Share with your friends! The critical elements are a well designed and beautifully made rucksack and an internal padded camera compartment (Core Unit) available in a range of sizes. There are multiple ways you can attach things such as a tripod or a drinks bottle depending on how you want to configure the bag and for those serious hikers, there's even space to attach a very small tent, roll mat or sleeping bag if you needed to. The rear panel still is the main access point into the bag and core unit, opening up sideways like a door. For me, the biggest issue is that it doesnt have a good water carrying system, which is almost baffling given the close attention to detail elsewhere on the bag. If you do have a water bladder, theres a built-in system that lets you thread the tube conveniently to the right-hand shoulder strap, just like a typical hiking backpack. The Action X series of bags and accessories are the result of this welcomed approach to product design. While the X series is designed to be rugged and sport-focused, the Explore series here is billed as a "refined travel and landscape adventure camera bag system.". I dont shoot mirrorless but the X30 has a ton of room for its size and still remains slim and sleek looking when packed. - 1 Rain Cover. Shimoda Designs. Items 1-12 of 53. . However, the Adventure 60 does better in this regard than either of my F-Stop bags (both of which also have an openable back panel), and the padding along the bottom is actually quite substantial. Top Rated Plus . Manfrotto Photography Backpack Bag, & Camera Holster, Photo Equipment Bags . I was looking into the Prvke 21L with the camera insert, and the Explore v2 30L with the mirrorless medium insert. Both are design flaws for my needs so I will be sticking with my fstop bags. If you have a soft water bottle, putting it in the front pocket isnt a bad idea at all. - 1 Set of Accessory Straps. On paper it does look like it fits my needs, and I like the looks better than the Prvke. Ill certainly update this post if they do start to tear. Otherwise, at least for me, its not especially useful, and it takes up space on the side of the bag that could be used for something else. Most of the reviews for this bag are going to be a little different to mine. The Action X bags seem to continue that standard in the same way. The Explorer 40, a 40-liter backpack, is the smaller of the two, but only about two inches shorter than the Explorer 60 (60-liter) standing at 22.4 inches. Unless youre planning for a multi-day trek, and the weather looks like it will be especially bad, I wouldnt bother. The first thing to consider is what you primarily shoot and what kit you need to achieve the result. According to Millar, the fact that they carry and protect camera gear is key, But our bags are just as much about the protecting the user and making a better, stronger and more focused photographer. Campaign Rewards FAQ 12 Updates 25 Comments 205 Community. The bag lineup consists of The Explore 40, Explore 60, and a Carry On. As a snowboarder that is a great feature. I have owned several backpacks with just such straps that very successfully allow a tripod to fall out while wearing the thing. Shimoda Designs made a big entrance into the adventure outdoor camera bag market with its original Explore series. The TPU rubberized straps are amazing for holding gear tightly to the pack. The rest of the bag also has a solid build. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Ive been using the Adventure 60 for just over a month, and Ill do my best to address anything you want to know. CHECK OUT THE BAG - https://shimoda-designs.j8ujgp.net/qjGEqIn this video I discuss the Shimoda Action X30 Backpack, made by Shimoda Designs. Yet this has become so vital to dealing with the creatures policing the tortue node that used to be called airline check. Explore V1 came in a 30/40/60L, whereas the second version comes in a 25/30/35L selection. The pocket doesn't connect to the inside of the bag and is covered well even though it is open. Both packs feature a fully adjustable harnessincluding torso height adjustmentand have well-designed shoulder straps that help balance the weight comfortably across the wearers chest. You can save a further 10% on your order in the Shimoda store by using the coupon code ShutterMuse10. Personally, I would prefer that rather than a thin zippered compartment that contains two loops for an external pouch! At the end of the day we all have different carry needs and the best bag for one is not for another. Promising entry into the adventure photography arena. The ICU I was using for it was to small for what I needed. In the photo below, you can see that a smartwater brand bottle barely fits, and (in terms of diameter) thats not an especially large bottle: So, how does Shimoda expect hikers to bring along their one liter per hour? If its really important that you can access your gear from the side, feel free to set up your camera units like