Customizing Shimoda Backpack Modular Camera Insert

Daniel takes the Leatherman Signal and two different hack saws to the Shimoda modular camera insert to customize it for field use. Nobody makes a camera insert that can be flattened so it can be packed into a duffle bag for easy transport to far-off locations. In this video Daniel takes saws and knives to get something close to ideal for getting a camera back into the field while still having the option for a roller case while in airports and other civilized locations. Take a look for another option for getting you camera equipment into the field.
Update 03/28/2023 Official Response From Shimoda.
"Thanks for forwarding the video. The issue from our side is that the aluminum frame in the Core Unit is actually a critical part of the design, and its inclusion enhances the pack stiffness, camera protection, and weight balancing. The solution you so beautifully demonstrated would only work for someone who fully understands the sacrifices in the modifications. That’s kind of a hard message to communicate from the manufacturer’s perspective and a hard one for most users to understand. But we applaud DIY efforts like yours along with many others that get sent in. Happy to see your enjoying your pack."
I guess I'll have to keep searching for the perfect insert. Not sure why they couldn't make this idea an option.

[@oilfreeara277]

Brilliant idea. My Shimoda Explore is currently on ebay but if it doesn’t sell I’ll be modifying it to meet my needs. Thank you

[@RichardBO9]

Cool Idea. Necessity is the mother if invention. Peak Design will probably grab the idea and create a $650 camera bag. 🤠

[@danieljcox]

Sorry for the delay on this Richard. Didn't realize you had commented. I actually just sent this idea to Peak Design along with a link to the video😁. I'm still searching for someone to make this happen.

[@robert_may]

I have the Action X50 and the insert is the only part of the bag that lets it down, in my opinion. It's _just_ tall enough for the Fujifilm X-H2S + 150-600mm lens if I remove the eye piece, but the inflexibility of the insert is why it only barely fits. The large DSLR insert could really do with an extra 1 inch in height. The biggest problem with the insert, though, is the utterly bizarre array of dividers that come with it. There's not a single one that's the full height of the insert. I get the feeling it was made for "adventure" photographers rather than wildlife/sports shooters and it's mostly set up for shorter lenses (but then why have the extra depth to accommodate a gripped body? 🤔)
I did eventually come up with an arrangement that works for my setup but it's full of weird angles, curves, and overlapping dividers 😅

[@danieljcox]

Thanks for your insight Robert. It's amazing how many bags, packs, etc are on the market yet none are perfect. This the reason for a good hacksaw😳

[@mosessparks8340]

I went on a full blown mission to find the best wildlife backpack out there. I bought at least 15 of them and can say without a doubt there is no perfect pack, the best you can do is find the compromises you can live with. I felt that Shimoda made possibly the best pack available, but with the worst insert. Getting it in and out of the Action X50 is like a wrestling match, even unloaded. Daniel, I saw your video on mixing rolling cases and backpacks and swapping the inserts between them for travel and field. Brilliant! I have been doing exactly that and it works like a charm.

[@brentnearhood8874]

Thanks! Daniel Use some tape to cover the cut metal edges. 🦍🦛🐧