thanks for pointing out that it is unable to stand on its own. Many other reviews avoided showing that, i believe they were probably paid or sponsored some way or another... will probably wait for a V2 of it.
Hi Desy, surely the left hand side pocket was designed for a powerbank, hence the pass through. There are loads of other areas to put a charging brick.
Thank you for being so honest in your review. After watching this, I wouldn't take one of these if it were free. I have a backpack from another manufacturer that also falls over. What a pain. And you never did mention anything that I would have liked about this backpack. You just saved me a ton of money and an equal amount of frustration.
In general, I really like Shimoda backpacks, but my personal opinion is that a city backpack for every day needs a little more space for personal belongings. You can fit a lot of lenses and camera inside, but there is very little room for personal items. I would like to have a more spacious front pocket and it would be nice if the camera cubes were also separate for different sizes.
I was honestly sold on this bag. I have their explore bag and love so much about it. But you made some really great points about this urban bag, that I haven’t seen before made in any other video about it. Ones that have completely changed my mind. And For that, I thank you! My search for my perfect edc bag continues lol
Hey Desy, I ordered the 20L and 25L. I was so excited for this as I absolutely love the Shimoda Explore v2. Unfortunately, I have the exact same frustration’s. I can’t even fit my Arc’teryx Atom jacket in the front pocket it’s so tight. I recently got the Nomatic Luma 18L. Loving it so far!
I got the 25L and unfortunately not loving it either. My main gripe is the insert takes up so much room and the side access opening is small and hard to get things in/out. I did look at the Luma and didn't care for the looks, but maybe will have to re-evaluate again. Several other bags I wrote off as I had high hopes for Shimoda, but sadly...
how about comparison with Luma 18L ? I've got one but still interesting Urban 20L because I'm looking forward to traveling abroad next week and 18L is too fit for me and how no enough space for adding some items.
All you have to do to fix the tipping over problem is to get some socks and stuff in the front between the backpack and the camera cube This will level the backpack out keeping it upright for the most part
Thank you for the honest review!! I have the exactly same frustrations too! It looks great and sleek but negatives are too much. I am selling mine and switching to Explore.
Solid and fair review. I was hoping this would be the unicorn bag but I found it so limiting. The top pocket was way too small and it was over 4lbs empty - that’s more than what my photo gear weighs. The construction and materials are great but the pockets just weren’t very usable. Very tight and hard to access.
Excellent review. I bought the Urban Explore 30 and I find it very difficult to fit in anything other than cameras and lenses. All the pockets are too small or too tight.
I have camera bags that have quick access on left side as well as right side. I do feel Shimoda's design fits my use case much better. In your comparison, it's indeed almost equal time, but if you then have to put on the other strap to your left shoulder, it makes it much harder to maneuver with the camera (especially if you have a dslr+big lens) in your hand.
I own an Urban Explore 20L Boa. I really like the backpack overall, but there is one feature that could have been better. The elastic straps that hold a water bottle or tripod should have been a regular adjustable type like Shimoda put on their other bags. The elastic doesn't stretch enough either. I suspect that it will be the first thing to wear out. I wanted a light weight backpack for day trips, when I didn't need to carry so much gear. It fulfills my needs. I also own the Explore V2. I agree with you Desy Cheng about the top carry handle. It could have been made softer. Good review.
I see you have Urban Explore 20l and I'm kinda curious if the core unit of the bag is deep enough to take FF body not laying down (horizontally), but vertically
@@kosio1800 I measured 4 1/2 inches (approx.) vertically inside the core unit of my UE 20L. So, if your camera body measures no more than 4 1/2 inches, it will allow a laptop or tablet in the door slot without pressing hard on the back of the camera. I don't own any full frame cameras, so I can't tell you for sure if a digital FF will fit. The body of a FF would probably fit without any lens attached. I own mirrorless cameras, so there is plenty of room for one or two camera bodies and two lenses. I would only take one camera body, a GoPro, two more lenses, plus a few small accessories when using this bag. I place a camera in the core horizontally with a lens attached and insert other lenses vertically. The dividers are rather thick, so they do take up a lot of the available space.
