The Action-X50 is Shimodas action sports workhorse. It’s designed for photographers who need to carry a lot of gear yet still be agile and part of the action. It features an adjustable harness to achieve a perfect fit, and a removable belt to quickly streamline the bag for urban or event situations. A removable helmet holder, TPU ski compression straps, and newly revised side-access system with YKK splashguard zippers round out the set of adventure-friendly features. Like all Action X series packs, it has a space-efficient and expandable roll-top with quick access zipper. Finally, it delivers convenience to aggressive and time-sensitive action photography situations via its newly improved side camera access.
The Action-X50 is Shimodas action sports workhorse. It’s designed for photographers who need to carry a lot of gear yet still be agile and part of the action. It features an adjustable harness to achieve a perfect fit, and a removable belt to quickly streamline the bag for urban or event situations. A removable helmet holder, TPU ski compression straps, and newly revised side-access system with YKK splashguard zippers round out the set of adventure-friendly features. Like all Action X series packs, it has a space-efficient and expandable roll-top with quick access zipper. Finally, it delivers convenience to aggressive and time-sensitive action photography situations via its newly improved side camera access.
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The lowest price for Shimoda Action X50 Backpack Starter Kit - Black right now is $595.00 at Diamonds Camera, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $595.00 on 12 Oct 2025. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 14 June 2026.
Shimoda Action X50 Backpack Starter Kit - Black
The Action-X50 is Shimodas action sports workhorse. It’s designed for photographers who need to carry a lot of gear yet still be agile and part of the action. It features an adjustable harness to achieve a perfect fit, and a removable belt to quickly streamline the bag for urban or event situations. A removable helmet holder, TPU ski compression straps, and newly revised side-access system with YKK splashguard zippers round out the set of adventure-friendly features. Like all Action X series packs, it has a space-efficient and expandable roll-top with quick access zipper. Finally, it delivers convenience to aggressive and time-sensitive action photography situations via its newly improved side camera access.
The Action-X50 is Shimodas action sports workhorse. It’s designed for photographers who need to carry a lot of gear yet still be agile and part of the action. It features an adjustable harness to achieve a perfect fit, and a removable belt to quickly streamline the bag for urban or event situations. A removable helmet holder, TPU ski compression straps, and newly revised side-access system with YKK splashguard zippers round out the set of adventure-friendly features. Like all Action X series packs, it has a space-efficient and expandable roll-top with quick access zipper. Finally, it delivers convenience to aggressive and time-sensitive action photography situations via its newly improved side camera access.
Last updated at 14/06/2026 06:12:55
Shimoda Action X50 Black Starter Kit Camera Backpacks
Free delivery between Tue – Wed
Shimoda Action X50 Starter Kit
Free delivery between 17–24 June
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
After I tried the new Tilopa DuraDiamond that felt short by not having any proper side pouches for a water bottle / tripod, I went back to my #1 on the list :) the Action X 50 from Shimoda.This is the perfect backpack for a day-hike with a bunch of gear + additional personal items (rain coat, shirts, sandwiches etc.).One thing I didn't like:When you use the large core unit, the top sack it's pretty useless and annoying (it's just a big pile of material gathered together).When using the large core unit (or medium+small) I just unzip that sack and use the top part as a large bucket for storing stuff.By doing that you gain a little bit of weight saving too.The bag weighs about 1.7 kg, around 500 grams (1 lb) less than the Tilopa DuraDiamond when complete ... MoreAfter I tried the new Tilopa DuraDiamond that felt short by not having any proper side pouches for a water bottle / tripod, I went back to my #1 on the list :) the Action X 50 from Shimoda.This is the perfect backpack for a day-hike with a bunch of gear + additional personal items (rain coat, shirts, sandwiches etc.).One thing I didn't like:When you use the large core unit, the top sack it's pretty useless and annoying (it's just a big pile of material gathered together).When using the large core unit (or medium+small) I just unzip that sack and use the top part as a large bucket for storing stuff.By doing that you gain a little bit of weight saving too.The bag weighs about 1.7 kg, around 500 grams (1 lb) less than the Tilopa DuraDiamond when complete empty with no top sack and no core unit.One thing that is frustrating: deciding on a color :) Both colors looks so good ! Other than that it's a super cool hiking camera bag with few minor minuses.I am confident than in future iterations, this bag will become more awesome.