I have the 50ltr too from their first launch and ordered the Women's new 40ltr. I can 100% vouch for the comfort for Ladies. Just brilliant quality too!
Still rocking my explore 60 v1 for about 4 years now, which I love. Totally agree about the comfort, being a vertically challenged individual the shoulder height adjustments helps so much in getting the weight onto my hips properly. However, that bottom loop looks super useful, I’m constantly moving my bag about with the rear access open!! Plus I like that yellow colour… but it’d get filthy real quick!
Hi Alyn. This is a cracking comprehensive review. The bag looks a great piece of kit, especially x50 which will be perfect for all my astro kit plus warm clothing and food. Really appreciate you sorting a discount code for us as well. Thanks for sharing.
For me, it always comes back to weight. I get that these manufacturers need to use rugged materials that most likely weigh a lot. But when you are talking about treks up mountains or across sandy beaches with very soft sand, a starting weight of 5 or 6 pounds is a deal breaker for me. I often use those cheap JanSport packs that weigh next to nothing. I previously bought a PGYTECH OneMO, not even thinking about its starting weight, and I just about never use it if I'm going on an arduous hike. Course, it all could just be that at 60 I'm getting very old, And I maybe have no business doing difficult hikes with heavy gear anymore.
I hear you. As someone who surpassed the magic 60 a few years ago, yet still insist on undertaking long and challenging hikes in remote locations with (frankly) way too much camera and related gear, I’ve found the design and comfort features of the Action-X series are worth the investment. For less demanding ventures, I complement my Shimoda with more basic/lower cost carry options.
A pack that weighs almost nothing is not going to have enough structure to it for the pack to maintain its structure and keep the internal contents in place. I'd rather have an extra pound or two of weight for a supporting structure than feel like I'm carrying 20 pounds of gear in a knapsack. and have it pulling on my shoulders. Then of course there are the issues of protecting the gear and not having to replace the pack every year.
I really like my X50 V1. Glad to see they have changed little, but those small improvements do look useful, especially the bottom handle. Think I'll stuff my rain cover in the base for extra padding.
I've enjoyed using the Shimoda camera bags, both the Explorer 40 and the Action X 50 for landscape and nightscape imaging. Recently, I needed to find a bag that complied with carry-on dimensions and versatile enough to carry a couple of large wildlife lenses. After a lot of commiseration, I decided on the Atlas Adventure pack. It has a very versatile, comfortable harness system and a very effective and interesting organizational packing design. I still use my Shimoda packs for nighscape imaging and really enjoy having bear spray on the shoulder straps and at my fingertips! Cheers Alyn. I always enjoy your vlogs.
Thanks for the detailed review. ➡️ At about 8:48 the best toggles are the ones from Leica used for the bags of the camera parts such as charger etc. I wished all other’s used them also. They are ball shaped and no matter how they fall into your fingers, you just press on them and bingo. Best system ever. The ball form makes them also indestructible. Please forward that to Shimoda and all other backpack companies in touch with you. ➡️ I use a quite heavy Gitzo GT4543LS plus gimbal head and carrying that on the side of the backpack imbalances the weight to one side, no matter how you pack your other gear. None of the major backpack brands has a usable system to carry heavy tripods in the centre. I don’t care about losing the ability to lay down the backpack level. The carrying comfort is more important.
i didnt get the action v2 but i tried my friends x40 and just by wearing it for the first 10 mins of our hike i knew i had to but a shimoda bag, the comfort was un beatable, i dont really shoot outdoors but i wanted a comfortable, beatable camera bag, ended up getting the explore v2 and cant wait for it to come in and start using it. ive been using a normal camera bag from peakdesign and during that hike my back was starting to hurt.
I have a Sony a7R V and Sony 70-200mm 2.8 ii and a Sony 200-600mm lens and three other small lenses and two mini 3 drones and a 16” MacBook Pro and looking to get the Sony a9 iii will it all fit in the 50L ?
