Thanks Justin! This is a 'flagship' level review. Much appreciated. Also at 19:30 you mention "keeping it simple - where simple makes sense", thank you for mentioning this as I do my best to make that a key consideration when designing. I put a lot of time, thought and experimenting into editing it down but also making sure the parts that 'need more' have it. Maybe some people do not release it, but 'editing' is a big part of a bag design (atleast for me) and the final product. Thanks again.
You’ve probably got 90% of my audience going “who’s Justin” hahaha 🤣 Glad you liked the review and it’s awesome to hear that your process and considerations translated how they were supposed to!
I absolutely love my Explore v2 25 AND 35 bags! The thing I really appreciate the most is the incredible attention to every little detail that Ian and his team have put into their bags, the v2 in particular. While not everyone will appreciate every aspect of the bag (although I certainly do), I’m convinced that every single detail was looked at by the designers. It’s rare and refreshing to see something that is so well thought out!
I also am a park ranger for the National Park Service and this bag meets the strict guidelines that the NPS has for their employees. So that’s a massive bonus for me. The green bag looks so nice and professional with the ranger uniform. I work at Great Sand Dunes NP btw.
I absolutely love this bag. I've had a habit of buying a new bag, and then subconsciously start watching videos about other bags, and eventually buy yet another to the point I (like many others) and far too many bags. I haven't done that since getting this one a few months ago. It really has everything I've been looking for
I bought mine a couple weeks ago. I got the 25L as I like the smaller size and I really try to limit what I carry anyway. I actually believe that my search for the perfect camera bag ended when I bought this one. I absolutely love this thing. There are so many things to love about this bag but a couple things that really stand out as pluses for me are: it stands up totally by itself and it doesn’t really look like a camera bag. It’s definitely not cheap but it should last many years. Definitely happy with this bag.
@@dunnadidit So does the thing actually "stand up" on its own? Every bag I've ever tested ALWAYS falls over period no question. Drives me nuts and is the reason I have returned every bag I've ever gotten. Let me know. Great vid!
You had me at smaller straps for smaller bodies. I'm incredibly impressed they took women into consideration. Most camera bag comps. don't. It's really frustrating.
Although, I'm not a smaller person, I actually prefer the "women's" straps over the super technical looking straps that it comes with. Always nice to have options!
I’ve had my V2s (30L and 35L) since the kickstarter release and I absolutely love them. I’ve used Shimoda bags almost exclusively for a few years and have never once regretted it.
This bag is amazing. I have the 25 and it's perfect for day trips and overnights with minimal gear requirements. Shimoda's RU-vid channel is also a great follow.
I have one of these in 35L green. Best backpack I've ever tried. It's not light weight, but it fits so nicely on my back, that it feels super easy to carry my gear. I'm super pleased with that purchase even though it was expensive. Worth ever euro.
Also picked this up during its Kickstarter run and, yes, it's definitely the best camera pack I have ever owned. I've tried Peak Design, Nomatic, Wandrd, etc and even though I liked them for the most part, they're not even close to Shimoda.
Hi Justin, I have the Explore 60, a one stop bag for me. I have used it on a 5 day wild camping trip with all my photography and camping kit, and also use it for my everyday photography. I love how i can use the core units depending on my needs, as you say the range of ways to set up and straps make it a perfect fit for me. And Shimoda's customer service is first class, unfortunately one of the plastic strap clips broke and I got a new replacement without any hassle. May be expensive but in my opinion its a great product.
My favourite is still the Lowepro whistler, but that's my adventure side talking. So whenever i don't really need a huge backpack I'll just go for a smaller shoulder bag
Thanks so much for making this video. This is the most expensive and best bag I have ever owned. However, without a user manual, you would never figure out all the stuff and how to remove the large camera compartment. Thanks again!
Trying to decide between this and Mindshift Backlight 36L. Unsure on side storage for tripod with Benro 38CXL. Both bags have top side storage which is good. Mindshift seems boxier.
Love Shimoda, been using them since there 1st bag. I alternate between Action x 30, for quick outings, I have the Explore V2 -25. I'm a bag junky, these bags sent me to rehab. I found the bag for me.
Your reviews are always great and very detailed! One thing I noticed with the Shimoda camera cubes is that they are rigid but pretty thin with little padding. There is no padding only nylon so laptop will be smashed up against lenses. Laptop sleeve is pretty thin so padding on the front of the cube is needed imo, especially if the cube needs to be taken out camera gear is not secure with that nylon only front. I think the new wandrd cubes have a better design because of that. If the Shimoda bag must be checked on a flight due to lack of overhead space, I need to quickly pull the cube out and bring it on the plane. You can’t due this with the Shimoda bags because of the nylon only front. For $400 I think it needs improvement. I’m sure it carries gear very comfortably so it’s unfortunate that the design of the cube itself is not very good.
