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Shimoda Designs Explore v2 35 Photo Backpack (Army Green)

BH #SHEV235BPG • MFR #520-159
36 reviews
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Shimoda Designs Explore v2 35 Photo Backpack (Army Green)
Key Features
  • All-in-One Adventure & Photo Pack
  • Multiple Access Points for Versatility
  • Multiple Pockets and Laptop Sleeve
  • Pocket for 3L Hydration Pack
The army green Explore v2 35 Photo Backpack from Shimoda Designs is the largest model in their flagship line of camera backpacks.
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Shimoda Designs Explore V2 35 Overview

The army green Explore v2 35 Photo Backpack from Shimoda Designs is the largest model in their flagship line of camera backpacks.

This versatile, multiuse bag that can accommodate the combined requirements of the on-the-go photographer, multimedia creator, hiker, or adventure world traveler. To enhance the ability to organize this 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—including the ability to change the backpack straps with optional ones for an even more customized comfort fit.

What It Holds
  • Updated design for the unique needs of travel or landscape photographers
  • Versatile, multiuse backpack that 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 easier use 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 fit a water bottle, tripod or other outdoor equipment
  • Each shoulder strap has a fast access pocket for commonly accessed items: The left side has an expandable sleeve that can securely accommodate snacks, water bottles, sunscreen and two-way radios; and the right side features a zippered mobile phone pocket
  • Padded sleeve in the rear pocket fits a laptop up to 16"
  • Multiple webbing strips to attach lavalier mics or products like the RODE Wireless Go
  • 12 exterior attachment points allows you to secure numerous tripods, skis, ice axes or a snowboard
  • 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 fit square and round filters up to 100mm
  • 3L hydration bladder sleeve in the front panel with 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 that are designed to store camera, video, audio, and digital media equipment, can be installed within the pack to create a customized carrying solution that can be reconfigured as needed
How It's Made
  • Rear and side access options: The 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 treated with a highly water-resistant 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 to add more protection when placing the pack down and able to stand without any assistance
  • Base panel also 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 it 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 use it as a luggage handle trolley strap
  • Handles on the top and the 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
  • "Aired-out" system allows air to flow through the perforated mesh and EVA foam cushioning that 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 that offer a better and more comfortable fit
  • Three torso height options with approximately 3-inches (7.5 cm) of vertical adjustment allows the same backpack to fit short or tall torso lengths, ensuring a custom fit for everyone
UPC: 816779023108

Shimoda Designs Explore V2 35 Specs

Key Specs
Color
Green
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 / Tablet
•Up to 15 x 10 x 0.8" / 38 x 25.5 x 2 cm
Water Resistance
Rain Cover Included
Exterior Dimensions
21.3 x 11.6 x 7.9" / 54 x 29.5 x 20 cm
Weight
4.4 lb / 2 kg
Color
Green
Camera Compatibility
Universal (Cameras)
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 / Tablet
•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
Rain Cover Included
Padded Interior
No
Materials
Exterior: Nylon
Dimensions
Exterior
21.3 x 11.6 x 7.9" / 54 x 29.5 x 20 cm
Interior
20.9 x 11.2 x 7.5" / 53 x 28.5 x 19 cm
Weight
4.4 lb / 2 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.735 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
22.8 x 13.5 x 10.2"

Shimoda Designs Explore V2 35 Reviews

Incredibly Well Designed Pack

By Will
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-10-26

I have been shooting for 30+ years and a few years back, my tried-and-true Domke bit the dust. Since Domke was sold in 1990 (and again in 1999) I decide to try a different brand. I have tried LowePro, Oberwerth, etc. None of them really gave me what I wanted. So, I took a more modern approach. With the rise of AI, I fed my favorite AI assistant all my gear that I wanted to carry as well as my use cases and asked it to provide me several recommendations. It did that but it singled out the Shimoda Explore v2 series specifically over the likes of Peak, WANDRD, and Nomatic. I took it upon myself to validate the recommendations of my AI assistant with my own research and again and again I found it very difficult to find bad reviews of this piece of kit. On top of that, the plethora of videos from Shimoda and other content creators showed the good and the bad of all three sizes in this line. I decide after about a month of researching that I would try the 35L version. The main driver was that I needed to be able to pack my Canon R5 Mark II with BG-R20 vertical grip connected to a Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-56L IS USM lens vertically so I could quickly pull it out and shoot without having to pull the entire pack off. I travel a lot, so this bag also had to provide good, rugged protection for my gear AND be able to be used as my carry-on bag for flights. The Shimoda Explore v2 35L looked to meet all these requirements. I ordered it from B&H (everywhere carries it for the same price - I am guessing it is set by Shimoda) along with the large DSLR core insert. It arrived and I had it setup up and running in less than 10 minutes. Let me tell you, this thing is rigid! It does not give or fold in on itself like many of my other bags. It held all my gear and then some (including a laptop and iPad and all the associated cords). The ability to move the shoulder straps up and down give you a wonderful ability to move the entire pack up or down on your back to ride where you want your pack to ride and not have the one-size-fits-most approach that other manufacturers subscribe to. I have made two extended trips with this bag, and my complaints are extremely limited and really picky (to be honest) but I will list them here for others who are also researching this setup: 1) I was unable to fit my setup into the compartment vertically like I wanted to. This is not an issue with the Shimoda, but one of my own design. I forgot to include the length of the RF to EF mount used to attach my older Canon lens to my R5. Total oversight on my part. However, in the exact same space, I can store it horizontally and still remove it from the pack without having to take the pack all the way off my back to get to it. 2) For as rugged as the pack and the core insert it, the internal dividers needed some extra support for the weight and size of my gear. I was able to accomplish this by turning one of the larger voids the kept giving way under the weight into two smaller voids by inserting an additional divider into that space and providing more support thus strengthening the larger divider that was buckling under the weight of my gear. 3) This pack is DEEP! And with it being rigid, there is no compression to take up less space (think like trying to fit through a tight aisle in an airport store and turning to one side or the other... forget about it!!! 4) As well thought out as this pack is, it needs more internal or external pockets to hold things like keys, wallet, etc. 5) This pack has some really neat and well thought out features that are totally undocumented. I mean like no manual or examples anywhere. One such is the ability to remove the top pocket entirely when running the large DSLR core. I had to figure that one out on my own, but it has been a game changer. I will add pictures of the pack and the internal storage as soon as I am able.