I just came across this review after buying a Shimoda Action X 50 bundle yesterday. The bundle I bought was the V1 bag with the V2 medium DSLR insert. At $299 U.S., it was priced below the V2 bag alone, even after the extra $9 for a rain cover for the V1. Glad to hear you have been happy with the V1. I'm not nearly as heavy a user as you and with a 34 inch waist the hip belt will hopefully fit me better than it does you. I couldn't see enough improvements in V2 that would be critical to me to spend the extra money.
B&H? I got the same deal. Very hard to justify what would be over $400 for the V2 (with core unit) when I could get the V1 with the core unit for $299. This bag is replacing a 10 year old LowePro with a very small padded unit, uncomfortable straps and no waist belt. Quite an upgrade :). BTW great review Alyn!
Great review Alyn! I know you have been using shimoda for years and love their products. What I like about these bags is they are photography focused and prioritize the protection of gear. Have you ever tried a dedicated hiking bag like the ones made by Osprey? While it is a little more difficult to pack camera gear and they don't provide the access to gear the way these bags do, I find that having an actual internal frame makes carrying the weight a lot easier, especially when doing multi-day backpacking trips with camping gear etc.
Hi Alan i have the explore 30 v2 and lacking a little space as carrying 2 tripods dorne and video gear for you tube tends to fill the bag very quickly. i love that yellow colour Ian added in as not only for looks but when tracking with my mini 3 pro it doesn't like when i wear black in the landscape so a bright yellow bag will def help with the drone tracking issues in the bush.
Great review, Alyn. I can attest to the incredible robustness of the V1 X50. Last November in Senja, the sky went nuts with aurora and I had to shift our hire car out of the new composition really quickly. The moment I moved it I heard a gut-wrenching grinding under the car, and realised I’d run over my camera bag, which I’d left on the ground (because it’s just so damn good being able to access everything through the rear flap!). I eventually freed the bag and it had completely protected all of my lenses - the heavy duty wire frame was a little out of shape, but my gear was untouched and I continue to use the bag today. Oh, and crucially I got one of the best aurora shots I’ve ever taken, so all worthwhile anyway! 🤣 This v2 looks like it deals nicely with the very few niggles I’ve had about the v1, so looks like one for the future.
Thanks for a clear and informative review. I've been using the original version of the Action X-30 for over 2 years. It has served me very well in challenging hiking and shooting conditions in Iceland, Vancouver Island, West Coast of Ireland etc, as well as a score of US National Parks. The "refinements" of the new version make sense, and hold some appeal for me -- but not enough to consider upgrading at this stage.
The Shimoda do look like very good bags! I bought an Osprey Kamber 42 a good few years ago now which is rear opening with a medium insert inside which fits pretty much everything I need for whatever shooting I might be doing! A lot more comfortable than the previous Lowepro Flipside too.
Really great, comprehensive review. Despite a 10 litre difference between the 40 & 50, the specs are almost identical. Have you found much difference in what you can pack going from a 50 to a 40? And thanks for the code, will be using when I decide which one!
Very neat, thanks for the review. I have a 60 L original explore that's great but I stopped using it because of flights. Too big for carryon. So I had a 35 L explore v2 that I just sold because I need that yellow bag! Thanks for pointing out I need the 50 L size. Now the wait. But I sure appreciate the code too!
Yeah the weight and some of the features that attribute to that is the only thing that puts me off. 2.7 kg just being the empty bag is not ideal if you plan longer hikes. Have you any other bags in mind that are lighter but still fulfill many of the important features of a photography bag? I will try our the Shimoda and hopefully the positives will outshine that negative aspect by far.
Hi everyone - I just order the X50 v2 - and the large dlsr v3 cube - for those who already own a x50 (v1 or v2) I am overly paranoid about air travel - and I have an international flight coming up. Anyone ever have any issues with taking the x50 as carry on? Also - if no, does it in most overhead compartments with the top or back of the bag facing out or do you have to put it in a different way? Thanks
It depends on the airline. I can't speak for the US but most airlines in Europe allow up to 55cm, which is exactly what the X50 is without the roll-top extended.
Thank you for the comprehensive review! Have the 25L Explore V2 but as I have more camera gears, I am thinking about selling it and getting an Action v2. Debating between the 30L and 40L though... do you have any suggestions for this?
