Petite women size? Any comfortable travel camera backpack?

Bags and packs are so personal.

Bag looks good in the store/ I buy it. After a couple of uses I find it's not what I thought it would be.

I live in Canada. We don't have B&H and others here.

I understand when you say that the pack sucks after wearing a while.

I used to post at another forum where they did bag reviews. It was Photography On the Net

However, the forum stopped being useful for me, and I left.

I'm glad you found a good bag to buy. Please let us know if it meets your needs.

Thanks

For all my packs, for instant access, I use the Cotton Carrier vest system to have camera instantly accessible. CC vest is compatible with all backpacks.

Look at the Mystery Ranch Women's Scree 32L, has XS/S with adjustable torso length 13" - 18" (the usual Velcro harness attachment adjustment method seen in most adjustable torso length packs) and full exposure of pack at the front (part not contacting your back) via Y shaped zippers. I have the prior year's version, and it works fine for me (torso length 16"), with f-stop ICU inserts medium, large sizes for non-gripped cameras. Full access to insert - take off pack, unzip pack, unzip insert lid facing pack front, all your stuff is widely exposed. This does not meet airline standards.


Larger Y-zipper version, 50L: https://www.mysteryranch.com/ravine-womens-pack (I haven't seen pack in person)

Other large Y-zipper unisex packs, :

https://www.mysteryranch.com/selway-60-pack (small size is torso length 15" t0 20")

https://www.mysteryranch.com/terraframe-3zip-50-pack (small size is torso length 16" t0 20")

My minimalist airline-under-seat-compatible (also fine for tiny regional jets and prop plane carry-on) is the REI Women's Trail 25L, which has only partial zipper exposure, so I have to clear stuff sitting on top of the insert in in the main pack cavity, then pull f-stop ICU medium halfway out of bag to get full access. Carriage is pretty decent for a non-framesheet pack, the ICU provides structure (and padding) to the pack. This carries a non-gripped APS-C dSLR (body with cap or with 24mm pancake lens), 100-400 mm lens (not mounted), 15-85 mm lens (not mounted) , 60 mm macro lens (not mounted), 1.4x teleconverter (not mounted), and spare batteries, filters, cards, cleaning cloth, wired shutter release, pen/pencil, etc, but not extra clothing. Flat or narrow-diameter water bottles fit in pockets on outside of pack. Has waistband, but no significant weight transfer, so after several hours and several airports, full 20# load starts feeling a bit heavy on the shoulders. Usual day pack load of 10# gear and 1L water carries well. Use the f-stop small non-gripped camera ICU, and there's space for minimalist version of "10 essentials". But - it fits minimalist airplane carryon space always guaranteed to be open (under seat), and doesn't look like a camera pack, just a garden variety pack.

https://www.rei.com/product/880837/rei-co-op-trail-25-pack-womens (my old version)

https://www.rei.com/product/136588/rei-co-op-trail-25-pack-womens (new - looks identical)

Do give us an update. Thanks in advance.

RCIS719 said:

Im a little late to this post, but I too, am a petite woman (5’1, 105lbs), and have been arduously searching for the perfect camera/hiking/travel backpack, and after 3 years, I may have just found it!! To be fair, I just ordered it today, so I dont have any hands on info for you yet (will happily add that when I get it), but it checks the boxes on paper! Its the Brevite Rolltop camera backpack.

https://brevite.co/products/outdoor-camera-backpack

Click to expand...

So, just wanted to give an update to the Brevite bag, in case anyone was interested. This bag may be perfect for some, but it isn't the dream bag I was hoping it would be. First, it is NOTICEABLY heavier than any of the bags I have used (it stated 3lbs, but it feels heavier than that). It's well made, and does have lots of pockets , not really roomy pockets. Also, and my biggest disappointment) is the "easy access" side pocket, which leads to the main large compartment, or, into the lift out customizable camera pack, which is not easy at all. The lift out pack is bulky itself, and not simply lift out; you have to maneuver a bit to get it in, and pulling it out, is not done simply by lifting it out. as for the side opening, well, first you have to open the outside, side pocket, then reach in and unzip the door on the camera pack to access your camera. Not exactly the quick on the fly access I was hoping for. For me its just another bulky, large, camera bag with less than optimal key features. Sorry all, I was really hoping Id have something wonderful to contribute. Hope the OP has had better luck.

