NEW Shimoda camera backpack: Action X V2
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- čas přidán 27. 06. 2024
- Shimoda has released a new and improved version of Action X, their camera backpack designed for outdoor, landscape, wildlife and adventure photographers. Here's a look at what's new, pros and cons, and how this bag compares to the Shimoda Explore.
Blog post version of this review:
www.todddominey.com/2023/06/0...
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📦 PRODUCTS MENTIONED
Shimoda Action X V2
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** Use code DOMINEY10 for 10% off through Shimoda's online store **
Shimoda Core Unit compatibility chart
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HydraPak Water Bladder
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Disclaimer: Shimoda provided me with the Action X V2 bag seen in this review. They have not paid for nor sponsored this review. All opinions are my own.
📕 CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:32 What's new in V2
4:42 Features
15:10 Closing thoughts
19:02 Outro
🎵 MUSIC AND SFX
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🎤 GEAR USED FOR THIS VIDEO (AND OTHER RECENT ONES)
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Microphone: geni.us/A70x
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Hi Todd, you are setting the bar with the quality of this product review. Thank you. I will just add a few points to counter and few things you said... , others have mentioned the roll top and it slowly breaks my soul when I see it roll up like you have :) the key is - like others mention - roll forward and clip it towards bag. But also make sure its rolled tightly down so there isn't extra volume to fluff upward. Next, the Key Clip. It's placed there because in most cases car keys are put away when you start a hike and accessed when you return. Having them in another area of the same pocket constantly gets in the way when accessing the upper compartment. Keys and their awkward shapes are actually quiet annoying to navigate through to get to items you need while in the mtns. The idea is to get them out of the way to eliminate the nuisance and risk of loosing them hours away from your vehicle. If it was an urban pack, I might consider a deferent spot as car use is more frequent. I have tested various locations for this over the years through different prototypes and personally feel this is the best. That doesn't mean it's a perfect place for quick access though. But a worthy trade off IMO. Last, it looks like the Load Lifters (shoulder straps) are not engaged on your pack, pulling those in might be more comfortable and offer a little more pack stability support. Again, great review and production - could not have asked for more. Sharing now... - Ian
The rolltop: roll tight towards front, click it towards the back and it gets rid of the problem. This design is actually amazing: 1) it becomes a handle in a pinch 2) one buckle is faster access 3) one buckle, is less weight and less parts that could break in the field 4) when rolled well, it looks nice. So, its a feature, not a problem. With the addition of the zipper, this is the most useable rolltop design in the market. Well done Shimoda!
That's my thinking. I don't like roll tops as a rule. However, I live in the PNW which means I may need to be dressed for cold rain on into 70 and sunny by noon. Knowing that I will have room for more layers is great. Being able to wrap that room up and have it in waiting most of the time is even better because otherwise I would have to get a bigger bag just for the odd times I need it. It also opens up the possibilities of maybe bringing a picnic blanket, or a hammock if the mood strikes. It's an awesome feature with the inclusion of the zipper.
Best review of this bag, thnaks so much for all the zoom-in details of the side pockets and everything !
Excellent review! 👏🏾 So honest in showing both the positive and negative sides of the bag as well as your subjective opions! 👍🏾🙏🏾
Excellent video. Thorough and thoughtful as always. I appreciate your insights and attention to the little things. I recently took the Explore V2 on a two week trip through Italy and absolutely fell in love with it. Shimoda makes really nicely designed bags, and I'm happy to see them open to user feedback and seemingly on a never ending quest to refine their product. Also love the yellow color of this bag, very cool!
I have several Shimoda bags and I’ve tested them for travel at various sizes. My biggest is the Action 70. I’ve used it as a carryon believe it or not. For international flights I have never been stopped from bringing on the plane as on bigger jets they fit in the overhead bin. A little snug but it can close. On domestic flights it’s a gamble and it is tougher. My x50 has never been a problem on any flight anywhere. Even on those strict European airlines
This backpack looks great! Thank you for the review, Todd!
thank you for your sharing, i just bought this yesterday and I felt more confident to use this bag now because your explanation.
You are rolling the roll top in the wrong direction, if you roll it towards the front of the pack, it will lay flat.
It’s almost lazy to be honest. It’s written on the bag how to properly roll the bag
I can't make it unseen. It's so annoying tha the dude didn't notice that during the whole review... lack of quality.
Thanks for concisely listing the changes! I've had the V1 bag for over 6 months and in general I really love it (to the point that I actually bothered to review it). None of the updates are of much interest to me really, as I have no complaints about how the bag itself works for my use-case - the only complaints I really have are about the camera insert, which is too inflexible and comes with a really weirdly useless array of dividers. I have the large DSLR insert to take long lenses and it doesn't come with a single divider that runs the full length of the bag. Also, like all bags that claim weather-resistance, it is not at all water-tight. The open bottle pockets are one thing but the zip on the camera compartment isn't a sealed zip, so rain pouring off a coat enters the bag that way too. More bag companies should come test their gear out in Wales to see what constant rain does to it 😅
I’m glad you highlighted the key problem with these bags (and the F-Stop equivalents) - getting your gear out of the bag! That’s why, after trying half a dozen bags, the LowePro Pro Trekker BP 550 remains my all time favourite.
