Shimoda X30 - first impression

Having waited patiently to get myself a backpack that suits both daytrips with "normal sized" photogear with room for clothing, coffee and food, and as well works for weekly commuting, I have now settled with Shimodas new X30. I was not part of the Kickstarter, but the backpack is now available in Norway.

Im using a quite stealthy camera, the Nikon Z6 with 24-70/4; 50/1.8; 14-30/4. Additionally I pack some accessories and batteries. My Z's lenses fit perfectly standing, but a tele would need to lay down. See picture.

With room to spare. There are still space in the backpack to add a small camera insert. Dont have it, but will probably buy one if I feel the need for more camera gear.

My first impression is, wow. It really is a great product.

My thoughts and impression are as follows...

-It is stealthy, there is no way to read expensive photogear. It looks quite similar to other normal small backpacks. It doesnt shout photogear.

-Rolltop with additional 7 litres of storages space. Fantastic. I used this on a previous Arctryx backpack and it is very easy to use and those 7 litres come in handy when more clothing is necessary. Additionally Shimoda added the zip lock to the neck of the rolltop. Very easy and quick way to get into the pack without unrolling the top. That feature is brilliant.

-loops on all the right places. Say no more.

-laptop sleeve works fine with my 15" laptop from work. And I can also squeeze my sleeved iPad Pro 10.5" on top in the sleeve. Its tight, but works.

-Its not bigger than it also works for daily commuting to work. Have it on the bus, works like a charm as it doesnt protrude as much as many other photo backpacks. Its really thin, but I think the perfect size.

-expandable inner sack. Great to e.g. separate food and clothes. When the photo insert is in use you still got plenty of volume in that sack to add food, coffe, clothing, even without using the rolltop. But by additionally expanding the rolltop you will have enough space for all your needs and more. Well I cannot see any more volume is needed for a day hike. It might even work for a spartanic overnighter. See pictures.

Inner sack not expanded.

Here it is expanded.

-Not planned for, but an absolute bonus is the easy way to attach a Peak Design Leash strap onto the backpack over the shoulder straps to relief my neck being weight down by my camera. See picture.

Peak Design Leash strap works perfectly well with this backpack. Using existing loops on the X30 shoulderstraps it is very easy to route the Leash strap with no cutting or adjustments and make it work as a great way to carry camera or other gear on your chest. Easily available when you need it. I really like that.

-the X30 really is very comfortable. I have used it on a day hike, and I hardly felt I had it on. As it is not very deep, it is easy to go in the woods, between branches and over and under fallen trees, etc., without the backpack unnecessarily scratching into everything.

-I have not used it extensively yet, but the pack seem to be of outstanding quality. No less than any other backpack I have ever used. On the contrary, probably much better, maybe only bested by my old Arcteryx M40.

For longer hikes into the backcountry I would get the X70, but dayhikes and commuting is where X30 shines.

I highly recommend the Shimoda X30.

Labmom60 wrote:

Thank you for the review. Is that the mirrorless insert? I shoot a d750, 16-35, 24-70, 85, 50 and 70-200. I like the size of the x30, and think the x50 would be too big. Have you traveled with this bag?

Hi. Yes this is the mirrorless insert.

I have used the X30 on a day trip so far. Other than that I have commuted with it for work. I absolutely love it.

I plan on getting a tele zoom (70-200 or 100-400), and a macro, and see no issues using that with this bag. As it also allows a small insert on top of the mirrorless insert it will be no problems bringing the gear, but of course it reduces the volume for other items. It will for sure be great for a day trip, but maybe not so much for an overnighter if you use a small insert in there as well.

It is a very thoughtful made backpack.

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!

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.

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

PillowFightr wrote:

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

I added some pics for you to get a better understanding of the internal sizing for laptop/clothes.

One 13” Macbook Pro 2019 in the front compartment. Looking closely you can see there is a small divider/pocket that will keep the laptop quite stable, and the same divider can be used to separate two laptops, about 2/3rd of their length. If you dont need the divider, its fine too, as it is just a thin layer of fabric that gets out of the way.

