Shimoda X30 - first impression

Norwegian wood wrote:

PillowFightr wrote:

Thank you for the outstanding review!

I am wanting to get the Action X30 or the Action X50, not sure how to decide between them because no reviewer has compared them side by side yet

I need a backpack to take to work with me everyday (i carry 2 laptops in the data center where i work) and on the weekends i go hiking so i will need it to be able to take my upcoming Canon R5 with 1 or 2 lenses max plus 3 liter of water and food and first aid kit and stuff like that..

I was hoping the Action X30 would be enough for all that, but the Action X50 might be better!

Hi there.

Not sure which size laptops you bring to work, but you would easily get a 13" or probably a 15" Macbook in the "door sleeve". Adding to that it is even more space in the front where you probably could add at least one more laptop, if not two.

No issues bringing the camera gear with you as well at the same time. And some clothing, food and water. I usually bring my quite large 1 litre Stanley vacuum bottle and food in the top compartment with no issues. Still space for some clothing and small gadgets. And... the stretch pockets on each side will give plenty additional space for water bottles/tripod.

I have not used the X50, but I would choose the X30 again, as it is roomy enough, and I dont want unnecessary bulk.

My own take on X30 vs X50 with your gear would be X30 as I find it just the right size. Not too bulky, but good space, even with both camera gear and laptops at the same time. If you do not bring your camera gear to work, that would free up a massive space for extra clothes, shoes, food and water. X50 is of course larger, but I doubt you would need that extra space, unless the clothing you bring during weekends are very bulky.

Hope you find the right size for your needs.

Edit...just some additional thoughts...

1. If you carry your camera readied outside the pack and only keep 1 or 2 lenses in the pack you could use the small core unit instead of the medium mirrorless core unit. That will give more space for clothes/food.

2. I recently bought myself the Primus Firestick Stove with propane canister and a small 0.9 litre kettle, fits easily. Good choice if weekender "dryfood" is on the menu.

3. If you want to add a large battery grip to the camera or if the lenses tend to be on the long side I would probably consider X50 as an option, as the mirrorless core unit is not super deep. That said, I use the Z6 with a Smallrig grip with no issues in the mirrorless core unit.

Yeah i carry 2 laptops, both 15" but it sounds that they will fit fine in the X30!

And my camera will be the Canon R5 with the grip and a total of 2 lenses, which again sounds like the X30 is perfect for!

Thanks for the clarification. Much appreciated