Great bag but tricky to load with large S line Nikon glass.

By Joseph
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-08-16

The Medium DSLR Core Unit will hold the "Nikon S-line travel trinity" (14-30mm f/4, 24-120mm f/4 S, and either the 400mm f/4.5 or 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II)—see attached photo. Pairing a medium core with a small core makes for a super flexible setup. The trick is to remove one long divider in the medium core to create four spaces with one lens mounted to the Z8. In the snapshot, the small core across the top holds the long lens (70-200mm or 400mm). Below it, the 24-120mm is mounted on the Z8, the 14-30mm and Z50 II (with 18-140mm) sit in the upper right, and there is still room for a tilt-shift lens in the lower right. Don't need so much glass? Leave the Z50 II home, drop the small core, and adjust the long divider in the medium core—14-30mm on the upper left, long lens along the right edge. That opens up the entire top section of the bag for a shell jacket or extra layers. I've gone from hating this bag to loving it. However, buying two cores pushes the setup well over $500. A single Large core would fit, but its rigidity interferes with the frame, whereas separate cores flex and shift with the bag much better.

See any errors on this page?

Will this bag accommodate a Fuji GFX100 with the ...

Will this bag accommodate a Fuji GFX100 with the accessory viewfinder? If so, with what core unit?
Asked by: Donald
The Shimoda Designs Explore v2 35 Photo Backpack with the included Medium Core Unit can hold a Fujifilm GFX100.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2022-02-11

What torso length (in inches) will the bag ...

What torso length (in inches) will the bag accommodate when on the large adjustment?
Asked by: John
The large Shimoda Designs Explore v2 35 Backpack Photo Starter Kit is 21.3" long.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2022-05-19

Does this have an internal frame?

Does this have an internal frame?
Asked by: Gregory
Yes, the Shimoda Designs Explore v2 35 Backpack has an internal frame.
Answered by: Yaakov
Date published: 2022-05-03

I'm a short women. What is the minimum torso ...

I'm a short women. What is the minimum torso length for this bag? Are there women's shoulder straps for the 35L backpack?
Asked by: Lynn
The torso height on the Shimoda Designs Explore v2 35 Photo Backpack can be set to 44, 47 to 50cm.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2025-10-22

Will this fit under Airline seats?

Will this fit under Airline seats?
Asked by: Brandon
Below-seat dimensions vary slightly by airline. As such, while the Shimoda Designs Explore v2 35 Backpack Photo Starter Kit (Black) may fit under some airline seats, it would be advantageous for you to check with the airline(s) on which you frequent to find their below-seat dimensions.
Answered by: Manzell L
Date published: 2022-06-09

What is the difference between Standard Backpack a

What is the difference between Standard Backpack and the Photo Starter Kit?
Asked by: Gudmundur
The Shimoda Designs Explore v2 35 Photo Backpack (Black) is just the bag and rainfly, while the Shimoda Designs Explore v2 35 Backpack Photo Starter Kit (Black) (B&H #SHV235SKB) also includes the Shimoda Designs Medium DSLR Core Unit Version 2 (Parisian Nights) (B&H #SHCUMDSLRV2P).
Answered by: Jessica G
Date published: 2026-08-28

Does this large core fit in the explore v2 35 bag ...

Does this large core fit in the explore v2 35 bag and still allow side access?
Asked by: Simon
The Shimoda web site says that the Explore 35 V2 bag allows side access.
Answered by: Nicholas
Date published: 2021-10-11

Does an FX6 fit here?

Does an FX6 fit here?
Asked by: Enrique
The Sony FX6 body without any protrusions would measure 6.02 x 4.57 x 4.49", so it could fit in the Medium DSLR Core Unit based on its dimensions.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2023-01-16
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