anymore about the earlier model).
Hi Tim. Having now had a quick look the V2 certainly looks a nice bag, and there are some features that I prefer to that on the Shimoda, such as the gusseted side pockets and the front stuff pocket and storage area. I came across a video which was quite informative, which you've probably seen already: ua-cam.com/video/-4RkJ46ZcRE/v-deo.html.
And although there is rear access, as you mentioned to an additional (optional) storage unit. It would mean that you would be having to access camera gear from two areas. I have some experience of this with a previous bag and found it frustrating, having to fasten up one section and then open the other section in order to get the item you wanted. But it all boils down to how you want to use the the bag and what your priorities are. If access to camera gear without removing the bag a high priority then the Rotation certainly would be a better bet than the Shimoda. Good luck in your search.
@@MarkLindstrom Well, right now my solution entails 3 bags! :D
- A messenger-bag which allows rapid access but has gotten too heavy to carry as I got more gear that I want to bring.
- A simple shoulder bag good for 1 camera and small / medium lens that I can hang on the handlebar of my bicycle as extra storage
- The pannier bag of my bicycle for the lenses and filter pouch that don't fit my main bag
- And finally the tripods attached to the bicycle somewhere.
Quick access is important to me because when I see something while biking, I want to be able to stop, get the camera out, shoot, and go on without unloading everything.
Then I will make some longer stops at my planned destinations and get out my filters and other gear for what I planned to do at that location, or walk the parts where I cannot get by bike before setting up... Quick access isn't so important at that stage, but being able to bring it all with some comfort is!
I don't know when I'll go hiking for daytrips again, but when I do I'll most likely be with family and then quick access will also be important so I don't hold up the others too much. I'll be bringing less gear though for such trips.
"and because they don't have the word 'photography' in them they're a lot cheaper" :D ain't that the bloody truth! Thanks for the thorough video. I appreciate the fact that you told many measures that others tend to leave out, for example your own height (I'm 6'3" and many bags don't fit well but this actually might).
Many thanks for viewing and for your comments. Glad it was of some use 👍
Struggling to choose between the x50 and the F-stop tilopa ! any advice welcome. Great Review!
Many thanks Michale for your comment. Unfortunately I don't have any direct knowledge of the Tilopa, other than what I see online. I know it is slightly bigger than my Loka and has beefier straps.
As they both accommodate similar sized iCU's I suppose any decision much depends on whether you need/desire the roll top and shoulder strap pouches of the X50, as well as the ability to remove/swap the shoulder straps and waist strap, which the Tilopa doesn't offer, nor does it offer side mesh pouches. Though it does have zipped side pockets, and the mesh pockets in the top of the Tilopa are probably more accessible as well.
Additionally, the Tilopa does seem to be capable of carrying a 17 inch laptop, so that might be a consideration for you?
Hopefully somebody else might be able to offer a more informed opinion between the two.
Good luck with your deliberations
Very comprehensive review.,why don't they just include the rain covert's not like the bag is cheap. overall seems to be a good bag, and as you say there's no perfect bag. do you feel this is the best you can get ?
Many thanks for viewing and for your comment. I note with interest that Shimoda actually do now include a rain cover with the new Explorer range; so a move in the right direction.
As for being the best there is? I wouldn’t be so bold to make that claim without having tested a lot more bags.
Having used the bag for over a year now I am still content with it; the main change I would like to see in a future version is access to the top section from the rear.
@@MarkLindstrom I have pulled the trigger and ordered the Action 35, did pay the extra to include the rain cover, which should be included at no extra cost, but no point leaving that out for not wanting to pay the extra €10. watched many reviews, all glowing, and would feel a bit disappointed once I went through the less positive points. Your review helped me have a better view of the bag overall, and knowing in advance a few things I might not like, will make it a much better experience receiving the bag and not having a sour feeling. I feel like I know what I'm paying for, delighted to have bought it and looking forward to use it in Iceland this March. Cheers Mark.
@@paulonuno1973 Many thanks Paulo, enjoy the new bag and Iceland.
Thanks for that great video, with all the information. I was looking around for a photography bag for hikes in the alps in Germany. Well i guess this bag will be my future one. I have an Fujifilm xt3 with 3 lenses and some filters. I guess the medium core unit will fit great. I have one little question, do u think that the straps outside of the bag are capable to carry a pair of skis?
Thanks again for all the information!
Hi, many thanks for viewing and for your comments. The medium core should be fine for your particular set up. Also, although I'm not a skier, I have seen many images from Shimoda that show Skis being strapped to each side of the bag, and the lower rubberised straps on the sides are claimed to be suitable for such use.
For information you'd be able to strap an item of @ 17 cm to each side.
I hope that helps?
Thank you very much for the valuable input~ Was considering getting this one, I used to have the Fstop Keshmir UL, but then, realized that the Fstop 30L is even bigger than this Shimoda 50L...cannot believe it.
Many thanks for the comment and view Cloudia.
Wish they had made a pocket so you could mount a tripod down the middle, on the sides or bottom is awkward.
A) Honestly, you're a great reviewer. It took 20 minutes (fully packed with information) to get to the back access/ICU itself and I mean that as a great compliment, because it was all practical and entertaining.
B) Do you have a Bosch washing machine? :)
*I came here to decide between Shimoda x50 and F-stop Tilopa. Do you have any experience with the other by any chance?
Thanks for what you do and good luck on your endeavours!
Many thanks Maroš for your comments. No I don't have a Bosch washing ;-)
Re the Tilopa, unfortunately I haven't any direct experience of that bag, only the F-Stop Loka, which is a bit smaller. Others have spoken earlier about these two bags and there seems to be mixed views as to which is better. All I can offer is that they both accommodate similar sized iCU's, and so any decision may well depend on whether you need/desire the roll top and shoulder strap pouches of the X50, as well as the ability to remove/swap the shoulder straps and waist strap, which the Tilopa doesn't offer, nor does it offer side mesh pouches, though it does have zipped side pockets. Additionally the mesh pockets in the top of the Tilopa are probably more accessible as well.