Two of them stacked. A third could probably fit, but it would be tight

One before it is fully seated. Ruler for measure.

Ruler for measure. About 40cm useful length in the front compartment. Is about 3.5-4cm useful depth when it is about equally stretched over the width, When carrying bulky clothes it will probably give to 8-10 cm at the max (not equally stretched out, its not a stretchy material). This is where I store my shell clothing or some thinner layer for cold weather. It also have a divider and some zippered pockets for small items.

Top compartment. Not utilizing the rolltop. Note this is with the Mirrorless core unit inside.

Top compartment

Rolltop opened up. Its huge, but it will be somehow tighter on the top and not so deep when you roll it slightly. Still plenty of very useful space for additional clothes. The rolltop is a super feature. And its turns into a handle when you dont need it.

Rolltop opened

Showing the very useful zippered pockets for smaller items in the top compartment through the rolltop. Can be used ofcourse with the rolltop closed aswell.

Hope this gives you a good idea if it is large enough for your use.

Note also the light colored interiour and the see through zippered pockets. That is the kind of attention to details that makes this backpack so great. The features on this pack is really well thought out.

Norwegian wood wrote:

PillowFightr wrote:

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

I added some pics for you to get a better understanding of the internal sizing for laptop/clothes.

One 13” Macbook Pro 2019 in the front compartment. Looking closely you can see there is a small divider/pocket that will keep the laptop quite stable, and the same divider can be used to separate two laptops, about 2/3rd of their length. If you dont need the divider, its fine too, as it is just a thin layer of fabric that gets out of the way.

Two of them stacked. A third could probably fit, but it would be tight

One before it is fully seated. Ruler for measure.

Ruler for measure. About 40cm useful length in the front compartment. Is about 3.5-4cm useful depth when it is about equally stretched over the width, When carrying bulky clothes it will probably give to 8-10 cm at the max (not equally stretched out, its not a stretchy material). This is where I store my shell clothing or some thinner layer for cold weather. It also have a divider and some zippered pockets for small items.

Top compartment. Not utilizing the rolltop. Note this is with the Mirrorless core unit inside.

Top compartment

Rolltop opened up. Its huge, but it will be somehow tighter on the top and not so deep when you roll it slightly. Still plenty of very useful space for additional clothes. The rolltop is a super feature. And its turns into a handle when you dont need it.

Rolltop opened

Showing the very useful zippered pockets for smaller items in the top compartment through the rolltop. Can be used ofcourse with the rolltop closed aswell.

Hope this gives you a good idea if it is large enough for your use.

Note also the light colored interiour and the see through zippered pockets. That is the kind of attention to details that makes this backpack so great. The features on this pack is really well thought out.

Thats amazing! Thank you for the pictures! Much appreciated! Thats a ton of space to fit just about anything for a daily use and more than enough for traveling or hiking etc! This bag is absolutely perfect and i agree the attention to detail is amazing! I cant wait until B&H gets it in stock

RomainM wrote:

hollo thx a lot for your information, i would Like to know if an iPhone 12 pro max can fit in the front pocket for smartphone please 🙏

Hi there,

I own the iPhone X, and cannot fully verify your question.  There are two front pockets, one on each shoulder strap. The one to the left fits my iPhone X nicely with some room to spare. According  to specs on apple homepage I believe the left pocket will be on the extreme borderline. Cannot verify. That said, the right pocket is expandable and should fit the 12 pro max fine.

Br

Bergenfoto wrote:

Hey!

Great to see a Norwegian with this backpack.

I been looking at the Shimoda all since the start and always been unsure what I should choose. I been between the x30 - x50.

Currently i`m using a Incase dslr backpack that was great for my old gear. But with Nikon D850, Sigma 12 - 24 - Tamron 24 - 70 G2 and a Sigma 70 - 200. I don`t feel safe transporting the gear in the backpack. A specially with a macbook in the front pocket that a squezzing all the gear at my back. Pretty scared to damage the gear when transporting it now.

I`m usually going hiking with my gear and you know as a Norwegian yourself how our mountains are in winter time or in summer. It seems like a great backpack to have both helmet, snowshoes or other hiking gear hanging on the outside.

