This is hands down the best review I have seen of these backpacks. You do a wonderful job. I appreciate that you wear the packs so viewers can see. One thought: it would have been helpful to see how to adjust the torso adjustment.
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad our review could assist you in making your decision. The Shimoda Designs Explore V2 Collection, especially the 30L version, offers great versatility and functionality for all your adventures. Whether you're a photographer, traveler, or outdoor enthusiast, it's designed to meet your needs with its thoughtful features and durable build. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask:)
@@RushfasterTV Thanks for your reply. I realised that I had actually ordered the 25L version in military green and it arrived today. After watching just about every review on RUclips I hoped that it would meet my expectations. It totally exceeds them. It’s perfect!
You have provided a very thorough, high quality and detailed review of this bag, more so than any other photographer/social media influencer on YT. Shimoda Designs should be commissioning you!. Having said that I had a Mindshift 36l backpack and I sold it because it felt like I was carrying a box on my back. The hard lower edge of the backpack pressed against my lower back. Unfortunately the F-Stop bag felt exactly the same when I tried it. While the back entry camera bag is a nice idea I think in practice that it just doesn’t work. I am very tempted to consider the Explore 35 but I fear that i will have the same disappointing experience of feeling like I am carrying a box on my back! Well done though. Great production values to your video presentation and hopefully Shimoda reward you in some way.
Hi Michael, I don't know Mindshift gear (well) but I know f-stop uses an internal frame, and we do to. It's a key component in the weight distribution. I wonder if that is what is contributing to the box feeling? Visually I don't think f-stop or ours looks overly boxy. With that said visually it's a challenge to avoid the box vibes simply because of the needs of various photography gear configurations. If everyone packed the same we could do things differently.
This is the exact same feeling I got from the Wandrd Prvke. I worked my way through 3 sizes; the 31, 21, and 11 Lite. All had problems, but the biggest was the bottom of the bag dug into my lower back and felt awful (The second biggest was they don't include the rain cover anymore, yet it doesn't hold up to the rain that well). I've returned all of those and now ordered the Shimoda Explore v2 25 (Feel like I should get the 30, but we'll see) and fingers crossed don't have that issue 🤞
You're a FABULOUS reviewer, just Wow! I've narrowed my search down to a PGY Onemo, or one of these Shimodas. Two Questions: Would any of the Shimodas fit the PGY Onemo's expandable extra gear waist/shoulder pack, or Peter McKinnon's Nomatic expandable extra gear pack (that you wear as a mini packpack)? And, would any of these carry a 15 in and a 13 in laptop together? We're travelling through Mexico & Central America for a few years and prefer only one bag for both our lap tops, our Sony A74, 2 lenses, plus a drone. Thanks so much!...👍♥️
Thank you for the very informative review. I’ve been researching bags for a couple weeks now and this was by far the most useful review I have watched. I was leaning towards this bag to purchase and this review sealed the deal. Thank you.
Hi Ed, great review! Can you confirm… is there any compatibility with the peak design capture clip? The straps look quite wide, feel like the PD Capture Clip won’t fit on them
I like your in depth presentation, each parts of the bag was shown in detail & you provide suggestion of its uses. I would believe you if you tell me you designed this bag.
Great Review! Very detailed. @16:22, Do clarify, does all the accessories come with the bag if I order it on Kickstarter? @19:29, do you mind disclosing your height so that I can estimate whether the E30 is to big for me?
Great review!!! I am struggling to decide between the 25 and the 30. I am not sure about the size. What size are you? So I can have a idea of the proportion. Would really help me!! thx
Awesome review with backpack on body comparison. Thanks mate! May I ask how tall are you? Btw, one more difference between actionX and explore series is the the roll top storage ;)
Great review! I'm trying to decide between the E30 and the E35. I have the E40 (for hiking/more gear days) and a Wandrd Prvke 31 (city / edc). Looking to replace the Prvke as it isn't quite robust enough. I was learning towards the E30 since it's comparable in size to the Prvke 31 but the E35 is only ~$10 more and 1" extra in height & depth. Does the E35 feel substantially bigger than the E30? Thanks!
@@sidbrun_ I think they serve different purposes and the type and amount of gear you want to carry so difficult to compare. Bit of a personal / use case decision. Anything specific you’d like me to check and compare? Also, which Shimoda? I ended up buying the E35 and have kept the E40 (for now).
Not 100% waterproof (can't submerge the bag in water). But it'll do a bang up job in protecting your gear in rain and snow. (Plus you also get a rain cover with the bag for added protection). Hope that helps - Ed
Wish the front pocket expanded more once you start filling up the bag it balloons out and takes up that space making the pocket too tight and useless . Other than that a good bag.
