Shimoda Action X50 v2 backpack black (520-136) X50 v2 - black

Shimoda Action X50 v2 backpack black, when hiking and photography become one

With the Shimoda Action X50 v2 in black, you’re getting a backpack that is clearly not just meant for short walks in the city park. It’s built for long hikes, steep climbs, cold mornings in the mountains and dusty trails, and for everyone who doesn’t want to leave their camera gear at the hotel, but take it right into the action.

The X50 v2 is something like the workhorse among camera backpacks for action and adventure sports. It’s aimed at photographers and filmmakers who carry a lot of equipment but still want to stay mobile. So not that “wardrobe on your back”, but a backpack that lets you climb, bike, ski tour or simply hike at a good pace without constantly getting snagged on something.

Plenty of space for large cameras and everything that goes with them

In terms of construction, the Shimoda Action X50 v2 is designed to accommodate larger cameras with battery grips. In combination with the separately available Shimoda DSLR Core Units, it comfortably fits most mirrorless systems and classic DSLR cameras up to around 17 centimeters in height. On top of that, there’s room for several lenses, filters, batteries, radio triggers – basically all the kit you like to have with you on tour.

The modular Core Unit system ensures that your gear is protected against impacts and neatly organized. You simply choose the right size of Core Unit (small, medium or large for DSLR, or the flatter mirrorless series) and set up the interior the way you need it. The advantage: you never carry more padding and weight than absolutely necessary, and you can adjust your configuration at any time.

Important to know: the Core Unit is not included and must be ordered separately. This is intentional so you can put together exactly the internal layout that matches your camera.

Roll-top design with variable volume, more space when you need it

Whether you’re heading out with just a camera and a jacket or with full gear and extra clothing for changeable weather: the expandable roll-top access makes the X50 v2 extremely flexible. The top compartment can be expanded by up to 7 liters or rolled down compactly when you’re carrying less. This keeps the backpack close to your body and prevents unnecessary wobbling.

There is also an additional YKK SplashGuard zipper in the roll-top area. This gives you very quick access to the top compartment without having to unroll it completely every time. Especially when it’s raining or snowing, this quick access is worth its weight in gold, because your gear is exposed to the elements for a much shorter time.

Side camera access and flexible external pockets

For spontaneous shots on the go, you don’t have to take the backpack off and open it completely every time. The Action X series, including the X50 v2, offers side camera access. You simply swing the backpack around to the front, open the side flap and have your camera in your hand immediately. Particularly practical on narrow trails or when the ground is wet, muddy or snowy.

Two removable external pockets serve as either a tripod holder or bottle pocket, depending on your needs. If you don’t need them, you can remove them completely to save weight. Alternatively, they can be moved to the hip-belt position, so you have snacks, a small lens or other small items within easy reach without having to take off the backpack.

Carrying system with adjustable torso height, fits short and tall backs

Especially on longer hikes, you quickly notice whether a backpack fits properly. The Shimoda Action X50 v2 therefore comes with an adjustable carrying system that can be adapted to different torso lengths. You have four different height options with a vertical adjustment range of about 9 centimeters. This allows you to set up the backpack correctly for both shorter and longer backs.

The result: the load sits where it belongs and relieves your shoulders. For users with a particularly large or broad upper body, there is also an optional Booster Kit that further optimizes the fit. This makes the X50 v2 a very versatile companion that suits both women and men very well, in every sense of the word.

Comfortable shoulder straps with storage

The shoulder straps of the Action X50 v2 are not only adjustable in length but also interchangeable. This means you can adapt them to your body shape and your intended use. The two zippered pockets on the straps can hold modern smartphones up to the size of an iPhone Pro Max, a small water bottle or personal items such as bars, sunscreen or a multitool.

This way, you don’t have to reach into the main compartment for the most important items. Especially when hiking, it’s pleasant to have your hands free and still be able to quickly access your phone or snacks without having to stop and take off the backpack every time.

Skis, helmet, gear, cleverly attached on the outside

For winter sports enthusiasts and mountaineers, the Shimoda Action X50 v2 offers several well-thought-out attachment options. Multiple straps on the outside allow you to securely attach skis, poles or other bulky equipment. The TPU compression straps are particularly robust and durable, which really pays off with sharp-edged skis or hard gear.

There is also a removable helmet holder. This lets you attach a climbing, ski or bike helmet to the outside of the backpack instead of stowing it inside. That saves space for your camera gear and ensures the helmet is quickly at hand when things get serious.

Two padded compartments for laptop and tablet

Anyone who works on the go or wants to back up their images directly will appreciate the two separate padded sleeves. On the front and back of the backpack, you’ll find one compartment each for a laptop or tablet, designed for devices up to 16 inches. This allows you to carry, for example, a notebook and a tablet at the same time, or keep one device as a backup.

The padding protects your electronics from impacts, while the positioning ensures that the weight stays as close to your body as possible. Especially when traveling, as you move between airport, train, bus and hiking trails, this is a very practical combination.

Low-profile when traveling, tough on the trail

Even though the Action X50 v2 is clearly designed for outdoor adventures, it cuts a surprisingly low-key figure in the city and when traveling. The simple black design is understated and doesn’t scream “please steal me, I’m full of expensive gear”. The removable hip belt reduces the volume when you don’t need it, and the pass-through for a trolley handle lets you securely attach the backpack to a rolling suitcase.

A small but very useful detail is the hidden sleeve for a personal tracking device. You can store, for example, an AirTag or a Tile Pro there. If your backpack gets lost or goes missing while traveling, the tracker helps you determine its location and, ideally, get your gear back. You hope you’ll never need it, but it’s good to know it’s there.

Technical data at a glance

Despite its robust construction, the Shimoda Action X50 v2 remains pleasantly reasonable in weight at around 2.1 kilograms for a full-featured camera backpack of this size. The external dimensions are approximately 30 centimeters in width, 56 centimeters in height and 20 centimeters in depth. Inside, you have around 29.5 centimeters in width, 55.5 centimeters in height and 19 centimeters in depth, which provides plenty of space for camera, lenses and additional gear.

The laptop compartment is designed for devices with approximately 25.5 centimeters in width, 38 centimeters in height and 2 centimeters in depth. This covers the common 13- to 16-inch models from most manufacturers. For a backpack that’s equally intended for hiking, travel and professional photo jobs, this is a very well-balanced combination of volume, protection and carrying comfort.

Who is the Shimoda Action X50 v2 particularly suitable for?

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, hike regularly or shoot in the mountains and are looking for a mix of high carrying capacity and mobility, the Action X50 v2 is a very coherent choice. It’s large enough for extensive DSLR or mirrorless setups, yet still compact enough that you don’t feel restricted on narrow trails, during ascents or on the bike.

Thanks to the modular interior, adjustable torso height, side access points and clever external attachment options, it’s suitable for both ambitious hobby photographers and professionals who need a reliable backpack for long days in the field. And because it also works as a discreet travel companion, you don’t have to constantly switch between an “outdoor backpack” and a “city backpack”.