Love this review!
Glad you enjoyed it!
16 inch mbp fits in there..
Many thanks for the update👍
Excelente video. Se agradece la claridad. Saludos desde el Altiplano, en Chile 👋🏻🌎
If you want to film in intense downpours your best bet is to use a gopro hero 9. No camera bag is totally water proof unless its a surfing bag. What gripes me about these expensive bags is gimbal storage and hydration seems like a after thought . I would like for once to store my gimbal in a internal protected sleeve or something ,not a outside pocket were all the weight goes on too once you lay the bag down. The helmet carrier looks like a loin cloth lol the overall look of the bag looks nice though. Iam on the fence about the looks of the harness lol it is pretty wide almost like a support bra but is probably comfortable o well.
The kind of reviewer I want reviewing any related photo gear Holds no punches. Clearly you are not an affiliate of the company . There is a photo mantra that many go by - everything is a compromise with tradeoffs. All any of us can do is find what best serves are needs best, short of designing it your self. In all fairness Shimoda is one of the better ones out there presently, although I like Gregory & Osprey hiking bags that open in the rear as well, and are very comfortable.
Many thanks for viewing and your comments; you are correct that I have no affiliations with the company.
perfect review!
Many thanks Jan
Great review, and great observations. It makes you wonder who (if anyone) actually tests the bags pre-launch, and has the balls to question and criticize the designer. Nobody, I’d guess…
Many thanks for viewing and for commenting. I’d be more than happy to help companies with any such testing😉
@@MarkLindstrom Clearly you are amazingly detailed and would be a great asset!
@@jeremywenrich Many thanks Jeremy.
Good review. They should have handed a few of these out for testing by photographers. maybe they did and did not take into account any feedback provided.
This backpack has one substantial design flaw and Shimoda has not rectified it in V2 either. It is supposedly water resistant with YKK waterproof zippers but that goes only on the front of the backpack. The back zipper that accesses main compratment is completely non water proof and not even water resistant. And it is not even covered by rain cover that much. Considering that laptop compartment sits right under the zipper - this to me a disater waiting to happen. Why Shimoda could not use the same water resistant zipper there as on front parts is beyond me.
FWIW my PGYTech One backpacks all ise the waterproof zippers in that area and I so far never had a problem in downpours.
It occurs to me that a piece of scrap card or paper from the bin held under the waistbelt while inserting it into postion and then pulled out might work well. Also, should they be referring to the straps as for "females"? Maybe for people with mammary glands irrespective of gender or sex might be more acceptable.
Oh..I forgot to say. Excellent review. You bring up points that all seem valid; none of which have been even touched on by other online reviews that I've seen.
Thanks for review. I’m leaning towards Mindshift bag as I prefer tripod to mount on the back not on the side, esp if it’s a large tripod.
Hi Terry. You can strap a tripod on the back/front of the Shimoda using the straps that go across the front. But carrying the tripod in such a way will be easier with the Mindshift due to the fold out stirrup they have, which provides more stability. I'm sure you'll be more than happy with the Mindshift.
Been wanting this bag for awhile . I prefer the altlas series bags though hydration bladders should be side mounted on camera bags . Like the atlas athlete the icus are non removable though . The benifit is no frame in the way .
Hi Jason, many thanks for the view and comment. The Atlas bags were certainly bags that interested me, unfortunately the Athlete was a little too shallow in the camera storage area, and the Adventure was a little too big overall for my needs.
Yeah, the frame as I mention in the video, can be a little annoying; I'd much prefer the unimpeded edge to edge access of a standard bag. Apparently the frame can be removed; though I haven't tried it yet and so don't know how this impacts on the ICU.
thank you for the best review of this, no one tells you the core compartment has to be purchased separately, and i really appreciate you mentioning the Peak design capture clip i was worried mine wouldnt fit this,, thank you!!
Many thanks for viewing and for your comments, glad the video was of use to you. You can of course buy the bag as a starter kit, with a medium core unit included, but there is no difference in the pricing against buying them separately.
I'm sorry, but there are so many reviews on camera backpacks, certainly this one.
The back has no curve to rest pack's weight on wearer's lower back. Something bugging me in me peak design travel backpack.
Glad I never bought one
....if...you are stuffing your bag That much,Then You need A bigger bag.That is all.
While I appreciate the detailed review, the incessant whining got on my last nerve. Thanks!! NOW I have no more nerves left!! 🤣
This video was tough to get through…I have used a TON of bags in my life…and while no bag is perfect, this Shimoda bag is as close as any bag of this style and size I have ever tried. That being said…did you enjoy this bag? Did you like anything about it? Are you generally someone who only looks for and therefore finds the negative things in life? This review was 28 minutes of downsides and “supposedly’s”. Did you even enjoy making this video? I’m not sure why I’m so triggered but the tone of this review is so low, so nitpicky, it makes me wonder if there is a product on this planet that you actually get joy from using. Is there a review of something you love or do you prefer to take contrarian points of view on everything you review? By the way, I don’t own this bag…I just find it hard to believe that for a product that’s well made, highly rated and selling well, you are the one person telling it like it is. I wish you the best of luck sir, and thank you for making this review…but if you excuse me, I now need a shower and some sunshine.
Totally agree with your comments and feedback on this review. A very negative, gripey and nit picky review. No camera bag is perfect and find the Shimoda better than most. As this review was so negative I assume the reviewer will get rid of it and move onto another bag review to find fault.