Traveling with camera gear doesn’t have to be a burden.

It’s almost a rite of passage to have a cemetery of camera bags in your closet as requirements and rigs change over time. Duffle bags are ideal for camera rigs since you don’t have to disassemble your cinema camera when storing it, but I realized that when traveling, it’s just so much better to have a backpack. The problem is most backpacks don’t have the space or functionality to contain a rig securely. This is what makes the Shimoda Explore v2 backpack so appealing.

Features

Medium core unit E35 (has variations), only available for 35L bags and larger. Comes with many walls that can be customized to your needs (29cm x 29cm x 18cm).

The Shimoda Explore v2 comes in several sizes and configurations. Think of the Explore v2 as a box integrated with a backpack. I bought the E35 model as this is the smallest size that supports the taller core unit, which is more relevant for taller camera rigs. 35L is also the limit to carry on airplanes, but i think it will not fit under economy class seats.

The compartments and walls are customizable and most importantly sturdy. Almost too sturdy. It takes forever to adjust the velcro, which is good once you’re finished because you really don’t want the walls holding your expensive equipment to be flapping around. The backpack is weather proof with many additional features suited for the outdoors, which is also illustrated by its North Face adventurous aesthetic. It could look out of place if you bring it to the studio of a high profile client.

There are handles, straps and pockets for days that can hold tripods, water bottles and anything else you wish to compartmentalize. I would say it’s a bit overkill for me, it’s pretty easy to get lost in all the different pockets and sub-pockets behind hidden zippers. The quality is quite nice overall for a pricey backpack. This is good because it’s pretty heavy and you want as much comfort as possible.

The straps are very nice and can be adjusted for different sized bodies. The padding is comfortable and has hooks and pockets for you phone as well. It’s probably only big enough for a normal sized iPhone. There’s also some straps on the bottom to attach as a belt if you would like to spread out the weight to your hip instead of your shoulders. This is much appreciated since the bag is very large and on certain bodies will look like you are camping for a week in the mountains. The 35L size really is quite abundant in space. If you’re traveling, you can probably bring all your camera gear, a few sets of clothes and a laptop, which can barely fit a 16” Macbook under the main flap.

Cons

This bag is cumbersome and heavy at 1.85kg and 53cm tall x 28.5cm wide x 19cm deep. But you can’t really expect it to be light while being secure or hold all your gear and while being small. It’s also quite expensive. But for those that travel with cameras, this backpack will make the experience enjoyable as opposed to a chore. You can finally bring everything you want while still having the option to enjoy the trip as well. And for me, that’s worth a lot. However, because the bag is stiff and retains it shape, it cannot collapse if you’re only carry minimum equipment. So it’s not ideal unless it’s packed to the brim.

Final thoughts

There are definitely other alternatives. You have duffle bag style backpacks or luggage style rolling backpacks like Tenba or the other Shimoda backs. This one is fine for me, anything bigger and I’d topple over. I would say anything it’s not the best value, I paid $300 which I think is overpriced. It’s been reliable so far so I will have to update this review and if it’s worth it once I’ve used it on more trips.

Everyone’s looking for specific things from a backpack to suit their exact camera rig, lenses and equipment. If you’ve traveled, you know how much of a burden it can be to lug everything around. This backpack is expensive, but it is special in that it’s a reasonable size that might barely be able to clear a camera rig with a top handle and monitor. You’ll just have to ask yourself how much is having a good experience filming your travels is worth it to you.