Shimoda Action X V3 Review – The Ultimate Refinement?

The Shimoda Action X v3 is the latest refinement of the brand’s backpack line for adventure and nature photographers. Along with a brand-new size, new colors, and updated Core Units, this release brings a collection of smart, user-driven improvements across the series. In this review, I’ll take a close look at the full lineup and everything that’s changed since v2, so you can decide whether an Action X v3 belongs in your kit. There’s a lot to cover, so settle in.

Disclosure: Shimoda sent me these bags to review. No money changed hands, and they did not get to see the contents before it was published. These are my honest views about the Action X v3 bags.

Shimoda Designs has offered Shutter Muse readers a 10% discount on anything purchased through their online stores. US, Canadian, UK, French, or German residents should use the discount code ShutterMuse10 after clicking here to access the store. Australian readers should use the same code on the local Shimoda distributor’s site, Maxxum, instead.

Throughout this review, I will rarely refer to these bags by their full name (Shimoda Action X50 v3), instead using shortened versions such as Action X50 or X50. Using v3 every time would be tedious to read, so assume I am always referring to the new v3 versions of the Action X bags unless I say otherwise.

Shimoda Action X v3 Key Features

I’ll dig into these in more detail, but for now, here’s a quick rundown of the impressive features on the Action X25 v3, Action X30 v3, Action X35 v3, Action X40 v3, and Action X50 v3.

• Five sizes: X25 (25L), X30 (30L), X35 (35L), X40 (40L) and X50 (50L)
• Four colors: Burnt Red, Cappuccino, Black, and Yellow
• Adjustable roll-top for volume expansion
• Rear laptop sleeve with a closure, holding up to a 14″ laptop in the X25 and up to 16″ in the X30 and larger
• Removable upper liner and organizer, with optional liners in other sizes
• Modular Core Unit camera insert system with a large side-access port
• Quick Access Zipper
• Removable hip belt with a zippered pocket
• Height-adjustable harness
• Full air mesh harness: shoulder straps, back panel and hip belt
• Three Capture Clip mounts: one on each shoulder strap and one on the hip belt
• Padded top and base handles, plus a lightweight webbing side handle
• Stowable luggage handle pass-through strap
• Reinforced padded base
• Trekking pole and adjustable ice axe mounts
• TPU ski straps
• Quick-access padded phone pocket
• Shoulder strap pocket with a pen sleeve
• Apple AirTag pocket
• Two permanently fixed tripod and water bottle pouches, stashable when not in use
• Included helmet holder
• Included color-matched rain cover with taped seams
• PFAS-free textiles with DWR and carbonate coating
• YKK SplashGuard zippers
• 60-month limited warranty

Shimoda Action X v3 Sizes

The Action X v3 is available in five sizes and four colors. The X25, X30, X40, and X50 are available in shell-only configurations, so you can pick exactly which Core Unit you want to buy to protect your camera gear inside the bag. They are also available as a Starter Kit, which comes with a Medium Core Unit. The Action X35 is a new size in the lineup. This size is only sold as a Pro Kit, which includes the Large DSLR Core Unit.

Special Note On the Action X70 HD

The X70 HD is a huge camera backpack designed primarily for cinematographers and wildlife photographers who carry heavy equipment and super-telephoto lenses. It’s also the best camera bag for people who want to go multi-day trekking with a camera and camping gear.

This bag shares the same aesthetic as the Action X v3 series bags, but it has a few differences that set it apart enough for me to write a separate review. Read on if you’re most interested in the Action X25, X30, X35, X40, and X50. But divert and head to my Action X70 HD review if that is where your focus lies.

