This is probably the most well thought out camera travel backpack that I’ve come across. You can tell whoever designed it is really passionate about both travel and photography
Agreed - the bag seems to do everything I want and does it well. I'm even starting to learn how to use that super deep pocket on the outside more efficiently (I think) - predominantly as a place to stuff lightweight outer layers for adding or when I take them off.
I've got the same bag. I love it. Sometimes I wish it was slightly wider inside to more easily pack 2 bodies, but for quicker access I now often have a camera holster on my belt as well so I can still carry 2 bodies easily. I got the 35L too so I can more easily bring non-camera stuff as well, like some warmer clothing and food.
I do like the 35L for the extra stuff I can fit on longer hikes. I can stuff a jacket - either for rain or warmth in that big front pocket and plenty of room for some food for longer hikes as well. Been super happy with my bag.
Thanks for the very fine video. It would be nice if you mention that there is the mirrorless core but that the 35L also supports a deeper DSLR core unit that can handle a gripped body and taller lenses.
Glad to see someone who is using a medium and small core unit. I plan on using this to haul my gear for weddings on some weekends but also want to use the bag for weekend trips where a large core unit would be complete overkill and I'd be wasting space due to bringing less lenses, bodies, etc. I may have to go this route and just pay up for a medium and small core unit.
I've really liked the flexibility of the medium and small. If I really need to load up on camera bodies and lenses, I can. Or - I can remove the small and have more room for some weather gear, snacks, first aid kit, etc. No regrets so far with this approach.
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography I totally agree. After much debate and thinking about buying a large and a medium ICU versus a medium and small, I went with the latter as it accomplishes the same thing and costs less. Looking forward to getting my new gear! Thanks for the video, it definitely helped in my decision and seeing your layout.
Agree with your review Jeffrey. I have the Explore v2 25L along with the Action 50, both are phenomenal bags and the best I have used. Design, quality construction, and comfort are top of the line. The biggest game changer for me is the split hip-belt and the shoulder straps provide some of the best weight distribution of any backpack I have have used with over 30 years of hiking experience. While so many bags are designed for camera equipment, this one was designed by those that not only consider photography needs, but also understand the science of body movement when hiking continuously over rough terrain.
I definitely like the Explore v2 line - super happy with what I can carry in mine comfortably. I'm intrigued by the roll top on the Action 50. I had an old hiking backpack and I really liked the roll top as it made the bag super expandable in a pinch - especially for soft goods like jackets or layers you might need (or might shed and want a place to pack them). It definitely seems like they designed for load carrying instead of just carrying camera gear - which is great, especially for landscape photographers who often have to carry their gear for longer distances and over unstable terrain. Six months in, with lots of use and mine is looking great! Thanks for watching!
@@nebularish The 25 was the answer for my air travel needs since it it small enough to slide under an airline seat. I don't like to check any baggage for travel, so my carry-on is a Tumi roller for international travel. The 25 is great for a lightweight option, where I can carry a Nikon Z7 and their trinity 2.8 zooms, the 70-200 above the ICU, plus a Kase filter pack, other gear such as a jacket, lunch etc. If I am hiking more than 2 miles over rough terrain, the 25 option is also much easier on the hips and legs on steep climbs. I still use the x50 for winter shooting and when I want to carry two bodies so that I don't have to change lenses.
@@davidhatton2321 I have the action X50 as well. Love it. Storage is great for all my Nikon Z gear and Mavic 3. Just purchased a 70 - 200 2.8 S, but hopefully can keep with the 1 ICU. Must say, have given thought, to also purchasing a smaller V2 bag.
Jeff, new sub here, found your channel this week and have watched many of your vids already. I find your down to earth, to the point style to be excellent and refreshing after watching hundreds of photography vids on dozens of other channels…very helpful…well done! You certainly deserve a much higher subscriber base, which I’m sure will come. Keep up the great work! :)
I've watched a few reviews for this backpack now. They are all good, but what I love about yours is that I KNOW you are using it exactly the way I will (landscape photography and videography), and you're hitting all the marks that I'm looking for in a photo backpack. Thank you so much for this video. I've considered a few different bags, but your review helped me decide. :) Now all I need to figure out is the size. It seems like the 25L is too small, but I do wonder if I should get the 30 or 35L version. I live in Oregon, which means that I need all the layers of clothes throughout the day + an emergency kit, etc. It gets even more complicated in the winter. My current pack has no extra space for anything, not even water. I guess we all make mistakes when we first buy our gear, lol. I currently have the miggo Agua Sling Bag, which is super durable, but it misses so many features that I really need when I'm out there all day. Anyway, I really appreciate your review. Thanks again :) You have a new sub!