Back to the drawing board...

Ok, I may have just puchased THE perfect camera/travel/hiking backpack!

It’s the Wandrd PVKE (21) backpack. https://www.wandrd.com/products/prvke

Here is a link to a Youtube video review by Best Daily, which shows all the features and inside the pockets of the bag (it’s lengthy, but helpful)


I purchased the 21L but it does come in a 31L as well. What makes it perfect?

First, it’s a camera bag, that doesn’t act like a camera bag, if that makes sense.

- again, Im a very petite woman, and while this bag is plenty roomy (it can expand to 24L), it does not overpower me in size.

- it’s pretty lightweight, and pliable (not stiff, heavy and bulky like most “camera” backpacks) - a HUGE plus for me) and comfortable to wear

- it is water/weather resistant, made of tarpaulin, with YKK covered zippers, and very well made

- it has lots of pockets/ storage compartments, with a lot of thought going in to their design. Plenty of room for your gear, and other personal items, with a couple ways to both store and access your stuff

- has a side access pocket to the main compartment, to get to your camera quickly. I love this feature on this bag because you can create it the way you want it. The bag can come with a removable, customizable camera storage cube (bag can be purchased by itself, or as a bundle), which you can place in the main compartment, or you can leave it out, and just put your camera in the bag without it. The main compartment can be sectioned off with a divider (separate from the camera cube), so your personal stuff can be in the top half, camera gear in the bottom half, or you can leave it out (or the camera cube, for that matter), and have the whole main compartment one roomy storage space.

It’s not just a great camera bag, it’s a great bag. Period. Especially, if you don’t want a massive bag, but still want room to carry and your personal items.

I could go over every detail, but these were the main points that both the OP was looking for, and what I thought made this a great bag.

Anyone else have this bag?

I'm so glad you found a pack you like!

Thanks for your post. I'll take a closer look. First impression is a very high quality pack with great features.

Thanks!

Jumped on the Peak Design Zip V2 15L when it was released late 2019. Was small for a camera backpack, very functional & aesthetically pleasing. Bunch of people made fun of how small it was & being useless but seemed ideal for smaller petite body type.


15L could pack in a lot.


Even Sony 200-600 lens just barely fits.

Paired with a PD Everyday V2 6L sling or a small stuff sack for clothing it was a decent travel worthy setup or so the dream... People said V2 had improved more comfortable shoulder straps. Technically true, but only marginally better. Painful for long travel or hikes with heavy load esp without a hip belt. Best used for short trips or urban commute. Because of that kept reverting back to Osprey Fairview backpacks with camera inserts when doing actual travel.

Fast forward to 2024. Gave Shimoda Explore v2 25 Women backpack a try. It was pretty comfy! Almost as good as the Osprey. Had to cinch down all the straps to min, torso to lowest position, hip belt sewn closer but it worked.

In previous years Shimoda introduced 3 different women specific straps to be used with their existing men backpack lines. With the introduction of the women backpack kit in teal color they included another women specific strap unavailable to be purchased separately. Has the same extra curved tech straps like before but with added air-mesh padding layer which is also put on the hip belt.

So far this is the most fitting & comfortable camera backpack for short, slim & petite traveler. If Shimoda later makes smaller hip belts it would be even closer to perfect.


Extra 10L in size means less need to bring additional small stuff sack or PD 6L sling.

[ATTACH alt="Kit includes a small core unit. However, a "large" mirrorless core unit can fit inside despite warnings as not incompatible. Just have to insert from the top instead of rear back panel. Bit snug & can't be pulled out easily, but setup allows for long lenses like Sony 200-600."]1998344[/ATTACH]
Kit includes a small core unit. However, a "large" mirrorless core unit can fit inside despite warnings as not incompatible. Just have to insert from the top instead of rear back panel. Bit snug & can't be pulled out easily, but setup allows for long lenses like Sony 200-600.


Small enough to fit under airline seats! Hard to reach overhead bin being short/petite

c0nfund0 said:

Jumped on the Peak Design Zip V2 15L when it was released late 2019. Was small for a camera backpack, very functional & aesthetically pleasing. Bunch of people made fun of how small it was & being useless but seemed ideal for smaller petite body type.


15L could pack in a lot.


Even Sony 200-600 lens just barely fits.

