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Shimoda Designs Explore v2 30 Photo Backpack (Black)

BH #SHEV230BPB • MFR #520-154
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Shimoda Designs Explore v2 30 Photo Backpack (Black)
Key Features
  • All-in-One Adventure & Photo Pack
  • Multiple Access Points for Versatility
  • Multiple Pockets and Laptop Sleeve
  • Pocket for 3L Hydration Pack
The black Explore v2 30 Photo Backpack from Shimoda Designs is the mid-size model in their flagship line of camera backpacks.
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Shimoda Designs Explore V2 30 Overview

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From Manufacturer

The black Explore v2 30 Photo Backpack from Shimoda Designs is the mid-size model in their flagship line of camera backpacks.

This versatile, multiuse bag can accommodate the combined requirements of the on-the-go photographer, multimedia creator, hiker, or adventure world traveler. To enhance your ability to organize the bag's contents, optional Core Units are available to store camera, video, audio, and digital media equipment, and are installed in the pack to create a customized carrying solution that can be reconfigured as needed. 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
  • 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 16" 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
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: 816779023016

Shimoda Designs Explore V2 30 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 16" Laptop
•Up to 15 x 10 x 0.8" / 38 x 25.5 x 2 cm
Water Resistance
Water Resistant (Material), Rain Cover Included
Dimensions
20.3 x 20.3 x 6.7" / 51.5 x 29.5 x 17 cm
Weight
3.6 lb / 1.65 kg
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 16" Laptop
•Up to 15 x 10 x 0.8" / 38 x 25.5 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
Water Resistant (Material), Rain Cover Included
Padded Interior
No
Materials
Exterior: Nylon
Dimensions
Exterior
20.3 x 20.3 x 6.7" / 51.5 x 29.5 x 17 cm
Interior
19.9 x 19.9 x 6.3" / 50.5 x 28.5 x 16 cm
Weight
3.6 lb / 1.65 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.625 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
22.2 x 13 x 11"

Shimoda Designs Explore V2 30 Reviews

Well made backpack designed to make carrying the load easier

By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-08-11

I like that this is designed for photography and it well suited for carrying your gear. The thing I like most is that is truly designed as a backpack for carrying stuff. The hip belt actually rides on you hips taking the load off your back and shoulders. This is something missing from most other brands designed for holding gear but not for carrying it. The Shimoda does both wonderfully.

Well constructed but very bulk

By Patricia
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2024-09-27

I needed a bag that could fit my gear and 16in laptop. The material and design is nice and various pockets however bag is extremely bulk and heavy for my frame.

See any errors on this page?

Will the Explore V3 30 hold a Nikon 70-200mm ...

Will the Explore V3 30 hold a Nikon 70-200mm unattached lens and a Nikon Z9 with a 24-70 lens attached?
Asked by: seunghee
Yes, you will be able to fit the Z9, 24-70mm f2.8 and the 70-200mm f2.8.
Answered by: David B
Date published: 2025-12-06

What's the difference between pack only and ...

What's the difference between pack only and pack+core unit?
Asked by: Kinney
The pack + core unit includes the Backpack plus the core insert... Shimoda Designs Medium Mirrorless Core Unit Version 2 (Parisian Nights) BH #SHCUMMLV2P • MFR #520-213
Answered by: Jessica G
Date published: 2022-02-15

Will it fit a medium DSLR core unit instead of a ...

Will it fit a medium DSLR core unit instead of a mirrorless core unit?
Asked by: Harish
Sorry for the confusion with the previous reply. The Explore v2 30 WILL NOT fit the DSLR inserts. It is not deep enough. It will only fit the Mirrorless sized inserts.
Answered by: Peter
Date published: 2024-03-28

Will the 30L hold my McKinnon 8L camera Sling ...

Will the 30L hold my McKinnon 8L camera Sling above a small or medium mirrorless core unit?
Asked by: Chad
Yes, the McKinnon 8L camera Sling will fit in the top compartment.
Answered by: David B
Date published: 2023-07-21

I know it sounds silly but does it come with any ...

I know it sounds silly but does it come with any camera dividers at all? I'm aware that there's a core-unit option but i just want to know if there's anything in comes with
Asked by: Michael
Unfortunately, the only dividers included with the Shimoda Designs Explore v2 30 Photo Backpack are within the core unit.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2024-09-03

How much does it weigh and what are the ...

How much does it weigh and what are the dimensions of the camera code? Also can you strap a tripod on it?
Asked by: Cynthia
The Shimoda Designs Explore v2 30 Photo Backpack (Black) weighs 3.6lb / 1.65kg and the exterior dimensions of the bag overall are 11.6 x 20.3 x 6.7" / 29.5 x 51.5 x 17 cm. The bag comes in 2 configurations, with or without the Core Unit for the camera. Under Options you would need to select "Pack & Core Unit" to get this bag with the Core Unit. The Core Unit it would come with is the Shimoda Designs Medium Mirrorless Core Unit Version 2 (Parisian Nights). This has External Dimensions (WxHxD of 11.4 x 11.8 x 5.1" / 29.0 x 30.0 x 13.0 cm, and Interior Dimensions (WxHxD) of 10.6 x 11.0 x 4.7" / 27.0 x 28.0 x 12.0 cm. Pockets on both exterior sides of the pack can be used to hold a tripod.
Answered by: Yaakov
Date published: 2024-05-21

Wondering if its possible to stand up lenses like ...

Wondering if its possible to stand up lenses like the Canon RF 24-105 f/4 and the RF70-200 f/4 that are similar in size?
Asked by: Dale
Yes and no. When we make a bag the depth of the average mirrorless camera, then the core unit is about 4.8 inches tall. This is shorter than most pro zoom lenses, which are usually around 6 inches tall, so the lenses have to lay horizontally in a mirrorless-depth pack. If you step up to the Explore 35 (or Action X40/X50), then the pack is what we refer to as DSLR depth, which is 6.7 inches deep in the core unit. In addition to fitting gripped Mirrorless and DSLRs, the deeper core unit will fit 24-70, 16-35 2.8 lenses standing vertically, and allows for more efficient packing if you have a large camera kit.
Answered by: Peter
Date published: 2024-04-20

Anyone packed a Nikon Z9 with RRS L-bracket into ...

Anyone packed a Nikon Z9 with RRS L-bracket into this bag? Any particular core insert? Thanks
Asked by: Nimrod
To fit a Z9, you would need to step up to the Explore v2 35 which fits the deeper DSLR Core Units, and will fit a gripped body like the Z9 with the attached bracket.
Answered by: Peter
Date published: 2025-07-21
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