Shimoda Action X v3 Specifications

	Action X25 v3	Action X30 v3	Action X35 v3	Action X40 v3	Action X50 v3	Action X70 HD
Weight (shell)	3.7lbs / 1.7kg	4.2lbs / 1.9kg	4.4lbs / 2.0kg	4.6lbs / 2.1kg	4.6lbs / 2.1kg	6.2lbs / 2.8kg
Outside Dimensions (in):	10.6W x 18.9H x 6.7D in.	11.8W x 20.1H x 6.7D in.	11.8W x 20.1H x 7.9D in.	11.8W x 20.9H x 7.9D in.	11.8W x 22H x 7.9D in.	12.2W x 23.2H x 9.1D in.
Outside Dimensions (cm):	27W x 48H x 17D cm	30W x 51H x 17D cm	30W x 51H x 20D cm	30W x 53H x 20D cm	30W x 56H x 20D cm	31W x 59H x 23D cm
Inside Dimensions (in):	10.4W x 18.7H x 6.3D in.	11.6W x 19.9H x 6.3D in.	11.6W x 19.9H x 7.5D in.	11.6W x 20.7H x 7.5D in.	11.6W x 21.9H x 7.5D in.	12W x 23H x 8.9D in.
Inside Dimensions (cm):	26.5W x 47.5H x 16D cm	29.5W x 50.5H x 16D cm	29.5W x 50.5H x 19D cm	29.5W x 52.5H x 19D cm	29.5W x 55.5H x 19D cm	30.5W x 58.5H x 22.5D cm
Max Laptop Size	14″	16″	16″	16″	16″	16″
Compatible Core Units	XS25 / S25 / L25 RST	XS25 / S25 / L25 RST / Medium Mirrorless / Large Mirrorless / XL30 RST	XS25 / S25 / L25 RST / Medium Mirrorless / Large Mirrorless / XL30 RST / Medium DSLR / Large DSLR / XL40 RST*2 / XL50 RST*3	XS25 / S25 / L25 RST / Medium Mirrorless / Large Mirrorless / XL30 RST / Medium DSLR / Large DSLR / XL40 RST / XL50 RST*1	XS25 / S25 / L25 RST / Medium Mirrorless / Large Mirrorless / Medium DSLR / Large DSLR / XL40 RST / XL50 RST	XS25 / S25 / L25 RST / Medium Mirrorless / Large Mirrorless / XL30 RST / Medium DSLR / Large DSLR / XL40 RST / XL50 RST / Large DV / Extra-Large DV / Extra-Extra-Large DV

*1 – Fits – I often used this configuration, but it leaves minimal room to roll the top of the bag.

*2 – Fits perfectly – a great configuration, despite the fact that the XL40 was originally designed with the X40 in mind.

*3 – Surprisingly, this is also 100% functional – but it leaves zero room in the roll-top.

Action X v2 Vs. Action X v3 – New Features

If you own an Action X v2 pack, you’re probably wondering whether the v3 models are worth the upgrade. Or you may have looked at the Action X series before and found it didn’t come in quite the right size for your kit, or was missing a feature you needed. With a new size, new colors, and a long list of updates driven by customer feedback, v3 is worth a fresh look. Here’s what’s new for v3.

• A new size: the Action X35 v3, which pairs the height of the X30 with the depth of the X40
• The X35 is the most compact Action X for vertically gripped camera bodies and the Large DSLR Core Unit, and is aimed at carry-on travelers and smaller-bodied users
• New Burnt Red and Cappuccino colors, while Army Green has been discontinued
• A revised, wider laptop sleeve with a closure, which holds up to a 14″ laptop in the X25 and up to 16″ in the X30 and larger
• Front laptop sleeve removed
• A new removable upper liner and organizer with optional other sizes available
• A larger side-access port, matched by new B-spec versions of the Large Mirrorless and Large DSLR Core Units with a side opening 60mm larger
• Three Capture Clip mounts, one on each shoulder strap and one on the hip belt
• A new dedicated, stowable luggage handle pass-through strap
• An air mesh harness, with air mesh on the shoulder straps, rear panel, and hip belt
• New trekking pole and adjustable ice axe mounts
• A new zippered hip belt pocket
• A pen sleeve in the shoulder strap pocket
• The included rain cover is now color-matched and has taped seams
• Updated tripod and water bottle holders, now permanently fixed to the pack instead of removable
• Side handle padding removed and replaced by a simple webbing strap to save weight
• PFAS-free textiles

What Hasn’t Changed

If you already know the Action X v2 bags, the v3 versions will feel familiar in size. The X25, X30, X40, and X50 have the same exterior and interior dimensions as v2, so the same core units fit, along with any other inserts you’ve already sized for your pack. Weights are unchanged for the X30, X40, and X50, and the X25 is marginally lighter.

New Action X35 Size Welcomed

For the v3 iteration of the Action X series, the existing pack sizes from the v2 lineup now include a fifth 35L size. The Action X35 v3 shares the same height as the X30 but has the depth of the X40, allowing it to carry gripped or pro-sized camera bodies and super telephoto lenses with large-diameter lens hoods.