I'm glad the review was helpful! It is so hard choosing a new bag and trying to figure out what will work. I definitely have a collection of bags as I've experimented over the years! I still love my Shimoda and it has worked great to carry the gear I tend to take out, while allowing some room for clothing swaps. Mine's the 35L and I wouldn't want to go smaller for anything where my plan was to be out for most of the day. Like you, when I'm running workshops I pack in an emergency first aid kit and some other extra snacks and such for the group if they run out of their own. I also like the slightly larger laptop sleeve, as I do use the bag when I fly as well and on those trips I have my 15" MacBook Pro with me as well - so being able to fit it in the bag is nice. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the sub!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Thanks so much for your quick reply, Jeffrey. :) I appreciate it. I have another question for you. Does the rain cover fit over the tripod as well? That would be great. Also, does the small core unit fit "standing" on the top of the medium core unit to have access to it from the top zipper? I wonder if that might be a good way to store the drone for quick access? I hope that I'm making sense, lol. One other thing perhaps for your next video, it would have been so great to see you use it in the field while you're out filming or shooting photos. I haven't checked out your other videos yet (I will!), so you probably have footage like that already. I just always love to see the products actually used. It helps me imagine myself with it doing the same activities :)
Hey! The rain cover is a pretty decent size and will fit over both of my tripods when they are on either side (I have one tripod for stills and one for the video camera - so I tend to carry two tripods on most trips). I took pictures of my bag with both tripods and then with the rain cover over it - I'd be happy to share if you want to send a message (there's a contact form on my website so I have your email address). But it definitely fits with room to spare (i.e. if I really had the top portion loaded with more things). And yes, the small insert will fit "standing up" so you could load the drone in it and access it from the top. That's a pretty genius idea! I've upgraded to a Mini 3 Pro recently, so that makes fitting a drone in the bag even easier! I have lots of b-roll of me either carrying the pack or getting things in and out of the pack - I totally should have added more b-roll like that to this video! There is some in other videos here and there, just as b-roll though. Later this year I'll do another what's in my bag video with more footage like that.
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography I sent you an email through your website just now. Beautiful photos, btw. What I forgot to mention is that it's great that the small insert fits both ways. I will have to experiment with that for sure. I already can't wait to receive this bag and pack everything comfortably compared to my current setup! It will make a world of difference for sure. Also, I think I wrote "Mini 2 Pro" as my drone, but no, I bought the same as you have, of course! Can't wait.
It is a great bag. I'm able to carry my photography gear and YT video gear with ease and the bag has been holding up great! Enjoy - and thanks for the sub!
Just came across your channel and this is one of the best reviews I've seen of this bag. I've been debating between a few bags but I think I may just pull the trigger on the 35L now. A bit of a novice question here but do you always travel with your camera/lenses unmounted? Thanks a lot!
Thanks Dave! Glad you liked the review. I love the bag - I'm coming up on the one year mark with it and it does a great job and still in great shape! So - regarding camera/lenses and being unmounted. I'm not sure there's a right way to do it (and there are cons to my way). But, if flying I keep things unmounted, though I carry on my bag, if something happens I feel like there is less risk if the lens isn't attached to the camera. I tend to go into the field with them unmounted as well. Largely because I'm not sure what focal length I am going to want and don't want to take the easy way out and just shoot with what I have attached. So I feel like it gives me flexibility. With that said, if the weather is bad (rain, snow, blowing dirt), then I tend to attach the 24-200 and can arrange the pack to keep it in there with the lens mounted to the camera. That helps minimize lens changes in the bad weather. The big con is, I am probably leaving myself vulnerable to a higher likelihood of dust on the sensor, since I have to do more swaps in the field than if I just kept my most frequently lens attached. Thanks for watching!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Thanks a lot for the info! I'm still learning a lot of this stuff but definitely helpful to get your perspective on how you pack your gear. Thanks again!
This is probably the most well thought out camera travel backpack that I’ve come across. You can tell whoever designed it is really passionate about both travel and photography
Agreed - the bag seems to do everything I want and does it well.
I'm even starting to learn how to use that super deep pocket on the outside more efficiently (I think) - predominantly as a place to stuff lightweight outer layers for adding or when I take them off.