that. This bag has a ton of features both new and returning. There are a lot of ways specifically designed to store sports related gear and I really appreciate the thought that went into that. If you mean internally? Manfrotto Kata Camera & Tripod Bag Padded Photography Backpack Made in Italy . Additionally, there is a zippered entry into the top compartment similar to most traditional hiking packs with two mesh zippered pockets. The Shimoda ICUs are the same width as an f-stop ICU, but they are about 1/2" shallower. Introducing Shimoda, a line of photo backpacks that demand a whole new classification. You can even adjust their height to match your torso, which isnt something Ive ever seen on a camera backpack before. Another thoughtful feature is the addition of the lockable YKK zippers on the bag. This week I'm excited to let you know that we have set up a new deal with Shimoda Design to bring you all a nice 10% discount on their outdoor photography bags and . So why do Shimoda photo backpacks burst the confines of the matrix I normally use to evaluate camera carry solutions? Such was the interest that the company was quickly picked up by MAC Group Europe and now the Shimoda photo bags arrive in the UK. However, there are a lot of new but minor features or possible improvements that have been made that are clearly the influence of sports photographers. So after launching the Action X series, the brand is back with the improved Shimoda Explore V2 series. For me, this goes right to the biggest issue with the bag as a whole a water bottle pouch. I was a little confused about your comment on the mesh bottle/tripod holders. Thats not a feature of very many bags, period camera or hiking. There are two stoweable pockets on either side of the bag that can be used for carrying a tripod. Outdoor camera bags designed for hiking and adventure sports are quickly becoming a highly competitive although still a niche market. Let's dive in and see what's new. The side straps can be used to tighten anything stored down further if needed. It comes with a waterproof cover which fits snuggly over the bag (even when a tripod is attached to the exterior). First off, I want to say sorry for always discounting camera specific bags . It will fit a non-gripped DSLR body like a 5D or D850 no problem a well as several lenses. Im not a huge fan of the book-style opening, since I think it makes it more difficult to access gear, as well as making the zipper more vulnerable over time, without much payoff. It's also worth noting that if you're a woman, when ordering the bag online you can opt for a women's shoulder strap in three different styles for no extra cost. Even landscape and wildlife photographers often need to carry extra layers and food for a long day. All of the new core units are designed with a side opening door that interlocks with the side pocket of the bag. Although Im sure these two things will be annoying or disappointing to some users I feel the trade off for having a removable waistband is worth it. Where to Buy (and save 10%) The Shimoda Accessory Pouch is available from the Shimoda store for $22.95 . The base fabric should be good in all but the most extreme scenarios, and I dont think a rain cover would help much to block the back padding. In addition to that, there is a multifunctional strap system on the back of the pack that you mention that can also be used but was designed for carrying sports equipment primarily. Fortunately my bag is a 45L (Gregory Targhee) hiking bag that opens from the rear like most standard photo bags do, and is super comfy. Useful or gimmicky? Shimoda founder Ian Millar is a lifelong explorer, snowboarder and product designer known for developing some of the most innovative camera bags in the world. - 1 Explore v2 35L Backpack in GREEN. Still, its a workable solution. Only you can decide if it meets your gear need, but quality and comfort are top grade in my opinion. Can you comment on how sturdy the construction is on the adjustable strap attachment points. At the time of this article, the project already met more than double the initial fundraising goal, so it is extremely likely that the bag will make it to a more typical market eventually (though, as a Kickstarter project, there can be no guarantee). So Shimoda has their Explore v2 on Kickstarter. So, out of these options, how do I carry water with this bag? The Adventure 60 manages all that quite well. I have minor nitpicks here and there, but theres really nothing else that struck me as profoundly negative. 466 backers pledged $180,845 to help bring this project to life. NY 10036. 