@@Bob_C Thank you for the information, it was really helpful. One more thing if it's not a problem for you. Can you measure INSIDE dimensions of the Core unit. You mentioned that the deep is 4 1/2 inches, what is the height and weight
Thanks for making my decision more difficult! 😄 I intended to purchase the UE but now I'm reconsidering the Ex2. How does your Ex2 fit airplane overheads etc.?
I haven't taken my EX2 on a plane yet, but it should be no problem at all! I took the Nanuk 30L on a plane recently (its a bigger bag than the shimoda), and it fit no problem in the overhead =)
Great review... I also have the Urban 25L and have the same problems and feelings about the bag. I have AFIB and take Eliquis leaving my arms a little on the thin side (skin) and the bag is a little SHARP when I put it on or take it off, I liked the idea that hen you are working, it does not look like a camera bag,, Along a hip belt would have been great and I have gone to PD to buy one of their belts....As far as falling over , a real pain in the butt. So my hunt for the perfect bag continues....Thanks Again
Thank you for the comparison. I also own these but in my Urban Explorer 25L I pack it a little lighter internally. I may have missed it but you didn’t say which size Explorer V2 you were comparing it to. Can you share that info please. I own both the V2 30L and 35L and in the 35L I use a deeper DSLR insert to deal with my bigger lenses and body with a battery grip. Take care.
I've been debating getting the Urban Explore for a while, and the design, while aesthetically pleasing, always seemed a little off and weirdly limiting. Thank you for doing this video - I feel like you were able to verbalize exactly what had bothered me about that bag. If only they made the Explore v2 with the straps from the Urban Explore... 🤔
u can get new straps for the Explore V2! I did that. i bought the 'women' straps. its a bit more curved, but honestly no one will notice and its not as hardcore as the straps that come with it.
Well for the Urban Explorer 25L I think you trying to fit too much in. I use this bag for travel where I carry an A7CR + 24-50/2.5 G and an A7CII with the FE 70-200/4 Macro G OSS II, a teleconverter, and a Sigma 16-28/2.8 (will replace with the 16-25/2.8 G) and a member of the Sigma I-series f/2 primes, like 35/2, 50/2, or 65/2. For my bigger Sony kit with A1 or A7RV with GM primes and GMII trinity I use an Explorer V2 35L with large Mirrorless Core Kit. My Canon R5 and RF 15-35/2.8L, RF 24-70/2.8L, RF 70-200/2.8L, RF 50/1.2L and RF 85/1.2L I use an Explorer V1 35L the deeper DSLR cor kit. Also have EF 35/1.4 II L with adapter in there. Just need to choose the right Shimoda for the kit you want to bring.😊 Thank you and take care.
Cool video ! Now the challenge: such a backpack with adjustable dividers, but also with wheels and extendable handle for even more flexibility when traveling. Something in mind ?
Awesome review I appreciate it! Indeed the tip over problem alone is a deal breaker-and the water bottle pocket ARGH! What is with these companies sometimes? I just returned a bag with that kind of super thick, no-flex dividers. It wastes space and makes reconfiguring a pain.
Hi. Can you try and fit that 15in laptop you showed us that you took out from the laptop sleeve and see if it fits the “door” that is touching our backs? The one that you said fits your wife’s 14 inch. I have two 15.6 inch laptops and am looking for the perfect unicorn of a bag that has two laptop capabilities plus space for a 2-4 day trip. Thanks in advance.
Hi Desy! 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!
So i sold hte 25L, don't have that anymore to test! as for the 30L, i DONT think that will fit with tthat case. I have a standard 15" MBP and it slips in nicely, has a tiny bit of wiggle room, but not that much!
Well poop. Mine just arrived today. The standing up thing doesn't bother me but everything does seem very tight. I was surprised that my current backpack (some cheap Amazon thing) is roomier for the same amount of gear.
