You may have heard of Shimoda - they make camera bags. But after six months with the Action X50, I’d argue they make adventure bags that just happen to carry cameras exceptionally well. It might be the best camera bag I’ve owned.

Why I Made the Switch

My decision came down to one thing: capacity.

My trusty LowePro FlipSide 400AW II was bursting at the seams. When I briefly owned the Panasonic Leica 100–400mm, it simply wouldn’t fit alongside the rest of my kit. I never pack light - after all, who wants to reach the summit thinking, “I wish I’d brought that other lens”?

The FlipSide was comfortable and reliable, but it lacked room for hiking essentials - lunch, a waterproof jacket, the dog’s bowl and water. I needed something that could handle both camera gear and outdoor life.

The Hunt For One

Shimoda had been on my radar for a while, mentioned in countless YouTube videos. But at £450 new, I balked. Being from Yorkshire, I’m tight - and that’s a steep price for any bag. Shimoda bag systems are made up of 2 parts - the bag itself, and the core unit, which is in essence the part with the dividers in that actually holds your camera and lenses. More on the core units later!

So, I scoured eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Eventually, I found one about 70 miles away. I made a cheeky collection offer, then drove through winter snow to Sheffield. For £230 (complete with core unit), I settled for black instead of my preferred green - mud is mud once it’s been laid down on the side of a mountain.

First Impressions: Built Like a Tank

Right away, the build quality stood out. The Action X50 is made from a really durable, water resistant material, with heavy-duty zippers and reinforced straps throughout. It feels like it could survive just about anything.

But what really impressed me was the customization. The shoulder strap system adjusts to four back lengths (S, M, L, XL), and the straps themselves can be swapped out. Shimoda even offers specialized women’s straps with dual sternum supports, padded straps and extension straps for larger builds. Buy new, and the female alternatives are included free of charge - smart, inclusive design.

Design That Actually Works

The Action X50’s standout feature is its roll-top compartment. It expands to hold non-camera gear - jackets, lunch, extra layers - and compresses down when not in use. A front zip offers quick access without unrolling the whole thing, perfect for grabbing snacks or rain gear on the move.

Inside, the camera compartment uses Shimoda’s modular Core Unit system. Though sold separately, they’re compatible across their entire range (compatibility chart here), with sizes from mirrorless to full cinema rigs. Each includes customizable Velcro dividers, and Shimoda provides excellent compatibility charts.

As of May 2025, my Medium DSLR Core Unit holds:

Lumix G9
12–35mm f/2.8
35–100mm f/2.8
9mm f/1.7
Filters, drone, and accessories

The back-panel access is secure, and a side zip allows for quick camera grabs mid-hike.

Adventure-Ready Features

This is where the “adventure bag” label really applies. Beyond camera storage, the X50 offers:

Helmet holder (ideal for cycling or climbing)
Waterproof rain cover
Multiple attachment points for sleeping bags or mats
Generous side pockets for tripods and bottles
Enough roll-top space for spare clothes or lightweight camping gear

I’ve taken this bag from urban shoots to mountain adventures. It adapts to whatever the trip demands.

Real-World Performance

Six months in, I’m still impressed. Even fully loaded, the weight distribution is excellent. The materials show no signs of wear, and the modular system lets me configure it differently for day trips or multi-day treks.

The Verdict

Pros:

Outstanding build quality
Huge capacity for gear and hiking essentials
Customizable for different body types and camera setups
Adventure-focused design: helmet holder, rain cover, roll-top storage
Comfortable weight distribution for long carries

Cons:

Premium price tag (£450+ new with core unit)
Core units sold separately
Some accessories ship slowly when ordered direct
Peak Design Capture Clip doesn’t mount perfectly on the straps (see update here on that - now sorted)

Final Thoughts

The Shimoda Action X50 isn’t just a camera bag - it’s a complete adventure system. Yes, it’s expensive. But for serious outdoor photographers, the durability, flexibility, and smart design make it a worthwhile investment.

If you’re on a budget, check the second-hand market. At the right price, this bag is a steal - and one that will likely serve you for years to come.

Shimoda Action X50 Review: Six Months In