It's a tough one, we don't ask for reviews from the people we work with (unless a review channel like this)... so everyone generally chooses the bag suited for their own needs. Most YT folks are packing two cameras and go with the bigger E35. I'll try and get some more 'pack-looks' published though. I will make at least one E25 vlog in the new week or 2. Just suffering through rainy season here... waiting for a weather window.
@@ShimodaDesigns Thanks for the response Ian. I have gone and ordered your E25 in black on kick starter to join my X30 I think it will be perfect for my Fuji mirrorless camera and a few F2 lenses,
I really like the design on these but it wont be replacing my Peak Design EDB, I much prefer the side access and the PD bags have better bottle holders on either side. The shimoda bags have a LOT of flappy mesh pockets going on. The harness looks awesome BUT unless you are that hiking hero, the majority of us I would imagine just want to protect our camera gear, have it accessible while looking not like a camera bag. The pockets on the straps are huge and ridiculous. Practical maybe but considering you can have a bladder if needed there is no way I would be putting a water bottle in my harness. I'd much rather have my camera there on a capture clip. Also adding weight there on the harness kind of defats the purpose of having a comfortable harness. This would be a winner if they took the pockets off the shoulder straps and included actual side pockets.
The pockets on the straps are huge and ridiculous - I said this since I watch many previous Shimoda Bags a fix to this could be change them with women's simple Shimoda straps
Good comments and I have two PD EDBs as well, good bags. But I did back this one too, more for in the woods - the pockets on the straps look unconventional for sure but on my lowepro they are some of the most useful pockets I have. Bear spray goes in one for fast access and garmin inreach goes in the other for nav / tracking / SOS. so it may just depend how one is using the bag. agree that the shoulder strap is probably the last place I'd put my water, goes in the bladder first and probably in the water bottle pocket or attached to the hip belt next. Seems to me that there's not one bag that works for everything and is probably why so many of us end up with a bunch of them and just pick the right one for each use. have fun out there!
Yeah good points on this! The PD EDB is definitely a more streamlined bag that can do a bit of everything. But I'd say that the Shimoda bags are very specialised for outdoor adventure photography and travel. So it's really geared out for those environments. I think some might still use it as an EDC every now and then, but yeah PD EDB would be a much better option for EDC. I think once you put the bag on, the pockets on the straps are not as bad as they seem. Bulky yes, but given the environment it's used in I think it'll be okay. Just my thoughts! :) - Ed
Everybody should watch this video after they order a V2. This is really helpful. Thank you.
I like how you put that "... after they order..." ;) thanks - Ian
Ah,
Rushfaster - the art of reviewing bags. They keep it simple, detailed, straight to the point and easy to understand 👍
Thanks for the kind words Hanns!
Be sure to subscribe if you haven't already! :)
- Ed
This is hands down the best review I have seen of these backpacks. You do a wonderful job. I appreciate that you wear the packs so viewers can see. One thought: it would have been helpful to see how to adjust the torso adjustment.
Thanks for the positive feedback David! And yes good point on the harness adjustment. Noted for next time we work on a Shimoda bag! :)
- Ed
This is by far the best backpack overview video I've ever seen for any backpack. Keep it up! This was extremely informative and helpful
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much. - Prikee
As usual Ed - another exceptional review. Your providing a great service to the world :)
Thanks Ian! Glad you liked it my friend :)
- Ed
By far the most detailed review I’ve seen. I don’t have any stores nearby that stock these so thanks for helping me decide on the 30L version.
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad our review could assist you in making your decision. The Shimoda Designs Explore V2 Collection, especially the 30L version, offers great versatility and functionality for all your adventures. Whether you're a photographer, traveler, or outdoor enthusiast, it's designed to meet your needs with its thoughtful features and durable build. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask:)
@@RushfasterTV Thanks for your reply. I realised that I had actually ordered the 25L version in military green and it arrived today. After watching just about every review on RUclips I hoped that it would meet my expectations. It totally exceeds them. It’s perfect!
wow, most thorough review on the new v2 Explore backpacks. Not one wasted breath lol. Very concisely explained and really FULLY described. Thank you.
This backpack system is insane! It's like a much more cleverly designed and well thought out version of boundary supply's system.
Yes! I can see the similarities now that you mention it. Definitely more intense and decked out that Boundary's though.
- Ed
Thanks! Appreciate that.
Rushfaster, thank you for detail and always the best review 👍🏽
Thank you very much for your feedback:) Stay tune as we have more on the way for similar and other fabulous gears!
the explore 25 on the body is the most difficult thing to find on internet haha, thanks for doing that.
Nice review as always :)
Glad to be of service! :)
- Ed
Excellent review! More detailed than others I've seen. Great job.
Thank you for your feedback! Much appreciated:) Stay tune as we have more coming on various products from other brands.
Lot of nice details not shown on other videos, thanks a lot ! :)
Glad it helped you! :)
- Ed
You have provided a very thorough, high quality and detailed review of this bag, more so than any other photographer/social media influencer on YT. Shimoda Designs should be commissioning you!. Having said that I had a Mindshift 36l backpack and I sold it because it felt like I was carrying a box on my back. The hard lower edge of the backpack pressed against my lower back. Unfortunately the F-Stop bag felt exactly the same when I tried it. While the back entry camera bag is a nice idea I think in practice that it just doesn’t work. I am very tempted to consider the Explore 35 but I fear that i will have the same disappointing experience of feeling like I am carrying a box on my back! Well done though. Great production values to your video presentation and hopefully Shimoda reward you in some way.
Hi Michael, I don't know Mindshift gear (well) but I know f-stop uses an internal frame, and we do to. It's a key component in the weight distribution. I wonder if that is what is contributing to the box feeling? Visually I don't think f-stop or ours looks overly boxy. With that said visually it's a challenge to avoid the box vibes simply because of the needs of various photography gear configurations. If everyone packed the same we could do things differently.
This is the exact same feeling I got from the Wandrd Prvke. I worked my way through 3 sizes; the 31, 21, and 11 Lite. All had problems, but the biggest was the bottom of the bag dug into my lower back and felt awful (The second biggest was they don't include the rain cover anymore, yet it doesn't hold up to the rain that well). I've returned all of those and now ordered the Shimoda Explore v2 25 (Feel like I should get the 30, but we'll see) and fingers crossed don't have that issue 🤞
Exceptionally well done review. Best Shimoda review I’ve found on RUclips. Thank you.
An absolutely thorough review, wish I had seen this first would have answered all my questions, great video.
The best ever review of this bag! Thanks for sharing mate!
You're welcome. Glad it was helpful :) Thanks for watching!
You're a FABULOUS reviewer, just Wow! I've narrowed my search down to a PGY Onemo, or one of these Shimodas. Two Questions: Would any of the Shimodas fit the PGY Onemo's expandable extra gear waist/shoulder pack, or Peter McKinnon's Nomatic expandable extra gear pack (that you wear as a mini packpack)?
And, would any of these carry a 15 in and a 13 in laptop together?
We're travelling through Mexico & Central America for a few years and prefer only one bag for both our lap tops, our Sony A74, 2 lenses, plus a drone. Thanks so much!...👍♥️
Thank you for the very informative review. I’ve been researching bags for a couple weeks now and this was by far the most useful review I have watched. I was leaning towards this bag to purchase and this review sealed the deal. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for letting us know that we really helped you out.
Thanks for such a great thorough review.
Is that the medium mirrorless or the medium DSLR core unit you have?
Hi Ed, great review! Can you confirm… is there any compatibility with the peak design capture clip? The straps look quite wide, feel like the PD Capture Clip won’t fit on them
Rushfaster, thank you for the wonderful review. Shimoda Designs Explore V2 or Wandrd Prvke 21L V2. Which of the two would you prefer and why?
I like your in depth presentation, each parts of the bag was shown in detail & you provide suggestion of its uses. I would believe you if you tell me you designed this bag.
Great Review! Very detailed.
@16:22, Do clarify, does all the accessories come with the bag if I order it on Kickstarter?
@19:29, do you mind disclosing your height so that I can estimate whether the E30 is to big for me?
Great review! How do you like these compared to the PD Travel Backpack?
great job- BEST detail review Ive watched
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great review. Do the bags have an internal frame (aluminum?) To help distribute the load? Thanks.
Exellet review! Does this bag compare against the PM Nomatic everyday 25L backpack?
Great review!!! I am struggling to decide between the 25 and the 30. I am not sure about the size. What size are you? So I can have a idea of the proportion.
Would really help me!! thx
Fantastic walk-thru, thank you
Glad you liked it mate!
- Ed
Nice review. Do you know if a Peak Design Capture Clip v3 fits?
Awesome review with backpack on body comparison. Thanks mate! May I ask how tall are you? Btw, one more difference between actionX and explore series is the the roll top storage ;)
Glad you enjoyed it! I'm 5"10 (177cm)
Also yes good point! - Ed
Great review! I'm trying to decide between the E30 and the E35. I have the E40 (for hiking/more gear days) and a Wandrd Prvke 31 (city / edc). Looking to replace the Prvke as it isn't quite robust enough. I was learning towards the E30 since it's comparable in size to the Prvke 31 but the E35 is only ~$10 more and 1" extra in height & depth. Does the E35 feel substantially bigger than the E30? Thanks!
How does the Wandrd compare to the Shimoda? Especially in terms of comfort and weight?