Nice review, thanks for sharing!! Im just curious: you said you check your backpack sometimes. Did you remove the core unit and take the gear eith you, or did u check them with the bag? Kind regards!
I have been using the original Action X 50 since it came out as well. I love it. It is a well thought out design, I never bought the rain cover that you can get as I never thought I needed it. I am curious if you have found that you need it?
Never used it myself as being an astrophotographer I'm rarely out in heavy rain! Although I wish I had it at the Uyuni salt flats recently so I could put my bag on the shallow water without worrying so much
Hi alyn, shimoda bags are amazing I own two of them. I was wondering, what are your thoughts about the Benro Polaris? Have you considered using it? Kind regards.
Played with it a bit yeah. It has amazing potential I just think they need a little more time to iron out the kinks in the software. Although others I've spoken to don't seem to have as many issues as I do. Maybe because I have one of the original units from before the Kickstarter.
Depends on the airline but I don't think any airline will accept the 40l as a personal item. You can check the bag dimensions on Shimoda website and compare them to the limites of the airlines you use.
Hi Alyn. Thanks for the comprehensive review. I wanted to ask if have been able to bring your full size tripod into the airplane cabin when travelling throughout Europe? I did not see it at the 14:10 mark. Do you typically have an additional check-in luggage where you can put the tripod?
I’m really taking a liking to the new women’s color way. However, I am unsure of how different the chest/sternum straps and belt might fit on my (male) body. Would you think it would make a big difference using the women’s bags? Does anyone have experience with this dilemma with other bags? Thanks in advance for the help and please excuse my ignorance.
If they had a removable bladder near the straps in back for water for those long hikes and to keep it clean as well due to mold it would be almost perfect does it have a micro charger for the devices.
Had to crack up when they mentioned female specific bags. Living life on the edge with that statement, aren't they 😅 just waiting for the "Neutral" range now 😂
For those wondering, I used glow-in-the-dark paracord to make my custom handle and zipper pulls. Now I lose my bag less often 😅
Was just going to ask about that. I use various glow in the dark things to stop me losing my stuff.
@AlynWallace: do you have a link of the glow in dark paracord that you are using?
Hi Allyn, when you geta chance kindly share the link of the paracord and zippers
@@iemboyshostel there is no link mygrlfriend made them out of glow in the dark paracord
I have the 50ltr too from their first launch and ordered the Women's new 40ltr. I can 100% vouch for the comfort for Ladies. Just brilliant quality too!
In the blitz of Action X V2 reviews yours stands out as the most comprehensive and informative. Thanks!
Still rocking my explore 60 v1 for about 4 years now, which I love. Totally agree about the comfort, being a vertically challenged individual the shoulder height adjustments helps so much in getting the weight onto my hips properly. However, that bottom loop looks super useful, I’m constantly moving my bag about with the rear access open!! Plus I like that yellow colour… but it’d get filthy real quick!
I've been using my Lowpro bag for 11 years. As a outdoor photographer, it has served me well.
Hi Alyn. This is a cracking comprehensive review. The bag looks a great piece of kit, especially x50 which will be perfect for all my astro kit plus warm clothing and food. Really appreciate you sorting a discount code for us as well. Thanks for sharing.
For me, it always comes back to weight. I get that these manufacturers need to use rugged materials that most likely weigh a lot. But when you are talking about treks up mountains or across sandy beaches with very soft sand, a starting weight of 5 or 6 pounds is a deal breaker for me. I often use those cheap JanSport packs that weigh next to nothing. I previously bought a PGYTECH OneMO, not even thinking about its starting weight, and I just about never use it if I'm going on an arduous hike. Course, it all could just be that at 60 I'm getting very old, And I maybe have no business doing difficult hikes with heavy gear anymore.
I hear you. As someone who surpassed the magic 60 a few years ago, yet still insist on undertaking long and challenging hikes in remote locations with (frankly) way too much camera and related gear, I’ve found the design and comfort features of the Action-X series are worth the investment. For less demanding ventures, I complement my Shimoda with more basic/lower cost carry options.
