Summary
- Shimoda has introduced five sizes in its third-generation Action X range.
- The new 35-litre X35 can accommodate a camera with an attached 200–600mm zoom.
- Updates include a larger side opening, improved ergonomics and PFAS-free materials.
- The new Insider Sling serves photographers carrying lighter kits.
- Action X35: 35 litres and room for a 200–600mm
- Five sizes for different loads
- Bigger access and improved ergonomics
- Weather protection and travel practicality
- PFAS-free materials: what changes
- Insider Sling: one camera and a lighter kit
- Price and availability
- What we think
- Frequently asked questions
Shimoda Designs has refreshed its Action X camera backpacks with a larger side-access opening, a redesigned carrying system and a new X35 aimed at photographers travelling with long lenses.
Introduced in early November 2026, the third generation covers five sizes from 25 to 50 litres, adds new colours and moves to PFAS-free materials. The company also introduced the smaller Insider Sling for days when a full backpack is unnecessary.
Action X35: 35 litres and room for a 200–600mm
The new Action X35 v3 bridges the gap between the X30 and X40. It stands approximately 51cm tall, has the deeper profile of the X40 and offers 35 litres of capacity, expandable to 42 litres through its roll-top. Its relatively compact outer dimensions make it a carry-on candidate, although airline allowances depend on the carrier and fare.
The X35 Pro Kit includes the Large DSLR Core Unit. Shimoda says it can carry a professional camera with an attached 180–600mm or 200–600mm zoom, or two camera bodies and several lenses, depending on configuration. A very large prime super-telephoto requires checking the appropriate RST Core Unit and the exact dimensions of the complete setup.
More information here.
Five sizes for different loads
The line includes the X25, X30, X35, X40 and X50. Fully extending the roll-top adds seven litres to each pack. Choosing a size depends as much on the protective Core Unit and lens dimensions as it does on the nominal litre rating.
| Model | Capacity | EU price |
|---|---|---|
| X25 v3 | 25 → 32 L | €354 |
| X30 v3 | 30 → 37 L | €377 |
| X35 v3 Pro Kit | 35 → 42 L | €528 |
| X40 v3 | 40 → 47 L | €418 |
| X50 v3 | 50 → 57 L | €430 |
These listed euro prices come from Shimoda’s official European catalogue. The X25, X30, X40 and X50 prices are for the backpack only, whereas the X35 is a Pro Kit including the Large DSLR Core Unit; the prices therefore do not represent equivalent bundles.
The exact official product pages for the X25, X30, X40 and X50 are:
Action X25 v3 — More information here.
Action X30 v3 — More information here.
Action X40 v3 — More information here.
Action X50 v3 — More information here.
Bigger access and improved ergonomics
The side door is now approximately 6cm taller. Paired with the new Large Mirrorless and Large DSLR Core Units, it can provide quick access to as many as two cameras with lenses attached without opening the entire rear panel. The Large Mirrorless fits the X30 and larger; the Large DSLR fits the X35 and larger.
The carrying harness now has more padding and breathable 3D airmesh, while retaining adjustable torso height and options for women-specific straps. There are also three Capture Clip mounting positions — one on each shoulder strap and one on the waist belt — so a camera can ride closer to hand.
A removable top liner separates everyday items from the camera equipment below. The laptop compartment has also been redesigned: the X30 and larger accommodate up to a 16-inch laptop, while the smaller X25 supports up to 14 inches.
Quick access matters in wildlife photography: when a bird takes off or an animal appears for a few seconds, you do not want to unpack the whole backpack. A related modular carry idea appears in the PGYTECH OneMo 2, although the Action X v3 has a more distinctly mountain-oriented design.
Weather protection and travel practicality
The line retains its seven-litre expandable roll-top, tripod or bottle storage, mounts for hiking equipment and a concealed AirTag pocket. Water-repellent fabrics and zippers are complemented by an included rain cover — especially useful for long hours in wet conditions.
For airport travel, a stowable pass-through strap secures the backpack to the handle of rolling luggage. Shimoda offers a five-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Colours across the range include Black, Cappuccino, Burnt Red and Yellow, with availability varying by size.
PFAS-free materials: what changes
Shimoda says the new fabrics, coatings and hardware contain no PFAS, a family of chemicals associated with environmental persistence. Water repellency comes from an alternative coating, while the rain cover remains the extra barrier in deteriorating weather. The PFAS-free claim refers to the manufacturer’s stated materials rather than an independent laboratory durability assessment.
Insider Sling: one camera and a lighter kit
Shimoda also introduced the Insider Sling, a small bag weighing approximately 430g. It carries a non-gripped camera body with two mid-range professional zooms, or a camera with an attached 70–200mm f/2.8. Its interior divider slides into place instead of requiring repeated repositioning of hook-and-loop inserts.
The Sling has a strap adjustable at both ends, a breathable back panel, PFAS-free water-repellent 210D nylon and YKK SplashGuard zippers. It is suited to daily shooting or a short outing rather than replacing an Action X pack on an assignment involving a big telephoto, tripod and extra layers.
More information here.
Price and availability
The Action X v3 line launched on 1 November 2026, with press coverage following on 2 November. Shimoda’s official European catalogue lists €354–€430 for the X25, X30, X40 and X50 backpack-only variants, €528 for the X35 Pro Kit and €128 for an Insider Sling variant. Prices and availability may differ by colour, market and configuration.
What we think
For wildlife photographers, a good camera pack proves itself after a few hours on the trail, not when it comes out of the box. A 200–600mm, a second body, water and a tripod make poor straps and bad load distribution painfully obvious. That is why the better-ventilated harness and genuinely larger access opening may matter more than any cosmetic update.
The X35 is especially interesting: many of us need space for a long zoom without automatically moving to the next size up every time we fly. Before choosing it, though, we would measure the complete kit including the lens hood, verify the exact Core Unit required and try the pack fully loaded on our own shoulders. A litre figure alone cannot answer those questions.
The move to PFAS-free materials is welcome. The Insider Sling also acknowledges a simple reality: we do not take every piece of gear to every shoot. For demanding hiking, we would start by looking at the X35 or a larger pack; for a walk with one camera and one or two lenses, a smaller sling makes more sense and saves unnecessary weight.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Action X35 really carry a 200–600mm?
Yes. According to Shimoda’s specifications, the appropriate Core Unit accommodates a camera with an attached 180–600mm or 200–600mm zoom. Check the exact camera, lens and hood dimensions before purchasing.
Is the X35 guaranteed to qualify as carry-on baggage?
No. Its roughly 51cm height suits many cabin-baggage allowances, but permitted dimensions and weight are set by each airline and ticket type.
Does every backpack include a protective Core Unit?
No. Some configurations are backpack-only, while others are Starter or Pro Kits. The X35 is offered as a Pro Kit with a Large DSLR Core Unit; for the other sizes, check the exact package being sold.