I've got the same bag. I love it. Sometimes I wish it was slightly wider inside to more easily pack 2 bodies, but for quicker access I now often have a camera holster on my belt as well so I can still carry 2 bodies easily.
I got the 35L too so I can more easily bring non-camera stuff as well, like some warmer clothing and food.
I do like the 35L for the extra stuff I can fit on longer hikes. I can stuff a jacket - either for rain or warmth in that big front pocket and plenty of room for some food for longer hikes as well. Been super happy with my bag.
Excellent review! Thank you and keep up the good work!
Thank you! Glad you found the review helpful. The Shimoda bag has been great and still going strong!
One of the best Explore V2 reviews out there! Thanks!
Thank you! Very much appreciated!
Thanks for the very fine video. It would be nice if you mention that there is the mirrorless core but that the 35L also supports a deeper DSLR core unit that can handle a gripped body and taller lenses.
Good point! I should have touched on the different core units they have! Thanks for watching the video!
Glad to see someone who is using a medium and small core unit. I plan on using this to haul my gear for weddings on some weekends but also want to use the bag for weekend trips where a large core unit would be complete overkill and I'd be wasting space due to bringing less lenses, bodies, etc. I may have to go this route and just pay up for a medium and small core unit.
I've really liked the flexibility of the medium and small. If I really need to load up on camera bodies and lenses, I can. Or - I can remove the small and have more room for some weather gear, snacks, first aid kit, etc. No regrets so far with this approach.
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography I totally agree. After much debate and thinking about buying a large and a medium ICU versus a medium and small, I went with the latter as it accomplishes the same thing and costs less. Looking forward to getting my new gear! Thanks for the video, it definitely helped in my decision and seeing your layout.
@@Kelvinjan - Awesome! Thanks for watching and glad the video helped out!
Agree with your review Jeffrey. I have the Explore v2 25L along with the Action 50, both are phenomenal bags and the best I have used. Design, quality construction, and comfort are top of the line. The biggest game changer for me is the split hip-belt and the shoulder straps provide some of the best weight distribution of any backpack I have have used with over 30 years of hiking experience. While so many bags are designed for camera equipment, this one was designed by those that not only consider photography needs, but also understand the science of body movement when hiking continuously over rough terrain.
I definitely like the Explore v2 line - super happy with what I can carry in mine comfortably. I'm intrigued by the roll top on the Action 50. I had an old hiking backpack and I really liked the roll top as it made the bag super expandable in a pinch - especially for soft goods like jackets or layers you might need (or might shed and want a place to pack them).
It definitely seems like they designed for load carrying instead of just carrying camera gear - which is great, especially for landscape photographers who often have to carry their gear for longer distances and over unstable terrain.
Six months in, with lots of use and mine is looking great!
Thanks for watching!
Hi David, I’ve also got the action x50. Thinking of getting the 25 or 30 for a smaller setup. Do you find the 25 as the right size with the x50
@@nebularish The 25 was the answer for my air travel needs since it it small enough to slide under an airline seat. I don't like to check any baggage for travel, so my carry-on is a Tumi roller for international travel. The 25 is great for a lightweight option, where I can carry a Nikon Z7 and their trinity 2.8 zooms, the 70-200 above the ICU, plus a Kase filter pack, other gear such as a jacket, lunch etc. If I am hiking more than 2 miles over rough terrain, the 25 option is also much easier on the hips and legs on steep climbs. I still use the x50 for winter shooting and when I want to carry two bodies so that I don't have to change lenses.
@@davidhatton2321 I have the action X50 as well. Love it. Storage is great for all my Nikon Z gear and Mavic 3. Just purchased a 70 - 200 2.8 S, but hopefully can keep with the 1 ICU. Must say, have given thought, to also purchasing a smaller V2 bag.
Jeff, new sub here, found your channel this week and have watched many of your vids already. I find your down to earth, to the point style to be excellent and refreshing after watching hundreds of photography vids on dozens of other channels…very helpful…well done! You certainly deserve a much higher subscriber base, which I’m sure will come. Keep up the great work! :)
Thank you for the sub and watching! I'm glad you've been enjoying the channel - I have a lot of fun making the videos!