Nice review Desy. I'm a big fan of Shimoda and have this bag. Like you this bag is not going to be an EDC. I like the overall design for Urban and Travel including the harness system and straps which are fine at this level. With that said, for me, Shimoda missed the mark with their execution in a number of areas. Your points about the bag not standing and front pocket not having any dimension and the lack of comfort of the handle are spot on. Really annoying. I would add I don't feel the bag overall is a great tactile experience, in particular the material used and the zips which feel and sound cheap with the exception of back access. I disagree with you about the side access pocket. Ian is right imo. Moving on, like you it makes me appreciate my Explore V2 even more. Shimoda really should have made sure they took all the positives from the Explore and transferred them across to the Urban Explore. I personally would have liked them to have also seen Shimoda check out whether the Urban Explore might have worked in a softer tactile material such as Cordura for an urban environment. Current materials imo are still too technical in looks. Bottom line - When I buy a bag from Shimoda I want quality and will happily pay the premium. This bag was made to a much tighter cost than it needed to be and it shows. Fingers crossed for V2. 🤞🤞
It's lacking internal pockets, and the front pocket goes upwards as well. It's wasted space. The pocket on the back of the upper section annoys me, as if you don't pack out the top section, it's turned upside down if you lay the bag down. This means that when you open the pocket stuff falls out and then slips behind the camera cube. Don't think you mentioned that you can remove the top liner if you need, and the cable pass-through.
The perfect camera bag, I haven't found it in 40 years despite trying at least 20 bags and now I own 2 Billingham shoulder bags, 3 Gura Gear backpacks, 1 ThinkTank backback, 1 ThinkTank rolling bag and a F-Stop Tilopa. Most used are the F-Stop Tilopa and the Billingham Hadley Large Pro and sometimes the original Gura Gear 30ltr. placed on a special trolley.
The way I see it. Real or fake if it's a style I like then I like it and will buy it. But to me the kislux one looks better than the real one. And who's gonna be inspecting ladies purses. If your out there trying to figure out if someone's bag is real who are you the prise police? So If you can get a really nice fake one then why not? Most of us don't have thousands dollars to spend on a real one and wouldn't anyway. No one has to know if it's fake or real. That's nobodies business. Enjoy and wear your bag which ever you have.
Very few honest reviewer nowadays, just like the Wandrd they so raved about, ended up buying the 21L and 31L. Sold the 21L and left with the 31L, both are garbage.
thanks for pointing out that it is unable to stand on its own. Many other reviews avoided showing that, i believe they were probably paid or sponsored some way or another... will probably wait for a V2 of it.
yeah, v2 will probably take like 3 years to make haha
It does stand up on its own but you need to remove the rain cover which is in the bottom hidden away.
I’ve just got this bag and solved the issue
@@darrenhaken even though you remove the rain cover, it still leans forward! so its not fully stable!
@@DesmondCheng very true and well said!
Hi Desy, surely the left hand side pocket was designed for a powerbank, hence the pass through. There are loads of other areas to put a charging brick.
Thank you for being so honest in your review. After watching this, I wouldn't take one of these if it were free. I have a backpack from another manufacturer that also falls over. What a pain. And you never did mention anything that I would have liked about this backpack. You just saved me a ton of money and an equal amount of frustration.
glad i could help!
I have a shimoda the original I only use the camera lens insert sits on front seat keeps all my lens nice.
noice!
In general, I really like Shimoda backpacks, but my personal opinion is that a city backpack for every day needs a little more space for personal belongings. You can fit a lot of lenses and camera inside, but there is very little room for personal items. I would like to have a more spacious front pocket and it would be nice if the camera cubes were also separate for different sizes.
agreed!
I was honestly sold on this bag. I have their explore bag and love so much about it. But you made some really great points about this urban bag, that I haven’t seen before made in any other video about it. Ones that have completely changed my mind. And For that, I thank you! My search for my perfect edc bag continues lol
im glad i could help!!!
Hey Desy, I ordered the 20L and 25L. I was so excited for this as I absolutely love the Shimoda Explore v2. Unfortunately, I have the exact same frustration’s. I can’t even fit my Arc’teryx Atom jacket in the front pocket it’s so tight. I recently got the Nomatic Luma 18L. Loving it so far!