A pack that weighs almost nothing is not going to have enough structure to it for the pack to maintain its structure and keep the internal contents in place. I'd rather have an extra pound or two of weight for a supporting structure than feel like I'm carrying 20 pounds of gear in a knapsack. and have it pulling on my shoulders. Then of course there are the issues of protecting the gear and not having to replace the pack every year.
I really like my X50 V1. Glad to see they have changed little, but those small improvements do look useful, especially the bottom handle. Think I'll stuff my rain cover in the base for extra padding.
I've enjoyed using the Shimoda camera bags, both the Explorer 40 and the Action X 50 for landscape and nightscape imaging. Recently, I needed to find a bag that complied with carry-on dimensions and versatile enough to carry a couple of large wildlife lenses. After a lot of commiseration, I decided on the Atlas Adventure pack. It has a very versatile, comfortable harness system and a very effective and interesting organizational packing design. I still use my Shimoda packs for nighscape imaging and really enjoy having bear spray on the shoulder straps and at my fingertips! Cheers Alyn. I always enjoy your vlogs.
Wow im just looking for a "hikeable" photography bag, thanks for this video!
I love them too. X30, x40, X50 and the Urban one from kick starter
Thanks for the detailed review. ➡️ At about 8:48 the best toggles are the ones from Leica used for the bags of the camera parts such as charger etc. I wished all other’s used them also. They are ball shaped and no matter how they fall into your fingers, you just press on them and bingo. Best system ever. The ball form makes them also indestructible. Please forward that to Shimoda and all other backpack companies in touch with you. ➡️ I use a quite heavy Gitzo GT4543LS plus gimbal head and carrying that on the side of the backpack imbalances the weight to one side, no matter how you pack your other gear. None of the major backpack brands has a usable system to carry heavy tripods in the centre. I don’t care about losing the ability to lay down the backpack level. The carrying comfort is more important.
I also notice Alyn your new tripod ulanzi&Coman carbon fiber. How does it perform in astro ?
Been using the action x50 since Christmas, love it it's so comfortable and spacious! Cheers dude!
Enjoyed this review. You’ve mentioned several details that demonstrate the value of the Shimoda series.
i didnt get the action v2 but i tried my friends x40 and just by wearing it for the first 10 mins of our hike i knew i had to but a shimoda bag, the comfort was un beatable, i dont really shoot outdoors but i wanted a comfortable, beatable camera bag, ended up getting the explore v2 and cant wait for it to come in and start using it. ive been using a normal camera bag from peakdesign and during that hike my back was starting to hurt.
I have a Sony a7R V and Sony 70-200mm 2.8 ii and a Sony 200-600mm lens and three other small lenses and two mini 3 drones and a 16” MacBook Pro and looking to get the Sony a9 iii will it all fit in the 50L ?
I just came across this review after buying a Shimoda Action X 50 bundle yesterday. The bundle I bought was the V1 bag with the V2 medium DSLR insert. At $299 U.S., it was priced below the V2 bag alone, even after the extra $9 for a rain cover for the V1. Glad to hear you have been happy with the V1. I'm not nearly as heavy a user as you and with a 34 inch waist the hip belt will hopefully fit me better than it does you. I couldn't see enough improvements in V2 that would be critical to me to spend the extra money.
glad to hear you got a bargain!
B&H? I got the same deal. Very hard to justify what would be over $400 for the V2 (with core unit) when I could get the V1 with the core unit for $299. This bag is replacing a 10 year old LowePro with a very small padded unit, uncomfortable straps and no waist belt. Quite an upgrade :). BTW great review Alyn!
Great review Alyn! I know you have been using shimoda for years and love their products. What I like about these bags is they are photography focused and prioritize the protection of gear. Have you ever tried a dedicated hiking bag like the ones made by Osprey? While it is a little more difficult to pack camera gear and they don't provide the access to gear the way these bags do, I find that having an actual internal frame makes carrying the weight a lot easier, especially when doing multi-day backpacking trips with camping gear etc.
