Gear Reviews

Best Backpack for Adventure Photographers and Filmmakers

By Alice Ford

Published Aug 5, 2020

Updated Jun 30, 2023

2 min read

The best travel and photography backpack for hikers, backpackers and adventurers.

The Best Adventure Camera Bags – Shimoda

Pre-order the new Shimoda V2 today.

What’s in my Shimoda Action X30 The Best backpack for adventure filmmakers and photographers. I have been searching for the perfect camera backpack for years, and I finally found my favorite in the Shimoda Action X Series. Made for action photographers and filmmakers. Shimoda even makes custom straps for women that are more comfortable and fitted to fit our bodies. Get Yours- Shimoda Action Bags Use the code Ford10 to get 10% Off today.

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As an adventure filmmaker and host that is often in the back country or on the side of a mountain having a backpack that works for gear and cameras is of utmost importance.

Over the years I have tried many backpacks, and am glad to say that the search is over. I have always had a hard time finding a backpack that serviced my needs for camera housing while still being functional and providing space for other items. All too many camera bags only provide room for a camera and lens and nothing else. If i’m heading off into the wilderness to shoot a National Park or high mountain I need much more than just my camera in my pack. Which is why I love the Shimoda Action X Series. This pack comes in two sizes a 30 L and a 50L both with space for a removable organizer for camera body, lenses and parts. Some of the things I love about this pack are all the divided pockets and sections. It has a roll down top for oversized gear that can be stuffed into the stuff sack. The camera section can be opened from the top, side or unzipped fully from the back of the pack. There is room for a laptop or camelback, a front compartment with multiple plastic coated pockets inside for easy organizing of small gear. The sides have mesh holders for water bottles, and the outside of the pack has multiple straps, carabiner loops and pockets for cell phone, chapstick or batteries, meaning all your gear can be stored inside your pack or attached with adjustable loops. Shimoda also makes a roll up camera accessory bag that fits seamlessly into the pack for all the small gear you will need for a day of shooting. The material of the pack is also water resistant and even in heavy rains I have never had anything inside my pack get wet, without a rain cover. I have taken this pack with me on overnight backpacking trips, day hikes into the foggy fjords of Norway, and on warm treks through the California desert.