I got the 25L and unfortunately not loving it either. My main gripe is the insert takes up so much room and the side access opening is small and hard to get things in/out. I did look at the Luma and didn't care for the looks, but maybe will have to re-evaluate again. Several other bags I wrote off as I had high hopes for Shimoda, but sadly...
oooo ill have to try the luna!
how about comparison with Luma 18L ? I've got one but still interesting Urban 20L because I'm looking forward to traveling abroad next week and 18L is too fit for me and how no enough space for adding some items.
@@BakaWoodworker thanks for your information.
I found the Luma shoulder straps to be incredibly stiff and uncomfortable.
All you have to do to fix the tipping over problem is to get some socks and stuff in the front between the backpack and the camera cube This will level the backpack out keeping it upright for the most part
Thank you for the honest review!! I have the exactly same frustrations too! It looks great and sleek but negatives are too much. I am selling mine and switching to Explore.
Solid and fair review. I was hoping this would be the unicorn bag but I found it so limiting. The top pocket was way too small and it was over 4lbs empty - that’s more than what my photo gear weighs.
The construction and materials are great but the pockets just weren’t very usable. Very tight and hard to access.
yeah, hopfully shimoda can reflect on these and make a v2 that fixes EVERYTHING haha
Excellent review. I bought the Urban Explore 30 and I find it very difficult to fit in anything other than cameras and lenses. All the pockets are too small or too tight.
Really appreciate this review. Well structured and great insights. Cheers!
glad i could help!
Thanks for your honestly review compared to others youtubers
your welcome!
I agree with you more, I prefer the explore v2 after packing the UE a few times
time to sell it! haha
I have camera bags that have quick access on left side as well as right side. I do feel Shimoda's design fits my use case much better. In your comparison, it's indeed almost equal time, but if you then have to put on the other strap to your left shoulder, it makes it much harder to maneuver with the camera (especially if you have a dslr+big lens) in your hand.
good insight!
Thanks for the comprehensive review. What size is the reviewed bag?
25L
I own an Urban Explore 20L Boa. I really like the backpack overall, but there is one feature that could have been better. The elastic straps that hold a water bottle or tripod should have been a regular adjustable type like Shimoda put on their other bags. The elastic doesn't stretch enough either. I suspect that it will be the first thing to wear out. I wanted a light weight backpack for day trips, when I didn't need to carry so much gear. It fulfills my needs. I also own the Explore V2. I agree with you Desy Cheng about the top carry handle. It could have been made softer. Good review.
thanks!
I see you have Urban Explore 20l and I'm kinda curious if the core unit of the bag is deep enough to take FF body not laying down (horizontally), but vertically
@@kosio1800 I measured 4 1/2 inches (approx.) vertically inside the core unit of my UE 20L. So, if your camera body measures no more than 4 1/2 inches, it will allow a laptop or tablet in the door slot without pressing hard on the back of the camera. I don't own any full frame cameras, so I can't tell you for sure if a digital FF will fit. The body of a FF would probably fit without any lens attached. I own mirrorless cameras, so there is plenty of room for one or two camera bodies and two lenses. I would only take one camera body, a GoPro, two more lenses, plus a few small accessories when using this bag. I place a camera in the core horizontally with a lens attached and insert other lenses vertically. The dividers are rather thick, so they do take up a lot of the available space.
@@Bob_C Thank you for the information, it was really helpful. One more thing if it's not a problem for you. Can you measure INSIDE dimensions of the Core unit. You mentioned that the deep is 4 1/2 inches, what is the height and weight
Thanks for all the different fitouts
no problemo!
Thanks for making my decision more difficult! 😄 I intended to purchase the UE but now I'm reconsidering the Ex2. How does your Ex2 fit airplane overheads etc.?
I haven't taken my EX2 on a plane yet, but it should be no problem at all! I took the Nanuk 30L on a plane recently (its a bigger bag than the shimoda), and it fit no problem in the overhead =)
Great review! Love to see that you told about flaws of this backpack.
thanks!