Paired with a PD Everyday V2 6L sling or a small stuff sack for clothing it was a decent travel worthy setup or so the dream... People said V2 had improved more comfortable shoulder straps. Technically true, but only marginally better. Painful for long travel or hikes with heavy load esp without a hip belt. Best used for short trips or urban commute. Because of that kept reverting back to Osprey Fairview backpacks with camera inserts when doing actual travel.

Fast forward to 2024. Gave Shimoda Explore v2 25 Women backpack a try. It was pretty comfy! Almost as good as the Osprey. Had to cinch down all the straps to min, torso to lowest position, hip belt sewn closer but it worked.

In previous years Shimoda introduced 3 different women specific straps to be used with their existing men backpack lines. With the introduction of the women backpack kit in teal color they included another women specific strap unavailable to be purchased separately. Has the same extra curved tech straps like before but with added air-mesh padding layer which is also put on the hip belt.

So far this is the most fitting & comfortable camera backpack for short, slim & petite traveler. If Shimoda later makes smaller hip belts it would be even closer to perfect.


Extra 10L in size means less need to bring additional small stuff sack or PD 6L sling.

[ATTACH alt="Kit includes a small core unit. However, a "large" mirrorless core unit can fit inside despite warnings as not incompatible. Just have to insert from the top instead of rear back panel. Bit snug & can't be pulled out easily, but setup allows for long lenses like Sony 200-600."]1998344[/ATTACH]
Kit includes a small core unit. However, a "large" mirrorless core unit can fit inside despite warnings as not incompatible. Just have to insert from the top instead of rear back panel. Bit snug & can't be pulled out easily, but setup allows for long lenses like Sony 200-600.


Small enough to fit under airline seats! Hard to reach overhead bin being short/petite

Click to expand...

Good stuff finding a bag that fits you! I actually have both the Shimoda and the PD Zip, albeit in larger sizes (35L and 20L respectively). I'm actually amazed you're willing to shoulder the 200-600 and I'm guessing a 70-200 into the 15L! I'll be screaming bloody murder with it on my 20L zip!

Funnily enough, I actually went back to non-camera bags and just shoving a camera insert in it. I found the Shimoda very good for swallowing a lot of camera gear, but it wasn't the best balance-wise for me. If it was only taller and less wide, I think it'd have been perfect for me.

dazzerfong said:

Good stuff finding a bag that fits you! I actually have both the Shimoda and the PD Zip, albeit in larger sizes (35L and 20L respectively). I'm actually amazed you're willing to shoulder the 200-600 and I'm guessing a 70-200 into the 15L! I'll be screaming bloody murder with it on my 20L zip!

Click to expand...

PD zip is very aesthetically pleasing making it a great urban commuter. Plus fits well on smaller torso. But, yea... it's strap/harness system horrendous for long haul & painful. So annoyed almost about to cut the shoulder straps off and sew a better one on before discovering Shimoda.

PD designers said in discussion forum they made a trade off sacrificing comfort for durability/functionality. Softer straps wears out which doesn't go well with their lifetime warranty. They have bunch of accessories like their capture clip which works better with stiff straps. Above all it looks nicer. Would be nice if they offered options with comfort, but whatever they doing is making tons of money.

Put 200-600 + 70-200 in only for short distance travel. Basically transporting to the car. For domestic travel I bring a roller carryon which it sits on top. Essentially not carrying the PD zip much. Fits neatly airline underseat. With international or hikes I always opt for a Osprey Fairview backpack with cube inserts. It is more comfortable but lose all quick access to gear.

For now Shimoda 25L is work well resolving PD zip comfort issue & camera accessibility of regular Osprey packs. Only issue now Shimoda is very "strapy" & bit annoying for air travel. Maybe in a few year PD would get serious and release something with better comfort.

dazzerfong said:

Funnily enough, I actually went back to non-camera bags and just shoving a camera insert in it. I found the Shimoda very good for swallowing a lot of camera gear, but it wasn't the best balance-wise for me. If it was only taller and less wide, I think it'd have been perfect for me.

Click to expand...

Are you having issues with the hip belt being too short? They have HD waist belt or even booster straps to extend the length. Your torso might be too short even for a 35L with lowest S attachment. Might need to drop down to smaller bag size but you lose space. If so I would go with a 25L Action line. Has expanding roll top for extra capacity.