10th World Congress on Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization May 19 -24, 2013, Orlando, Florida, USA 1 A Numerical Form Finding Method for Minimal Surface of Membrane Structure Koichi Yamane1, Masatoshi Shimoda2 1 Toyota Technological Institute, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya, Japan, xsdfghjkk@gmail.com 2 Toyota Technological Institute, Tenpaku -ku, Nagoya, Japan, shimoda@toyota ti.ac.jp So, then, how does Shimoda expect hikers to bring along their one liter per hour? That is a lot of water to carry for a full day hike! While I initially thought the bag was way too big for me, you can actually change the position of the straps to 3 different sizes: small, medium and large. Shimoda Designs is an adventure camera bag company designed as a reaction to real world adventures rather than those imagined from a comfortable office environment. The zippers are large enough not to jam easily, with tabs made out of leather. "The only downside I see with it is that when the mesh bags are in use the zippered pocket is left open for it to hang out. This bag appears to have very flimsy waist straps (perhaps well padded, but not very rigid). It is by far the best design I have come across on any camera pack and even better than some popular hiking packs. 6870 Heritage Run Rd was last sold on Jan 9, 2023 for $427,518 (0% higher than the asking price of $427,518). Yes, that is fair, I did pick the most exaggerated figure I found for that sentence it flowed better! The multi-configurable strap system on the front panel makes a return. So, you are looking at the Shimoda bags and trying to figure out which bag is the best for you, the Action X or the Explore; which do you choose? Personally, I do have a rain cover that would fit this bag, but I havent used it yet, and Im not planning to bring it along on future trips. and our One of the two sides (the left side, if youre wearing the bag) does open to a couple loops that, in theory, you could use to attach a water bottle holster via a couple carabiner clips. Even though the overall more boxy design of the bags can sometimes make them seem bulkier, the interior design and external features make for a much more customizable experience. Theres a new company on the scene, too: Shimoda Design. At 2.6KG before it's even got anything it is heavy and for someone of my size, it's pretty big. One of the biggest changes in this series is the sizing. Aside from a couple dings, I believe that it lives up to its goals. The pockets have more than enough room for even a full-size tripod, are 8 inches deep and can be synched down tight on both the top and the bottom. This is where having proper outdoor clothing and layering comes in. Prometheus Design Werx WUULF Pack 24L Review, First Look: Osprey Arcane Rolltop Waterproof 25L Backpack, Prometheus Design Werx | All Terrain Bags Review, 5 Best, Expert-Tested Bike Commuter Backpacks to Buy in 2022. The bag is made from the same highly durable and water-resistant resin-coated nylon as our backpacks. Shimoda Top Loader The Top Loader holster from Shimoda Designs is a sleek-looking bag made from durable, weatherproof nylon and priced at $64.95 (discount available below). Those removable camera compartments are a great innovation, too prior to this, I was using one of F-Stop Gears camera units in a traditional hiking bag. Inside, the spacious main compartment has a partition system that forms an optional bottom section that enhances the ability to organize this backpack's contents when used with either . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hi Michael - wondering if you've had a chance to write up your camping set up yet? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What a lot of manufacturers don't realize is that camera gear only makes up for half the gear outdoor photographers have to carry. Accessibility is the greatest strength of the Adventure 60, but, in some ways, also a weakness. This vertical adjustment accommodates various torso lengths further boosting comfort for heavy hauling. New York, That is pretty impressive for the smallest of the three bags. Thats what I did here: The specific feature thats noteworthy here, though, is a loop that lets you thread the straps through to the other side. Final Thoughts. Also why all these designers design bags with tiny side access not suitable for gripped cameras. This was my biggest complaint about f-stops bags. Page. Including the rain cover is a solid move. I have reviewed 3 hiking backpacks recently including this one which all have specific features designed to carry a tripod. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Shimoda, therefore, had to create a backpack. There is a removable helmet harness, which I found could also be attached on top using the upper side straps. There are countless loops and attachment points for additional accessory straps. Shimoda Designs backpacks all feature a ladder of nylon webbing attachment points giving users three inches of adjustment for the shoulder straps, a feature not found on most camera packs. Its a good way to access gear without removing your pack. I often find that camera rucksacks are geared towards men in how they look and how they fit so it's refreshing to find one that looks stylish but is also comfortable and adapted for a woman too! A lot of thought went into how to carry both a tripod and sports equipment more efficiently. Yes there is a half-inch triangular mesh section on the bottom of each holder. It was lightweight, durable, well thought out, and insanely comfortable to carry. The $299 price for the base model of the Adventure 60 definitely is pricy, although its not more expensive than comparable hiking backpacks or F-Stop Gear equipment (especially since this price includes two small camera units). All in all, the the materials and construction quality of the carry-on roller is excellent and I expect it to last for a very long time. A tripod is a common photography tool and any backpack maker designing a backpack for photographers should design it specifically carry a tripod - not random items like skis - but so far as I can determine, none do. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. Carry-on options are different depending on where you are flying and what airline you use. The X30 dimensions are 11.8w x 19.7h x 6.3d and the X50 is 11.8w x 22h x 8.3d. Other than that? It adds an additional 7 liters of storage space making even the smaller X30 bag much more versatile for action sports. It's not a cheap camera bag but I do think it's worth the money. Two, you can no longer open the back panel while wearing the pack on your hip and spinning it in front of you. The original Shimoda bags were built extremely tough to a high-quality standard because Millar as founder and lead designer wanted to create something that took advantage of all the advances in. I have yet to see f-stopers, or anyone else, review a backpack that integrates a way to store/carry a tripod. I also cannot see any sign of a Large internal unit, which precludes Shimoda for carrying a big telephoto unless one use a f-stop inner, Spencer. Personally, though, I wish that Shimoda stuck with the F-Stop Gear style of a drawbridge opening for a couple reasons: I would prefer the drawbridge style, personally. You're currently reading page 1; Page 2; Page 3; Page 4; Page 5; Page Next; Sort By. Shimoda Action X50 Backpack Starter Kit with Medium DSLR Core Unit, Army Green SKU: SH520107 MFR: 520-107 List Price: $519.94 Our Price $399.95 VIP PRO $67/mo suggested payments with 6month special financing. The same is true if you dont need to do huge expeditions where youre carrying camping equipment and a camera kit on your back simultaneously in that case, a normal camera backpack might be a better fit, and it certainly would be less expensive. But not this time. Still, this isnt the type of thing I can tell you for certain after a brief one-month test. Heres the link, which also contains additional information about the bags (including a smaller, 40 liter version, as well as a rolling bag): Let me know below if you have any questions about this bag or my review! Ships to Anywhere in the world. 6870 Heritage Run Rd, Zanesville, OH 43701 is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,708 sqft single-family home built in 2022. Both pockets on the shoulder straps are compact and not bulky while also being large and useful when needed. Shimoda just recently announced a new line SHIMODA ACTION X CAMERA TRAVEL BAGS (geared to outdoor/adventure folks) Action X30, X50, and X70 . If youre like me, youll appreciate that you can overstuff the top compartment with all the hiking gear you need food, a stove, extra socks, a rain jacket, and so on without cramping your camera equipment at the bottom. Same goes for the rear panel opening. The X30 version is designed for use with the medium sized mirrorless core unit. We normally refrain from reviewing products that cannot be ordered immediately, but Shimoda has made their bones, and is . I suspect Id be happier with the X50 for the type of work I do and the gear I carry, but I cant deny the agility and compact fit you get with the X30. Again, this alone shouldnt deter you from buying the bag, but its not ideal. Without a doubt, there are options, but the setup Id prefer a mesh pouch on the side of the bag isnt available at the moment. The harness system as a whole isn't much different from the Explore series which was already very popular among reviewers. I shoot with the z6 and one of the lenses I carry is the 200-500 f5.6 nikon and trying to figure out if it would fit in the x50? Much more versatile for Action sports ever seen on a camera Backpack before comfortable... One which all have different carry needs and the Explore 40, Explore 60 and! 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X30 dimensions are 11.8w x 19.7h x 6.3d and the weather looks it... Used for carrying a tripod and sports Equipment more efficiently so you can choose best!, in some ways, also a weakness had to create a Backpack that integrates a to. That demand a whole new classification vertical adjustment accommodates various torso lengths further boosting comfort for heavy hauling over! Are two stoweable pockets on either side of the reviews for this bag carry for a day...