Great review... I also have the Urban 25L and have the same problems and feelings about the bag. I have AFIB and take Eliquis leaving my arms a little on the thin side (skin) and the bag is a little SHARP when I put it on or take it off, I liked the idea that hen you are working, it does not look like a camera bag,, Along a hip belt would have been great and I have gone to PD to buy one of their belts....As far as falling over , a real pain in the butt. So my hunt for the perfect bag continues....Thanks Again
i ordered the new wandrd stratus, hopefully that will be better! wont come until fall soemtime though
does this fit underneath airplane seats as a personal item?
yes and no. yes it will fit, but its kinda big and takes up ur leg room. i would prefer using a sling bag as a personal item.
Thank you for the comparison. I also own these but in my Urban Explorer 25L I pack it a little lighter internally. I may have missed it but you didn’t say which size Explorer V2 you were comparing it to. Can you share that info please. I own both the V2 30L and 35L and in the 35L I use a deeper DSLR insert to deal with my bigger lenses and body with a battery grip. Take care.
i was using the V2 30L in this video!
I've been debating getting the Urban Explore for a while, and the design, while aesthetically pleasing, always seemed a little off and weirdly limiting. Thank you for doing this video - I feel like you were able to verbalize exactly what had bothered me about that bag. If only they made the Explore v2 with the straps from the Urban Explore... 🤔
u can get new straps for the Explore V2! I did that. i bought the 'women' straps. its a bit more curved, but honestly no one will notice and its not as hardcore as the straps that come with it.
Well for the Urban Explorer 25L I think you trying to fit too much in. I use this bag for travel where I carry an A7CR + 24-50/2.5 G and an A7CII with the FE 70-200/4 Macro G OSS II, a teleconverter, and a Sigma 16-28/2.8 (will replace with the 16-25/2.8 G) and a member of the Sigma I-series f/2 primes, like 35/2, 50/2, or 65/2. For my bigger Sony kit with A1 or A7RV with GM primes and GMII trinity I use an Explorer V2 35L with large Mirrorless Core Kit. My Canon R5 and RF 15-35/2.8L, RF 24-70/2.8L, RF 70-200/2.8L, RF 50/1.2L and RF 85/1.2L I use an Explorer V1 35L the deeper DSLR cor kit. Also have EF 35/1.4 II L with adapter in there. Just need to choose the right Shimoda for the kit you want to bring.😊 Thank you and take care.
nice gear and thanks for the notes!
Cool video ! Now the challenge: such a backpack with adjustable dividers, but also with wheels and extendable handle for even more flexibility when traveling. Something in mind ?
think tank airport take off!
good video, also you are right ... stupid to open the right side to access camera gear, to us it is definitely the wrong side
Hi Desy, can you confirm the capture clip sleeves are on both sides or just one side? Looks like they only made it on the left shoulder?
unfortunately i dont remember! i sold the bag soon after making this
Awesome review I appreciate it! Indeed the tip over problem alone is a deal breaker-and the water bottle pocket ARGH! What is with these companies sometimes? I just returned a bag with that kind of super thick, no-flex dividers. It wastes space and makes reconfiguring a pain.
i konw right?! we should just design our own bag... haha
What’s an alternative to this that also has the minimalistic, street look? Besides Brevite lol
i ordered the wandrd stratus! a video will come out once i get it. wont come out till fall or something
Hi. Can you try and fit that 15in laptop you showed us that you took out from the laptop sleeve and see if it fits the “door” that is touching our backs? The one that you said fits your wife’s 14 inch. I have two 15.6 inch laptops and am looking for the perfect unicorn of a bag that has two laptop capabilities plus space for a 2-4 day trip. Thanks in advance.
hi, no my 15" mbp will not fit in the door touching my back. Only the 14" will fit!
Nice review. It’s so hard to find a honest objective review nowadays.
I have the same problem. Sold it!
glad to hear someone else shares the same frustrations!
nice overall review not only show the nice parts and also compare a little bit downside vs explore v2 much clearer of usetage
Glad I could help!
Hi Desy! 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!