Shimoda says the X35 was primarily designed around the Large DSLR Core Unit, allowing it to comfortably carry long telephoto zooms like a 200-600mm or 400-800mm lens without expanding its roll-top. The rear hatch size and torso length match the X40, but the 0.8-inch height reduction makes the bag compatible with even more airline carry-on regulations without affecting how much camera gear it can carry.

I’m very familiar with the previous lineup of sizes (X25, X30, X40, X50), and at first I was somewhat puzzled by the addition of another size that fits so closely between the others. Now that I have spent some time with it, though, I think the X35 may very well be the Goldilocks option that suits more people than any of the other sizes.

What interests me most about this model is its versatility. It’s well within most international carry-on regulations and even conforms to stricter budget-airline rules or countries with inexplicably strict carry-on dimensions (AUS, NZ, etc.). It does this while still comfortably carrying big wildlife photography zooms, and can even expand to carry huge 600mm f/4 lenses in the XL40 and XL50 RST Core Units – yes, I tested them.

Comparing the X35 to the X40 and the X50: Essentially, everything from the top of the shoulder straps down is identical. The X40 and X50 add a little more room in the roll-top above the Core Unit, and the X50 adds an extra XL position on the torso-length adjustment for extra-tall users. If you’re looking for one do-it-all backpack for every adventure and aren’t yet sure where those adventures will take you in the next few years or what gear you’ll need to carry, the new Action X35 v3 makes a lot of sense. It’ll get you anywhere, and if you need to, you can expand its camera carrying capacity to match the capabilities of the larger X40 or X50 sizes.

Action X Design and Features In Depth

Roll Top Section

Every Action X pack finishes with a roll-top closure, which gives you a few extra liters of space whenever you need it. Under the roll top sits a suspended Upper Liner that keeps everything that isn’t camera gear apart from the camera compartment below. This Upper Liner features several organizational pockets and is removable for use with the RST Core Units, or if you simply want to use the entire volume of the bag as a regular day pack without segmentation.

New for the v3 iteration of the Action X series is a change to the Upper Liner attachment method. Instead of a zipper, the liners now attach with hook-and-loop. The liner pocket size is also customizable, with two liner sizes available for every model. The deeper liner is the “standard” liner that comes with all Action X v3 packs when you buy them in a shell-only configuration or in a kit with a Medium Core Unit.

In the past, with the v1 and v2 series, adding a Large Core Unit to your pack would push up and bunch the liner pocket, making things a bit of a mess inside as the liner space became shallower. With the launch of Axtion X v3, Shimoda is introducing new, optional shallower Upper Liners designed specifically for those using a Large Mirrorless Core Unit in the X30, or a Large DSLR Core Unit in the X40 or X50. Since the X35 is only available in a Pro Kit with an included Large DSLR Core Unit, the X35 comes with the shallower Upper Liner as standard. If an X35 owner wants to go the other way and use a Medium DSLR Core Unit, the deeper Upper Liner is also available as an optional extra.

The deep and shallow Upper Liners both feature a zippered mesh pocket on one side and a zippered flat pocket on the other side, along with two more flat-profile organizational pockets. The deeper Upper Liner also fits two pen holders. Inside one of the small organizational pockets, you’ll find a deeply recessed key clip, which proved frustratingly difficult to release, or even just reach, with my medium-glove-sized hands.

On the left below, a look into the top of a bag using the deeper Upper Liner, with a Medium Core Unit hidden below it. On the right, a bag using a Large Core Unit and, therefore, the shallower Upper Liner above it. Note how the organizational pocket sits behind the hidden Core Unit, maintaining pocket depth even with less available space in the roll-top section.

Quick Access Zipper

A roll-top gives you plenty of flexibility for volume, but it’s slow to access when you’re in a hurry. That’s why every Action X pack has a zipper running across the top of the bag, just below the roll. You’ll find yourself reaching for this quick-access zipper far more often than you’ll unroll the top. Once it’s open, the gap is wide enough to slide in or pull out bulky items like a drone or a thick down jacket.