Im not a photographer but as an edc /bag design fan i really wana try a high end photo pack like this to try the functionality of the extra side and back entrance zippers -seems like it could be really helpful at that clutch moment - sucks that these bags are sooo expensive to try ;(
Perfect timing on this one. I’ve been wracking my brain for about 2 weeks now trying to find a pack that can fit my 200-600 without being massive/still carry-on friendly. I had this pack and large dslr core on my short list. After watching, I’m 100% sold, and just put in my order at B&H.
Been looking for a new bag for a while now, and this might be the one!! It has all the space I need, and I like the look of it as well. Thanks for this video Dunna!
I use a Lowepro bag set up with no accessible zips on the "front" of the bag. As well as a Riutbag X35 with a large P/D camera cube inside. Which also has no accessible zips. Both options are far cheaper and high quality.
@@PersXpress Yes, the ProTactic BP 450 AW II bag is the Lowepro backback I was referring to. Excellent pack and city safe as no one is going to be helping themselves to your gear from behind. Well unless you use the webbing system and hang extra pouches on. It's great and I got a very good deal with Lowepro on it.
I’ve used nothing but Lowepro backpacks but like watching these videos to see what else is out there. Not sure I like the idea of a separate bulky camera cube vs just having dividers built into the bag. This is a nice looking bag though.
Very well done review! You covered everything about which I had questions. I especially like that you can take the pack off, set it down, and it opens the from the back. WIth all of my past & present packs, you have to take them off, lie them down on the "body" side to open. Then when you put it on, the ground debris goes into your back, which is often painful - Ugh!
I've been loving my Shimoda Action X30 bag - so well designed, feature-packed and great for hiking around. Nice review, something to add to my wish list 👍
This bag is totally AWESOME. I guess I'll be saving for one . As I already own 3 bags but hey it's like I gotta have it. It seems to have even more room than my biggest bag . Lol.
Great review! I picked up some tips, mainly that I may want to concider the larger DSLR insert, pricy at an extra $100 so starting with the core and I'll see if it works. my other bag is the LowePro Protactic BP 450 AW II. While I do like it, it doesn't have the extra storage space needed for more of a hiking trip/landscape work. I find it best for day trips or city shooting with it's more streamlined design. Looking forward to using the Shimoda.
Thanks for this detailed review. I already bought the 25 liter version, but I wasn’t sure It was for me. After watching this review I decided to keep it.
One of the best camera backpack ever made at this time is Nya-Evo. Tested from rainforests, tropical countries to active volcanoes and so many mountains... Engineered and produced by a little man of Belgium... Enjoy it!
Smashing review dude! Packed full of info and no messing about man, nicely done. That bag looks awesome. I'm a long time LowPro user 450aw has one me a while and its great but it does feel a bit dated. this Shimoda is a nice mix, looks cool, great feature and seems well thought out.
An Excellent and comprehensive review sir! As a landscape photographer with a small mirrorless kit, I was considering the smaller 24L Shimoda Explorer, but just not sure if it would accommodate 2 Nikon Z bodies, with 24-70 and 70-300 lenses attached, plus 2 or 3 other short lenses. Thanks again!
Such a thorough review, thanks for covering all the key features. What I liked the most is that straps could be hidden seamlessly, very annoying otherwise. 😀
I saw Mark Denney show off this bag over the summer. I would've looked at this bag, but wasn't available when I needed it. I got a used Atlas Athlete bag which, for me, I think is a better purposed bag. I would certainly love to try this bag in the future...
Yup, it’s focused more on the everyday shooter than the travel pack they made. The only problem is (under no one’s fault) production and shipping have been backed up for a while now. The Kickstarter ended in June 2021 but It was supposed to ship and deliver back in October, but complications have pushed it back and it’s currently projected to be delivered late March/early April. Im hoping it shows up on my doorstep any day now 🥺
I purchased the Explore 35 v.2. The bag is exceptionally well made with attention to detail. That said the bag with my Canon R6, and the L series kit lens, a Rokinon RF 14mm AF, a Rokinon RF 85mm AF, and the Canon 100 to 400mm RF weight approximately 14.5 lbs. One has to be careful when using this bag for flight travel that it does not get too heavy. I am thinking I will leave one of my lenses home so that I can carry the batteries, chargers, and lens cleaning supplies with me. I have already opted to leave my tripod behind, even though I would like to do some night photography while in Europe. I know the Shimoda Explorer v2 is the most comfortable back pack camera bag that I have ever used. I actually bought after watching several reviews, but Dunna Did It review was the clincher. It's not inexpensive! I would never want to check it on an airline, with or without camera equipment in it.
