Shimoda Action X-30 Review

Some photographers are exceptionally fussy about camera bags, others don’t see it as a big deal. I’m fussy. I always have been and probably always will be.

My way of working suits a backpack style and like many I’ve been through various options. I’d been settled for some years though never entirely satisfied. That has now changed. I’m the very happy owner of two Shimoda Action X bags and all my other backpacks have been sold on Ebay.

First a little history, my previous bags were F-stop and designed by the inestimable Ian Miller. They were the very best available at the time. Ian eventually parted company with F-stop and set up his own operation, Shimoda. They began with the Explore range and this year the Action X have arrived on sale. I missed out on their kickstarter offering or I would have had one months ago.

I started with the Action X-30, the subject of this review.

A quick look at the Shimoda website will give you an overview of the range and the concept. www.shimodadesigns.com

The critical elements are a well designed and beautifully made rucksack and an internal padded camera compartment (Core Unit) available in a range of sizes. Only when one moves beyond these basics does the Shimoda really show its strengths.

There's a hierarchy of factors that enable judgements to be made on photo backpacks. At the base is construction, there's no value in a pack that falls apart and these are unrivalled in my opinion. Next up is comfort and again the Shimoda beats every other photo backpack I've ever tried. The fabrics are very robust indeed, it would be hard to imagine causing any damage through normal usage. The next layer up is how configurable the pack is, how well it can be tailored to its owner. Again a stellar performance. The pack is adjustable to fit a range of back lengths and the waist belt is removable for times when it may be an inconvenience.

Even better is that the entire shoulder strap assembly can be switched. A Plus strap option is available for heavier loads ( and bigger phones) but more importantly can be exchanged at no cost (at time of purchase) for women's specific straps. It's so nice to see a manufacturer realise that women exist and may have different requirements.

The Plus strap changes easily to replace the originals and adds a substantial increase in padding. I have added the Plus straps partly for the comfort but also to give a little more room for a phone. The adjustable holder on the opposite strap holds a water bottle, GPS or even a large hard sunglasses case.

Right hand strap pocket and optional hip belt mounted pouch.

Next the amount of non camera storage space can be adjusted by the use of the drybag style roll top which adds another 7 litres if required. Finally the internal compartments can be swapped to carry bigger or smaller selections of camera kit.

The uppermost level is that of user joy and design elegance. Here again the X-30 delights the user with the roll top, strap mounted pockets, unique tripod holders, sealed top compartment and thoughtful attachment points. The roll top also reduces the opportunities for rain to enter the bag.

In use, I loved this bag from the first day out. The fit is exceptional and the level of comfort exceeds any other photo backpack I've ever tried (there have been many…). In addition to comfort the bag has unrivalled stability, it sticks like velcro and moves as you do. It feels like the very best Alpine climbing sacks.

The fabric is really robust and keeps water out very well. The bag doesn't claim to be waterproof so further inner bags are required in the very worst conditions.

In addition to the main rear opening panel, the Action x-30/50 series also offers a side opening for quick access. My way of working doesn't require this but it will suit others much better.

Small details such as the expanding strap mounted bottle holder, gear loops and the small elasticated holders for used wrappers etc all show the level of detail in the design.

Fold out tripod holder can be hidden inside pocket if not used.

If you use side compression straps to secure your tripod, you'll probably have encountered examples which slip. The lower strap on each side is constructed from TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) with a non-slip surface which removes these problems entirely. The flip out holder for the tripod also works a treat. If required / preferred a tripod can be mounted centrally.

There are very few aspects where this bag isn't perfect for me. Note the qualification 'for me'. You can't make a bag that's perfect for every user, our needs and tastes are too diverse.

One of the small but important advantages was the presence of a phone pouch in the left shoulder strap. On my Motorola 6.3" , in a thin rubber case the pouch isa little tight. If you have a larger phone, this may not work for you.

I love the roll top but do miss a conventional lid pocket for those quick grabs - hat, gloves etc. I'm adjusting to using the large front mounted pocket and keeping the items in sequence according to frequency of use. There is a quick access zipper to reach the top compartment but if you have the top full, this actually gives access to the bottom of the storage area (if using the extra capacity available with the roll top) so again some organisational changes need to be made. Make no mistake here, I’m not criticising the use of the roll top, I chose it and am happy with the choice. Some slight alterations to normal practice do have to be made for some people and they are well worth it. There is a potential aspect of which to be aware. When the bag is standing upright on the ground (which incidentally it does better than any other) there is a great temptation to pick it up by the roll closure. I don’t know whether this is likely to cause damage over time but it is probably not part of the intended design.

The top compartment has a drop liner which in my opinion is a big improvement. It both separates wet items from the cameras below and (more importantly in my case) also prevents small items dropping down and ending up below or behind the internal camera storage. I also celebrate that the fabric of the liner is of light colour making it much easier to find small items.

With the X-30, only the Medium Mirrorless v2 is designated as an ideal fit. ( though I’ve managed to use other compartments happily). The larger bags make other Core Units available. This suits my setup just fine and in the image I’ve actually got an extra lens packed over my more usual kit. If more lenses are required they can either be carried in lens cases in the top section or using an additional small Core Unit resting across the top of the medium. This gives a wide range of customisation. I’ve also added the X70 pack based on my experience with this 30. I don’t use larger packs to transport more camera gear however. The additional storage spec is used on the winter fells as greater quantities of clothing and survival equipment are carried. The X70 would also be suitable for carrying photo and camping equipment providing sensible tent/sleeping bag/ mat options are chosen. The side folding back panel will take a 15” laptop in the sleeve though I’ve never once in my life wished to make use of such a facility. Others who work in different ways will no doubt find it useful.

Shimoda X 30 & Medium Mirrorless Core Unit with Z7/24-70 f4, 50/1.8S, Zeiss 100mm f2, Nikon 70-300mm AF-P with FTZ. Batteries and cards.

I suspect I’m not the original Shimoda target user in terms of the original design. Their information refers more to adventure photographers working in fast and aggressive style who need rapid access to equipment. However, despite this, the bags are as close to perfect for me as I can judge. I can’t express that better than through the fact that having tried the X30 for some weeks, I immediately ordered an X70.

If you want to puchase one of these bags I’d like to give a very loud shout out to Dale Photographic and especially Aran who provide absolutely faultless service. There arent too many dealers in the UK stocking these bags and Dale cannot be faulted in any way. Easy order, fast dispatch and great communication. A find example of ‘doing things properly’.

Finally I should mention that I bought this bag (and an X70 plus accessories) at full price and have no financial arrangement with either Dale or Shimoda.

Why not head over to the Shimoda website and have a look?

For a 10% discount across all Shimoda products, use the code

For a 10% discount across all Shimoda products, use the code

MIKEPRINCE10

when you order from them.