Excellent demonstration, thank you
Hi Alan i have the explore 30 v2 and lacking a little space as carrying 2 tripods dorne and video gear for you tube tends to fill the bag very quickly. i love that yellow colour Ian added in as not only for looks but when tracking with my mini 3 pro it doesn't like when i wear black in the landscape so a bright yellow bag will def help with the drone tracking issues in the bush.
Great review, Alyn. I can attest to the incredible robustness of the V1 X50. Last November in Senja, the sky went nuts with aurora and I had to shift our hire car out of the new composition really quickly. The moment I moved it I heard a gut-wrenching grinding under the car, and realised I’d run over my camera bag, which I’d left on the ground (because it’s just so damn good being able to access everything through the rear flap!). I eventually freed the bag and it had completely protected all of my lenses - the heavy duty wire frame was a little out of shape, but my gear was untouched and I continue to use the bag today. Oh, and crucially I got one of the best aurora shots I’ve ever taken, so all worthwhile anyway! 🤣
This v2 looks like it deals nicely with the very few niggles I’ve had about the v1, so looks like one for the future.
Oh dang! Glad your gear made it through unscathed
i've been using the Atlas Athlete for about 3 years now too, and its been amazing for travel. Definitely consider it if your deciding on this one too.
Thanks for a clear and informative review. I've been using the original version of the Action X-30 for over 2 years. It has served me very well in challenging hiking and shooting conditions in Iceland, Vancouver Island, West Coast of Ireland etc, as well as a score of US National Parks. The "refinements" of the new version make sense, and hold some appeal for me -- but not enough to consider upgrading at this stage.
The 30l v1 might be my best photography purchase. Will be getting the 70 v2 for overnights...
Good quality bag is a must for an explorer, excellent review.
The Shimoda do look like very good bags! I bought an Osprey Kamber 42 a good few years ago now which is rear opening with a medium insert inside which fits pretty much everything I need for whatever shooting I might be doing! A lot more comfortable than the previous Lowepro Flipside too.
Osprey are a cheaper option, what camera packing cube do you use with the kamber
Really great, comprehensive review. Despite a 10 litre difference between the 40 & 50, the specs are almost identical. Have you found much difference in what you can pack going from a 50 to a 40?
And thanks for the code, will be using when I decide which one!
I can for the good on the dark stuff. baited but love Alyn anyway.
Like your videos on equipment this was very helpful
Very neat, thanks for the review. I have a 60 L original explore that's great but I stopped using it because of flights. Too big for carryon. So I had a 35 L explore v2 that I just sold because I need that yellow bag! Thanks for pointing out I need the 50 L size. Now the wait. But I sure appreciate the code too!
I think it will be third time lucky :) The X50 is awesome
“Hiking the mountain and questioning your life choices” hahah amen
Very informative of this great bag!
I wish Shimoda start a new line of bags more suitable for hikers, in terms of lightweight and features.
Yeah would be awesome. But then it's quite a niche and small market!
Yeah the weight and some of the features that attribute to that is the only thing that puts me off. 2.7 kg just being the empty bag is not ideal if you plan longer hikes.
Have you any other bags in mind that are lighter but still fulfill many of the important features of a photography bag?
I will try our the Shimoda and hopefully the positives will outshine that negative aspect by far.
Walking through the mountains questioning my life choices 😂......that earned a "subscribe"
I have no idea why there wasn’t a flap to cover the top roll - gets caught on low branches etc
For anyone that's used this how would you rate its comfort on the back for longer hikes? Does it breathe okay and fit hips/shoulders well?
Hi everyone - I just order the X50 v2 - and the large dlsr v3 cube - for those who already own a x50 (v1 or v2) I am overly paranoid about air travel - and I have an international flight coming up. Anyone ever have any issues with taking the x50 as carry on? Also - if no, does it in most overhead compartments with the top or back of the bag facing out or do you have to put it in a different way? Thanks
It depends on the airline. I can't speak for the US but most airlines in Europe allow up to 55cm, which is exactly what the X50 is without the roll-top extended.
Thank you for the comprehensive review! Have the 25L Explore V2 but as I have more camera gears, I am thinking about selling it and getting an Action v2. Debating between the 30L and 40L though... do you have any suggestions for this?
