Review Shimoda Explore 60 Backpack
In a never-ending quest to find the perfect backpack, I tested the Shimoda explore 60-liter backpack in Blue Nights' color. This review I will break down into multiple categories. Let us start with the Build quality.
Build quality 4.5/5 stars
Of course, it takes a lot of time to find out a bag will last. But we are looking at the used materials and finish of the pack. Are there irregular edges, or are there problems because of the fabrication. I can tell you this bag is made well after using many bags from different brands like Lowepro, Peak design, Mind-shift, etc. no irregular edges, and the materials used are excellent and feel good. The zippers are taped to protect the gear from terrible weather conditions. And the material used for the bag is ready for some bad weather (still I advise a rain cover). The buckles used on this bag are nice to use. Even with gloves, it's still nice to operate. Everything about this bag feels well made and durable. It is top-of-class build quality even compare to my rugged climbing bags it's holding up.
Shimoda Explore 60 The harness contains two pockets, one for the phone and one, for example, a small water bottle. Note that the bigger phones doens’t fit; also, the straps are fitted with some D rings to attach GPS or straps.
Design of the bag 4/5 stars
When you see the bag the first time, you will notice that it's discreet. There is only a tiny Shimoda logo on the front side of the bag, nothing more. This is, in my opinion, really nice and doesn't shout. I am a camera bag, and there is expensive gear inside. It is more like a modern hiking bag design. The color Blue Nights are very lovely to see. Together with the brown leather zip pullers, it is a beautiful bag to walk around with. in an urban area, it's not looking like an outdoor safari bag, and in nature, it is not looking like an urban bag. It's a nice mix of both worlds. The best feature of the design is, what I already said, the level of discreetness.
Shimoda Explore 60
Use of the bag 4/5 stars
I used this bag intensely for the last past few weeks, and also on this, the bag score very well. Let me explain what I take with me on a trip (or more days). I have outfitted the bag with the Shimoda core unit large. (You can fit three small units or one small and medium or one large) I carry my full setup micro four-thirds gear with me in this large unit and some in the top part of the bag. This holds two Olympus OMD em1 bodies, three pro lenses, the 300mm pro 40-150mm pro 12-40mm pro, and two small primes. Also, I have Audio recorders, a drone, and all the batteries needed for the gear.
I carry two tripods, a vlog style one, and a full-size carbon version. And of course all chargers and straps. And with this said, no doubt I forget a lot with this list to mention, but you get the point. Besides all of this, there is still room for food, jackets, gloves, etc. This bag had two extra straps that come with it, and this is very useful to attach tents or sleeping bags to the exterior of the bag. So for short and long trips, you can outfit the bag how you want and bring as much as you like or need (and yes, there is a difference between what you need and think you need). Also, a great feature of the bag is the collapsible bag at the side pocket. This bag folds in and out for extra storage or your tripod. Are there also negatives to be found with the use of the bag, I hear you ask? Yes, there is, but not much. This bag comes close to my idea of a perfect bag. The top part of the bag contains a pocket with a mesh sort of storage unit. This is a bit cumbersome to use when you have some items in this compartment. The mesh storage is underneath all of this, so not useable. I get why they make the opening on the top, so it's easier to see what's inside there, but the mesh part I don't get is just not nice to store items. Back to the positive features, the top part is a floating one, so the storage under this can be made bigger when needed, or you can use the floating top to strap sleeping mats or other things under. Also, when you use the medium and small inserts, you're configuration can be that you take your gear from the side of the bag or even from the top. Nice to have all these options. Everyone is different, so why do we need to use the same bag in the same way. At the front side, we have a big pocket with zippers all the way down. The zippers are placed a bit odd, When you want to open this section of the bag the zippers run under the buckle straps. This is a bad design and it makes opening this part of the bag a bit of a struggle. Also, this problem occurs on the side pockets the straps are placed on the zipper, and again it’s a bit of a struggle to open these parts. Ok, let us go back to the front side, in this part of the bag, you can outfit a hydration system with a tube to the front. Also, you can store more oversized items like jackets and maybe even a laptop. The last mention is perhaps not the safest way for your gear. There is a dedicated laptop sleeve, but according to Shimoda, this is a 13-inch version pocket. But I found out that a 15 inch MacBook will fit but very tight, so that's why I use the front pocket for the laptop with a neoprene laptop sleeve for some extra protection. So when I make a summary of the backpack, it's a great featured bag. Very customizable and practical. Also, the inserts are great. The dividers are nice and thin and foldable in different ways to make them exactly fit for your gear. When you take the insert out, you feel that the unit is protected with a frame. It comes with a kind of sleeve to ad another layer of protection against water or dust. Okay, now we talked a lot about this bag's features and practical things, but what about wearing it? This is, for me, the most outstanding part of this bag. It feels like nothing else. When I need to describe the feeling, it is like the bag hugs you all the time. The bag is so comfortable it's coming close to my big hiking bag, the Fjallraven Kajka. This is one of the most comfortable camera bags that I used.
Conclusion 4/5 stars
My final verdict about the Shimoda explore 60. When you are looking for a backpack that can carry a big gear setup and still have room for camping and other items, this is the bag you want. It's very customizable and practical in use. Also, the bag can be made for your specific height. The straps are adjustable, making this bag one of the most comfortable bags to carry your gear around. This is based on the use and testing of many other bags from different brands. Also available on their website are straps that are specifically designed for a woman's body. I think this is a great option to get the most comfortable bag for every gender. Also, they have some extra pouches and inserts to organize your gear. Thank you for reading my review, and please leave a comment. When you want to know something more in detail, feel free to send me a message.
