[Yes] I got this bag because I needed something smaller than my Shimoda Action X 50L bag because I was doing an event and didn’t need my big bag or anything like that so I picked this bag up. It’s great for a walking around bag. The description says it won’t hold a camera with a battery grip, but it holds my Sony A7riii with my Tamron 35-150 attached and still has room for my Tamron 17-28 in the bag too.

[Yes] Yes, i know, we are always searching for that perfect bag. Well this Shimoda comes pretty close if not the winner! Well designed and well constructed. Seems to check all the boxes.

[Zipper] Bought this from B&H because Shimoda USA was going to take longer to send; needed within seven days. Was initially unsure whether my new Nikkor Z 180-600 would fit—it does, unattached, snugly (which is good for travel). I managed a couple different configurations to make that happen, along with my Nikon Z8 and Nikkor 24-120 f/4. Not much else fits in the included modular core but in top pocket I had several smaller bags (travel docs/$), chargers, and toiletries, and elsewhere stowed a book (front pocket) and 12.9“ iPad Pro in the internal pocket. A little rearranging on return and I instead coupled the 24-120 and Z8, and managed sleepwear/change of underwear and a wicking shirt in main part while keeping others consistent. Without the 180-600, this will make a great weekender, standalone bag. Still finding the nooks and crannies everywhere. Alas, my Manfrotto BeFree Tripod was too big for sides…

[Zipper] I just got back from Moab and parts of SW Colorado. Shot at least 1,000 photos carrying a Lumix S5II with three lenses. The bag's camera cube perfectly accepted the lenses and camera body. I chose to keep the camera body separate and to choose the lens for each situation, basically five compartments. I have a small Pgytech case with three batteries and other accessories that perfectly slotted into the top compartment. I carried my iPad in the lid to the camera area. I didn't use the side access since I left the bag in the car normally and used a Peak Design strap when I walked around. I used the side parcels for incidentals (glasses, drinks, snacks, cloths). I also used the connector in the top area to attach my keys for the duration of the trip. My TSA papers went into the front pocket. Most importantly, the bag disappears on your shoulder, so if I wanted to hike with it, I could have. It resists dirt and water, both of which I encountered. The bone color is classic and appropriate for desert-like mountains and other features encountered. I can't speak more highly of Shimoda and its engineers and designers. And it fits under the seat of the plane with ease!

[Yes] I have over six camera bags. My recent addition was the Shimoda Urban Explorer, 25L, in Boa. I used it for the first time today walking the Zinzinnati (Cincinnati) OctoberFest. I put my Nikon Z9, 135mm Plena, and my 50mm 1.2 in it comfortably. While I could not have got another lens in the pockets, I did have room enough for the spare battery, lens cloth, and a few small items. The top open space could have held more. It worked extremely well.

I watched many videos on YouTube prior to purchasing it. I listened to people say it won't stand up on its own, and one said it did not have a waist band. The word Urban says it all. It is for the Urban environment. That is what I used it for. It worked as advertised. I did not need a waistband. I would if I was hiking at the Arches (Moab), but I wasn't, I was walking Octoberfest. It was extremely comfortable. And it felt great on my back. And felt great when I hooked my Z9 with the Plena on it to the Peak Design Clip. Again, as advertised. It was perfect.

I'm 5'9 and 265 lbs. I adjusted the straps and made it extremely comfortable to wear. I mentioned my weight since heavier people are wider and the bag adjusted wonderfully. My bags are specific to their environment. I used my Shimoda Action X40 V2 (Yellow 40L) when I hiked Zion, Bryce, and Arches. I would not tell you to use the Urban Explorer for those hikes. I 100% recommend it for the Urban, hence the name, environment.

[Zipper] Able to easily fit Nikon Z8 and z-mount trinity on the long sides. Great adjustability on straps. Material appears durable.

[Yes] I've been looking at backpacks for 6 months and never seem to find the best one for my needs but this one is it!

[5.44 lb] Shimoda is by far my favorite camera backpack maker, I use there Explorer V2 for all travel work and a lot of production work. The Urban Explore is perfect for my day to day work, alongside a personal travel pack for street photography. Great construction, super comfortable even with weight, simply the best!

[Yes] I have Shimoda Explore V2 35 backpack that's very comfortable with the Shimoda Designs Large DSLR Core Unit Version 2. I've had many bags over the years and this one is just as good or even better than say F Stop bags etc. I've had. Checks all my boxes anyway. The core holds all my main items. The tallest lens for reference that fits vertically, just barely but it does and safely is the GFX 120mm Macro so that was a plus saving me some room. I'm a pretty big guy being 6ft 240 but have a long torso. I didn't love where the waistbelt landed on my back so I bought the Osprey IsoForm5 CM Custom Moldable Hipbelt and used it as it's a little bit wider and beefier and it hit a more comfortable spot on my hips. Watch some videos on the bag there's tons for all the fine details. The bag is great though big enough and small enough for all my traveling. Hopefully this is helpful to someone.

[Yes] Was cross shopping against Peak Design, Nomatic, and Wandrd bags of similar size. This checked more boxes, was as functional/if not more than others. Is it expensive?! Yes. But it's highly functional, comfortable, and subtle/minimalistic enough (it does not scream, i'm a camera bag!, very important when traveling). Some of the other bags look bulkier and their shapes are not as pleasant. Plus, it fits on an airplane under the seat (25L).