should be said that you got that large camera cube in the action lol, which breaks the rulesss :) I saw your video about the action and did the same lol.
Great comparison. When I airline travel I want my personal items with me stored under the seat for my 16+" laptop, dslr with one lens, battery cords etc. I know where they are and for security checks it's easier. Of the explorer series or urban which could be used as a personal item under seat option. PS I figured out same as you that a large laptop behind a camera cube works.
Thank you for the review. I love how detail-oriented you are. I’m a short Asian man and am wondering if the lack of height adjustment on the Urban explore hurts its fit and comfort relative to the Explore v2. I’m considering the 30L version.
I just got the Action X30, and it's a LOT of bag. Too much for me. I wanted something I could grow into, not live out of. I realized I should have got the 25, and maybe even a different version. I watched your video a bunch to help me decide. I ultimately ended up going for the Explore 25. Seeing them all laid out on the table as you had them was very valuable for me wanting a bag that is not just smaller by capacity, but also visually. I want a bag that I can hike in the rain with, but I also want to bring it around everywhere and not have it look like I'm doing a cross country hike. I also ordered the women's simple strap seeing Ian try them, and they look like they will more or less fit fine, and also make the bag lower key. It'll be nice to have strap options. I hope they make a men's simple strap though, because the men's cut is incredibly comfortable.
Great comparison! Do you find the hip belt sits at the right/same place on the urban when you borrow it from the explorer? Does it actually distribute the weight to the hips like a hiking pack or is it more just for keeping the back from swaying? Thanks!
came across your channel when looking into the new Shimoda bag. Great honest overview, and.you've probably the best backdrop to any camera bag review i've ever seen, the place looks amazing... gave a look around your channel , you've a new subscriber...
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
I backed the Kickstarter project yesterday to get a Shimoda Urban Explore 20L Boa, sometime in February. I wish I didn't have to wait so long. I won't be needing it all that much this winter, so it's all good. It seems to be what I've been looking for as a minimalist everyday camera backpack. I already own the Explore V2 30L but needed something a little smaller and lighter as an alternative. Nice comparison review of the three bag lines in a beautiful outdoor setting. Well done!
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
Hello Spencer, I am waiting on the Urban bag to arrive so let’s see but I agree on the Action X, I have the 30,40 and 50. I now use the 40 the most. But having that expansion on the top adds a lot of flexibility
Fantastic review. I really like the side by side comparison between the packs. Really happy on the comment of using a waist strap (albiet unofficially) with the Urban Explorer. If you have a chance for a followup vid, would love to see the waist strap in action.
Hi Spencer. Great review. I have a question though, can the 25 or 30L fit a thick laptop in an EVA case on the back or front laptop compartment? Mine is an ASUS TUF 15.6 gaming laptop at 3cm Thickness that I put in an EVA case for additional protection with 4.5cm thickness when the laptop is inside. I'm just curious because most of my camera bags will fit my laptop but with the Hardshell EVA case then it wont fit anymore. I'm a casual gamer and have mirrorless camera gears and a small drone when I travel. Laptop EVA case with Laptop inside Dimensions are: Length 28cm x Thickness 4.5cm x Height 49cm. Hope you can answer. Thank you!
Glad to catch your updates! Sorry, I think your videos does have the best natural "golden" lighting (first thing that pops into my mind when watching) and epic background!
I wish that they update the Explore with some of the newer creature comforts of the Urban Explore and Action X2. For example, including the hidden air tag pocket. Or building a more accessible laptop pocket. Or updating the shoulder straps. It feels like each bag has something I want while missing something that the other models have that I also want. Honestly, I'd prefer having the simpler straps of the Urban Explore on the Original Explore and wish there was more options that allow you to swap out shoulder strap styles. The urban explore straps alone would "dress" down the Explore enough to allow it to fit in an urban environment and not like youre walking around with a hiking backpack.
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).
A really nice comparison and review, you talked about the bags so nature and make me believe what you said and recommended, another thing is I am an English learner, I really like your sound and accent.
Thanks for this amazingly informative video! I'm currently trying to decide between the Explorer V2 and the Urban Explorer. Also not sure re: 25L vs 30L. May I ask how tall you are? I'm 5'8 and trying to decide if the 30L will make me look like little kid with his daddy's backpack on.
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
Great review, thanks! I am very interested by the bag but disappointed by the lack of a hip belt. I have seen that it was still possible to use one of a "regular explore" bag. Could you clarify how this work?
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
Great review..thank you..definitely considering the Urban Explore..for sure..for my needs..the Explore V2 is defiantly made more "rugged" and seems more for "outdoor" adventure type scenarios..lol but doesn't the new Urban Explore have the available "Rain Fly Cover" inside the bag..which you can use for more "extreme weather" and surround the bag with and also a good cover if you have to put the bag in a not so "clean" surface..lol
@@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..
