Shimoda Explore (25L + 30L + 35L) Review
"Comfy Workhorse"
The Shimoda Action X without the roll top. Some of my favorite straps of all time, side door access to your camera, and a burly, water resistant build for outdoorsy camera trips.
More on the Shimoda Explore (25L + 30L + 35L)
What I like
- Basically the Action X without the roll top. I might even prefer it, since there's no dangly roll top hanging off the bag
- Some of my favorite straps of all time. The straps and back panel are weirdly comfortable, and the torso adjusts between small, medium and large
- Side door access straight into the camera cube, and the cube's metal frame locks in with the door without any velcro or clips
- Burly, water resistant material, and a rain fly comes with it
- Big pop-out pockets on both sides for a water bottle or a tripod, plus zippered side pockets for ND filters and SD cards
- Laptop sleeve at the back with its own water sealed zip up top, so you don't have to open the whole bag
- Soft and pouchy. It shouldn't work as well as it does, but it works great
- Pro level, any-mountain adventure bag that's built to last
Watch for
- It's strappy. I never found an elegant way to stow the side straps, and they can get in the way of the camera door
- The 25 doesn't fit a 16 inch laptop. My 16 inch MacBook Pro fits the 30 but catches a little
- The inside sack with its zip-off divider felt cluttered to me
- Not the cheapest, since the camera cubes are extra
Specs
- 25L, 30L and 35L (women's fit in 25L and 30L)
- The 30 is 20.3 x 11.6 x 6.6 in and 3.6 lb
- Side and back access, adjustable torso, rain cover included
Where I've covered it
- Shimoda Explorer v2, Epic Camera Bags at 0:00 (full review)
- My Favorite Video Gear at 2:33
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