Hey Todd, I had the same problem with the rolltop but the solution is only to roll it backwards and not forward when you close it, hope that makes sense, this way the top will not stick up :)
Awesome review. Thanks so much !! :)
They just make great backpacks! My V1 has been to Alaska and Hawaii and on trips and client work closer to home. My wife says that I get looks on airplanes (because it appears I’m going camping or something, I guess), but I could care less. It’s packed to the gills and my stuff arrives and returns home safe. That is its job, and it does it well!
Excellent review, Todd. I just purchased the Urban Explore which it suited well for urban, around town use. I agree on warmer climates, the air mesh ventilated straps are a better choice. I love that Shimoda listens to their customers and approaches design with a focus on user experience.
Your bag reviews are among the very best. So detailed and well structured!
After having had my eyes upon shimoda bags for half a year I still can't decide which model and size would be best for me. And to me personally the updates on this are not that significant.
I find the addition of a second laptop sleeve a bit weird as this is orientated towards people who hike. One pocket would suffice just fine I think
Thanks for a good review Todd. I would likely go with a smaller version, such as the 40. Whereas I like the boldness of the yellow, when you were presenting it, I was reminded of white handlebar tape on a road bike. "future black" is what we called it. Your comments about how the large camera insert required the sides or top of the opening to be pulled a little bit to remove or place a lens, perhaps this is not a con as it keeps things from falling out unexpectedly.
Excellent review Todd. Im looking for a bag having not having one for a very long time ( was an FStop bag carrying large format and medium format cameras... very heavy )
Now im going to carry fuji gfx 50sii with the 35-70, with filters, and a gitzo series 1 traveller tripod. Im thinking a 25ltr bag is more than enough for me, but i still have my Tenba BYOBs that i would still prefer to use rather than those open camera storage systems. There are so many bags to chose its almost impossible lol Back opening is a must, and I would love a true waterproof bag, not using additional covers.
I have an 80ltr Osprey bag for carrying this gear as well as camping gear.
Thank you for your review! I really love the colour and am thinking about buying it but I have one big concern. Does the colour attract insects? I have used a rain cover which is yellow (but a bit more neon and reflective for good visibility) and hundreds of insects were constantly following me in the woods. When I packed it away everything was fine then. Would love to hear from everyone with this pack who has this pack!!
A white car looks better longer than any other. White stays looking clean longer...yellow makes people look and see it!! Looks great!
Great review! I live in interior Alaska and I was thinking about this bag for when I go into the backcountry on my Snowmachine (snowmobile for you in the lower 48) I do a range of Photography from indoor sports (Martial Arts) to landscape & wildlife, and outdoor extreme sports (snowboarding & mountain sledding). I do a fair amount of travel for martial arts, so I was thinking this would be a good hybrid bag for when I have to fly.
i cannot take anymore black bags ... this color is very refreshing and i really like it...
It amazes me how the designers decided on design features. a rain cover located inside the camera compartment allowing that compartment to get wet when a hiker decides the drizzle has turned into a downpour, a clip at the bottom of a bag while the clip itself prevents item loss, straps with seams on the sides so that the stiffest part of a strap diggs into the shoulders, wide shoulder straps to accomodate a phone to create even more heat or sweat related discomfort, a top pouch closure that allows an overhanging branch to snag the bag, and more. 😀
Love your content.
Good points. But have you actually used a Shimoda bag & have hiked with it even just for 6 miles out & back? I had the same thoughts about Shimoda when I owned a Lowepro, Vanguard, Peak Design & CaseLogic. All of them camera backpacks. None of them comes close to the comfort of my Shimoda Explore V2 especially its straps. About your “rain cover being inside” concern, I lived the first 20 years of my life in a tropical country with 3 months of moonsoon rains each year. Even the hardest rain starts with droplets that warn you it’s about to pour. If you’re keen about your environment then 5 seconds is enough time to take the rain cover out. 😆 The book-cover-style opening, the utilitarian wide straps you didn’t like & the top & bottom carry straps…just these 3 things made my Shimoda so much better than my other 4 bags. Then again, not everything is made for everybody.
@@mikef.9931 Regarding the rain cover - having hiked many trails for most if not the entire daylight, while in the rhyrm of the hike, I am lothe to interrupt that rhythm for a drizzle and not every drizzle turns into a downpour. So I procrastinate in getting out a rain cover.
Regarding straps, I haven't worn Shimoda, but have hiked with wider straps and with straps having seams on the edges. I found the wide straps to cause uncomfortable chest sweating, and firmer edge seams to dig into my shoulders. (this has caused me to use velcro straps to put a curve in the straps to force the edges up rather than be lateral).
The most comfortable straps I have ever experienced were on the mindshit backpack but found that bags various pocket accesss designed poorly.
Still looking for the more perfect bag while I live with my "customized" my old one.