Im confused, can you have your laptop in that top loader sleeve pocket, and maybe a 11” iPad in the zipped camera cube cover that opens? Or is there only ONE spot? The way it looks there is 2 spots for 2 types of devices like this. Thanks!
Amazing review! As someone who owns the Explore V2 and Action X it was very helpful. I was curious to see if there is a reason to get the Urban Explore over the regular Explore
@@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
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.
Oh snap! How'd you get one so early?! I've got the explore v2 25 that I got a few yeas ago and then just recently upgraded to action 40 v2 because I needed more space for my 200-600. I love the new features that they've added to the urban explore line and i'm half thinking of getting one for a day bag.
good to see they sponsored you again. I think its a bit pointless to have a camera backpack without waist support, given how heavy the gear can get. It should not have been an afterthought with this new backpack, but it looks cool.
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.
This is actually an incredible review but I would change the thumbnail to show you’re comparing the 3 bags, your original thumbnail gets lost in all the other thumbnails
should be said that you got that large camera cube in the action lol, which breaks the rulesss :) I saw your video about the action and did the same lol.
I mean nobody told us we couldn't right? ;)
Really detailed thorough review. Helped me a lot ..
straight forward honest easy to understand ..
Keep them coming 😊
Thanks alot!
Rad! Awesome to see another Hawaii TH-camr that actually has this new Shimoda!
Cheee thanks Brad! Definitely have to connect sometime for a project
Great comparison.
When I airline travel I want my personal items with me stored under the seat for my 16+" laptop, dslr with one lens, battery cords etc. I know where they are and for security checks it's easier.
Of the explorer series or urban which could be used as a personal item under seat option.
PS I figured out same as you that a large laptop behind a camera cube works.
I think 25L or smaller just to be on the safe side… ive squeezed 30L in before but its tight!
This was a very useful and practical video comparison! I was looking for this and it helped a lot to decide between them, thanks Spencer! :)
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the awesome review!! I still can't decide between Action 25L or Urban Explorer though...🤣
07:16 I wonder how long the elastic? material will last with constant usage.
Great point! Ive had mine for about a month now and its fine… but yeah elastic will wear over time for sure
fantastic and detailed review. Bravo! Best one I have seen.
Thanks a ton!
Thank you for the review. I love how detail-oriented you are. I’m a short Asian man and am wondering if the lack of height adjustment on the Urban explore hurts its fit and comfort relative to the Explore v2. I’m considering the 30L version.
30L is a good size for comfort! I used the action x 30 for a while and kinda miss it lol
Great review and explanations, this channel needs more subscribers for sure
I just got the Action X30, and it's a LOT of bag. Too much for me. I wanted something I could grow into, not live out of. I realized I should have got the 25, and maybe even a different version. I watched your video a bunch to help me decide. I ultimately ended up going for the Explore 25. Seeing them all laid out on the table as you had them was very valuable for me wanting a bag that is not just smaller by capacity, but also visually. I want a bag that I can hike in the rain with, but I also want to bring it around everywhere and not have it look like I'm doing a cross country hike. I also ordered the women's simple strap seeing Ian try them, and they look like they will more or less fit fine, and also make the bag lower key. It'll be nice to have strap options. I hope they make a men's simple strap though, because the men's cut is incredibly comfortable.
What is the size of Action X used in the video?
Great comparison! Do you find the hip belt sits at the right/same place on the urban when you borrow it from the explorer? Does it actually distribute the weight to the hips like a hiking pack or is it more just for keeping the back from swaying? Thanks!
Can you mix and match straps? E.g Left strap from Urban and right strap with pocket with Explor v2?
came across your channel when looking into the new Shimoda bag. Great honest overview, and.you've probably the best backdrop to any camera bag review i've ever seen, the place looks amazing... gave a look around your channel , you've a new subscriber...
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...
I backed the Kickstarter project yesterday to get a Shimoda Urban Explore 20L Boa, sometime in February. I wish I didn't have to wait so long. I won't be needing it all that much this winter, so it's all good. It seems to be what I've been looking for as a minimalist everyday camera backpack. I already own the Explore V2 30L but needed something a little smaller and lighter as an alternative. Nice comparison review of the three bag lines in a beautiful outdoor setting. Well done!
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
Hello Spencer, I am waiting on the Urban bag to arrive so let’s see but I agree on the Action X, I have the 30,40 and 50. I now use the 40 the most. But having that expansion on the top adds a lot of flexibility
Fantastic review. I really like the side by side comparison between the packs. Really happy on the comment of using a waist strap (albiet unofficially) with the Urban Explorer. If you have a chance for a followup vid, would love to see the waist strap in action.
