Designs Explore v2 30 Backpack Photo Starter Kit (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 was thinking about giving this bag 3 stars but after 4 years with the bag I must say it is amazing quality. I am removing a star because mine game with a defect that I had to fix using some safety pins. The top inner pocket was torn leaving a massive hole and it was torn at the seems. I couldn't return it because I ordered it while I was in America and I am no longe there so I need to ship things to a company that then sends it to my country so I kept it. That is the only issue I had and it was probably a manufacturing issue. I love traveling with the back and it does have a wire frame to keep it's shape at the back and make it look tall and you can remove it easily. The best thing about it is the no matter how much weight is in the bag it still feels comfortable. This is the only bag you need as a traveling photographer. I can't give a 5 stars because of the defect mine came with even though I fixed it myself. Also after 4 years the bag still looks new and I've done a lot of traveling and hikes with it shame the one defect ruined a 5 stars

Like everyone else I've been in search for a Camera Backpack that can carry my camera gear for hiking and around town so I went through several BP like Peak design Everyday 30L, Fstop Ajna 40L,and various low pro's. I think I finally found a great compromise in this Shimoda explore V2 30L for hiking and around town. I like the slim profile of the BP, quality is top notch and the comfort is second to none. The medium core insert is used for everyday carry or hiking with my Canon R5 with 3 lenses maximum for the large and heavy canon L series lenses: RF 15-35m F2.8L, 24-70mm F2.8L, and thanks to the compact size of the canon 70-200 F2.8L I can stuff that in there as well and it leaves enough room on top for other stuff such as drones etc. The lenses have to be laid down because they are longer than the mirrorless cores 4.7 in. depth. I also purchased the large mirrorless core unit to fit all my RF lenses for those times when I need them all, this includes the above lenses as well as the huge RF 85mm F1.2 and the RF 50mm F1.2 in the large core with camera access though the side door. The large insert leaves just enough room on top for my Wescott FJ80 Flash with case and the Wescott FJ X2M wireless Trigger. The other pockets in the 30L BP hold my 3 ND filters and 1 CP filter and 4 spare batteries with enough room for a light jacket, water bladder and 16 in MBP if needed. If you need to carry more I would recommend the 35L BP with the DLSR insert that you can have the lenses can stand up right for more room in the core but the trade off is you lose the slim profile of the 25L and 30L Backpacks. I have the F-stop Ajna 40L back for those times when I need to carry more stuff. I feel the Shimoda explore 30L is a tad bit more comfortable than the F-stop due to the Shimoda's wide shoulder strap but both BP's are really comfortable and you cannot feel the weight when adjusted properly. The Slim profile and design of the Shimoda is a great compromise to what I have been searching for, something comfy and space for hiking and around town where you don't look like you just came off the mountain camping.

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.