If you're okay with losing camera accessibility a traditional hiking pack is always better than any camera backpack for comfort. They exist in a much bigger market with more years of experience & size options.

c0nfund0 said:

dazzerfong said:

Good stuff finding a bag that fits you! I actually have both the Shimoda and the PD Zip, albeit in larger sizes (35L and 20L respectively). I'm actually amazed you're willing to shoulder the 200-600 and I'm guessing a 70-200 into the 15L! I'll be screaming bloody murder with it on my 20L zip!

Click to expand...

PD zip is very aesthetically pleasing making it a great urban commuter. Plus fits well on smaller torso. But, yea... it's strap/harness system horrendous for long haul & painful. So annoyed almost about to cut the shoulder straps off and sew a better one on before discovering Shimoda.

PD designers said in discussion forum they made a trade off sacrificing comfort for durability/functionality. Softer straps wears out which doesn't go well with their lifetime warranty. They have bunch of accessories like their capture clip which works better with stiff straps. Above all it looks nicer. Would be nice if they offered options with comfort, but whatever they doing is making tons of money.

Put 200-600 + 70-200 in only for short distance travel. Basically transporting to the car. For domestic travel I bring a roller carryon which it sits on top. Essentially not carrying the PD zip much. Fits neatly airline underseat. With international or hikes I always opt for a Osprey Fairview backpack with cube inserts. It is more comfortable but lose all quick access to gear.

For now Shimoda 25L is work well resolving PD zip comfort issue & camera accessibility of regular Osprey packs. Only issue now Shimoda is very "strapy" & bit annoying for air travel. Maybe in a few year PD would get serious and release something with better comfort.

Waku Waku said:

Funnily enough, I actually went back to non-camera bags and just shoving a camera insert in it. I found the Shimoda very good for swallowing a lot of camera gear, but it wasn't the best balance-wise for me. If it was only taller and less wide, I think it'd have been perfect for me.

Click to expand...

Are you having issues with the hip belt being too short? They have HD waist belt or even booster straps to extend the length. Your torso might be too short even for a 35L with lowest S attachment. Might need to drop down to smaller bag size but you lose space. If so I would go with a 25L Action line. Has expanding roll top for extra capacity.

If you're okay with losing camera accessibility a traditional hiking pack is always better than any camera backpack for comfort. They exist in a much bigger market with more years of experience & size options.

Click to expand...

I could get snugged up on the Shimoda just fine (I'm 5'7") but have a fairly long torso so the Shimoda is actually just right in terms of shoulder-to-hip height. However, with the 35L since it extends so far from my body, if I'm going on a long hike it starts dragging me down. It's also fairly wide for such a small capacity bag. All that contributes to a strange centre of gravity. It's why I much prefer packs which are tall and skinny

I'll admit part of it was due to my desire to have a bag that can store the 200-600 + a body with a vertical grip. But yeah, lesson learned - I only use the Shimoda on short distance walks where I also bring the big tripod. The PD 20L I only use for small lenses and for going to the office.

These days, to combat the acceessibility issue, I either use a PD Capture Clip or I use a camera holster that I strap onto the front of my body onto the bag itself. It does make donning and doffing the backpack a chore though, but thankfully I don't have to do much of it when the camera's just right in front of me.

I have a Fjallraven Kajka 35 which has a front zip opening, so the accessibility is more or less the same as most camera bags minus the side opening on some (which I almost never use on a hike anyway).

dazzerfong said:

c0nfund0 said:

dazzerfong said:

Funnily enough, I actually went back to non-camera bags and just shoving a camera insert in it. I found the Shimoda very good for swallowing a lot of camera gear, but it wasn't the best balance-wise for me. If it was only taller and less wide, I think it'd have been perfect for me.

Click to expand...

Are you having issues with the hip belt being too short? They have HD waist belt or even booster straps to extend the length. Your torso might be too short even for a 35L with lowest S attachment. Might need to drop down to smaller bag size but you lose space. If so I would go with a 25L Action line. Has expanding roll top for extra capacity.

If you're okay with losing camera accessibility a traditional hiking pack is always better than any camera backpack for comfort. They exist in a much bigger market with more years of experience & size options.

Click to expand...