I like the word 'customized' because we all have different needs. And I think it's the most important aspect of choosing gear is what suits you best. Everytime i see people wearing the first ever Peak Design backpack I asked them how they like the straps. 8/10 have said they love it. Those same straps that people love, I hate them because they start hurting my shoulders in less than 10min. I've been fortunate to have lived in places where there's a camera store within 100km that carry most camera bag brands & I would go once a year just to try out bags. And I agree that Mindshift makes a lot of bags that have comfortabke straps. After I sold all my other bags I got their Photocross 13. For some reason straps that are thin, flexible and conforms to the shape of my shoulders are the most comfortable for me. Lowepro AWs have that kind of strap & what I like about my AW is the rain cover is in a pocket on the outside bottom of the bag that you can easily pull out but also it's permanently attached so you won't lose it. Cheers!
I agree about straps. This is the worst part of this pack. Try them when is above 30 C... Comfort is ok, but nothing better what in most of my bags. To be fair. I hike with heavy load as part of my training.
@@granitfog You can store the rain fly wherever you want. If it looks like rain just put in a different pocket. I have the V1 of this bag and thats what I do if it looks like rain. This is a ridiculous complaint.
Merci et quel sont les différence avec les explorer?
You know maybe which version will fit for Sigma 150-600mm?
I'm getting the explore v2. Please help me pick between 35L and 30L. I'm an average size guy. I'm a middle-aged dad. I broke my neck and back so I have some issues. I have lots of nice gear. I'm leaning towards the smaller bag. But, does the larger bag with the same amount of gear in it not feel much bigger or bulkier? It wouldn't hurt to have the extra space just in case. Please help! Thanks 😅
Excellent review Todd. they need to improve the backpack. It is not a cheap backpack.
Is the x50 50 liter in size plus 7 Liter rolltop ?
If the entire bag falls into water, will the water penetrate the inner layer?
I missed the Coupon Code, what is it?
Does the backpack model # actually correspond to their capacity in L?
If we multiply outside dimension specs they are not the same. Difference actually grows further apart with higher model#.
Action X25 - 22.03L
Action X30 - 26.01L
Action X40 - 31.80L
Action X50 - 33.60L
Action X70 - 42.07L
1:20 Bottle of Mustard. That's just me.
Hi everyone - I can't decide between the x40 and x50 - I have a lot of gear that I want to bring on a trip - but its international and the x50 scares me about not being able to carry on a plane...anyone with experience with x50 and carryon? thanks
I just bought the x40 exactly because of carry on bags. I also have a big 90+ liter backpack to pack all other stuff needed to basecamps starting points, and then once i leave the main backpack at the start, i switch to my shimoda x40. Its a usual practice for hiking / adventures.
I wear Shimoda Explore bag very often in 30 - 37C. This straps are too hot... They cover too much at the spot they should not
But is good Shimoda gives us more and more options 👋
I own the X50 and I tend to carry quite a lot of camera gear. I have to say that I find the waist belt to be inefficient for carrying heavy loads. I'm a slender dude and this bag feels like it's sliding down my backside even when I have the belt tightened to the max. I can also confirm that this bag provides zero airflow or moisture management for your back. On a hot and humid day, this bag is pretty dreadful. Overall, I've not been too impressed with it and I'm currently looking for a replacement, which sucks.
I got kids. I need the rolltop for their clothes and stuff. So no Explorer for me. Action X it is. As simple as that. 😜
Well… And what about the previous video about new ai functions in photoshop and real photography.
It suddenly disappeared a couple hours after publishing.
I would expect a reviewer of such a product to be able to follow instructions and use the roll top correctly. You shouldn't list the roll top as a con if you are using it incorrectly. In fact, it clearly states atop the bag how to use the roll top. At least address this in the comments so future viewers are not dissuaded by your review
No,you are doing the same misstanke as everyone else. Fine, it’s a camera back pack. But what about the rest of the equipment?! What else can you pack in there since it’s made for backpacking?! All I see is dividers for a million lenses, which you will not bring on hiking! There are a million camera packs, another 2 million backpacks….but it’s the combo that is interesting!
This bag sell more 2000 rmb without the internal one. I don’t think it deserves it
I’m really taking a liking to the new women’s color way. However, I am unsure of how different the chest/sternum straps and belt might fit on my (male) body. Would you think it would make a big difference using the women’s bags? Does anyone have experience with this dilemma with other bags? Thanks in advance for the help and please excuse my ignorance.
Roll top to the side not gonna work. Don’t you want it to be flexible to fit items of different sizes.
If you're going to make a review where you complain about a feature (the roll top), you should at least read the explicit, ever-present label telling you exactly how to roll it up. That way you wouldn't need a workaround to accommodate user error. 😂
Yellow was cool until I saw the blue interior... yeah, no thanks.
Yep. It reminds the piece of fabric, called the flag of fascist ukrainian bandits.
@@_Name_ I was more thinking of carrying a glorified easter egg but you do you,
landscape photography? are u hiking? find me a better option.
Beware when buying this... what I ordered clearly shows the camera insert in the images and so the ordering is very misleading! Otherwise the camera insert should not be included in the image on the website... As a result I paid £350 for a shell.
Столько хлама за спиной. Если весь хлам носить на спине … Верная дорога в клинику. Учитесь ходить на легке!
What a dreadfully designed backpack!!