Shimoda Explore v2 Review
Recently, my good friends at Shimoda Designs launched their Kickstarter campaign to back their newest camera bag series, the Shimoda Explore v2. Now, I have reviewed the Shimoda Explore 60 on my YouTube channel, and have been religiously using my Explore 30 and Explore 60 bags ever since. So I am extremely excited to review Shimoda’s newest camera bag series, particularly the E25.
The Explore v2 series can be purchased in several volume options; 25L, 30L, and 35L. Primarily designed with the travel and outdoor landscape photographer in mind, the Explore v2 takes the comfortable chassis of the Action X series and the slim form and functionality of the original Explore series.
One feature that I haven’t found available with any other camera bag is the availability of women’s specific straps (at no additional cost!). This is huge, especially since there isn’t a lot of camera gear that is marketed with women in mind. Traditional shoulder straps have been designed to come down along the chest, with a single chest strap that goes directly over the pectoral area, without giving any consideration to a woman’s chest.
Thankfully, Shimoda Design has come to the rescue and has designed 3 different options for women depending upon body type and needs. The shoulder straps allow for room in the chest area, including 2 chest straps that go over and under the chest, without creating any pressure points, making it that much more comfortable for longer use and wear. Whether you are extremely endowed, or are lacking in the chest department, Shimoda has a strap option for you.
There are a few key differences in features between the E25, E30, and E35 options.
E25
S mirrorless ICU
13” laptop sleeve
E30
S, M, L mirrorless ICU
16” laptop sleeve
E35
S, M, L mirrorless ICU
S, M, L DSLR ICU
16” laptop sleeve
Now that the differences are out of the way, let’s get into the key features that we can all love that these bags have!
Adjustable torso
Rear & Side camera access
Women’s specific straps
Dual tripod/bottle holders
Removable hip belt
Airline compatible
A few of the big take aways about this camera bag is that, 1) it is extremely versatile and modular. This means that it is the closest bag to a one-size-fits-all on the market today with being to adjust the torso length, removable hip belt, and interchangeable shoulder straps. With the added accessory straps, you can lash on almost any other gear that you would need when out on location or traveling around the world, or make it as streamline as necessary. And I can’t forget the multitudes of variations of the modular ICU’s to organize your camera gear however you need. 2) What is it that women want most? POCKETS!!! This camera bag does not shy away with their multitude of pockets, from filter pockets, to maps and even an incognito passport pocket. 3) Durability and comfortability was extremely high on Shimoda’s list when making this bag.
Final Thoughts…
Ever since the first Shimoda Designs bag that I purchased in 2019, I have been a massive fan of their products. For someone with a little bit of a height challenge, finding a camera bag that not only fit my short torso, but also carried my gear well seemed like an impossible task. And yet Shimoda keeps coming out with better camera bags each year it seems, now with it being their Explore v2 series. If you are looking for a sleek, durable, comfortable, and versatile bag for travel or every day landscape photography, then I highly recommend the Shimoda Explore v2, especially the E25 version, which may be small, but oh, is it mighty.