Ahhhh you sneaky man. I am was looking for a camera bag two years ago. Saw your Prvke Video and bought one. Now I was looking for a rugged bigger bag and here you are again in my face 😂🤌🏻 thanks though.
What a well-written review this is, thank you. I use Lumix M43 gear and accessories for vlogging, and was curious about your mention of arranging cameras with the side/handle facing outward. 1) Is that also possible in their Mirrorless core unit? 2) Is there a way to have my gear assembled on the cage and simply stow the entire assembly using these core units?
I believe the dslr core unit has extra depth to it that makes this work. But it might still be good with the mirrorless, the dimensions should be on their site if you want to try to math it out.
@@dunnadidit I’m so curious about this, and so keen to fix my backpack woes that I’m heading down to the biggest store in town with all my gear to see how it fits right now! Thanks again.
Great review, all aspects are covered. It's also nice that in many cases you give your audience a reply. The normal pace is also very pleasant. Totally great, although the Protactic 450 has my preference, but maybe I'll give it a try. The price should drop a bit. We have the time.
Oh man I also love this bag. Got mine during the kickstarter campain but went with the 25l version. Had the same problem with the capture clip. so I tucked away the plastic ring just like you did. Had to laugh as soon as you were starting to talk about the mounting problems. I just knew what was coming 😂🤣 The only problem I have, it doesn’t really fit my 200-600.
I have the Shimoda Action 30 and I always feel like it's a little big on me so I was considering getting the Adventure 25 but I really really like the roll top on the Action 30. I'm considering the getting either the 21L or even the 11L Wandrd Prvke bags for day trips instead and using the Shimoda bag for lengthier trips. Waiting for the Nomatic Peter McKinnon sling for short outings.
The biggest win of this bag is the straps, it is built for hiking and carrying some fairly heavy loads. The biggest flaws though is the side pocket access is limited to 1 side (the right side) and the rear access panel. This is the reason why I went with the Peak Design Travel 45L as its far more flexible and the best system for a full run and gun video/photo production system. Now if you compare PD's New 30L to the Shimoda Explore V2 30L, the Shimoda destroys the crap out of that bag. For me the PD 30L travel was a big failure and a huge step back for PD. This is a huge great step in the right direction for Shimoda and I'm excited for V3, Also huge bonus points for offering different back straps for females which no other camera bag manufacture offers at the available options Shimoda offers. Bag Manufacturer Leaders: Peak Design Shimoda Then every other bag maker out there. (Please before any "offended" Shimoda fanboy comes at me. I'm not saying the Shimoda V2 Explore is anywhere near the vicinity of a bad bag, its an amazing travel bag and the quality is built to last. If you're going to go hiking or camping I would definitely take the Shimoda over PD 45L any day of the week. But for my 80% majority use cases the PD 45L wins it for me.)
I have the 25 L and 30L, definitely the most comfortable camera backpacks I have owned. However, there are a couple of things I wish they would've considered. There's no place to properly mount a Peak Design Clip on the shoulder straps, and also the side access is smaller than it appears, since the side opening on the core unit is a trapezoid, it limits its size to just big enough for accessing a camera, and no room for anything else. Whenever I want to switch lenses, I'd have to put the backpack down to use the main access.
Damn i should’ve bought this, i foolishly invested i in thé Peter mckinon everyday backlash from kickstart which we won’t be getting till June and this looks way better
Dude I got this when it released on Kickstarter. The best ever AND the new MacBook Pro 14” fits just fine. Tight! But it fits. **** that’s what she said.
Absolutely. I kinda wished I would have got the 35L. But I was definitely trying to stay as low profile as possible. Couldn’t be happier with the choice. The 25L is my daily carry.
Is it the 25L that fits your MacBook Pro14?.... do you have any issues with the corners of the laptop sticking out, making it catchy when you open the back panel? I'm torn between the 25 and 30.
First off where do you live? It looks absolutely stunning. I'm thinking Alberta. And I thought BC was beautiful! Just a new sub and just watched your backpack comparison of Peak Design against the Peter and was thinking I might need to save up....(getting there slip strap or whatever based on you, tomorrow) then fell upon this one and just saw your opening intro, and thought "my god this guy really knows how to show off a bag"! Damn that is one fine bag I thought. And then you stated your obsession lol😂which it seems I think I'm on my way to sharing. Will be waiting for prime days to grab something new. I fell upon your channel I think with one of your Resolve tips (I'm a grateful recent convert from Final Cut pro) and now I see you've got pretty much everything a newbie would want with camera techniques, editing and gear! What a package, so thanks for your awesome videos. They are immediately striking as being very meticulously put together.
