Shimoda Action X40 v2 Backpack Yellow (520-131) X40 v2 - Yellow

Shimoda Action X40 v2 Backpack Yellow, your reliable outdoor partner for photo adventures

With the Shimoda Action X40 v2 in yellow, you’re getting a backpack that pretty clearly says: get outside, pack your camera, let’s go. 40 liters of volume, cleverly usable storage space and a construction that is obviously designed for changeable weather, rough trails and long hiking days. Robust but not bulky. Technical but not overloaded.

40 liters of volume with flexible roll-top when a day suddenly gets longer

The Action X40 v2 offers a capacity of 40 liters that you can adjust on the fly via the roll-top closure. You can expand the top compartment by up to about 7 liters or roll it down compactly when you’re carrying less gear. This keeps the backpack pleasantly slim on your back while hiking, even when you’re only out with half your kit.

Also practical is the additional YKK SplashGuard zipper at the top. You don’t have to fully open the roll-top every time, but can reach your equipment quickly in rain or wind. Especially when the weather turns and you don’t want to fumble around in drizzle forever, this makes a noticeable difference.

Designed for mirrorless and DSLR cameras, modular with Core Units

The X40 v2 is designed to be used with the Shimoda DSLR Core Unit series. These modular inserts (sold separately) reliably protect your mirrorless or DSLR gear from impacts and keep everything in place without forcing you to carry unnecessary padding weight.

The backpack accommodates small, medium and large DSLR Core Units, as well as the flatter versions for mirrorless systems. Camera bodies up to a height of about 17 cm can be stored comfortably, including common lens combinations. So if you’re traveling with a compact full-frame mirrorless camera or a classic DSLR, the setup fits in quite easily.

Quick camera access and well-thought-out side pockets

Through the side access you can reach your camera directly without having to take off and fully open the backpack. Especially on tours, when you’re in hiking mode and still don’t want to miss a shot, this side access is worth its weight in gold.

Two removable side pockets provide space for a tripod or a water bottle. If you don’t need them, you can remove them to save weight. Alternatively, they can be moved to the hip-belt position, so you have snacks, lenses or other accessories right at your hip. It sounds like a small detail, but on long tours it makes a noticeable difference in comfort.

Carrying system with adjustable torso height that adapts to your body

The Action X40 v2 is not just a camera backpack with a few straps bolted on. The carrying system is designed for longer hikes. You can adjust the torso height in three steps, with a vertical adjustment range of around 9 cm. This allows the backpack to be adapted to different upper-body lengths, whether you’re rather short and slim or tall and broad.

For users with a very strong or long upper body, there is also a booster kit that allows you to further optimize the fit. The shoulder straps are replaceable and adjustable and each features a zippered pocket. These can hold current smartphones in Pro Max format, a small water bottle or personal items such as keys and bars.

Hiking comfort, hip belt, load distribution and discreet design

The removable hip belt ensures sensible weight distribution, especially when you’re out with a full camera kit and additional hiking gear. On longer stretches it noticeably relieves your shoulders. If you prefer to travel more minimally in the city or on trips, you can simply remove the belt.

Together with the luggage pass-through for trolleys, the Action X40 v2 also becomes a discreet travel companion. The design doesn’t look overly “outdoor” in the city, but remains clearly functional. The yellow color variant in particular adds a visible accent without being garish – you’ll be seen, but not shouted at.

Two padded compartments for laptop and tablet

Inside you’ll find two separate padded sleeves for a laptop and a tablet, each up to about 16 inches in size. One sleeve sits closer to your back, the other further forward, so you can cover different packing scenarios: for example laptop plus tablet, or laptop plus documents, or even a graphics tablet instead of a second device.

The dimensions of the laptop compartment are approximately 25.5 x 38 x 2 cm. This covers common 13- to 16-inch devices without them sliding around in the backpack. For anyone who wants to review, edit or present images on the go, this is very practical.

Weather-resistant and ready for rough terrain

The Action X40 v2 is designed for use in changing environments: from muddy forest paths to windy coastal trails and alpine routes. The materials are robust, abrasion-resistant and made for outdoor use.

The zippers are constructed to work as reliably as possible even when wet, and the overall build aims to protect your gear from rain, splashing water and dust. Of course, this doesn’t replace a separate rain cover in extreme conditions, but for typical touring conditions you are very solidly equipped.

Helmet holder and attachment for bulky gear

On the outside there is a removable helmet holder. You can attach bike, ski or climbing helmets there without them taking up valuable space inside.

Several attachment straps, including particularly durable TPU compression straps, allow you to securely fasten bulky items such as skis or additional gear. These straps are built for longevity, even if you’re frequently out in winter or alpine regions and the backpack regularly sees hard use.

Hidden tracking sleeve for AirTag and more

A small but very contemporary addition is the hidden sleeve for a personal tracking device. You can place an AirTag or a Tile Pro there, for example.

If your backpack is ever lost while traveling, on a train or at the airport, such a tracker can help you determine its location and recover your gear. The sleeve is integrated so that it doesn’t catch the eye and your tracker travels with you unobtrusively.

Side pockets, hip options and smart storage

As mentioned, the side pockets can be removed or moved to the hip belt. This gives you a lot of flexibility depending on whether you’re traveling more minimally or with a full kit.

Inside, the combination of Core Unit and additional storage provides a clear separation between camera equipment and personal gear such as a jacket, provisions or a first-aid kit. This division is especially pleasant on hiking tours, because you don’t have to constantly dig back and forth between camera and outdoor gear.

Dimensions and weight, compact but not stingy

With a weight of about 2.1 kg (without Core Unit), the Action X40 v2 sits solidly in the range for a full-featured outdoor camera backpack. The external dimensions are around 30 cm in width, 53 cm in height and 20 cm in depth. Inside you have about 29.5 x 52.5 x 19 cm at your disposal.

These dimensions are chosen so that on the one hand you have enough space for camera, lenses, drone, clothing and accessories, while on the other hand you can still move easily through crowded trains, narrow mountain paths or city traffic without bumping into everything.

Who the Shimoda Action X40 v2 is particularly interesting for

If you hike a lot, regularly shoot photos or videos outdoors and are looking for a backpack that neatly accommodates both your camera gear and classic outdoor equipment, the X40 v2 is a very good fit.

It’s large enough for serious photo setups, yet compact enough not to look like an expedition monster. And if you use a camera body with a grip and still don’t want a gigantic backpack, this model is deliberately designed to fill exactly that gap.

Note on the Core Unit

The matching Shimoda Core Unit for your camera gear is not included and must be purchased separately. This way you can choose exactly the size and configuration that fits your personal setup, without compromising on protection or weight.