About Shimoda
Shimoda Designs is a company specializing in adventure camera bags and backpacks designed for outdoor and travel photographers.
- Focus: Their products are specifically created for the demands of real-world adventures, outdoor photography, and travel, emphasizing durability, comfort, and weather resistance.
- Founder: The company was founded by Ian Millar, a lifelong explorer, snowboarder, and product designer known for developing innovative camera bags.
- Product Lines: They offer several series of backpacks, including:
- Action X: Geared towards action and adventure photographers, often featuring rugged materials, a roll-top for adjustable volume, and ice-axe loops.
- Explore V2: A refined system for travel and landscape adventure photography.
- Side Series (Sidecountry, Side Lite): Minimalist, lightweight packs with quick side access.
- Modular System: A signature feature is their Core Unit System, which consists of removable, padded inserts that allow photographers to customize the camera gear storage space inside the backpack and are often cross-compatible between different bag series.
- Design Philosophy: Their design is a reaction to outdoor lifestyles and is focused on minimizing the pain, fatigue, and suffering that can come with carrying heavy gear in foul conditions. They also offer features like height-adjustable harnesses and women’s specific straps for better comfort and fit.