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"
Hi Spencer. Great review. I have a question though, can the 25 or 30L fit a thick laptop in an EVA case on the back or front laptop compartment? Mine is an ASUS TUF 15.6 gaming laptop at 3cm Thickness that I put in an EVA case for additional protection with 4.5cm thickness when the laptop is inside. I'm just curious because most of my camera bags will fit my laptop but with the Hardshell EVA case then it wont fit anymore. I'm a casual gamer and have mirrorless camera gears and a small drone when I travel. Laptop EVA case with Laptop inside Dimensions are: Length 28cm x Thickness 4.5cm x Height 49cm. Hope you can answer. Thank you!
Glad to catch your updates! Sorry, I think your videos does have the best natural "golden" lighting (first thing that pops into my mind when watching) and epic background!
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 that they update the Explore with some of the newer creature comforts of the Urban Explore and Action X2. For example, including the hidden air tag pocket. Or building a more accessible laptop pocket. Or updating the shoulder straps. It feels like each bag has something I want while missing something that the other models have that I also want. Honestly, I'd prefer having the simpler straps of the Urban Explore on the Original Explore and wish there was more options that allow you to swap out shoulder strap styles. The urban explore straps alone would "dress" down the Explore enough to allow it to fit in an urban environment and not like youre walking around with a hiking backpack.
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).
A really nice comparison and review, you talked about the bags so nature and make me believe what you said and recommended, another thing is I am an English learner, I really like your sound and accent.
thanks so much!
Awesome comparison, I have a 35L Action X & a 25 Explorwe V2 & and I love both of them!!!
I wish i was bigger to handle the bigger sizes😅i always get the smol ones cause im pint sized
Awesome review man! I definitely enjoyed it. 🤙
thank you David!
Thanks for this amazingly informative video! I'm currently trying to decide between the Explorer V2 and the Urban Explorer. Also not sure re: 25L vs 30L. May I ask how tall you are? I'm 5'8 and trying to decide if the 30L will make me look like little kid with his daddy's backpack on.
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! 🙏
i love explore original lee. but not sale in indonesia
Great review, thanks! I am very interested by the bag but disappointed by the lack of a hip belt. I have seen that it was still possible to use one of a "regular explore" bag. Could you clarify how this work?
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
Is possible to access the camera through the side pocket?
Yes
Great review..thank you..definitely considering the Urban Explore..for sure..for my needs..the Explore V2 is defiantly made more "rugged" and seems more for "outdoor" adventure type scenarios..lol but doesn't the new Urban Explore have the available "Rain Fly Cover" inside the bag..which you can use for more "extreme weather" and surround the bag with and also a good cover if you have to put the bag in a not so "clean" surface..lol
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
Nice review video! What size is your Urban bag?
25L
Really good overview. Thanks.
Mahalo for watching!
Im confused, can you have your laptop in that top loader sleeve pocket, and maybe a 11” iPad in the zipped camera cube cover that opens? Or is there only ONE spot? The way it looks there is 2 spots for 2 types of devices like this. Thanks!
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
Amazing review! As someone who owns the Explore V2 and Action X it was very helpful. I was curious to see if there is a reason to get the Urban Explore over the regular Explore
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!
Interesting approach with the 16in MBP in the 25L explore, did you find any downsides or issues doing that?
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!
Would a a7r3 with a battery grip attached fit in the 25L and also be able to get it out of the side access?
Ooo that might be a bit tight… maybe if it lies flat… i dont have a grip to test it out on tho, sorry!
Where does your hacked hip belt go through? Can you still access the passport pocket?
Oh snap! How'd you get one so early?! I've got the explore v2 25 that I got a few yeas ago and then just recently upgraded to action 40 v2 because I needed more space for my 200-600. I love the new features that they've added to the urban explore line and i'm half thinking of getting one for a day bag.
Im lucky enough to have reviewed their bags enough that they send me their new ones😅so i can review them even more
what size is this bag?
What size is your UE?
25
What good is such a large pack for hiking if all it holds is camera gear? I think you could have cut this entire production down to 10 minutes.
Excellent usefull comparision présentation
What size do you have?
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
good to see they sponsored you again. I think its a bit pointless to have a camera backpack without waist support, given how heavy the gear can get. It should not have been an afterthought with this new backpack, but it looks cool.
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.
This is actually an incredible review but I would change the thumbnail to show you’re comparing the 3 bags, your original thumbnail gets lost in all the other thumbnails
Shootz!
Nice review mate! Imma wait for that 50% offer lol jk
Lol u like hand me down?😂