I could get snugged up on the Shimoda just fine (I'm 5'7") but have a fairly long torso so the Shimoda is actually just right in terms of shoulder-to-hip height. However, with the 35L since it extends so far from my body, if I'm going on a long hike it starts dragging me down. It's also fairly wide for such a small capacity bag. All that contributes to a strange centre of gravity. It's why I much prefer packs which are tall and skinny

I'll admit part of it was due to my desire to have a bag that can store the 200-600 + a body with a vertical grip. But yeah, lesson learned - I only use the Shimoda on short distance walks where I also bring the big tripod. The PD 20L I only use for small lenses and for going to the office.

These days, to combat the acceessibility issue, I either use a PD Capture Clip or I use a camera holster that I strap onto the front of my body onto the bag itself. It does make donning and doffing the backpack a chore though, but thankfully I don't have to do much of it when the camera's just right in front of me.

I have a Fjallraven Kajka 35 which has a front zip opening, so the accessibility is more or less the same as most camera bags minus the side opening on some (which I almost never use on a hike anyway).

Click to expand...

Fjallraven Kajka 35 (34W x 60H x 20D cm) is actually wider than the Explore 35 (29.5W x 54H x 20D cm). Both are the same depth. Interesting the center of gravity is different.

Suppose it depends how you pack your bag for weight distribution & compress with straps. Kajka is less structured/ridge so it can compress more flat. Explore can compress with straps too but less due to more rigid structure and core unit. Could experiment not using the core unit with something else more flexible.

Thing with Shimoda is their capacity a bit deceiving & usually calculate less than actual model# imply. Explore-35 dimensions actually calculates to 31.8L vs Kajka-35 at 40.8L. Becomes even worse looking at Shimoda X70 HD (31W x 59H x 23D cm) which is 42.1L

I use PD capture clip too. Have it attached to the sternum strap with a PRO Pad. With heavy lenses having it centered was better than swaying on one shoulder strap.

Side access is nice when I have the bag hanging on the tripod to weigh down or quickly swing around the shoulder. The really nice part is when the ground is wet/muddy. Could lay it on it's back rain cover then access everything from the rear panel. Straps & waist belt won't get dirty. Sorely miss the accessibility when I use a regular hiking pack.

c0nfund0 said:

dazzerfong said:

c0nfund0 said:

dazzerfong said:

Funnily enough, I actually went back to non-camera bags and just shoving a camera insert in it. I found the Shimoda very good for swallowing a lot of camera gear, but it wasn't the best balance-wise for me. If it was only taller and less wide, I think it'd have been perfect for me.

Click to expand...

Are you having issues with the hip belt being too short? They have HD waist belt or even booster straps to extend the length. Your torso might be too short even for a 35L with lowest S attachment. Might need to drop down to smaller bag size but you lose space. If so I would go with a 25L Action line. Has expanding roll top for extra capacity.

If you're okay with losing camera accessibility a traditional hiking pack is always better than any camera backpack for comfort. They exist in a much bigger market with more years of experience & size options.

Click to expand...

I could get snugged up on the Shimoda just fine (I'm 5'7") but have a fairly long torso so the Shimoda is actually just right in terms of shoulder-to-hip height. However, with the 35L since it extends so far from my body, if I'm going on a long hike it starts dragging me down. It's also fairly wide for such a small capacity bag. All that contributes to a strange centre of gravity. It's why I much prefer packs which are tall and skinny

I'll admit part of it was due to my desire to have a bag that can store the 200-600 + a body with a vertical grip. But yeah, lesson learned - I only use the Shimoda on short distance walks where I also bring the big tripod. The PD 20L I only use for small lenses and for going to the office.

These days, to combat the acceessibility issue, I either use a PD Capture Clip or I use a camera holster that I strap onto the front of my body onto the bag itself. It does make donning and doffing the backpack a chore though, but thankfully I don't have to do much of it when the camera's just right in front of me.

I have a Fjallraven Kajka 35 which has a front zip opening, so the accessibility is more or less the same as most camera bags minus the side opening on some (which I almost never use on a hike anyway).

Click to expand...

Fjallraven Kajka 35 (34W x 60H x 20D cm) is actually wider than the Explore 35 (29.5W x 54H x 20D cm). Both are the same depth. Interesting the center of gravity is different.

Suppose it depends how you pack your bag for weight distribution & compress with straps. Kajka is less structured/ridge so it can compress more flat. Explore can compress with straps too but less due to more rigid structure and core unit. Could experiment not using the core unit with something else more flexible.