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I picked up this bag to take hiking on a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it did not disappoint. While I've loved a few other backpacks for carrying my photo gear (and I have a LOT of them to choose from so I probably have a problem...) nothing has compared to the comfort of this bag. I thought it would be an improvement and I wanted all the help I could get but I never imagined it would be as comfortable as it was even loaded with admittedly too much camera gear and hiking up steep inclines at fairly high elevations (the Appalachians obviously aren't the highest mountains but they're still mountains). I also loved the green color since all my other backpacks are black. Color was never a deal breaker for me but I rather like the green of this bag. All ... MoreI picked up this bag to take hiking on a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it did not disappoint. While I've loved a few other backpacks for carrying my photo gear (and I have a LOT of them to choose from so I probably have a problem...) nothing has compared to the comfort of this bag. I thought it would be an improvement and I wanted all the help I could get but I never imagined it would be as comfortable as it was even loaded with admittedly too much camera gear and hiking up steep inclines at fairly high elevations (the Appalachians obviously aren't the highest mountains but they're still mountains). I also loved the green color since all my other backpacks are black. Color was never a deal breaker for me but I rather like the green of this bag. All in all, it was an amazing investment and the 50L was the perfect size for my needs. I'm even thinking of picking up the other sizes at some point for various hiking excursions in the future but I'm not yet convinced I "need" just yet. Overall, it's extremely comfortable and the bag itself so far doesn't show any dirt even. I'm sure it'll eventually get dirty but I spent 4 days in the woods with it and all the dirt just wiped right off. I can't recommend this bag enough.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I've had the Lowepro Protactic bp 450 aw ii for a while now, but, while it fit all of my gear, it was uncomfortable when heavy. And, it was heavy without much gear in it. Also, there was no room for non-camera related gear.The Action x50 solves both of those problems. It is bigger, but lighter when empty. It has room for everything that I need, with room to expand! I wore it fully loaded the other day for several hours with absolutely no discomfort. I also like that it is very weather resistant. It may be a bit big for people with smaller frames, but fits me nicely.Highly recommend.
| Frame | Yes |
| Zippers | Weatherproof YKK SplashGuard zippers |
| Style | Daypack | Adventure | Photography backpack |
| Laptop compatibility | 15-inch laptop sleeve |
| ICU Included | Medium DSLR Core Unit Version 2 |
Shimoda Action X50 Black Starter Kit Camera Backpacks
Free delivery between Tue – Wed
Shimoda Action X50 Starter Kit
Free delivery between 17–24 June
After I tried the new Tilopa DuraDiamond that felt short by not having any proper side pouches for a water bottle / tripod, I went back to my #1 on the list :) the Action X 50 from Shimoda.This is the perfect backpack for a day-hike with a bunch of gear + additional personal items (rain coat, shirts, sandwiches etc.).One thing I didn't like:When you use the large core unit, the top sack it's pretty useless and annoying (it's just a big pile of material gathered together).When using the large core unit (or medium+small) I just unzip that sack and use the top part as a large bucket for storing stuff.By doing that you gain a little bit of weight saving too.The bag weighs about 1.7 kg, around 500 grams (1 lb) less than the Tilopa DuraDiamond when complete ... MoreAfter I tried the new Tilopa DuraDiamond that felt short by not having any proper side pouches for a water bottle / tripod, I went back to my #1 on the list :) the Action X 50 from Shimoda.This is the perfect backpack for a day-hike with a bunch of gear + additional personal items (rain coat, shirts, sandwiches etc.).One thing I didn't like:When you use the large core unit, the top sack it's pretty useless and annoying (it's just a big pile of material gathered together).When using the large core unit (or medium+small) I just unzip that sack and use the top part as a large bucket for storing stuff.By doing that you gain a little bit of weight saving too.The bag weighs about 1.7 kg, around 500 grams (1 lb) less than the Tilopa DuraDiamond when complete empty with no top sack and no core unit.One thing that is frustrating: deciding on a color :) Both colors looks so good ! Other than that it's a super cool hiking camera bag with few minor minuses.I am confident than in future iterations, this bag will become more awesome.