So i sold hte 25L, don't have that anymore to test! as for the 30L, i DONT think that will fit with tthat case. I have a standard 15" MBP and it slips in nicely, has a tiny bit of wiggle room, but not that much!
Well poop. Mine just arrived today. The standing up thing doesn't bother me but everything does seem very tight. I was surprised that my current backpack (some cheap Amazon thing) is roomier for the same amount of gear.
oh no! the rain cover isn't at the bottom of the bag?
@@DesmondCheng Ha! I edited it 5 min after I posted. I didn't even realize it came with a cover until your video. That sucker was hidden well. 🤣
Nice review Desy. I'm a big fan of Shimoda and have this bag. Like you this bag is not going to be an EDC. I like the overall design for Urban and Travel including the harness system and straps which are fine at this level. With that said, for me, Shimoda missed the mark with their execution in a number of areas. Your points about the bag not standing and front pocket not having any dimension and the lack of comfort of the handle are spot on. Really annoying. I would add I don't feel the bag overall is a great tactile experience, in particular the material used and the zips which feel and sound cheap with the exception of back access. I disagree with you about the side access pocket. Ian is right imo. Moving on, like you it makes me appreciate my Explore V2 even more. Shimoda really should have made sure they took all the positives from the Explore and transferred them across to the Urban Explore. I personally would have liked them to have also seen Shimoda check out whether the Urban Explore might have worked in a softer tactile material such as Cordura for an urban environment. Current materials imo are still too technical in looks. Bottom line - When I buy a bag from Shimoda I want quality and will happily pay the premium. This bag was made to a much tighter cost than it needed to be and it shows. Fingers crossed for V2. 🤞🤞
yes fingers crossed! but probably wont happen for a couple years at least!
Totally agree with you! It's build as hiking in daily size... pockets are so weird... Pick design slot is only that that's useful...
thanks!
It's lacking internal pockets, and the front pocket goes upwards as well. It's wasted space.
The pocket on the back of the upper section annoys me, as if you don't pack out the top section, it's turned upside down if you lay the bag down. This means that when you open the pocket stuff falls out and then slips behind the camera cube.
Don't think you mentioned that you can remove the top liner if you need, and the cable pass-through.
oh yes thanks for those other notes! missed mentioning those! i ordered the new Wandrd kickstarter bag... hopefully it will be better than this one!
Great honest review. Thanks Desy!
no problemo!
honestly. the one mo2 by PGy is the nest bag ive ever had. ive tried so so many. better than any shimoda, peak, and Nomatic imo.
yeah i got that bag too! its one of my main bags i use for work =)
All dat kislux bags sssssoooooooo gorgeous
Wondering how this compares to the 25L Tenba or Nomadic
i havent used nomadic so i cant say. but the tenba 24L is much bigger and can carry more gear!
I gave up trying to guess what size bag this was. Maybe mention that in the title, or the description, or the intro.
sorry about that, its the urban explore 25!
The perfect camera bag, I haven't found it in 40 years despite trying at least 20 bags and now I own 2 Billingham shoulder bags, 3 Gura Gear backpacks, 1 ThinkTank backback, 1 ThinkTank rolling bag and a F-Stop Tilopa. Most used are the F-Stop Tilopa and the Billingham Hadley Large Pro and sometimes the original Gura Gear 30ltr. placed on a special trolley.
Bruh how many setups do you own ? 😆
too many haha
hi, yours a 25L or 30L?
my urban explore is the 25L. My Explore V2 is the 30L
The way I see it. Real or fake if it's a style I like then I like it and will buy it. But to me the kislux one looks better than the real one. And who's gonna be inspecting ladies purses. If your out there trying to figure out if someone's bag is real who are you the prise police? So If you can get a really nice fake one then why not? Most of us don't have thousands dollars to spend on a real one and wouldn't anyway. No one has to know if it's fake or real. That's nobodies business. Enjoy and wear your bag which ever you have.
Very few honest reviewer nowadays, just like the Wandrd they so raved about, ended up buying the 21L and 31L. Sold the 21L and left with the 31L, both are garbage.
Guess people don’t like criticism ……deleting comments….🤣🤣🤣