Shimoda Explore 30 Backpack - Blue Nights (520-041)

Did a lot of research for hiking/adventure camera backpacks and eventually went with the Shimoda Explore 30. I recently used it for a month in the Amazon where it was put through the test with rain, dirt, mud, you name it. It was able to fit my a6300, 18-105mm f4 G, 50mm f1.8, Rokinon 10mm Cine DS, Mavic Pro, mavic controller, tripod (external), gimbal (external), water bottle (external) as well as accessories, batteries, rain coat, rain cover, and small personal items. I went with the smaller insert so I had some more room in the top of the bag to accommodate a wider variety of things.Couldn't be more happy with this bag. It's extremely well made, comfortable, durable, and water resistant (though I recommend a rain cover for ANY camera bag). I can tell I will use this for a long time and won't ever need another bag.Also it looks great, and doesn't scream "expensive camera equipment", it just looks like a hiking day pack.

I have gone through probably 20 bags of all price ranges, including most of the big names, and never was able to find one that did everything I needed and carried the kit I like to have. I originally purchased the Explorer 60 for a two week hiking trip with a very heavy kit, extra clothes, rain gear, etc. and fell in love with it's premium features, very roomy interior, light weight and high-end construction/design and the fact that it was very comfortable, even though I was packing about 45 lbs when loaded.When I needed a smaller, more urban/daypack, I immediately purchased the Explorer 30 since I already had an investment in the inserts. I took it on a 10 day trip to Europe, where I was planning day hikes but primarily working out of hotels or car. The Explorer 30 is the perfect size for this, and even though I packed it pretty tightly, it was always comfortable. The ability to remove the waist support strap made it all the more better for my use. I have included some photos of my pack, fully loaded in my standard configuration.Packed in a medium core unit insert are the following:Nikon D850 with mounted 24-70mm f/2.8 VRNikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 FLNikkor 16-35mm f/4Nikkor 20mm f/1.8Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4Voigtlander 40mm f/2Remote trigger, 77mm CP and ND Filters, 82mm CP and ND FiltersMicrosoft Surface Pro 4 in sleeveOn top of the insert there is approximately 2" space for a small accessory bag with chargers, cables, extra batteries, miscellaneous stuff and a small cleaning kit/rocket blower.In the top compartment, I keep my essentials, phone, earbuds, car keys, travel docs (passports, etc.), sunglasses, gloves, small external hard drive, etc. In the upper front, I keep two trifold storage kits with extra memory cards, extra cables, batteries, etc. In the large front compartment I keep a thin long sleeve pullover for chillier weather, a compact rain coat and a rain cover for the bag, even though I have never had to use it.The weather-proofing on the exterior of the Explorer 30 (and 60) is more than capable of keeping the interior dry under any conditions I have been exposed to, which includes light to medium rain, sea spray, wet sand, etc.I would highly recommend this pack for the serious professional or enthusiast photographer. I simply have never been happier with a back pack style camera bag.And a big shout out to Shimoda!!! I had an issue with one of the plastic buckles on the shoulder strap of my Explorer 60. After placing a call to their support, explaining the issue and sending a few photos, I had a replacement strap at my door within a few days at no charge. They really stand by their products and are a pleasure to deal with. That breeds brand loyalty and absolutely led to me purchasing the Explorer 30 when I needed a smaller pack.

The perfect backpack for travel and adventure photographers. I bought this bag with 2 Small Core Units and it fit well with all my photography equipment, my MacBook Pro, my DJI Spark and many more miscellaneous technology and travel equipment. I use the backpack for photographic and non-photographic proposes and it fit all my needs as an everyday carry backpack, no matter which type of equipment I need to carry.

The Shimoda 30L backpack is the best mid sized backpack I own. It integrates well with other Shimoda products and folds nicely for storage when I'm not using it. Loads of space and a modular divider system make this one of my favorites.

Fantasic bag with tons of room considering the size. I love all the available accessories avilable for it. The price is worth paying for this bag.