I regret to inform you but he is no longer with us. He passed away several months ago. Rip Alyn Wallace the legend.
Nice review, thanks for sharing!! Im just curious: you said you check your backpack sometimes. Did you remove the core unit and take the gear eith you, or did u check them with the bag? Kind regards!
Yup take the core units out and take them on the plane . Bag is then just for clothes.
I have been using the original Action X 50 since it came out as well. I love it. It is a well thought out design,
I never bought the rain cover that you can get as I never thought I needed it. I am curious if you have found that you need it?
Never used it myself as being an astrophotographer I'm rarely out in heavy rain! Although I wish I had it at the Uyuni salt flats recently so I could put my bag on the shallow water without worrying so much
@@AlynWallace oh. I never thought of that. I can probably use one of my generic covers for that. Great idea!
Hi alyn, shimoda bags are amazing I own two of them. I was wondering, what are your thoughts about the Benro Polaris? Have you considered using it? Kind regards.
Played with it a bit yeah. It has amazing potential I just think they need a little more time to iron out the kinks in the software. Although others I've spoken to don't seem to have as many issues as I do. Maybe because I have one of the original units from before the Kickstarter.
@@AlynWallace Can imagine it reduces the workload significantly for all tracked panoramas :)
Do you think the Action x40L V2 is too large for a personal item? If so, do you think the 30L will suffice as a personal item?
Depends on the airline but I don't think any airline will accept the 40l as a personal item. You can check the bag dimensions on Shimoda website and compare them to the limites of the airlines you use.
Hi Alyn. Thanks for the comprehensive review. I wanted to ask if have been able to bring your full size tripod into the airplane cabin when travelling throughout Europe? I did not see it at the 14:10 mark. Do you typically have an additional check-in luggage where you can put the tripod?
Yup tripods in checked luggage usually. I've gotten away with small tripods in their cases on the side of bags but haven't taken a full-sized one
Have you seen the new lens from sigma designed for astro. The new 14mm f1.2? I'm sure you have. Will you be getting hold it?
f/1.4 and no I won't be getting one. I'm more than happy with the Sony 14mm f/1.8 which weighs less than half of the Sigma.
@@AlynWallace You'd need the 70L bag if you bought the Sigma!!
I’m really taking a liking to the new women’s color way. However, I am unsure of how different the chest/sternum straps and belt might fit on my (male) body. Would you think it would make a big difference using the women’s bags? Does anyone have experience with this dilemma with other bags? Thanks in advance for the help and please excuse my ignorance.
I have no experience with the women's straps I"m afraid. Try contacting Shimoda
Kangen konten hujan meteor bang 😭😭
Nice video Alyn maybe you update your video what's in my bag ? Cheers 😊🎉
Could do. It hasn't changed much mind :)
@@AlynWallace Nice thanks for response :)
Hi I need one which fits under the seat in a plane - any advice? (for my camera)
Each airline is different so go to Shimoda website and check the bag dimensions
I know the 30L fits under the seat (saw another TH-cam review that showed it) but not sure if the 40L does? Anyone know the answer? ❤
@@mollyvance check the dimensions on shimoda website and check the dimensions stated by the airline you're using
If they had a removable bladder near the straps in back for water for those long hikes and to keep it clean as well due to mold it would be almost perfect does it have a micro charger for the devices.
What's the small tripod you have? It's not the one linked in your gear list. :)
Ulanzi Zero Y. They just sent it to me so haven't used it much but it's decent for travel (and my vlogging camera)
@@AlynWallace Thanks!
Wow. Page, Hardcastle, Lindsay, and you all have Shimoda bag reviews this week……….
Had to crack up when they mentioned female specific bags. Living life on the edge with that statement, aren't they 😅 just waiting for the "Neutral" range now 😂
Hold up…you check that bag? Or did you mean carry on?
Both. But when I use it as my checked bag the core unit with my camera gear goes into a wheeled carry-on.
@@AlynWallace Ah gotcha.
peak design bag has better thought out design than this