I picked up this bag to take hiking on a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it did not disappoint. While I've loved a few other backpacks for carrying my photo gear (and I have a LOT of them to choose from so I probably have a problem...) nothing has compared to the comfort of this bag. I thought it would be an improvement and I wanted all the help I could get but I never imagined it would be as comfortable as it was even loaded with admittedly too much camera gear and hiking up steep inclines at fairly high elevations (the Appalachians obviously aren't the highest mountains but they're still mountains). I also loved the green color since all my other backpacks are black. Color was never a deal breaker for me but I rather like the green of this bag. All ... MoreI picked up this bag to take hiking on a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it did not disappoint. While I've loved a few other backpacks for carrying my photo gear (and I have a LOT of them to choose from so I probably have a problem...) nothing has compared to the comfort of this bag. I thought it would be an improvement and I wanted all the help I could get but I never imagined it would be as comfortable as it was even loaded with admittedly too much camera gear and hiking up steep inclines at fairly high elevations (the Appalachians obviously aren't the highest mountains but they're still mountains). I also loved the green color since all my other backpacks are black. Color was never a deal breaker for me but I rather like the green of this bag. All in all, it was an amazing investment and the 50L was the perfect size for my needs. I'm even thinking of picking up the other sizes at some point for various hiking excursions in the future but I'm not yet convinced I "need" just yet. Overall, it's extremely comfortable and the bag itself so far doesn't show any dirt even. I'm sure it'll eventually get dirty but I spent 4 days in the woods with it and all the dirt just wiped right off. I can't recommend this bag enough.
I've had the Lowepro Protactic bp 450 aw ii for a while now, but, while it fit all of my gear, it was uncomfortable when heavy. And, it was heavy without much gear in it. Also, there was no room for non-camera related gear.The Action x50 solves both of those problems. It is bigger, but lighter when empty. It has room for everything that I need, with room to expand! I wore it fully loaded the other day for several hours with absolutely no discomfort. I also like that it is very weather resistant. It may be a bit big for people with smaller frames, but fits me nicely.Highly recommend.
This pack is really great for what it is built for. It carries weight well, is durable and can be stripped down if you need to save weight, simplify your life, or use it as a carry on.Access, weather resistance are the two things that sold me. Whether it's side access, back access, top access - it all works well. To make it carry on capable, remove the stay and use the roll top to shrink the pack.Con is that it's pretty heavy if you're used to ultralight backpacking or alpine climbing packs. But if that's your priority you're likely seeking another solution. That said, you could also use this pack for awhile and then cut off what you don't need (extra side handle, tripod pouches, zipper pulls and extra webbing, etc)
Pros: Main back pack is OK .Rugged and waterproof. Feel there are some design issues that could improve the bag.Cons: Standard core unit is too small to be any use (anyone want an unused standard core unit?). Minimum size needs to be the large had to purchase this after finding and wasting money on the standard unit that was no use..Side access impractical as would need to remove pack to access via awkward zips so far quicker and easier to access through main rear door. Just make side access a pocket, would be more use, and side pockets need to expand more. Maybe addition of expanding netting for water bottles somewhere. Why is the right hand flip out netting pocket facing inwards towards the bag? Does not seem very practical is this configuration.
...and have never used one in my 60 plus years, but an upcoming 11 day excursion to Utah for night sky photography has me needing one. I looked at all the articles, Best Backpack 2021 et al and read reviews here and this pack stood out. While I have only worn it around the house, I can state the following. It appears to be very well made, the zippers (I hate zippers) are large and do not snag or get hung up, the pack is very well designed with lots of pockets and adjustment straps that can be tucked out of the way. The roll top will provide for extra storage when needed without adding too much bulk when not. I got the medium core unit but quickly discovered that I needed more camera storage and have since received the larger DSLR core. I can always store things ... More...and have never used one in my 60 plus years, but an upcoming 11 day excursion to Utah for night sky photography has me needing one. I looked at all the articles, Best Backpack 2021 et al and read reviews here and this pack stood out. While I have only worn it around the house, I can state the following. It appears to be very well made, the zippers (I hate zippers) are large and do not snag or get hung up, the pack is very well designed with lots of pockets and adjustment straps that can be tucked out of the way. The roll top will provide for extra storage when needed without adding too much bulk when not. I got the medium core unit but quickly discovered that I needed more camera storage and have since received the larger DSLR core. I can always store things other than camera gear in the larger core when space in not needed for photo equipment. After wearing it around a bit I ordered the extra padded straps and am very glad I did. For me, the original straps did not offer enough padding, the extra padded ones feel and fit great. Last and surely not least, the adjustable attachment points of the main straps to the top of the pack makes this ideal for someone who is long waisted. As noted, I am not a backpacker so take this review in context with all others.
