[Zipper] It’s my 4th Gura Gear backpack after Uinta, G32, Kiboko 22 . So far the best one. Fixes all the flaws in the G32 construction, making it a solid upgrade and a great evolution of the Kiboko line. The shallower depth was much anticipated as I often had problems with putting my G32 into overheads on smaller aircrafts. As for the space inside, no problem at all to fit my D850,D500, Z6 800/5.6 (w/aquatech hood), 500/5.6, 50/1.8Z, 24-70/4, FTZ, TC1.2,TC1.4 and still have some space for accessories. My beast D850 TC1.2 fits into one compartment (body detached). The rest fits into the second one, with some better arrangement I think I’ll be able to squize 24-24/2.8 as well, though haven’t tried that yet. Zippers work smooth, much better than in G32. The black colour and narrower fit makes it visually smaller from the G32 which is a plus while being at the gate - much less chances to being asked for carry on weight control as it looks really normal :) summing up, the best backpack on the market. Only con is the price.

[Zipper] 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] Split top opening is the best! Get your gear in and out without room for the flap. Big enough for all my gear, comfortable enough to bring it all with me.

[Zipper] I have more camera backpacks and cases than I would like to admit. In general, I prefer Lowepro but this one just seemed perfect for me. The split compartments is idea. I put my Nikon camera and lenses on one side and my Sony on the other. It has more storage than one thinks and it is all easily accessible when you lay it on it's back. The material is light but strong. The zippers are great. The two handles are strong and comfortable. If you are just carrying the pack to a location you can pack the shoulder straps out of the way. (The waste belt must be removed.) Camera packs are personal but this one is perfect for me. I recommend it.

[Zipper] The best photo bag with a nice design

[Zipper] Awesome backpack, thank you

[Zipper] The good and bad part of this bag is its butterfly compartment which opens 50% of the bag on each side allowing you to organise stuffs according to your usage. Eg. 1 side tripod, the other camera. Or 1 side clothings, the other camera gears. Once open its incredibly easy to organise them using old school velcro partitions which it comes with a ton of it. The catch it, balancing the weight on both side.

Something notable is the design to keep all the waistband and straps to be tucked inside and make the bag looks very neat not to mention the material makes the bag feather weight. You will tend to overload with things to make the bag feels heavy. Try other bags with the same load you will realise how lightweight this bag can be.

I've used the first generation, sold it because of its design - too plain, not exciting and opted for those adventure looking bag. Not only they cost me more most of the time, no 1 is going to look good with the extra weight of these bags bogging the photographer down. I have since used 3-4 other major brands equivalent and decided to go back to this version 2.

Overall not an exciting bag, but very practical for me. If i'm carrying it on the street like an urban bag, I won't buy it. If I'm bringing for travel and goes to forest, tundra, national parks, the animals will not care at all.


PS: the company seems to be uncontactable nowadays not sure are they still operating. Buy them while you can.

[Zipper] So thankful to have the original 30L Kiboko back. My old one is almost worn out. The 32L from Tamron was a little too big and made me worry about getting the bag onto the plane. It is a tight fit, but I can wiggle my 600mm into one side of this pack. (The 600mm might fit better if the hood were packed separately in a suitcase.) My wife brings the 24L on the plane which she now finds too heavy. Not a problem. We got a cheap dolly from Amazon which she attaches to the bag to wheel the bag on to the airplane where we detached the dolly and put dolly into the over head compartment. Never had an issue with this combination.

[Zipper] 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).

[Zipper] I had wanted this bag for a long time and finally found it on sale for Christmas. I have the 2 smaller ones and they serve their purpose. This one does as well. I am able to carry a 600mm f/4 without the lens hood on 1 side and whatever else I need on the other. I haven't tried the 800mm f/5.6 but it is supposed to work as well. It is a large case but lightweight and manageable. Now I can finally go places with my 600mm lens. You can use the top compartments for batteries and cards as well as hard drives. I have wanted this pack for a long time and finally decided to go for it.