The Professional's Source Since 1973
  • Help
Ask Our Experts800.952.1815
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
Video Chat with a Photography Expert - Live

Shimoda Designs Explore 40 Backpack Starter Kit (Blue Nights)

BH #SHE40SKBN • MFR #520-003
Print
Shimoda Designs Explore 40 Backpack Starter Kit (Blue Nights)
Key Features
  • Two Small Core Units
  • 11.4 x 17.3 x 6.7" Main Compartment
  • Top, Side, and Rear Access to Gear
  • 13" Laptop Compartment
Bring your photo gear on a hike, day-trip, or sightseeing adventure and have extra room for personal items and food with this Explore 40 Backpack Starter Kit in blue nights from Shimoda Designs. This starter kit includes two small core unit inserts with padded touch-fastening dividers. Top, side, and rear access to the interior allows you to quickly and easily grab your gear without having to completely unpack the bag, so you can react quickly when opportunities present themselves. For comfort and stability, there's an aluminum frame and harness system to customize the fit to your physique plus padded backpack straps, a waist belt, and sternum straps.
More Details
No Longer Available
Ask an Expert
800.952.1815

Shimoda Designs Explore 40 Overview

Bring your photo gear on a hike, day-trip, or sightseeing adventure and have extra room for personal items and food with this Explore 40 Backpack Starter Kit in blue nights from Shimoda Designs. This starter kit includes two small core unit inserts with padded touch-fastening dividers. Top, side, and rear access to the interior allows you to quickly and easily grab your gear without having to completely unpack the bag, so you can react quickly when opportunities present themselves. For comfort and stability, there's an aluminum frame and harness system to customize the fit to your physique plus padded backpack straps, a waist belt, and sternum straps.

What It Holds
  • Designed for camera gear and other essentials like food, water, and your phone
  • Main compartment interior measures 11.4 x 17.3 x 6.7"
  • Side opening for quick, under-the-arm access without completely removing the pack, and rear opening for unobstructed access to the bulk of your gear
  • Laptop/tablet compartment measures 13"
  • Convertible multiuse removable pouch in the side panel pocket secures a tripod to the side of the pack, or it can be mounted to the shoulder harness using the accessory straps and act as a drop-in holster for a camera as large as a non-gripped DSLR body with a lens as long as 70-200mm 2.8
  • Front panel pocket for holding a lightweight jacket or other items
  • Additional gear may be secured to the front panel webbing attachment points
  • Each shoulder strap has a fast access pocket for commonly-used items
  • Hydration bladder sleeve and routing with a hanger loop designed to hold an optional hydration bladder up to 3L
Small Core Unit Inserts
  • Includes two inserts
  • Use inside the bag or by themselves as small dedicated camera bags
  • Use to store, transport, and protect DSLR or mirrorless cameras
  • Room for up to two smaller lenses or a 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom, and related accessories
  • EVA-padded walls for protection
  • Touch-fastening dividers for custom organization
  • Removable zippered skin covering for dust protection
How It's Made
  • Nylon material is coated with carbonate ether polyurethane on both sides for improved exterior water resistance and interior condensation resistance
  • Compression straps on the side minimize the profile for better weight distribution
  • Straps feature a glove-friendly YKK side-release buckle
  • Free standing padded base with ventilation holes for added protection
How You Carry & Wear It
  • Top grab handle
  • Adjustable backpack straps
  • Sternum strap keeps the shoulder straps in place for improved comfort
  • Waist belt stops the bag from shifting when moving over rough and rocky terrain and has a quick release buckle for convenience
  • Adjustable frame and harness are designed to fit short or tall men and women while relieving stress on the shoulders, neck, and back
  • Harness has four height options with approximately 4" of vertical adjustment
  • EVA compression molding in shoulder straps, belt, and rear panel for cushioning and cooling comfort
  • Weighs under 3 pounds empty

Shimoda Designs Explore 40 Specs

Key Specs
Color
Blue
Interior Type
Adjustable Dividers (Hook & Loop)
Laptop/Tablet Compatibility
Single Compartment: Fits 13" Laptop
•Up to 14.2 x 9.8 x 0.4" / 36 x 25 x 1 cm
Dimensions
Exterior
22.44 x 11.42 x 10.24" / 57 x 29.01 x 26.01 cm
Interior
17.32 x 11.42 x 6.69" / 43.99 x 29.01 x 16.99 cm
Interior Type
Adjustable Dividers (Hook & Loop)
Laptop/Tablet Compatibility
Single Compartment: Fits 13" Laptop
•Up to 14.2 x 9.8 x 0.4" / 36 x 25 x 1 cm
Stand/Tripod Holder
Yes
General
Materials
Exterior: Nylon
Interior: EVA, Nylon
Dimensions
Exterior
22.44 x 11.42 x 10.24" / 57 x 29.01 x 26.01 cm
Interior
17.32 x 11.42 x 6.69" / 43.99 x 29.01 x 16.99 cm
Packaging Info
Package Weight
6.9 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
36 x 12.25 x 6.5"

Shimoda Designs Explore 40 Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

Is there a way to carry a water bottle and tripod ...

Is there a way to carry a water bottle and tripod on the sides? Does this have a pocket on each side ?
Asked by: Nancy
The Shimoda Designs Explore 40 Backpack Starter Kit (Blue Nights) has a removable pouch in the side panel pocket which would allow you to secure a tripod to the side of the pack. The front of the shoulder strap has a pouch into which you may insert a water bottle or other similarly-sized item.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2022-02-21

Does the pack come with any inserts or are they ...

Does the pack come with any inserts or are they sold separately?
Asked by: Eric
The inserts are sold separately, if you plan to need them it is cheaper to buy the starter pack.
Answered by: Zachariah
Date published: 2021-05-24

Can Peak Design Capture Clip Pro fit on the ...

Can Peak Design Capture Clip Pro fit on the shoulder strap?
Asked by: ALAN
Peak Design Capture Clip can be attached but with additional and optional strap of required width. There is a video/picture, you need to wrap the optional strap around the Shimoda backpack strap and fix the Capture Clip to the optional strap.
Answered by: Mikhail
Date published: 2021-05-24

What is the main difference between the Explore ...

What is the main difference between the Explore and X series backpacks?
Asked by: Frank
It would depend on which X series model you are comparing but the 2 main differences would be the sizes and the X series has a hydration bladder compartment.
Answered by: Dan
Date published: 2021-02-17

Can I add both a Medium and small ICU in this ...

Can I add both a Medium and small ICU in this bag?
Asked by: Michael
I ordered both the large, medium and small ICU. It is possible to use the medium and small together but I found the large was the best fit for me. Either way, this is an awesome bag as I have traveled with it many places. It has held up extremely well.
Answered by: Brent
Date published: 2020-11-02

Will this fit Sony 200-600mm lens?

Will this fit Sony 200-600mm lens?
Asked by: Katherina
The bag is large enough for the 200-600mm, however it does not come with any protection. You will have to buy the appropriate ICU for the Explore 40. To fit the 200-600 lens with a camera body comfortably, I'd recommend the large ICU https://bhpho.to/2KoQffv.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2020-12-13

Is this airline carry-on size?

Is this airline carry-on size?
Asked by: Zachary
I have had no problems using this bag as a carry on.
Answered by: Paul
Date published: 2021-06-18

what sort of gear can fit on small ICU? I have ...

what sort of gear can fit on small ICU? I have mark 5d IV 70-200 f2.8 16-35 f4 24-105f4 and 35mm prime? Two small ICU would be sufficient for my gear or i should one medium and one small? please advise thanks
Asked by: JATIN
One Shimoda Designs Core Unit Insert (Medium, Parisian Nights), B&H #SHCUMPN, would be able to hold the equipment you list above. However, if you are looking to purchase more than one core unit, then two (2) Shimoda Designs Core Unit Insert (Small, Parisian Nights), B&H # SHCUSPN, which would offer a snug, but compatible fit for your listed camera gear.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2020-12-13
  • y_2023, m_12, d_14, h_9CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.37
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_15
  • loc_en_US, sid_1394902, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo