​When Shimoda originally sent me the Explore 30 for review, the pack arrived with a combination of the two smaller Core Units: the medium and small. Shimoda Core Units are interchangeable gear inserts, fully padded, entirely user-customizable, and of a proprietary design.
 
I was able to fit my Nikon D500 with attached Tamron 100-400mm zoom, a Nikon flash, and a few extras besides inside the medium DSLR Core Unit, which occupied the bulk of the pack’s interior. I also had room for extras that I tossed into the various pockets, including my large Nalgene water bottle in the outside water-bottle pocket (which tucks away when not needed). Since I couldn’t fit the small Core Unit in together with the medium insert, it remained at home, and was relegated to storing lenses for quick and easy access.
 
Enter the 150-600 Zoom
But there was one problem. I also own the Tamron 150-600mm G2 – which is a monster of a lens compared with the almost diminutive (by comparison) 100-400. On its own, the larger lens had no problem fitting in the medium insert – even with lens hood attached (in reversed position), with the camera body snuggled into its own module alongside it. (A “module” is simply a subdivision within the Core Unit, formed by the dividers and/or walls of the insert.)
 
However, I prefer keeping the lens attached to the body for ready access. Besides, you never know what dust and grit and even sand are kicked up when a wind gust kicks in – so I always feel it’s best to start my day on the right foot, as it were, with the lens fitted to the camera body from the outset. Granted, I do change lenses in the field, but I try to minimize these occurrences to when and where the situation allows or when absolutely necessary. But with my gear stowed in the medium insert, carrying and using the longer zoom would unquestionably require me to be a quick-change artist in the field. What to do?
 
After some hesitation, I again reached out to Shimoda, this time asking for the large DSLR Core Unit. After comparing measurements for the large Core Unit and long zoom, I felt assured this would be a good fit for my D500/150-600 combo.
 
Shimoda agreed to send the insert. With the large Core Unit in hand, it was now time to test my hypothesis… (See my earlier review – click here.)

I’ve worked with photo backpacks of every design imaginable, big and small, and always managed to find one thing or another that bothered me about the pack. Perhaps I’m nitpicking, but I like comfort, especially on a long, hot day, and I like a pack that fits my outdoor shooting style – whether that be on remote trails or in more familiar surroundings. Is that too much to ask? In particular, I like shoulder straps that don’t slide off the shoulder and to store gear so that it’s not only well-protected but also immediately visible and readily accessible. And I believe I found just that pack in the Shimoda Designs Explore 30.
 
Still, backpacks come and go in my photo arsenal. So let’s see how the Explore 30 measures up inside and out - and whether or not it has staying power for the long haul.