Pros: I can now lift this bag and go. No more swapping kit between bags, forgetting where filters or adapters are. And my waterproof outer layers, lunch and everything else I need for a day in the hills with my camera gear. Plent places for attaching different tripods and ice axes. The only limiting factor now is ME.Cons: None I can think of at the moment.
I bought this bag for my latest summit up Mt Baker(Glacier hike in Washington State). I currently own the peak design everyday V2 30L but that wasn't enough to pack for a hike and longer travels. The shimoda did a surprisingly excellent job for the hike. The guides were able to pack 2 days worth of camping gear into this bag to the point where I thought I was going to have to submit a warranty claim on how much they packed it. But to my surprise it held all the gear with ease. Only person paying was my back since the bag weighed up to 50lbs easily. You can fit A LOT into this bag. First fill the camera cube with all your main camera gear. But with the rolltop section, possibilities are endless. Just keep throwing things in there till you can't anymore. I think the ... MoreI bought this bag for my latest summit up Mt Baker(Glacier hike in Washington State). I currently own the peak design everyday V2 30L but that wasn't enough to pack for a hike and longer travels. The shimoda did a surprisingly excellent job for the hike. The guides were able to pack 2 days worth of camping gear into this bag to the point where I thought I was going to have to submit a warranty claim on how much they packed it. But to my surprise it held all the gear with ease. Only person paying was my back since the bag weighed up to 50lbs easily. You can fit A LOT into this bag. First fill the camera cube with all your main camera gear. But with the rolltop section, possibilities are endless. Just keep throwing things in there till you can't anymore. I think the hikers called this the brain of the bag, area where you just keep stuffing. My surprise with this bag was all of the attachment points on the bag that had it's specific use like holding the ice pick axe that I would need on my adventure, and extra hooks for my carabiners.I suppose my only compalint about this bag is that it can be too big at times. With all the space that you're able to use, you are more likely to fill it up so just be weary of that when packing. I also did miss the fact that I never had to take off my peak design bag to take my camera out. With the shimoda, I always found myself taking it off on its back the taking my camera out for the shot. While yes there is a side access panel to get to your camera, it still wasn't as easy to get to as the peak design, and let me to taking the entire bag off instead. That being said, I feel that this bag is meant to carry a lot of gear for day hikes and adventures so wouldn't be the best to sling around to reach for the side access. Other complaint is that even though the straps are very comfy, they were too wide for me to attach my peak design capture clip which would have solved the issue for getting into my camera bag for often. During my hike there were times where I wanted to get a great shot but didn't want to stop the group just to pull out my camera for one shot. This is where the capture clip would have been great. Sure I could have had a camera strap on but it's not easy hiking up an incline for 5 hours with an extra 50lbs on you and adding a camera too.Overall, I really do like this bag. It's my go-to for any out of state/ country travels. You can fit a lot into it which is it's best pro and con ironically. I never use it as an everyday carry but for this size, I don't think it should be one. I know they have other models in their line up that would fit that mold better. The design is sleek and I love the black and blue color scheme, very good touch. If you're a hiker. traveler that needs the space, this could be your solution, but if you're a street shooter and looking for an everyday, there are other options out there.
