ShimodaAction X Backpack Family

Love almost everything about the X50. It is the perfect size for a medium DSLR ICU, with plenty of space for layers, food, water, accessories. Unlike other photo packs it has sidepockets that will take standard Nalgene water bottles.But... and it is a big one... the hipebelt is woefully undersized for the weight that this pack is capable of carrying. I loaded it with a Nikon Z6, 100-400, 14-28, 24-70, a RRS tripod, and some extra layers. On a brief 0.5 mile test hike through the neighborhood the hip belt dug into my hipbones to the point where I had to loosen it, which in turn resulted in the weight slouching on my shoulders.I had also ordered an X70 and swapped out the X50 hipbelt with the X70 hipbelt. OMG, what a difference! It's as if it was a totally different backpack. Hopefully Shimoda would be willing to sell me a X70 hipbelt, otherwise this one is going back. Yes, I find the X50 hip belt sufficiently uncomfortable to return the backpack and buy something else.

Serious photographers often stress over finding/using the perfect bag. Are you in the city shooting street or out in the "wild" looking for the perfect landscape? While this Shimoda can easily be used for both, it is best suited for the landscape photographer that will need to carry much more than just their camera gear. Apple room for all the essentials, this bag is insanely adjustable with all the options one could ever need. I can't think of a better, more well-designed, and constructed bag! This one is an absolute keeper!