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Shimoda Designs Explore v2 25 Backpack Photo Starter Kit (Black)

BH #SHV225SKB • MFR #520-152
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Shimoda Designs Explore v2 25 Backpack Photo Starter Kit (Black)
Key Features
  • All-in-One Adventure & Photo Pack
  • Includes Small Mirrorless Core Unit
  • Holds a Mirrorless Camera and Lens
  • Multiple Access Points for Versatility
The black Explore v2 25 Backpack Photo Starter Kit from Shimoda Designs is the smallest model in their flagship line of camera backpacks, and this kit includes their small Core Unit that is designed to hold cameras like the Fuji X-T4 and Sony a7 series but can accommodate a Canon 5D or similar-sized camera.
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Shimoda Designs Explore V2 25 Overview

From Manufacturer

The black Explore v2 25 Backpack Photo Starter Kit from Shimoda Designs is the smallest model in their flagship line of camera backpacks, and this kit includes their small Core Unit that is designed to hold cameras like the Fuji X-T4 and Sony a7 series but can accommodate a Canon 5D or similar-sized camera.

This versatile, multiuse bag can accommodate the combined requirements of the on-the-go photographer, multimedia creator, hiker, or adventure world traveler. Beyond the functionality features of the bag, Shimoda redesigned the harness system to be highly customizable for any user—and included the ability to change the backpack straps with optional ones for an even more customized and comfortable fit.

What It Holds
  • Updated design for the unique needs of travel or landscape photographers, sized to fit under the seat of most airline seats (but check before packing for your flight)
  • Versatile, multiuse backpack can accommodate the combined interests of the on-the-go photographer, multimedia creator, hiker, or adventure traveler
  • Dual-access document pocket provides interior and exterior access to the pocket for when you need maps, notebooks, etc
  • Hidden and secure interior pocket is ideal for passports and other important documents
  • Pockets on both exterior sides of the pack can be used to hold a water bottle, tripod, or other outdoor equipment
  • Each shoulder strap has a fast access pocket for commonly used items and the left side has an expandable sleeve that securely accommodates snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, and two-way radios while the right side features a zippered phone pocket
  • Padded sleeve in the rear pocket holds a 13" laptop
  • Multiple webbing strips to attach lavalier mics or products like the RODE Wireless Go
  • Secure numerous tripods, skis, ice axes, or a snowboard using the 12 exterior attachment points
  • Large front panel pocket is ideal for oversized items like a jacket, laptop in a padded case, or avalanche safety equipment
  • Two quick-access sleeves hold square and round filters up to 100mm
  • Hydration bladder sleeve is 3L and located in the front panel. It has a hanger loop and dedicated routing to run the hose through the exterior rear panel and onto the shoulder straps
  • Optional Shimoda Designs Core Units can be installed within the pack and reconfigured to fit your needs - whether you need to camera, video, audio, or digital media equipment
Small Core Unit
  • Use inside larger packs and luggage to hold and protect your photo gear while offering fast access with compatible bags
  • The Core Unit's shorter depth allows for more efficient packing scenarios and leads to a lower profile in your backpack
  • Orientate it vertically to integrate with the side access of the Explore v2 25 backpack
  • Interior measures 10.6 x 8.7 x 4.7" and holds a mirrorless or non-gripped DSLR camera up to 4.7" (12cm) tall with lenses as long as a 70-200mm f/2.8
  • Holds cameras like the Fuji X-T4 and Sony a7 series but can accommodate a Canon 5D or similar
  • EVA foam-laminated dividers protect equipment and prevents it from knocking together
  • Interior is a bright-yet-subtle blue color, which makes locating items inside the unit quick and easy
How It's Made
  • Side opening is ideal for quick, under-the-arm access without completely removing the pack, and the anti-theft rear opening allows wide, unobstructed access to the bulk of your gear for less time-sensitive shooting situations
  • Lightweight and wear-resistant ripstop nylon shell is treated with a highly water- and wear-resistant Carbonate Ether polyurethane coating
  • Lockable water-resistant splashguard YKK zippers increase security and protection for your valuable gear
  • Free-standing padded base features a lightly padded panel for protection when placing the pack down and allows the pack to stand on its own
  • Base panel features two ventilation holes to limit any potential condensation buildup inside the base area
  • Lightweight rain cover provides an extra layer of protection in wet conditions and stows in its own pouch for easy storage
How you Carry & Wear It
  • Convenient side handle allows you to carry it like a conventional bag for easier handling at checkpoints and on planes or can be used as a luggage handle trolley strap
  • Handles on the top and base make picking the pack up easier and safer
  • Can be carried using the built-in handle along its top or by its padded shoulder straps which can be adjusted upward or downward for a better fit
  • Removable EVA foam padded waist belt transfers weight to the hips for additional comfort with mesh sleeve to quickly stash trash and a gear loop for carabineers, ice axes, and even small tripods
  • Adjustable sternum strap limits unintentional shifting around the wearer
Improved Aired-Out Harness System
  • The "Aired-Out" system allows air to flow through the perforated mesh and EVA foam cushioning makes the harness feel comfortable and cool on your torso
  • Weight-distributing shoulder strap shape and fit help support the load—instead of the weight pulling backwards, like most common camera backpack harnesses, the straps distribute weight across the chest area
  • Fully customizable for the perfect fit, no matter your size
  • Swappable shoulder straps allow you to install optional Shimoda straps for a better and more comfortable fit
  • Three torso height options with approximately 3" (7.5 cm) of vertical adjustment allows the same backpack to fit short or tall torso lengths, ensuring a custom fit for everyone
UPC: 816779022996