Thing with Shimoda is their capacity a bit deceiving & usually calculate less than actual model# imply. Explore-35 dimensions actually calculates to 31.8L vs Kajka-35 at 40.8L. Becomes even worse looking at Shimoda X70 HD (31W x 59H x 23D cm) which is 42.1L

I use PD capture clip too. Have it attached to the sternum strap with a PRO Pad. With heavy lenses having it centered was better than swaying on one shoulder strap.

Side access is nice when I have the bag hanging on the tripod to weigh down or quickly swing around the shoulder. The really nice part is when the ground is wet/muddy. Could lay it on it's back rain cover then access everything from the rear panel. Straps & waist belt won't get dirty. Sorely miss the accessibility when I use a regular hiking pack.

Click to expand...

Specs suggest so, but I can tell you it's not anything comparable. I dunno who's lying here, Fjallraven or Shimoda! Posted a comparison pic below - the Fjallraven wasn't even filled all the way to the top, let alone sandwich anything between the lid and the main body!

I can stuff the large DSLR cube insert into the Shimoda 35 very easily, but not so into the Kajka - it's simply not deep enough. It's almost as wide as the Shimoda but it's also much taller so it's less unwieldy. All I can say is even when full, I feel much less like a turtle.





In terms of size, the Kajka may seem tall but that's because of the lid (which can't store much). It's still taller than the Shimoda even without the lid though, so I think 35L is a good indicator of capacity. I have a true 42L backpack and it's quite a bit larger than the Kajka (with thinner material too).

When I hike, I don't even bother with a rain cover - water gets in anyway, and if the back gets filthy it doesn't bother me as much because I'd have a rain jacket on anyway. In exchange I get a harness that is far superior and cooler.

Side access is the only thing I miss, but even then not really that badly because I found better ways for my preference.

dazzerfong said:

c0nfund0 said:

Fjallraven Kajka 35 (34W x 60H x 20D cm) is actually wider than the Explore 35 (29.5W x 54H x 20D cm). Both are the same depth. Interesting the center of gravity is different.

Suppose it depends how you pack your bag for weight distribution & compress with straps. Kajka is less structured/ridge so it can compress more flat. Explore can compress with straps too but less due to more rigid structure and core unit. Could experiment not using the core unit with something else more flexible.

Thing with Shimoda is their capacity a bit deceiving & usually calculate less than actual model# imply. Explore-35 dimensions actually calculates to 31.8L vs Kajka-35 at 40.8L. Becomes even worse looking at Shimoda X70 HD (31W x 59H x 23D cm) which is 42.1L

I use PD capture clip too. Have it attached to the sternum strap with a PRO Pad. With heavy lenses having it centered was better than swaying on one shoulder strap.

Side access is nice when I have the bag hanging on the tripod to weigh down or quickly swing around the shoulder. The really nice part is when the ground is wet/muddy. Could lay it on it's back rain cover then access everything from the rear panel. Straps & waist belt won't get dirty. Sorely miss the accessibility when I use a regular hiking pack.

Click to expand...

Specs suggest so, but I can tell you it's not anything comparable. I dunno who's lying here, Fjallraven or Shimoda! Posted a comparison pic below - the Fjallraven wasn't even filled all the way to the top, let alone sandwich anything between the lid and the main body!

I can stuff the large DSLR cube insert into the Shimoda 35 very easily, but not so into the Kajka - it's simply not deep enough. It's almost as wide as the Shimoda but it's also much taller so it's less unwieldy. All I can say is even when full, I feel much less like a turtle.





In terms of size, the Kajka may seem tall but that's because of the lid (which can't store much). It's still taller than the Shimoda even without the lid though, so I think 35L is a good indicator of capacity. I have a true 42L backpack and it's quite a bit larger than the Kajka (with thinner material too).

Click to expand...

Specs of mfg are all over the place making comparison hard. Think Shimoda measurements are if they stuffed the pack empty in a box what is the smallest size. For the 35L it is 29.5W x 54H x 20D, but the bag is kinda "puffy". The side access doors has extra padding and expands for storage. The sleeve/pockets puff up too. It's dimension suggest 31.8L but you are able to stuff 35L worth by stretching. Maybe Fjallraven measurements are "what is the max size" if fully packed instead of empty compressed.