I've watched a few reviews for this backpack now. They are all good, but what I love about yours is that I KNOW you are using it exactly the way I will (landscape photography and videography), and you're hitting all the marks that I'm looking for in a photo backpack. Thank you so much for this video. I've considered a few different bags, but your review helped me decide. :) Now all I need to figure out is the size. It seems like the 25L is too small, but I do wonder if I should get the 30 or 35L version. I live in Oregon, which means that I need all the layers of clothes throughout the day + an emergency kit, etc. It gets even more complicated in the winter. My current pack has no extra space for anything, not even water. I guess we all make mistakes when we first buy our gear, lol. I currently have the miggo Agua Sling Bag, which is super durable, but it misses so many features that I really need when I'm out there all day. Anyway, I really appreciate your review. Thanks again :) You have a new sub!
I'm glad the review was helpful! It is so hard choosing a new bag and trying to figure out what will work. I definitely have a collection of bags as I've experimented over the years! I still love my Shimoda and it has worked great to carry the gear I tend to take out, while allowing some room for clothing swaps.
Mine's the 35L and I wouldn't want to go smaller for anything where my plan was to be out for most of the day. Like you, when I'm running workshops I pack in an emergency first aid kit and some other extra snacks and such for the group if they run out of their own.
I also like the slightly larger laptop sleeve, as I do use the bag when I fly as well and on those trips I have my 15" MacBook Pro with me as well - so being able to fit it in the bag is nice.
Thanks for watching and I appreciate the sub!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Thanks so much for your quick reply, Jeffrey. :) I appreciate it. I have another question for you. Does the rain cover fit over the tripod as well? That would be great. Also, does the small core unit fit "standing" on the top of the medium core unit to have access to it from the top zipper? I wonder if that might be a good way to store the drone for quick access? I hope that I'm making sense, lol.
One other thing perhaps for your next video, it would have been so great to see you use it in the field while you're out filming or shooting photos. I haven't checked out your other videos yet (I will!), so you probably have footage like that already. I just always love to see the products actually used. It helps me imagine myself with it doing the same activities :)
Hey! The rain cover is a pretty decent size and will fit over both of my tripods when they are on either side (I have one tripod for stills and one for the video camera - so I tend to carry two tripods on most trips). I took pictures of my bag with both tripods and then with the rain cover over it - I'd be happy to share if you want to send a message (there's a contact form on my website so I have your email address). But it definitely fits with room to spare (i.e. if I really had the top portion loaded with more things).
And yes, the small insert will fit "standing up" so you could load the drone in it and access it from the top. That's a pretty genius idea! I've upgraded to a Mini 3 Pro recently, so that makes fitting a drone in the bag even easier!
I have lots of b-roll of me either carrying the pack or getting things in and out of the pack - I totally should have added more b-roll like that to this video! There is some in other videos here and there, just as b-roll though. Later this year I'll do another what's in my bag video with more footage like that.
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography I sent you an email through your website just now. Beautiful photos, btw. What I forgot to mention is that it's great that the small insert fits both ways. I will have to experiment with that for sure. I already can't wait to receive this bag and pack everything comfortably compared to my current setup! It will make a world of difference for sure.
Also, I think I wrote "Mini 2 Pro" as my drone, but no, I bought the same as you have, of course! Can't wait.
going to get one for my YT channel! thank you Jeffrey for sharing! big like 118! new sub here from Taiwan!
It is a great bag. I'm able to carry my photography gear and YT video gear with ease and the bag has been holding up great! Enjoy - and thanks for the sub!
Just came across your channel and this is one of the best reviews I've seen of this bag. I've been debating between a few bags but I think I may just pull the trigger on the 35L now. A bit of a novice question here but do you always travel with your camera/lenses unmounted? Thanks a lot!
Thanks Dave! Glad you liked the review. I love the bag - I'm coming up on the one year mark with it and it does a great job and still in great shape!
So - regarding camera/lenses and being unmounted. I'm not sure there's a right way to do it (and there are cons to my way). But, if flying I keep things unmounted, though I carry on my bag, if something happens I feel like there is less risk if the lens isn't attached to the camera.
I tend to go into the field with them unmounted as well. Largely because I'm not sure what focal length I am going to want and don't want to take the easy way out and just shoot with what I have attached. So I feel like it gives me flexibility.
With that said, if the weather is bad (rain, snow, blowing dirt), then I tend to attach the 24-200 and can arrange the pack to keep it in there with the lens mounted to the camera. That helps minimize lens changes in the bad weather.
The big con is, I am probably leaving myself vulnerable to a higher likelihood of dust on the sensor, since I have to do more swaps in the field than if I just kept my most frequently lens attached.
Thanks for watching!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Thanks a lot for the info! I'm still learning a lot of this stuff but definitely helpful to get your perspective on how you pack your gear. Thanks again!