Camera Access

You can reach your camera gear in the Action X25, X30, X35, X40, and X50 in two ways: through the zippered back panel or through a side hatch. The back panel opens the whole Core Unit, so you can see and access everything inside. The side hatch is built for speed, letting you grab a camera with a lens already attached without taking the pack off completely. The Core Unit’s side hatch tucks into the bag shell’s side hatch to open them simultaneously.

In the v3 iteration of the Action X series, the side hatch length has been dramatically increased. It’s now possible to extract lenses as large as a 70-200mm f/2.8 or 100-400mm from the side when paired with one of the also-updated Large Mirrorless Core Unit v3-B or Large DSLR Core Unit v3-B.

Front Pocket

The bag’s front pocket features a pair of zippered pockets for organizing small, flat items like circular filters. The large main area fits an avalanche shovel and probe for those into winter backcountry adventures. Everyone else will probably use it to store layers or separate wet gear. Drainage holes in the bottom of the pocket let meltwater drain out.

Side Pocket

Across from the camera hatch, the other side of the bag has a slim pocket that works well for rectangular filters or other flat items. The same side also holds the tripod and water bottle pouch, tucked away in its own compartment when you’re not using it. Pull that pouch out for use, and the compartment it was stored in becomes free for other gear.

AirTag Pocket

Apple AirTags are one of my favorite ways to keep tabs on the things I can’t afford to lose. I’ve written before about using them to track my bags when I travel, so I appreciate that Shimoda builds a concealed AirTag pocket into the bag’s front pocket. It’s a small touch that makes the whole setup easier to use, and I love it! You’ll find it hidden in the bottom of the bag’s front pocket.

Torso Length Adjustment

You can set the pack’s torso length to one of three positions (four on the X50). It’s worth testing all three when you first get the pack. I wouldn’t call myself long in the torso, yet the longest setting turned out to be the most comfortable for me.

Shoulder Straps

The Action X v3 moves to a full air mesh shoulder strap for added breathability. The straps are strongly contoured to follow your body’s shape, and although they look slim, they stay comfortable on long hikes. My favorite part is how each strap widens around the pockets. That extra surface area helps keep the pack steady on your body whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply moving around outdoors. The EVA foam on the v1 and v2 Action X packs was undoubtedly better at shedding snow, but I suspect the new breathability improvement will benefit far more people, and this pack now aligns with the rest of the Shimoda pack lines.

Shoulder Strap Pockets

Each shoulder strap carries a large pocket. The one on the wearer’s left side zips closed and fits an iPhone 18 or 18 Pro Max. If you’d rather keep your phone elsewhere, it also makes a handy home for an inReach Mini or another small GPS device. On the wearer’s right side, another expandable zippered pocket now features a pen holder. The pocket itself is designed for quick-access snacks or a small compressible water bottle. It’s also a handy place to store bear spray.

Capture Clip Compatible

The Action X v3 packs now feature three points for attaching a Peak Design Capture Clip equivalent. One point on each shoulder strap, and a third on the right-hand hip belt. If you need even more positioning flexibility for camera attachment, you can swap in an optional Capture Strap for the left-hand shoulder strap, which removes the phone pocket and adds an extra-tall Capture Clip rail.

Sternum Strap

The sternum strap includes an emergency whistle and an elasticated section that lets your chest move while you huff and puff up the next mountain.

Hip Belt

You can detach the hip belt, and Shimoda includes a small plastic tool to make it easier. Slide it into the back panel to release the hook-and-loop. With the belt off, you’ll see that the hip padding is split into two sections linked by a short strip of adjustable nylon webbing. Tightening or loosening that webbing changes where the padding sits on your hips, which Shimoda says improves comfort for anyone with a smaller waist.

The right side of the belt padding features a new Capture Clip rail, while the left side of the hip belt now includes a zippered pocket. Shimoda says this pocket is sized for a phone, but I couldn’t fit my iPhone 18 Pro Max into it unless I removed the protective case. Since I’ll almost certainly use a case on my phone wherever I wear a pack like this, I’ll more likely use the pocket for my bug net and sunscreen.

Handles

The Action X v3 gives you handles on the top, side, and base to lift the bag into a vehicle or shift it around on the ground at a shoot. The top and base handles are padded, while the side handle is now a lightweight webbing strap. You can use the webbing side strap as a luggage handle pass-through if you want to put your bag sideways on your roller. If you’d rather put it vertically, see below.