Shimoda Designs Explore V2 25 Specs

Key Specs
Color
Black
Carry/Transport Options
Backpack Straps with Sternum Strap, Handle, Trolley Sleeve, Waist Belt
Type of Closure
Zipper
Laptop/Tablet Compatibility
Single Compartment: Fits 13" Laptop
•Up to 12.6 x 8.9 x 0.8" / 32 x 22.5 x 2 cm
Water Resistance
Rain Cover Included
Dimensions
18.3 x 18.3 x 6.7" / 46.5 x 27 x 17 cm
Weight
4.5 lb / 2060 g
Color
Black
Camera Compatibility
Universal
Carry/Transport Options
Backpack Straps with Sternum Strap, Handle, Trolley Sleeve, Waist Belt
Type of Closure
Zipper
Laptop/Tablet Compatibility
Single Compartment: Fits 13" Laptop
•Up to 12.6 x 8.9 x 0.8" / 32 x 22.5 x 2 cm
Features
Bottle Pocket
Yes
Hydration Bladder Compatible
No
RFID-Blocking Pockets
No
Stand/Tripod Holder
Yes
Side Access
Yes
General
Water Resistance
Rain Cover Included
Padded Interior
No
Materials
Exterior: Nylon
Dimensions
Exterior
18.3 x 18.3 x 6.7" / 46.5 x 27 x 17 cm
Interior
17.9 x 17.9 x 6.3" / 45.5 x 26 x 16 cm
Weight
4.5 lb / 2060 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
6.3 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
20.5 x 12.5 x 10.4"

Shimoda Designs Explore V2 25 Reviews

Perfect for the photo trip of a lifetime

By Morris
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-02-03

I just purchased the Shimoda Designs Explore v2 25 backpack after a less than optimal experience with another product. That product allowed me to determine its shortcomings. The Shimoda solved all of my issues. It has adequate storage for a camera with lens attached, Fuji XT5 with fuji 16-50 mm lens. I can easily fit a wide angle and the fuji 70-300mm. Additionally it has great storage space for tripod, water bottle, computer and multiple gadgets. It makes traveling easy as it has storage for all the accoutrements one needs when taking a long trip, chargers, passport, etc. it is also very comfortable and relatively lightweight.

