Shimoda Explore V2 35 Liter Adventure Backpack Starter Kit with Medium DSLR Core Unit, Army Green

I used a dedicated larger bag that fit 6-7 Zeiss lenses and a 5d for years. But i wanted to lower the number of lenses and be able to fit a jacket, hat or maybe my drone. So I bought a Fuji GFX100s, 33-64mm and 100-200mm lens to start. These items do fit in the medium core unit but that’s about it as far as gear. If I take the strap out, my Fuji xf 56mm1.2 fits there and I can keep my Fuji xt3 with 18-55mm 2.8 zoom in the top zipped area for easy access if I want to bring two cameras. Eventually I will pick up a gf portrait lens and will either leave one of my zooms home or pick up an additional small core to make it all fit. Complaints would be unique to my situation, they might not mean much to you. I have a bigger mirrorless camera so the side access obviously doesn’t work for me. The filter spot on the side won’t fit the 105mm cpl I use with my lee filter kit, also the kit itself is now tossed in a top zipped area. Kind of don't like needing two separate areas for my lee big stopper, cpl, nd and other filters. However, I just ordered Shimoda Filter Wrap 150 that should solve this issue, but its another separate thing to purchase and to take up bag space. But the pros are great. Great company you love to support. Top quality zippers and materials. Moving the straps to medium is a bonus because you can make it fit how you like. I can stuff my drone or hat in the top if I want to. I like having a spot for my phone and water in the front. The removable waist strap and beautiful color on the inside are extra nice touches. Pretty much an awesome day pack. But I’m thinking of picking up an Shimoda Action 50 for when I travel and need to bring all the lenses, drone, GoPro and clothes. If I just had my xt3 or a small Sony and lenses this would be all I need. But a full frame dslr or medium format user like me might need more I room.

This is one awesome rucksack! The features are incredible, including thoughtful bits like security pocket, cover for the camera cube, additional pouches from the side pockets, two-way access at the top, side AND rear access for camera kit...the list goes on. I found my precious camera well protected in heavy rain. The shoulder and waist strap system would rival a mainstream rucksack manufacturer like Osprey. It's very comfortable and infinitely adjustable. There are clips and pockets and straps everywhere so there is always a place for your kit. I carry a Nikon Z6ii with wide, ultra -wide and 70-200mm lens. Along with filter rings and filters, tripod, charger, spares etc. It's more than big enough to take a days selection of gear into the wilderness, and still leave space for your raincoat, lunch and two bottles (using the side pockets pouches). Makes for a great daysack even if you're not carrying camera gear, if a little boxy! The camera cube comes with a cover with handle, making it easy to transfer gear and store it dust-free. Very, very well made high quality kit!

I purchased the explore v2 35L after trying out the F-stop ajna and loka (similar size range). The two f-stop bags fit horribly for my body type (6'3" with longer torso than average I guess). The ajna actually maxed out on strap length for the shoulder straps and still didn't fit comfortably. The Loka did not hug my back well when fit as good as possible. The explore on the other hand is one of the most comfortable bags I've owned (only the Osprey Atmos bag has been better). The straps being as wide as they are adds a level of comfort I was not expecting. The ICU was difficult to configure, especially with the side loading option being used. It was interesting that the f-stop ICU was really easy to setup with the same gear. The shimoda ICU is much more ridged and the dividers have more velcro (difficult to move/install but ridged in use). Getting the ICU in and out of the bag is not super easy either. If I need to get this out at the airport for instance I can imagine it would take a few min. I used the peak design camera clip on the strap and found it to be a bit less comfortable than usual and because of my heigh and the width of the straps the camera sits higher than I like on my shoulder. It is still usable in that way but not ideal. The material and pockets just seem way nicer and better made than the f-stop counterparts. The light color interior makes it easier to spot items. The green color is very nice in person. The look seems more professional. I'm enjoying the bag a lot and would for sure recommend it against others I've tried!

Essentially a perfect bag

High quality with attention to the details that makes the difference, excellent job Shimoda.

This is a special camera backpack, versatile and with a lot of options for customization. I don't think I'll be buying another camera backpack for a long time.

Bag has alot of pockets. Camera compartment has been able to fit my camera setup and other travel lens. Served its purpose well. Although I should have buy 1 size smaller as this big bag is not accepted by some low cost carriers as carry on luggage.

After lots of research a great product and very happy but it needs a video to explain how to find hidden pockets and using it and add straps and additions to it etc. Also zipper tag holes are too small to use a wire combination lock on it. One minor engineering failure. Not clear why there are strap loops everywhere but NOT the front , so you cannot tie a raincoat across the top of bag.