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Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2021-01-13T07:49:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great Value

Overall very pleased with build quality. I did not realize, however, that it did not come with the dividers inside, so that will have to be an additional purchase. But overall, very pleased.

LAUREN M.

2019-03-24T14:21:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great photo gear backpack!

I've been using this bag for several weeks and find that it is very well made and comfortable. With a medium internal unit I'm able to carry several camera bodies and appropriate lens. The absence of external pockets makes for a clean design. i like it.

MICHAEL R.

2018-04-28T08:50:34

Rated 5 out of 5

“Better camera backpack” 40L

I’ve been searching for “perfect” camera backpack hoping to find one best camera backpack for my need but I learnt there are no such thing perfect camera backpack, they all have pros/cons. during my search I came across Shimoda gear backpacks and after watching numerous YouTube videos about Shimoda backpacks, I then decided to order 40L because 60L looked too big for my needs. Purchased from Adorama ???? and Two days later it arrived, couldn’t wait to unbox it, after unboxing it my first reaction was that ‘its too small for me, lot smaller than it looked on pictures ( I’m 6’2” tall) and holding the bag looked smaller in my hands, I was about to repack it and send it back and order 60L. But before sending it back I’ve decided to try and pack my camera gear and my weekend outdoor trip stuff and see if it would hold. I was amazed by the capacity of this backpack I was able to pack all of my camera gear (mirrorless camera and 3 lenses etc including 10” iPad and clothes and few of my sons toys for weekend hiking trips And best of all that I was able to Fit my new 15’ MacBook Pro in rear compartment ????it’s slightly tight fit but manageable because rear compartment pocket made for 13” only. After seeing all that I’ve decided to keep it because it fits my need for weekend trips. It’s definitely great for hiking adventure/ camera backpack, Great quality backpack, zippers are tough, light weight. Height adjustable adjustment big plus. Cons: I wish it this bag came with free rain cover and wish they added small pocket at the bottom of bag for rain cover storage and some outside storage pockets and water bottle holder pocket at least on one side of it would have Made the “best outdoor/ hiking camera backpack” Overall I’m very satisfied with this backpack, made right decision to keep it and looking forward to start using on my weekend trips. Will buy 60L in future for long backpacking trips hopefully I will have budget by then :).

MANDEEP M.

2018-04-11T15:23:57

Rated 1 out of 5

Not for women

The material and build is excellent and I was really looking forward to using it. However even though it has adjustable straps, it really doesn’t fit a woman’s body. The straps are made to fit a man and are too wide for a woman’s body at both the shoulders and other places. I tried the straps at all sizes and nothing would fit. I could never get the sternum strap high enough, it was closer to a waist strap. The smaller I set the size on the straps the higher the frame went so the metal frame of the backpack hit about the middle of my head. I hope they will one day make one that will fit a woman.

KAREN M.

Shimoda Explore 40 Specifications

  • Holds

    Camera and Up to 13" Laptop

  • Material

    Internal 6061 T6 Aluminum frame

  • Closure type

    Zipper

  • Carrying option

    Size-adjustable shoulder strap
    Padded carry handles

  • Volume

    40 liter

  • Dimensions (WxHxD)

    Exterior: 11.4 x 22.4 x 10.2" (28.96 x 56.90 x 25.91cm)

  • Weight

    2.9 lbs (1.32kg)

  • UPC Code

    816779020619

About Shimoda Explore 40

FEATURED REVIEWS

“Better camera backpack” 40L

By MANDEEP M.

I’ve been searching for “perfect” camera backpack hoping to find one best camera backpack for my need but I learnt there are no such thing perfect camera backpack, they all have pros/cons. during my search I came across Shimoda gear backpacks and after watching numerous YouTube videos about Shimoda backpacks, I then decided to order 40L because 60L looked too big for my needs. Purchased from Adorama ???? and Two days later it arrived, couldn’t wait to unbox it, after unboxing it my first reac...

View full Review

Great photo gear backpack!

By MICHAEL R.

I've been using this bag for several weeks and find that it is very well made and comfortable. With a medium internal unit I'm able to carry several camera bodies and appropriate lens. The absence of external pockets makes for a clean design. i like it.

We created the Explore 40 for fast moving and agile adventure photographers who need to be in the action to document their story. It was designed to simplify their shooting experience while minimizing physical fatigue. Its intuitive design ensures essentials like food, water and a smartphone are always within reach. The Explore 40 was designed to set an all-new standard in adventure photography daypacks.

Fully customize your shooting experience
The Explore 40 backpack utilize modular Core Units and multiple sizes of Accessory Cases to let you fully customize your shooting experience, not only to your specific gear requirements, but to the terrain ahead of you. They can be combined to create over 10 different configurations to satisfy numerous gear carrying needs. Whether you're camped out waiting for an epic moment or touring up a crevasse-riddled glacier, our system allows you to choose the most efficient camera access for the situation, even on the fly.

The Shimoda Harness and Frame
Built for maximum comfort and energy conservation, the Explore 40 adventure camera backpack feature an adjustable harness with a bear hug-like fit to ensure the pack doesn't put pressure on the users' shoulders and that weight is comfortably distributed to the hips and front torso.

Shimoda packs have three key frame features
• The torso height is adjustable, providing a custom fit for every photographer
• They have an internal 6061 T6 Aluminum frame to comfortably distribute the load of heavy gear
• The unique shoulder strap design helps balance weight across your chest

These 3 features work together to minimize shoulder strap stress created from the heavy weight of your camera gear pulling the backpack downwards on your shoulders. The result is an exceptionally comfortable bag that conserves the energy of the user.

Thoughtful in every detail
Multiple Access Points. Steep, wet and exposed terrain creates challenges and limitations for photographers who need access to their cameras gear. In complex landscapes, putting a pack on the ground is not always an option. Shimoda backpacks offer rear and side access.

• Side opening is ideal for quick, under-the-arm access without completely removing the pack
• Rear opening allows wide, unencumbered access to the bulk of your gear during less time-sensitive shooting scenarios

Additionally, an included convertible, multi-use tripod pouch can be side mounted to the bag to support a tripod or chest mounted to the front harness to secure a camera. The rear panel of the pack has a door-style opening which acts as a protective shield against blowing sand, rain or snow. The interior of the rear panel houses a padded 13-inch laptop sleeve that sits against the users back, providing ideal weight distribution and fast access at airports. Rear panel access also keeps the harness out of the dirt.

Mobile Office and Snack Bar pockets
Each shoulder strap features a fast access sleeve for your commonly accessed items. The left strap includes a zippered mobile phone pocket that even has a cable routing port to connect a portable battery. The right strap has a stretch spandex sleeve that can securely accommodate snacks, water bottles, sunscreen and radios. Having key items within easy reach means never having to remove the pack for simple tasks like checking messages or refueling, which saves energy for when you really need it.

What's in the box:

  • Shimoda Designs Explore 40 Backpack
  • Accessory Straps
  • Multi-Use Pouch
  • 5-Year Warranty