Shimoda Action X25 v2 Starter Kit (Small ML CU) - black (520-118) X25 v2 Starter Kit - black

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

With the Shimoda Action X25 v2 Starter Kit (Small Mirrorless Core Unit, black, 520-118) you get a backpack that is clearly made for people who simply can’t sit still. Hiking, bikepacking, ski touring, city trips with a camera – this set is made for situations where you want to travel light without making any compromises on your gear.

The scope of delivery includes everything you need to get started: the Action X25 v2 backpack, the matching Small Mirrorless Core Unit for compact system cameras, a removable helmet holder, and a rain cover. You don’t have to spend time figuring out how to combine what; you just pack, adjust the interior, and you’re ready to go.

Well-thought-out interior for mirrorless cameras

At the heart of the backpack sits the internal main module with dividers, tailored to most mirrorless cameras up to about 4.7 inches in height without a battery grip. Lenses, bodies, small gimbals, wireless systems – everything finds its place without you having to worry at every step that things might bang into each other. The Small Mirrorless Core Unit gives your gear structure, protection, and organization without burdening you with unnecessary bulk.

Especially practical: you can flexibly adjust the dividers. Minimalist today with one camera and two prime lenses, tomorrow with a zoom setup and accessories – the system handles it without complaint and doesn’t force you into a rigid grid.

Quick access when the subject doesn’t take a break

A side opening gives you direct access to your camera without having to take off and fully open the backpack. Especially when hiking or on tours, when you’re standing on a narrow trail or stuck in the snow, this is worth its weight in gold. Slightly rotate the backpack, open the zipper, pull out the camera, done.

Two removable side pockets offer space for tripods or water bottles. If you don’t need them on the outside, you can simply move them to the hip belt to keep snacks, filters, lenses, or a small pair of binoculars close at hand. And if you’re traveling in a very minimal setup, you can remove the pockets entirely. No unnecessary stuff getting in the way.

Roll-top design with expandable volume

Whether you’re heading into the mountains for just a few hours or planning a long day hike, the roll-top makes the X25 v2 extremely flexible. You can expand the capacity by up to around 7 liters if you want to pack extra clothing, a light jacket, or provisions. If you need less space, simply roll the top down tighter and compress the backpack neatly.

The top compartment is equipped with a YKK water-resistant zipper, so you can quickly access accessories from above without opening the entire main compartment. Especially in changeable weather or when you’re frequently switching between camera, hat, gloves, and power bank, this access is a real relief.

Comfort while hiking: adjustable back length and hip belt

Because people are not all the same height, the back length of the X25 can be adjusted in three steps. With a vertical adjustment of about 6.9 cm you can set the backpack for short, medium, or longer backs. It sounds technical, but in practice it simply means that the backpack fits better, wobbles less, and keeps the load closer to your body – especially important on longer hikes or approaches in rough terrain.

The removable hip belt adds extra stability and shifts the weight from your shoulders to your hips. If you’re carrying a heavier load – for example with a camera, several lenses, and maybe a lightweight tripod – you’ll clearly notice the difference. And on days when you’re out with only a minimal setup, you can simply remove the hip belt and carry the backpack in a slimmer configuration.

Shoulder straps with storage and smart organization

The adjustable shoulder straps are not only comfortable but also designed with practicality in mind. Two zippered pockets on the straps provide space for a large smartphone, a small water bottle, energy bars, or other personal items you’d rather keep on your body than bury in the main compartment.

This way you don’t have to constantly take off the backpack just to quickly check your phone or grab a snack. Especially when hiking or biking, when you want to stay in the flow, this makes a noticeable difference.

Protection for tech and everyday use: laptop and tablet compartments

In the back section you’ll find two padded compartments that can hold laptops or tablets up to 14 inches. Whether you’re backing up photos on the go, editing videos, or just checking your shots in the evening at the hut, your device is well protected and stored close to your back, which also contributes to stability.

The dimensions of the laptop compartment are about 24 x 33 x 1.5 cm. This fits a wide range of compact notebooks and tablets without them rattling around inside the compartment.

Helmet holder, attachment straps, and outdoor suitability

The removable helmet holder is ideal when you’re out on a mountain bike, gravel bike, or ski tour. You can securely fix your bike or ski helmet to the outside of the backpack so it doesn’t dangle in your way or take up valuable storage space inside.

Several attachment straps, including robust TPU compression straps, ensure that you can safely mount bulky equipment such as skis, tripods, or extra clothing on the outside. The construction is designed for durability and tough use – not just for a leisurely stroll in the park, but for real hikes and alpine adventures.

Rain cover and hidden compartment for tracking devices

The starter kit includes a precisely fitting rain cover that reliably protects your backpack in heavy rain, snowfall, or muddy conditions. Especially when you’re carrying sensitive camera gear, this is a reassuring extra that you’ll hopefully need only rarely, but then use with confidence.

A clever detail is the hidden sleeve for an AirTag or another tracking device. This makes it easier to find your backpack if it’s left on a train, misplaced in a studio, or, in the worst case, stolen. A small compartment with a big impact.

Travel made easy: trolley sleeve and compact dimensions

If you frequently travel by train or plane, you’ll appreciate the trolley sleeve. You can simply slide the Shimoda Action X25 v2 over the handle of your rolling suitcase and glide through the station or airport instead of carrying everything on your back.

With external dimensions of about 27 x 48 x 17 cm and a weight of around 2.25 kg, the backpack remains pleasantly compact. At the same time, it uses the available space very efficiently, so you can fit a surprising amount of gear despite the relatively slim silhouette – a good compromise between everyday practicality and professional photo equipment.

Perfect for hiking, outdoor photography, and active use

The Action X25 v2 is clearly designed for movement. Hiking, trail running with a camera, via ferrata with a light photo setup, bike tours with helmet and system camera – these are exactly the scenarios in which it plays to its strengths. It sits close to the body, can be finely adjusted, and remains stable even when you’re moving faster or scrambling over rough terrain.

At the same time, the design is pleasantly understated. Black, functional, modern, without loudly announcing that it’s a pure camera backpack. This also makes it interesting for everyday use in the city or when traveling, if you don’t want to stand out immediately as “the photographer with expensive gear.”

Summary of the most important features

With the Shimoda Action X25 v2 Starter Kit (Small ML CU) in black, you get a compact, robust, and highly adjustable carrying system that’s specifically designed for mirrorless cameras and active use. With adjustable back length, removable hip belt, side camera access, expandable roll-top, padded laptop compartment, helmet holder, rain cover, and clever extras like the hidden compartment for tracking devices, it’s a reliable partner for photo adventures while hiking and beyond.

In short: if you’re looking for a backpack that keeps up with you – uphill, downhill, in everyday life, and on your travels – this starter kit is a very good fit.