Luggage Strap

New for v3 is a luggage strap stored in a small zippered side pocket. This new strap allows you to sit the bag vertically on top of your roller bag, giving you better access to the front zippered pocket and the organizational pockets at the top of the bag.

Laptop Carry

The Action X25 holds a laptop up to 14″, while the X30, X35, X40, and X50 take laptops up to 16″. The v3 packs now have a single laptop sleeve, since Shimoda has removed the padded sleeve that v2 added in the front pocket. The remaining sleeve sits against the inside of the back panel and is reached through the rear camera access hatch. It’s been redesigned to be wider, and it now has a closure to keep your laptop in place.

Tripod Carry

You can carry a tripod on either side of the pack by unfolding the Drop Pockets from their zippered compartments and securing them with the lower TPU straps. You can also strap a tripod to the front of the pack, but I don’t recommend it, since the weight sits too far from your center of gravity.

Water Carry

A 1L Nalgene bottle fits into the side pocket of the Action X v3. If water bladders are more your thing, a bladder hanger in the front pocket and bladder hose routing port lets you feed the hose to the shoulder strap. The third option is to use a small collapsible bottle stashed in the expandable pocket on the wearer’s right-hand side of the shoulder straps.

Rain Cover

The bags come with a color-matched, seam-sealed rain cover stored in a dedicated rain cover pocket at the base of the bag. Previously, Shimoda rain covers were all in Shimoda’s signature aqua blue, so including a Cappuccino brown cover for that model will surely please wildlife photographers who want to stay a little more discreet. Another appreciated touch is the hip belt pass-throughs on the cover, which help to keep the cover seated firmly in place. More thought has been put into this rain cover than just about any other camera bag cover I have ever seen.

Helmet Holder

Core Unit Choices

Core Units are protective camera inserts designed for Shimoda’s range of photography backpacks and roller bags. By choosing different Core Unit sizes, you can customize your pack to carry a wide range of camera gear and non-photographic equipment. Shimoda’s Core Units have an internal frame that provides strong structure. As a result, the walls can be thinner than in many other padded camera cells, maximizing the available space in your Action X backpack.

Core Units come in multiple sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL) and three depths (DV, DSLR, and Mirrorless). The deepest Core Units, the DV lineup, only fit in the Action X70 HD, so I will skip those in this discussion. If you want to see those DV Units in action, check the X70 HD review. RST Core Units include a top zipper that lets you vertically extract a camera mounted to a telephoto lens. Each Action X backpack size has a matching RST Core Unit that fills the bag’s entire volume for maximum camera gear capacity, except the X35, which can be matched with the X40 or X50 RST.

Action X25 v3 Core Unit

The Action X25 is the slimmest pack in the lineup, so it relies on its own family of Core Units: the XS25, the S25, and the L25 RST. You can buy the X30, X40, and X50 as a bare shell or as a kit, but like the X35, the X25 only comes as a kit. For the X25, the kit includes the S25 Mirrorless Core Unit.

The S25 in the kit will hold an unattached 70-200mm f/2.8 alongside a 24-70mm mounted on a body, and you’ll still have space to stand another lens upright, such as a 16-35mm or 20-70mm. The smaller XS25 takes a body with a 24-70mm f/2.8 attached, plus one or two more lenses.

The L25 RST is the biggest of the three. To use it, you need to take out the top organizer section inside the roll top, which costs you that section’s two zippered pockets. In exchange, you get far more camera capacity, enough for telephoto zooms like the Canon 200-800mm, Sony 200-600mm, Sony 400-800mm, and Nikon 180-600mm. Since it opens from the top, you can pull those lenses out with the camera still attached, making the X25 an impressive lightweight pack for wildlife photography.

Action X30 v3 Core Unit Choice

The X30 is only deep enough for Mirrorless-depth Core Units. If you order the bare shell, keep any DSLR Core Units out of your cart, because they won’t fit. The X30 kit includes a Medium Mirrorless Core Unit, and the alternatives are the S25 from the section above, the Large Mirrorless Core Unit B, or the XL30 RST.

My picks for this bag are the Medium Mirrorless and the XL30 RST. The Large Mirrorless takes up most of the height and leaves only a thin top section, which makes the organizer pockets awkward to use. If you’re going that far, you’re better off removing the top section and using the XL30 RST. It fills the whole interior, but lets you reach your gear through the roll top. Choose the RST if you want to carry large telephoto zooms in the X30.