Hey! Thanks for all the kind words! So glad to hear you’ve been enjoying the channel. I was in Alberta when I filmed this but I’ve since moved to BC haha.
great review, ive been looking into this bag for my travel/adventure photography needs. i currently own the Lowepro Proatctic 450 AW (1st gen), and its been a great bag for many years, very durable, but i have noticed on the longer hikes it does get a bit tiresome to carry with heavy loads, so i might pull the trigget and go with the Shimoda explorer V2 35L. Cheers! and thanks for all the details!
Just bought the Nomatic McKinnon Everyday 25L and am thinking I need to snag the Shimoda Explore v2 30 to see which one is the best bag for me. My biggest issue with the McKinnon bags is that there's only a 25L or 35L, so I love that Shimoda has 25L, 30L, and 35L. Sadly the 30L is out of stock right now and not available until early August. 😔
Buy The shimoda. I bought the 25L but it’s not as comfy as this back pack. Peak design is more design to aesthetic. But if you’re looking for functionality, durability, and comfort. Go with this bag. I wish I didn’t buy the Peter Mckinon at kick starter lol. Comment here if you bought it and what you think of it
There are two storable pockets on the sides that you can put the tripod, with straps closer to the top of the bag to keep the top of the tripod from flapping around. Or you could use some accessory straps and strap the tripod to the front, bottom, top, pretty much wherever you want.
I just attempted with my rs2 and I could fit it in the top if I detached the battery handle. I did manage to slip it in that front pocket that goes all the way down with the handle still attached, you just have to take off the mounting plate.
Thanks for the video I've been looking for! I've been watching a lot of videos and reading reviews about these bags trying to figure out which size would fit my Sony gear best. I don't need that big of a bag, or cube for that matter, so I wish there was a shorter bag that took the DSLR core units (about the height of the E25 to be a travel "personal item") and a smaller core unit (one that gave me 2 rows would be awesome; I keep misc. items like batteries, mics, etc in pouches anyway); but putting lenses on their sides seems like a waste of space and would make the E30 too small for my needs, so I guess the E35 is the way to go.
Great review again, all bases covered. My only problem is living the other side of the world means other side of the world price. Your review covers all the Nitty Gritty and as you explain theres not much if any Gritty. Cheers.
Thanks man great review! I have a Nikon D500 and a sigma 150-600 and then a mavic air 2. Looks like this bag should do just fine! One question but im assuming this bag is safe to carry on to a plane?
Hate seeing all these cool bags while I haven’t gotten my nomatic/McKinnon bag yet. It’s almost like all this better stuff has been released while we have been waiting and almost don’t even want it anymore.
I'm not a camera person but I do love the look and design of this backpack and all of the features and storage. Could I remove all of the dividers on the inside part of the main compartment and have it act like a regular backpack? is it even worth it to do that? should I buy this if I'm not a camera person? cause this backpack is not cheap at over $300. or should I get a backpack more like the Peak design or Aer travel pack?
You could totally remove the camera cube if you wanted to as well as the top pocket and just use it like a big empty backpack. I do think part of the value is in those things but if that is the perfect bag for you, who am I to tell you it’s value 🤷🏻♂️
This is great, Dunna! Though, all day long I've had the phrase, '...Dunna's Got A Brand New Bag', backed by music from the Mighty James Brown running thru my head?! That shouldn't happen, should it?? 🤔😂
I love the Shimoda packs. But. Two things really annoy me. First, as you mentioned, when you fill the main compartment it takes away space from the front compartment, and vice versa. Second, the shoulder straps, hip strap and backplate are sweat factories. No mesh, no ventilation, when you carry them on a hot day just wearing a T-Shirt you sweat like a pig. These are the biggest drawbacks of these packs. But: I LOVE the pockets on the shoulder straps!
You can see them in the description, or if you go to the timeline near the play/pause button, you can see the chapters and click the little > button next to the chapter section to expand.
Dunna, you’re funny; just because your camera is packed on its side, doesn’t mean it takes less space; the volume of the camera is unchanged. You comment re depth of the core unit makes sense, however.
Thank you for doing such a thorough review of this bag. I really enjoyed watching it. I am in the process of planning a fairly big, multi-day trek and have been looking at different bags that can both hold my camera gear and function as a day hiking bag. This is one I've had my eye on. The one thing I'm curious about, is there anywhere on the bag to put a hydration bladder?
Can the smaller version hold a pro size dslr with a big lens attached? Or without? I kind of always find bags too slim to hold a large camera body, and the lid presses down on the hotshoe for example. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards.