This is an amazing backpack. I've owned and used it for about 6 months now and felt that it was an okay interval to write some feedback about it.Storage Volume: First off, it's actually the perfect all-in-one backpack. This is my first Shimoda backpack and it was purchased based off recommendations from other landscape photographers. I have a Sony mirrorless full-frame system and the Medium DSLR Core Unit V2 is the perfect size for carrying the body + 3-4 lenses. It took a little time to arrange the inserts in a way that would make the puzzle fit, but it worked. The real takeaway from this medium-sized core, is that you still have a ton of real estate in the top section for clothes, food, accessories, etc. I have gone for all-day ventures with everything I needed ... MoreThis is an amazing backpack. I've owned and used it for about 6 months now and felt that it was an okay interval to write some feedback about it.Storage Volume: First off, it's actually the perfect all-in-one backpack. This is my first Shimoda backpack and it was purchased based off recommendations from other landscape photographers. I have a Sony mirrorless full-frame system and the Medium DSLR Core Unit V2 is the perfect size for carrying the body + 3-4 lenses. It took a little time to arrange the inserts in a way that would make the puzzle fit, but it worked. The real takeaway from this medium-sized core, is that you still have a ton of real estate in the top section for clothes, food, accessories, etc. I have gone for all-day ventures with everything I needed and still didn't have to completely unroll the top roll-top.Waterproof-ness: Let's be clear. It is VERY water resistant, but not waterproof. Obviously, you're not going to take this kayaking down white water, but even in a heavy downpour rain for 2 hours there was a little moisture starting to seep into the upper compartments. It held up pretty well, but considering this was a very heavy rain, I wasn't surprised by this. If you plain on being exposed in heavy rain often, it may be worth considering a waterproof rain cover. For lighter rain or longer days with constant minimal moisture it should hold up well.Comfort: Yes. Adjustable straps, extra padding, ergonomics, etc. Very comfortable bag. No question about that.The front pocket is huge which easily holds my gloves, jacket, rain shell, and more. It's awesome.I love the should strap pockets, hooks, straps, etc. You can easily hold your smartphone in one and hang accessories from the hooks and straps without loss f comfort.The Annoyances: The side straps for tripods. I love the pockets that can deploy to hold waterbottles or tripods. However, the upper straps don't hold too well if you have a larger tripod. I have both the FLM CP34 and CP30, and if I place the tripods upside down so the ballhead is in the side pocket, then tighten the straps around the legs, it takes little movement and weight-sway before the top straps starts to loosen. This is particularly true with my CP34. I'm guessing with a much smaller travel tripod this would be a little issue, but I'm just surprised by this. The 1 rubber/elastic strap on the bottom is great and holds well, but the upper ones need to be tied off to prevent loosening.The other slightly annoying thing is the weird magnetic buckle on the left hip. It seems to serve literally NO purpose, yet if buckled, you have to undo it to be able to open your rear camera compartment. No matter how many times I think I'll remember how to undo it, it require me using both hands and trying multiple directions/motions to get it to unbuckle (insert funny joke here). It seems pointless and I've resorted to leaving it dangling and unbuckled 90% of the time to avoid having to fight it.That aside, this backpack is pretty much the only one you need. If you are doing smaller day trips, you could get away with the X30. If you're planning on backpacking or doing multi-day trips carrying all of your clothes/sleeping/camping/etc, get the X70. The X50 is ideal for carrying ALL of your equipment plus a couple day's worth of clothes and food. Well-worth the money.
Searched everything I could find online, and was always worried that the bag I was looking at would be designed for too much camera equipment and not enough for hiking needs. At 63 and in love with landscape and wildflower pics as a hobby, I recently upgraded equipment as a nearing retirement gift to myself. Day hikes in Colorado, no matter what time of year, require a fair amount of cold-weather gear. But also important, a safe space for a Canon R5, 240 zoom and 100 macro lenses, and a speedlight flash. But so many packs looked like they were designed for multiple cameras and bigger lenses. With the Shimoda Designs Action X50 and starter kit, the equipment fits nicely, and I have room for a raincoat/pants as well as good warm layers, a couple of water bottles on ... MoreSearched everything I could find online, and was always worried that the bag I was looking at would be designed for too much camera equipment and not enough for hiking needs. At 63 and in love with landscape and wildflower pics as a hobby, I recently upgraded equipment as a nearing retirement gift to myself. Day hikes in Colorado, no matter what time of year, require a fair amount of cold-weather gear. But also important, a safe space for a Canon R5, 240 zoom and 100 macro lenses, and a speedlight flash. But so many packs looked like they were designed for multiple cameras and bigger lenses. With the Shimoda Designs Action X50 and starter kit, the equipment fits nicely, and I have room for a raincoat/pants as well as good warm layers, a couple of water bottles on the outside, lunch, and a few small extras. All loaded it weighed in at about 25 pounds. Soon I was off on a 6-mile hike and a first test. Surprisingly comfortable, easy on and off, good adjustments on the waist belt and shoulder straps, easy access to the top compartment (which would expand to hold much more), liked that my smartphone fit in its own large-enough compartment on one of the shoulder straps. I did add my own Osprey rain cover for the pack. I know it is supposed to be water-resistant, but you often can't predict when a downpour may occur in the mountains. The quality looks good but will need much more time to make a final judgement on that. It was not the cheapest choice, but getting it right with size and good protection for my new equipment was much more important.
| Frame | Yes |
| Zippers | Weatherproof YKK SplashGuard zippers |
| Style | Daypack | Adventure | Photography backpack |
| Laptop compatibility | 15-inch laptop sleeve |
| ICU Included | Medium DSLR Core Unit Version 2 |