Action X35 v3 Core Unit Choice

The X35 size is new for the v3 iteration of the Action X lineup, combining the X30’s height with the X40 and X50’s depth. That depth lets it handle DSLR-depth Core Units, built for a gripped or pro-sized body, while the shorter height keeps the pack compact and within the stricter carry-on requirements found in some countries (I’m looking at you, Australia 👀). Shimoda designed it around the Large DSLR Core Unit V3 B, which is included in the Pro Kit.

Since the X35 is only available as a Pro Kit with the Large DSLR Core Unit, I expect most people to stick with that combination. However, since I have every Core Unit on my shelf, I’ll add a few more thoughts for those who want to expand their options: Any Core Unit that fits the X40 will also fit in the X35. Interestingly, the XL40 RST unit is a near-perfect fit, even though that Unit was originally designed for the X40. RST Core Units provide top access to mounted telephoto lenses, and as you can see in my photos, you can even choose to extract that camera+lens combination from the quick-access zipper if you don’t want to undo the roll top.

The XL40 RST is capable of holding a mounted 400mm f/2.8 or an unmounted 600mm f/4. But what if you want to go even bigger? I also tested the XL50 RST Core Unit in the Action X35 and found, to my surprise, plenty of room for the bag’s roll-top to accommodate this setup. You can only put a single roll into the closure, but apart from looking a little tighter from the outside, this doesn’t really affect functionality. For non-believers, I have included some photos here of the XL50 RST safely stowed in the X35.

What’s most interesting about my X35 Core Unit testing is that the bag, with the Large DSLR Core Unit inside it, is capable of meeting the strictest international carry-on limits when it needs to, but can also flex all the way up to carrying a mounted 600mm f/4 if the situation warrants it and your travel plans allow it. I absolutely love the versatility of this scenario!

Action X40 v3 Core Unit Choice

The X40 has enough depth for DSLR-depth Core Units, so it can carry a gripped or pro-sized body. You can use a shallower Mirrorless unit, but nothing in an Action X pack locks a Core Unit in place. A unit that matches the bag’s depth wedges in firmly, while a shallower one will slide around unless you pack it tight with other gear. If you go that route, leave the dust cover on the Core Unit so nothing drops into the main compartment.

The kit includes the Medium DSLR Core Unit, which fills almost exactly half of the interior. That leaves the whole top half free for extra layers, a drone, or supplies for a day of hiking, biking, climbing, or skiing in the mountains.

The Large DSLR Core Unit V3 B also fits. Its length was increased a few years ago, so it suits several popular wildlife telephotos. A Sony 200-600mm fits attached to a camera, and the Nikon Z 800mm fits detached. The Nikon Z 180-600mm and Canon 200-800mm also fit, as do the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS and the Olympus 150-400mm. Older lenses like the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8, EF 400mm f/4 DO II, and Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8 work too.

The Large DSLR Core Unit in the X40 uses 15.7″ of the pack’s 20.7″ interior height, so the top section is fairly shallow. It’s still an efficient way to travel with a lot of camera gear while staying within most international carry-on limits.

The other options are the XL40 RST and XL50 RST Core Units, which give you top access to a camera mounted to a telephoto lens through the roll top. On paper, the XL40 RST is meant for the X40 and the XL50 RST for the X50. I’ve tried the XL50 RST in the X40, though, and the roll top still closes without any trouble. It’s my favorite combination, since it lets me carry a mounted 600mm f/4 in the X40 and still stay within stricter airline carry-on height rules.

Action X50 v3 Core Unit Choice

The X50 matches the X40’s width and depth but stands 1.1″ taller. The same Core Units fit in both packs, and the pros and cons are nearly identical. The main difference is the extra 1.1″ of space in the roll-top section when you pair the pack with the Large DSLR Core Unit.

There’s no good reason to pair the XL40 RST with the X50. RST Core Units require removing the top organizer section, so choosing the shorter XL40 RST over the XL50 RST doesn’t buy you any organizational space. You do gain an inch of room, but whatever you put there isn’t secured and can slip down beside the Core Unit. If you want top access to your gear in the X50, go with the XL50 RST.

