Shimoda Urban Explore Review (& compared) 

I mean nobody told us we couldn't right? ;)

You might be happy to hear that Ian (founder of Shimoda) has confirmed on the UE KS that the new UE shoulder straps will eventually be offered as an add on for the explore series (and indirectly their action line given they use the same strap mounting system). If you don't want to wait, there's also the option of getting the female simple straps (which quite a few people have done as well). Looking at Shimoda's track record, with explore v1 being released in 2019 and v2 in 2021, I'm sure the updated explore v3 will come out soon enough. Given Shimoda is quite a small company, I'm not too surprised their bags follow an iterative design process where they update one product line at a time, usually introducing both new features and also throwing in the quality of life updates from their other lines (e.g. action v2 added not only new features but also all the missing explore v2 features in the original action line).

im about 5'4" so the 25L look the best on me... but I actually find that the 30L feels a bit better when carrying larger loads or hiking longer distances

@@spencerlee808 Thank you! 🙏

thanks a lot! im still waiting on a few other kickstarter projects myself... if only they could go faster lol... but ya I really like how the bag is just so clean and simple

I appreciate the feedback! I love finding these little hacks with camera bags, I think ill make a dedicated video on all my Shimoda "hacks"

Cheee thanks Brad! Definitely have to connect sometime for a project

I agree! Even if it was a smaller thin one that tucked away… that wouldve been nice

If I buy this one, it would be as a very light setup (I have the Explore V2 30L) and I would go for the 20L version so not necessarily need the waistband. I find the removable waistband to be useless. IMHO of course. Shimoda had to diferentiate this model from the regular Explore.

I backed the 25L urban explore, and actually bought a peak design hip belt to go with it when I need a hip strap. It was really cheap and can fold up and be put inside the bag when not in use.

There are two spots, the bigger pocket is the one from the top loader, but definitely can fit an ipad in the smaller one against the back panel

30L is a good size for comfort! I used the action x 30 for a while and kinda miss it lol

It slides thru the lumbar part of the bag in the same place as the explore… but there is no velcro to secure it so it ends up moving around when its loose… but if everything is all tightened up properly it works pretty much the same

Im lucky enough to have reviewed their bags enough that they send me their new ones😅so i can review them even more

Thanks haha! Got super lucky with this sunrise! Got super clear conditions… i almost kinda with i was shooting instead of filming the vlog

I wish i was bigger to handle the bigger sizes😅i always get the smol ones cause im pint sized

thanks so much!

Glad it was helpful!

Ooo that might be a bit tight… maybe if it lies flat… i dont have a grip to test it out on tho, sorry!

Hey thanks Eddie! I appreciate it! I got super lucky with the light on the mountains that morning. I kinda wish i was actually shooting and not filming lol

@@spencerlee808 haha,, it's always the way to works out.. cheers...

Great point! Ive had mine for about a month now and its fine… but yeah elastic will wear over time for sure

Lol u like hand me down?😂

Yes

25L

Thanks a ton!

Mahalo for watching!

thank you David!

25

Yes all shimoda bags come with a raincover so no difference there… in theory, just throw the rain cover on whatever bag u like and its “weatherproof”

@@spencerlee808 I am late to the Shimoda camp..lol been a Peak Design person for the longest..lol but the Peak Design EverydayBackpack I have 30L..isn't as practical for my photo gear now..but I still love their slings I have the 10L..this Shimoda Urban Explore seems really good for my needs and it already comes with a "camera cube compartment"..will definitely consider the Urban Explore..

@@ldmndz4652 i have the PD 10L sling too! I dont use it that much tho lol

having the MacBook sitting on that side means that there is less cushioning to protect the laptop from punctures, but I haven't run into any issues... if im carrying my laptop that way, I just make sure im extra careful when handling the bag

Thanks, I’ve been eyeing off the explore series for a while now and this new urban explore put that into question. Still think I’ll go with the explore for the more rugged materials and due to carrying 6kg already with another lens on the way.

@@JaymieJones sounds like the right choice!

Glad it was helpful! The laptop sleeve is so clutch for me!

@@spencerlee808 BTW you should do more product videos like you did with Shimoda - you have a real skill to go through practical details. I'm a photographer and too many videos of products, bags etc are too general and dont answer practical questions. Your video really answered things well

@@DrJake108 thanks! That means alot i try to be as practical as possible!

these in the video were all the 25L versions

@@spencerlee808the action x is 25L? How did you fit the large core unit?

@@eViperRabbit unofficially squeezed that guy in there