I heard some from somebody else that water gets into the bag if its really raining hard?

Would love to get some help with the choice and how you feel the backpack have been for you after some months of usage!

Hi,

sorry not being able to answer you earlier. I will be honest to you. I have not used the pack the last 2-3 months, and I will tell you why.

The pack is great, don't get me wrong. It is the absolute best PHOTO pack I have ever used, and I find the X30 to be perfect for carrying my gear, which mostly is Nikon Z6 with two lenses 14-30 and 70-200 + 2x tele converter. The pack suits me fine on day trips, it has ample space to carry some extra clothing and a 1 l thermos with coffee, and some more stuff.

The reason I don't use it anymore, or very seldom, is because I like to do hiking in the mountains. Some 1 or 2 nights with tent or wind shelter or just a sleeping bag. The X30 and X50 will not manage that in a great way. Also a specific photo pack has a lot of "dead space" all that unused volume just to have lenses and stuff. It doesn't make much sense to me unless, you don't need to bring anything else than camera gear.

So I set out to find something that would suit me for both 1 day trips and maybe 3-5 days in the wilderness. And I believe I have found that backpack!

I bought myself a Finish pack called Savotta Jääkeri L . This pack is great for both day hikes and multi-day treks. It is not a specific photo pack, but I come to realise that I don't want a specific photo pack, but a good sturdy backpack that will do what I need it to do. Of course it is slightly larger than X30 for day hikes, but it is still small and light enough to actually do the 1 day trips as well as multi days. It has both roll-top and floating hood, this makes it easy to adopt the pack to anything between about 40-65 litres. And it uses the military style Molle strapping which lets you suit the pack with any small side pouch you like. The world is full of great pouches to be added to this pack. The Jääkeri L is not heavy at all in its basic configuration. Its about the same weight as my X30 with the inserts. Some side pouches will add some few 100 grams, but its nothing considering it can handle about anything you throw at it. It carried about 31 kg on my last 3 day trip.

I have a few lenses, but mostly only brings 14-30 and 70-200 to the mountains. I pack these in dedicated LensCoat neoprene bags and put them either in the side pouches or in the main compartment. It works great, its as easy as a photo pack to get to the lenses and it is on my own terms how I like to pack the bag.

I can tell you more of it if you like, but have a look at the Savotta pack if you like to bring something more than your photo gear and food.

Each has his/hers needs, but the Savotta Jääkeri L with a couple of side pouches suits my style and let me carry small for 1 day hike and big for multi day hikes. Note that the Savotta brand is a real gem. Its a brand that beats most other packs and is often compared to Mystery Ranch, which I also looked into, but found the Jääkeri to be better suited for my use. I know it look a little military, and that might not be everyones taste, but it comes in both green and black. The black looking a little more civilised perhaps, I got the green one and like it a LOT!

If you still are getting the Shimoda bag I would go for X50 instead of X30 with your gear. X50 is deeper, and I believe you will be better off with that using a D850.

BTW...feel free to message me if you want to talk more on these packs.

Happy shooting!

Bergenfoto wrote:

Hey!

I think we are both bad at replying so no worries!

Probably so

Thanks for hearing your perspective. I think I will go for the X50 when it's back in stock. For longer hikes like you wrote I will probably just take the Cube out and take it in my osprey backpack

I have my lenses in various Lenscoat neoprene pouches and stuff them in easy reachable places in my backpack so it doesnt take to much space. That also works great. It is no slower to use than a photopack and have same kind of protection.

If you live close to Oslo I would love to take a look at the X30 of yours? If that's possible ofcourse.

I live on the other side of the border (Sweden) since the last 30 years, so that is not possible with the current situation. Anyway, just give me a note and I will try to answer any questions.

Have a nice day!

Thanks and same to you!

PIOT wrote:

I wanted get Shimoda Designs Explore 40 Backpack but this Shimoda packs have really ugly straps. Way too many pockets. It looks like army technical pack.
Thanks for a review

FYI Shimoda has teased that they will be releasing version 2 of their Explore series in their social media. Might want to hold on to your wallets for now.