Action X50 v3 Vs X70 HD

	Weight (shell)	Dimensions (in):	Compatible Core Units	Price
Action X50 v2	4.6lbs / 2.1kg	11.8W x 22H x 7.9D in.	XS25 / S25 / L25 RST / Medium Mirrorless / Large Mirrorless / XL30 RST / Medium DSLR / Large DSLR / XL40 RST / XL50 RST	$Check Price
Action X70 HD	6.2lbs / 2.8kg	12.2W x 23.2H x 9.1D in.	XS25 / S25 / L25 RST / Medium Mirrorless / Large Mirrorless / XL30 RST / Medium DSLR / Large DSLR / XL40 RST / XL50 RST / Large DV / Extra-Large DV / Extra-Extra-Large DV	$Check Price

I don’t think comparing all Action X v3 sizes to the Action X70 HD is necessary. There is too much size difference among most of them. However, some people will undoubtedly try to decide between the two largest models, the X50 v3 and the X70 HD. If you’re considering the X50 v3 and wondering whether it might be too small, I encourage you to read my dedicated review of the Action X70 HD. Unlike the Action X25, X30, X35, X40, and X50, which all share the same features, the X70 HD has enough differences to warrant its own review. I’ll summarize some of those differences here if you’re unsure whether to consider the X70 HD.

Stepping up from the Action X50 to the Action X70 HD gives you thicker, more comfortable shoulder straps. You also get a thicker, more comfortable hip belt with more Air Mesh and two large zippered pockets instead of one. The trade-off for choosing the X70 HD is losing side camera access. Instead, the X70 HD has two substantial side pockets for carrying large tripods.

For Core Unit compatibility, the key change is that selecting the X70 HD lets you use all three sizes of the DV Core Unit. These units are deeper than the DSLR Core Units designed for the X50. The increased depth of the DV Core Units helps carry rigged-up cinema cameras. This extra depth also lets you vertically extract a 400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4 lens from the X70 HD.

On the other hand, while the X50 can accommodate both lenses in the largest XL50 RST Core Unit, they are too wide to remove through the vertical opening. If you value the top-access, vertical-draw feature and want to use it with a 400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4, you need the Action X70 HD.

It’s also worth noting that the X70 HD is larger than the limits for any international or domestic U.S. carry-on. My review offers a few options and workarounds for this potential issue, but traveling with it will always require more consideration than traveling with an Action X50 v3.

Shimoda Backpack Accessories

Shimoda has an excellent range of accessories for the Action X v2 backpack lineup. Here are some of my favorites.

Capture Strap

Shimoda’s Capture Straps replace the standard left-hand shoulder strap on the backpack, offering a better, lower, and more adjustable spot to mount camera clips from brands like Peak Design and Ulanzi, at the expense of the standard phone pocket. These optional replacement straps are available in colors to match your backpack.

Shimoda HD Belt

The Shimoda HD Belt is an optional heavy-duty hip belt that provides increased comfort and stability with heavy loads. It also features two zippered pockets, suitable for quick-access items such as snacks, GPS devices, thin gloves, or a winter hat. This is the same belt that comes as standard on the X70 HD and is available in Black, Yellow, and Army Green.

Shimoda Booster Kit

The Shimoda Booster Kit allows you to fine-tune the fit of your Action X backpack by extending the straps in three key areas. It’s particularly handy for taller and broader photographers who need more room in the backpack’s harness.

Shimoda Top Loader

The Top Loader is Shimoda’s camera holster, available in three sizes. You can wear it on the backpack as a chest harness or attach it to the hip belt. Check out our review of the Shimoda Top Loader for more information.

Shimoda Soft Cores

The Soft Cores are great for organizing and protecting smaller accessories, vlogging kits, action cameras, or compact mirrorless systems. They are designed to fit into the roll-top section of the Action X backpacks. Check out the Shimoda Soft Core review for more details.

Shimoda Accessory Case

Shimoda’s Accessory Cases are ideal for organizing your chargers, cables, and audio equipment. Check out the Shimoda Accessory Case review for more details.

Core Unit Filter Pocket

The Core Unit Filter Pocket is an optional extra, perfectly designed to pair with Shimoda’s standard Core Units, and secures using hook-and-loop fasteners. The Filter Pocket holds up to four 100mm filters in a retractable case. If you’re a landscape photographer with a few NDs or polarizers, this case offers excellent protection and a clever design.