My Favourite Camera Bag Ever

By Michelle
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-11-29

I Have A LOT Of Camera Bags But This Is Still My Favourite, And I've Had It For Over A Year Now. I'm Relatively Small (small/medium Frame Woman) And Often Find Other Camera Bags Are Too Big And Bulky For Me - More Suited To Men's Bodies. I Was Going To Buy The Teal Women's Version Of This Bag But I Wanted The Green Colour, So I Got This And The Women's Straps Separately. Honestly I Found The Regular Stock Straps To Be Just Fine - They Are Adjustable And Comfortable On My Frame Too. The Women's Straps Are A Better Shape To Fit My Body And Chest, But Certainly Not "required" - The Standard Straps Were Just As Comfy For Long Days Hiking In The Woods. I've Carried Nearly All The Camera Gear I Own On Full Day Challenging Hikes (overpacker Much), And Didn't Even Use The Hip Strap And Absolutely No Back Pain, No Discomfort... Wild. Even Other Smaller Hiking Backpacks I Have Aren't This Good. For Those Comparing The 25L To 30L For MacBook Carrying Purposes: The 16" M1 MacBook Pro Does Not Fit In The Back Panel Slip Pocket - Which Honestly I Wouldn't Put A Laptop In Anyway As There Is No Velcro Or Secure Strap So It Could Fall Out. I Can Fit My MacBook Pro With A Padded Case Behind The Camera Cube. I Take It Out, Put MacBook In, Put Camera Cube On Top, And Good To Go. No, It's Not Easy To Access But I Prefer That When Travelling Anyway And It's Not That Hard To Zip Open The Top Of The Bag And Pull It Out If Needed With A Bit Of Effort. I Rarely Bring My Laptop Anyway, Only For Air Travel, Mostly This Is A Hiking/out For The Day Bag For Me With Just Photo Gear, Snacks, Dog Supplies, Etc Which Is Why I Wanted The Smallest Size Available. Could Go On And On About This Backpack. It's So Detail Oriented. Storage, Pockets, Multiple Access Points For Main Compartment, The Fold Out Side Pockets, The Storage On The Straps (!!!) Is Genius And Makes Me Wish Every Other Bag Had That Too. High Quality, Well Made, And A Joy To Wear And Use. Buy It, You Won't Regret The Investment!

See any errors on this page?

Does macbook pro 14 fit?

Does macbook pro 14 fit?
Asked by: Kook
The 14" MacBook Pro fits perfectly well in the front pocket of this bag. Please see the picture in my review. However, the back panel of the bag which functions as the cover to the camera module has an integrated laptop sleeve which is designed for up to 13" laptops. You cannot easily fit a 14" laptop in this sleeve.
Answered by: Aaron
Date published: 2024-07-12

Does the Canon R6 plus 70-200 F4 and the ...

Does the Canon R6 plus 70-200 F4 and the EF100-400 fit in this bag?
Asked by: Susanne
Yes 70-200 f4 and EF 100-400 lens will fit in the Explore v2 25 bag with the r5 and the adapter and accessories.
Answered by: Jessica G
Date published: 2023-11-22

Nikon z9 +z24-120, z100-400, F14-24 , which size ...

Nikon z9 +z24-120, z100-400, F14-24 , which size bag and core unit needed? & new Large mirrorless CU better than DSLR for this?
Asked by: James
The Shimoda Designs Explore v2 25 Backpack Photo Starter Kit (Black) is too small for the Z9 with the +z24-120, z100-400, F14-24 lens. Best would be the E35/X40 sized pack, https://bhpho.to/44aDngt.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2023-08-15

Can I fit a Sony a7r3 mounted with GM 100-400mm ...

Can I fit a Sony a7r3 mounted with GM 100-400mm in the top compartment maybe using an additional core unit?
Asked by: Igal
The Sony A7R III would not fit in the top compartment of the Shimoda Designs Explore v2 25 Backpack Photo Starter Kit (Black).
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2022-07-17

Will a. Canon R6 markII with a 70-200mm lens ...

Will a. Canon R6 markII with a 70-200mm lens attached?
Asked by: Vincent
Yes, you will be able to fit both the lens and the body attached into the bag.
Answered by: David B
Date published: 2023-11-13

Will the Explore V3 25 hold a Nikon 100-400 mm ...

Will the Explore V3 25 hold a Nikon 100-400 mm unattached lens and a Nikon Z6ii with a 24-200mm lens attached?
Asked by: Paul
Yes, the two lenses and body will fit within the cube portion of the bag.
Answered by: David B
Date published: 2023-05-30

Is it noisy? The material when moved around?

Is it noisy? The material when moved around?
Asked by: Denise
No. Unit is made of high grade nylon material.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2021-11-23

Will it fit a red komodo with a smallHD 5" ...

Will it fit a red komodo with a smallHD 5" monitor and a few v-mount batteries and a couple small primes?
Asked by: Diego
The inner core of the Shimoda Designs Explore v2 25 Backpack Photo Starter Kit (Black) is 8.7 x 10.6 x 4.7" (W x H x D) and would fit the RED Komodo brain. If your lenses are compact, the backpack should hold the lenses as well. However, there are many lens variables, so it may not fit larger, longer lenses. One way to check is to map out the dimensions of the core unit on a table and see if your gear fits inside.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2024-07-21
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