IMO both pack depth look similar. Don't think your comfort issue is the depth of the pack per se, prob something else but found something that works which is what matters. Maybe the DSLR core unit is so spacious your camera flops further back?

dazzerfong said:

When I hike, I don't even bother with a rain cover - water gets in anyway, and if the back gets filthy it doesn't bother me as much because I'd have a rain jacket on anyway. In exchange I get a harness that is far superior and cooler.

Side access is the only thing I miss, but even then not really that badly because I found better ways for my preference.

Click to expand...

Always a compromise between accessibility & comfort. If I go on multi day hike I'd prob bring a Osprey bag prioritizing comfort and suck up with losing access. What I've done in the past. If a single day trip Shimoda is a very good compromise or as good as I've seen it for something focused on accessibility. Maybe some day a big player in the hiking world would cater to photographers, but doubt it.

Btw, you said "If it was only taller and less wide, I think it'd have been perfect for me", there is an option for that. Get a Action X25 instead of the Explore 35. It is less wide, less deep but with a roll top expansion to be taller.

c0nfund0 said:

dazzerfong said:

c0nfund0 said:

Fjallraven Kajka 35 (34W x 60H x 20D cm) is actually wider than the Explore 35 (29.5W x 54H x 20D cm). Both are the same depth. Interesting the center of gravity is different.

Suppose it depends how you pack your bag for weight distribution & compress with straps. Kajka is less structured/ridge so it can compress more flat. Explore can compress with straps too but less due to more rigid structure and core unit. Could experiment not using the core unit with something else more flexible.

Thing with Shimoda is their capacity a bit deceiving & usually calculate less than actual model# imply. Explore-35 dimensions actually calculates to 31.8L vs Kajka-35 at 40.8L. Becomes even worse looking at Shimoda X70 HD (31W x 59H x 23D cm) which is 42.1L

I use PD capture clip too. Have it attached to the sternum strap with a PRO Pad. With heavy lenses having it centered was better than swaying on one shoulder strap.

Side access is nice when I have the bag hanging on the tripod to weigh down or quickly swing around the shoulder. The really nice part is when the ground is wet/muddy. Could lay it on it's back rain cover then access everything from the rear panel. Straps & waist belt won't get dirty. Sorely miss the accessibility when I use a regular hiking pack.

Click to expand...

Specs suggest so, but I can tell you it's not anything comparable. I dunno who's lying here, Fjallraven or Shimoda! Posted a comparison pic below - the Fjallraven wasn't even filled all the way to the top, let alone sandwich anything between the lid and the main body!

I can stuff the large DSLR cube insert into the Shimoda 35 very easily, but not so into the Kajka - it's simply not deep enough. It's almost as wide as the Shimoda but it's also much taller so it's less unwieldy. All I can say is even when full, I feel much less like a turtle.





In terms of size, the Kajka may seem tall but that's because of the lid (which can't store much). It's still taller than the Shimoda even without the lid though, so I think 35L is a good indicator of capacity. I have a true 42L backpack and it's quite a bit larger than the Kajka (with thinner material too).

Click to expand...

Specs of mfg are all over the place making comparison hard. Think Shimoda measurements are if they stuffed the pack empty in a box what is the smallest size. For the 35L it is 29.5W x 54H x 20D, but the bag is kinda "puffy". The side access doors has extra padding and expands for storage. The sleeve/pockets puff up too. It's dimension suggest 31.8L but you are able to stuff 35L worth by stretching. Maybe Fjallraven measurements are "what is the max size" if fully packed instead of empty compressed.

IMO both pack depth look similar. Don't think your comfort issue is the depth of the pack per se, prob something else but found something that works which is what matters. Maybe the DSLR core unit is so spacious your camera flops further back?

Waku Waku said:

When I hike, I don't even bother with a rain cover - water gets in anyway, and if the back gets filthy it doesn't bother me as much because I'd have a rain jacket on anyway. In exchange I get a harness that is far superior and cooler.

Side access is the only thing I miss, but even then not really that badly because I found better ways for my preference.

Click to expand...

Always a compromise between accessibility & comfort. If I go on multi day hike I'd prob bring a Osprey bag prioritizing comfort and suck up with losing access. What I've done in the past. If a single day trip Shimoda is a very good compromise or as good as I've seen it for something focused on accessibility. Maybe some day a big player in the hiking world would cater to photographers, but doubt it.

Btw, you said "If it was only taller and less wide, I think it'd have been perfect for me", there is an option for that. Get a Action X25 instead of the Explore 35. It is less wide, less deep but with a roll top expansion to be taller.

Click to expand...

Too short for what I want it to do. Part of the reason why I insist on a taller pack (in addition to perceived centre of gravity) is that I carry a long systematic tripod which is about 56cm tall without a head (I use a QD to assemble the head when I need it).

I think part of the reason is because the DSLR cube is very tall, so I might be able to address the issue by getting a mirrorless cube instead. However, I then won't be able to carry the 200-600 with a grip (which I can with the Kajka using the 200-600's pouch as protection).

That being said, if I get another urban-style backpack I most likely would get an Explore 25L, and just mooch the 35L to someone else. If I'm carrying a 600mm f/4 which I'm planning on getting, I'll be using the Kajka exclusively for it as the lens is simply too tall otherwise.

Think the closest to a hiking backpack that caters to photographers is the Cosyspeed Photohiker - unfortunately they're inbetween models so I can't nab one. Also they're based outta Germany with very limited shipping options to Australia without costing an arm and a leg, so I think I'll just have to settle.

Thank you very much! I haven't been on dpreview for a very long time due to work pressure and frankly due to low motivation (not very interested in doing much other than rest after work or on weekend). Maybe I am turning the corner. At any rate, I have been pretty happy with my REI women's Trail 25 L pack and an f-stop gear small or medium consumer camera height (no battery pack) insert. If needed I slip my 15" laptop in between the f-stop insert and the back of the pack. I can get it under the airplane seat, and no-one on puddle-jumper flights has yet asked to weigh it (just barely makes the 7 kilo limit).

c0nfund0 said:

Always a compromise between accessibility & comfort. If I go on multi day hike I'd prob bring a Osprey bag prioritizing comfort and suck up with losing access. What I've done in the past. If a single day trip Shimoda is a very good compromise or as good as I've seen it for something focused on accessibility. Maybe some day a big player in the hiking world would cater to photographers, but doubt it.

Btw, you said "If it was only taller and less wide, I think it'd have been perfect for me", there is an option for that. Get a Action X25 instead of the Explore 35. It is less wide, less deep but with a roll top expansion to be taller.

Click to expand...

Thought I'd do a quick check in to see how you are getting on with the backpack.

I rather daftly committed myself to a Deuter Jaypack 34+ recently which is huge (on me) and then figured out that its height was past the acceptable dimensions for airline travel. This was meant to be a replacement for my existing backpack and I travel in 2 weeks so I'm desperately determining whether I need to find an alternative.

I'm a slim male, 160 cm in height, 27 inch waist which has meant that finding a suitable backpack to carry a long lens for travel with an appropriate waist strap is neigh on impossible.

I was on the Mindshift Backlight 26l but it never really sorted itself out on long days because the waist strap was unfortunately never quite able to to work for me at full stretch. On the other hand, the Jaypack stretched at max with the waist strap appears to be alright although I've not tested it fully as I might just try and sell it off.

I guess I'm wondering whether the Shimoda Explore 25 women's would work and whether the shoulder straps would make much of a difference on a guy?

Alternatively, whether anyone had any other options to suggest. 25 - 30l is a must for me unfortunately because of the fact that I need it to fit at the very least, one long lens and multiple other lenses when I do actually travel overseas.

Also, I don't really have a local store that sells all the different backpacks available with waist straps. Not a particularly big market where I am so testing is not the easiest.

I am always on the look for new bags with petite fitting.

So far shimoda v2 25l women is the best fit.

25in waist & 32in hip fits barely snug so it will definitely fit your 27in waist fine

women strap works fine on men. some men actually prefer them.

one of the nice thing about Shimoda is the shoulder & hip straps are interchangeable for different bdoy size/shape.

If you are still around dear OP, I am glad you found one that fits you.

--
Ellis Vener
To see my work, please visit http://www.ellisvener.com
I am on Instagram @EllisVenerStudio
“It's not about the f-stop." -Jay Maisel
Don't be "a photographer.” Be photographing. (Paraphrasing William Faulkner's advice to writers.)