Shimoda Accessory Pouch

The Accessory Pouch organizes your batteries and other small items. An internal zippered pocket lets you sort dead batteries from fresh ones. Check out our review of the Shimoda Accessory Pouch for more information.

Shimoda Panel Wraps

The Panel Wraps are a great way to organize sets of accessories for you to grab depending on the shoot that day. They are available in three different sizes. Check out our review of the Shimoda

Conclusion

I have enjoyed the Action X series since I first backed the v1 Kickstarter, and I’m consistently impressed by how the series has been refined over the years through thoughtful, user-driven improvements. Shimoda founder Ian Millar is an adventure photographer himself, and it shows in the finished product every time. These are bags designed by someone who uses them day in, day out.

The v3 is a refinement, not a reinvention, because the bags were already so good. What has changed makes them better in ways you’ll notice in use. The new zippered pocket on the hip belt is a highlight, as are the three Capture Clip mounts, the removable upper liner (available in several sizes), color-matched rain covers, and the hide-away luggage pass-through strap to name just a few. Shimoda also offers three women’s shoulder strap shapes to suit different body types – a move that is welcomed every time they launch a new pack. No other manufacturer offers even one strap of this type, let alone three.

The Action X v3 lineup now spans five sizes, with the new X35 filling a genuinely useful gap and becoming a fast personal favorite. If you already own a v2 pack, you’ll need to decide whether the new features justify an upgrade. If you’re shopping for a camera backpack for the first time, the Action X v3 is an easy recommendation. Whether you shoot landscapes, adventure sports, travel, or wildlife, or you simply head outdoors with a camera, these packs deserve a place on your wish list.

Where to Buy (+ Save 10%)

Shimoda Designs has offered Shutter Muse readers a 10% discount on anything purchased through their online stores. US, Canadian, UK, French, or German residents should use the discount code ShutterMuse10 after clicking here to access the store. Australian readers should use the same code on the local Shimoda distributor’s site, Maxxum, instead.

I recommend shopping directly with Shimoda, if you can, to take advantage of that 10% discount. However, using one of our other links is always appreciated if you can’t do that.

Action X v3

• Action X25 v3 Shell – Shimoda / B&H / Amazon / Adorama
• Action X25 v3 Kit – Shimoda / B&H / Amazon / Adorama
• Action X30 v3 Shell – Shimoda / B&H / Amazon / Adorama
• Action X30 v3 Kit – Shimoda / B&H / Amazon / Adorama
• Action X35 v3 Pro Kit – Shimoda / B&H / Amazon / Adorama
• Action X40 v3 Shell – Shimoda / B&H / Amazon / Adorama
• Action X40 v3 kit – Shimoda / B&H / Amazon / Adorama
• Action X50 v3 Shell – Shimoda / B&H / Amazon / Adorama
• Action X50 v3 Kit – Shimoda / B&H / Amazon / Adorama
• Shimoda Action X 70 HD Shell – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
• Shimoda Action X 70 HD Kit – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Shimoda Core Units

If you’re buying the “Shell Only” option, you’ll need to choose a Core Unit.

• XS25 Mirrorless Core Unit – Shimoda / B&H Photo
• S25 Mirrorless Core Unit – Shimoda / B&H Photo
• L25 RST Mirrorless Core Unit – Shimoda / B&H Photo
• Medium Mirrorless Core Unit – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama / WEX (UK)
• Large Mirrorless Core Unit – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama / WEX (UK)
• XL30 RST Mirrorless Core Unit – Shimoda / B&H Photo
• Small DSLR Core Unit – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama / WEX (UK)
• Medium DSLR Core Unit – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama / WEX (UK)
• Large DSLR Core Unit – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama / WEX (UK)
• XL40 RST DSLR Core Unit – Shimoda / B&H Photo
• XL50 RST DSLR Core Unit – Shimoda / B&H Photo

Shimoda Pack Accessories

• Shimoda Core Units – Shimoda / B&H / Amazon / Adorama
• Shimoda Accessory Straps – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
• Shimoda Accessory Pouch – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
• Shimoda Accessory Case (Medium) – Shimoda / B&H Photo
• Shimoda Accessory Case (Large) – Shimoda / B&H Photo
• Shimoda Top Loader – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
• Shimoda HD Hip Belt – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon
• Shimoda Booster Kit – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon
• Shimoda Women’s Shoulder Straps – Shimoda / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama