Shimoda Action X25 v2 Starter Kit (Small ML CU) - Army Green (520-119) Army Green - X25 v2 Starter Kit

Shimoda Action X25 v2 Starter Kit, your compact adventure backpack for photo and outdoor tours

With the Shimoda Action X25 v2 Starter Kit in army green, you get a backpack that feels like it was made for long days outdoors – whether you’re out in the mountains with your camera, racing through the forest on your bike, or simply planning an extended hike. Robust, surprisingly flexible, and still pleasantly compact.

Well-thought-out starter kit: everything important included right away

The set includes not only the Action X25 v2 backpack, but also the matching Core Unit Small Mirrorless, a removable helmet holder, and a rain cover. For you, that means: pack your mirrorless camera, arrange your lenses in the Core Unit, grab the backpack, and you can basically head out immediately without having to spend a lot of time thinking about additional inserts or protection solutions.

Core Unit Small Mirrorless: reliable protection for your mirrorless gear

The central inner module is equipped with a flexible divider insert sized so that most mirrorless cameras up to about 4.7 inches in height (without battery grip) fit in comfortably. The padded dividers can be adjusted so you can neatly separate bodies, lenses, and maybe a small accessory like a microphone or charger. This keeps everything in place, even when the trail gets rougher.

Fast side camera access, no fiddling around

The side opening gives you direct access to your camera without having to take the backpack off completely and open it up. Especially when hiking or on tours, when the light suddenly turns perfect, you don’t want to rummage around in the main compartment forever. Open the zipper, pull out the camera, capture the moment, done. That saves time and nerves, particularly if you frequently switch between walking and shooting.

Roll-top design with expandable volume up to 7 liters

At the top, Shimoda uses a roll-top access that gives you a surprising amount of flexibility. If you’re only out with a camera, a jacket, and a bit of snacks, you roll the top down compactly. If you need more storage space, for example for extra clothing, a drone, or provisions, you can expand the volume by up to around 7 liters. The top compartment also features a YKK splash-proof zipper so you can quickly reach your gear in changeable weather without opening the entire backpack.

Perfect for hiking and outdoor use

The Action X25 v2 is clearly designed for active use: hiking, trekking, ski or bike tours. The relatively slim external dimensions of about 27 x 48 x 17 cm make it comfortable to carry, even on narrow trails or in crowded trains. At the same time, the internal dimensions of approx. 26.5 x 47.5 x 16 cm offer enough space for your photo gear plus the essentials for the day. With a weight of around 2.25 kg, it sits in a range that is still manageable for longer tours, especially if you pack it sensibly.

Two padded compartments for laptop and tablet up to 14 inches

In the back panel you’ll find two padded compartments designed for laptops or tablets up to about 14 inches. With dimensions of approximately 24 x 33 x 1.5 cm in the laptop compartment, you can store your work device or tablet safely without it bouncing around between lenses and cables. Ideal if you want to back up, edit, or send images on the go, or simply get some work done in the evening at your accommodation.

Adjustable back length for small, medium, and tall backs

A detail that’s often underestimated until your back starts complaining: the adjustable back length. The X25 v2 can be adjusted in three stages, with a vertical adjustment range of about 6.9 cm. This lets you set the backpack to match your height, whether you’re rather short, average, or tall. The result: better weight distribution, fewer pressure points, and an overall much more comfortable carry on longer hikes.

Comfortable shoulder straps with practical zip pockets

The adjustable shoulder straps are not only well padded, they also feature two cleverly placed zip pockets. These easily hold a large smartphone, a small water bottle, or items like bars, filters, or keys. That way you don’t have to reach into the main compartment every time you need something small. Especially when hiking, it’s very convenient to have quick access to things while you’re on the move.

Removable hip belt for stability and better weight distribution

When you’re carrying slightly heavier gear, the hip belt really comes into its own. It stabilizes the backpack, takes weight off your shoulders, and prevents the pack from constantly swaying back and forth as you walk. And if you’re traveling with lighter gear or using it for everyday purposes, you can simply remove the hip belt and carry the backpack in a slimmer configuration. This flexibility makes it interesting both for serious hiking trips and for urban everyday use.

Removable side pockets for tripod, bottle, and accessories

On the sides you’ll find two removable pockets that are perfect for tripods, water bottles, or similar accessories. Practical: you can also attach these pockets to the hip belt to have quick access to snacks, filters, smaller lenses, or other small items. If you don’t need them at the moment or want to travel particularly minimalist, you can remove them completely, keeping the backpack nice and slim.

Helmet holder and attachment straps for skis, helmet, and bulky equipment

The starter kit includes a removable helmet holder that lets you secure your bike or ski helmet to the outside of the backpack. This is especially useful when you’re on foot and don’t want to carry the helmet in your hand all the time. In addition, several attachment straps, including particularly robust TPU compression straps, ensure that bulky items such as skis or other outdoor gear can be securely fastened to the pack. This turns the X25 v2 into a kind of all-round transporter for your adventures.

Rain cover included, protection in changeable weather

Since the weather rarely sticks to our plans, the set includes a matching rain cover. It can be pulled over quickly and reliably protects the backpack and its contents from moisture when the weather suddenly turns. Especially on longer hikes or tours in the mountains, this is a detail you really come to appreciate over time.

Hidden sleeve for AirTag or tracking device

A small but very up-to-date feature: the backpack includes a hidden sleeve where you can store an AirTag or another tracking device. This makes it easier to locate your backpack if it gets lost or stolen. Discreet, but extremely helpful, especially when traveling or in larger cities.

Trolley sleeve for relaxed travel

When you’re traveling with rolling luggage, you can simply slide the Action X25 v2 over the handle of your suitcase using the integrated trolley sleeve. This relieves your shoulders and back in airports, train stations, or on long walks through hotels. Particularly practical if you travel a lot and always have your photo gear with you.

Rugged construction and everyday-friendly dimensions

With external dimensions of about 27 x 48 x 17 cm, the backpack is compact enough not to get in the way in everyday life, yet it still offers enough volume for photo gear plus outdoor equipment. The solid construction, durable materials, and well-thought-out internal layout make it a reliable companion, whether you’re planning just a short hike or a longer tour with mixed gear.

Conclusion: a backpack for everyone who takes photography on the go seriously and still wants to stay flexible

All in all, the Shimoda Action X25 v2 Starter Kit in army green is a backpack for anyone who doesn’t just use their camera in the studio, but outside on hiking trails, in the mountains, in the snow, or on the bike. The combination of Core Unit Small Mirrorless, expandable roll-top, side camera access, adjustable back length, removable hip belt, helmet holder, rain cover, and the clever pockets makes it a very versatile tool for your everyday photography. And that’s what it’s all about: less fiddling, more time for great images.