@@sidbrun_ I think they serve different purposes and the type and amount of gear you want to carry so difficult to compare. Bit of a personal / use case decision. Anything specific you’d like me to check and compare? Also, which Shimoda? I ended up buying the E35 and have kept the E40 (for now).
Great review ❤️
Any chance you can fit a small(ish) water bottle in the side pocket without deploying the pouch?
Thank you for showing how they fit on the body. I'm debating between 25 and 30. Can I ask how tall you are?
Ed is 5 Feet & 10 Inches tall :) - Del
@@RushfasterTV Thank you!
I really wish you had put the side profile shots together on one clip, it's a nightmare trying to go through and see how they compare on you.
Will you have any stock soon?
already have x50 try to get e35 for my next travelling?r u from nippon?
Not a bad idea! How long have you had the x50 for?
I'm Australian but with Chinese roots - Ed
@@RushfasterTV taiwanese can i hear you speak chinese?
How well would the large Mirrorless insert work in the E35 if I’d still like to use the top compartment?
Is the explore zips water proof under raining circumstances?
Not 100% waterproof (can't submerge the bag in water). But it'll do a bang up job in protecting your gear in rain and snow. (Plus you also get a rain cover with the bag for added protection). Hope that helps - Ed
What's your height? I'm 172cm and trying to figure out if I should go with 25 or 30.
I'm 5"10 (177cm or so)!
- Ed
What watch are you wearing in this video?
It's the UNDONE Basecamp Classic: bit.ly/undonebasecampclassic
You can actually customise your own (that's what I did) - Ed
Wish the front pocket expanded more once you start filling up the bag it balloons out and takes up that space making the pocket too tight and useless . Other than that a good bag.
Why is the bag no longer available on rushmaster?
Hi there! We do reviews for some brands that we don't carry or sell on our website. You may purchase the item here: bit.ly/shimodaexplorev2ks
Really torn between the 25 and the prvk 21
great review but It would help to mention your body measurements
Ah yes! Forgot about that - I'm 5"10!
- Ed
@@RushfasterTV tnx
Great review Ed. You must also be the first male YT reviewer to show the E25 on body. Thank you. Much appreciated.
It's a tough one, we don't ask for reviews from the people we work with (unless a review channel like this)... so everyone generally chooses the bag suited for their own needs. Most YT folks are packing two cameras and go with the bigger E35. I'll try and get some more 'pack-looks' published though. I will make at least one E25 vlog in the new week or 2. Just suffering through rainy season here... waiting for a weather window.
@@ShimodaDesigns Thanks for the response Ian. I have gone and ordered your E25 in black on kick starter to join my X30 I think it will be perfect for my Fuji mirrorless camera and a few F2 lenses,
@@mikerathmell6271 thanks Mike - definately appriciated :) take care
I really like the design on these but it wont be replacing my Peak Design EDB, I much prefer the side access and the PD bags have better bottle holders on either side. The shimoda bags have a LOT of flappy mesh pockets going on. The harness looks awesome BUT unless you are that hiking hero, the majority of us I would imagine just want to protect our camera gear, have it accessible while looking not like a camera bag. The pockets on the straps are huge and ridiculous. Practical maybe but considering you can have a bladder if needed there is no way I would be putting a water bottle in my harness. I'd much rather have my camera there on a capture clip. Also adding weight there on the harness kind of defats the purpose of having a comfortable harness.
This would be a winner if they took the pockets off the shoulder straps and included actual side pockets.
The pockets on the straps are huge and ridiculous - I said this since I watch many previous Shimoda Bags a fix to this could be change them with women's simple Shimoda straps
Good comments and I have two PD EDBs as well, good bags. But I did back this one too, more for in the woods - the pockets on the straps look unconventional for sure but on my lowepro they are some of the most useful pockets I have. Bear spray goes in one for fast access and garmin inreach goes in the other for nav / tracking / SOS. so it may just depend how one is using the bag. agree that the shoulder strap is probably the last place I'd put my water, goes in the bladder first and probably in the water bottle pocket or attached to the hip belt next. Seems to me that there's not one bag that works for everything and is probably why so many of us end up with a bunch of them and just pick the right one for each use. have fun out there!
Yeah good points on this! The PD EDB is definitely a more streamlined bag that can do a bit of everything. But I'd say that the Shimoda bags are very specialised for outdoor adventure photography and travel. So it's really geared out for those environments. I think some might still use it as an EDC every now and then, but yeah PD EDB would be a much better option for EDC.
I think once you put the bag on, the pockets on the straps are not as bad as they seem. Bulky yes, but given the environment it's used in I think it'll be okay. Just my thoughts! :) - Ed
Tremendously well done brother! You are my kind of a reviewer! 🫡
Thanks for the support. Cheers!