Good comments and comparison. Since I have had both bags as well as the earlier Shimoda bags I thought I would add some of my own thoughts. For context, I hike/snowshoe/mountain bike and photograph a lot but I never backpack and photograph. And I uses a mirrorless (Sony a7r3) kit. My bag journey was F-Stop, Shimoda Explore, Atlas Athlete, Shimoda X30. (I am a slightly smaller person at 5'8" tall with short legs and a somewhat taller torso and since I don't backpack I didn't need the X50 or larger). Each bag I have had I liked much better than the prior bag. Now for my thoughts on the Shimoda X30 vs the Atlas Athlete. To keep it simple, I agree with most of the things that you said. I switched from the Shimoda Explore largely because of the exterior water bottle/tripod pockets and the fact that they were on both sides. Also the earlier Shimoda seemed to dedicate certain attach points for specific purposes but they were on one side of the bag or the other - you didn't have the option of choosing which side you wanted something on. The Athlete gave me those options. For example, external pockets on both sides. The other thing I liked about the Athlete was that if it wasn't full you could really make it small. I also really like the more flexible separators for the camera section. It was easier to make those compartments fit my gear the way I wanted to arrange it. And I never really needed to take it out. Also, though I really like Shimoda as a company, I must say that Allen (I think that was his name) at Atlas was amazing with his customer service. Amazing. This showed up when I struggled with the primary reason I eventually went back to Shimoda - the fit. I am one of those people who is between Medium and Large in just about everything. And with the Atlas Athlete, I was between the Regular and Large. We went back and forth and back again trying to make one of them fit. Allen was great with me as I tried different sizes, exchanged them, etc. Eventually I ended up with the Large but it never really fit my back right. Still, I much preferred the Atlas features more than the earlier Shimoda (Explore) model. Though I didn't love all of the Atlas features. The outside water bottle/tripod pockets were great but they were always there, always flopping and sometimes catching on things. And I didn't care for all the straps - lots of straps. I'm also not a bit fan of the "brain" style top. It just seemed to get in the way a lot. But, it was better than any hiking/photo bag I had had and it worked well. Soo I used the Atlas a ton. Then Shimoda came out with Action X series. The one thing that stood out for the earlier Shimoda as the fit. The fit overall and the fact that I could adjust the height of the straps to fit my torso. I could never get the Atlas to fit the way that Shimoda Explore had. So when Shimoda launched the Action X series I was very interested. And they did it. Not only did they add a lot of features, they gave us all more options in how we use them. Yes, there are bottle/tripod pouches on both sides. I can leave them out if I want (and I always run the lower, black side straps through that pouch so they don't flop) or I can have one or both of them tucked in for example if I am on an airplane or don't want them catching on something in my vehicle's cargo area or whatever. And I don't have straps dangling. And though I was unsure about the roll top I actually quite like it - because 90% of the time I access that upper area through the zipper access. And, yes, I love the phone pocket because I use my phone for Gaia and for quick snapshots when scouting for photos. I also like the water bottle pocket on the other strap (not necessarily a water bottle pocket but I have some water bottles that runners use and their tapered so they fit great in that pocket). And, finally, the fit. The Shimoda, properly adjusted, fits ME extremely well. It just does.

@akirahojo2

3 жыл бұрын

@Dan Higgins what about in terms of back ventilation/heat distribution? Which is better the Athlete or Shimoda X30?

@cogmission1

3 жыл бұрын

@Marcia Ducksworth @Maximilian Bridger Man, you guys are everywhere scamming your butts off!

Like that you keep it real man. You are an honest reviewer it seems. Good points that you mentioned and at 17:00 good point made. Thanks for taking the time to edit the video.

Thanks for the honest review man. appreciate the insight.

Just what I needed. Thanks.

@AlKulla

3 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

Interesting comparison! I've looked at both and bought an Atlas Athlete. The Shimoda is bigger and can undoubtedly hold more gear. The Atlas is rated at 40L so right between the 30 and 50 Shimoda. Of course the Athlete has limited camera gear capacity. To me it's OK. It's big enough for what I'd want to bring on a hike, but it's fixed in size and obviously less flexible. Agree about the top pocket. Don't mind the size, but one or two mesh pockets inside would have been a great addition. I dont feel that the large top pocket creates problems though. If I need to fill it to capacity then the bag is also fairly full and it wont hang far down on the front of the pack. My headlamp goes in the same pocket as the key btw. Always easy to access, but it works only with smallish headlamps. Totally agree on the missing phone pocket, but not quite happy with the Shimoda pocket either. Makes the straps almost too wide IMO. The one positive with the Shimoda key solution is that it's more difficult to steal the keys too. Comfort: I haven't tried a fully loaded Shimoda so can't really compare, but a general problem with photo packs compared to backpacking gear is that the camera compartment makes the back basically straight, and your back isn't. At least mine isn't. The Shimoda looks to have a bit more padding that can "counteract" the basic straightness created by the camera compartment. IMO Atlas should have done something similar which also would have given increased protection of the camera. Don't need to be much, just some padding that would adjust to the body's curves a little better. Another improvement for Atlas would be a little stretch in the sides of the top lid so it fit tighter to the pack. I really hate putting something under the pack. It gets in the way and prevent the pack from standing by itself.

Finally someone do this comparison! Thanks great video. My conclusion: Atlas more adventure bag, shimoda mora a travel bag, more versatile and discreet.

@AlKulla

3 жыл бұрын

I think that seems fair! Thanks for watching!

The Atlas Adventure pack wins!! 🎉🎉🎉 😊

Great video

Great to see these candid comparisons. I wonder if bag comfort comes down to body type. I just ordered the Atlas Athlete in part due to the unreal customer service that has been stated by others and that I just experienced. The last text from Allan (of Atlas Packs) was "welcome to the family".

@AlKulla

3 жыл бұрын

It's a great bag, you won't be disappointed. I've taken it all over the US, never had an issue! Thanks for watching!

@akirahojo2

3 жыл бұрын

Hi @Bazza, once you have used it for a hike, can you pls share your experience for it? Cheers.

@Bazzasphotolife

3 жыл бұрын

@@akirahojo2 sure! I have used it for several weeks now, on weekends. I have my camera gear, food, water, coffee, tea, extra clothes (-20 up here in Canada and I carry for the kids/wife). I love it - very comfy under load. In the dead of winter the buckles can be a bit small with gloves (but no fault of the bag). The waist buckles needs to be longer with all the clothes that I wear during winter, but the company is working with me. The customer service, quality of bag really does warrant the cost. You really do get the feeling that you are joining a family. I fully endorse it! Can't wait to use it in warmer temps.

I’ve had the atlas bag for the past 6 months and there is a reason I stumbled on this video. For me the atlas pack is a touch too small and shallow and I’m a minimalist who spends a lot of time in the backcountry year round. I will be getting an x50, I haven’t decided if I’m going to keep the athlete pack or not. Great comparison and video!!

@AlKulla

3 жыл бұрын

Glad I can help and thanks for watching! If you go with a smaller ICU, you can fit quite a bit into the X50.

@ericbell7529

3 жыл бұрын

Nick, you want to sell your atlas?

@Nickbellarosamedia

3 жыл бұрын

@@ericbell7529 honestly the pack is really well built and does not scream photo gear inside which is a huge plus so I think I’m going to hold on to it for now.

I like your style of mindful critique -because you put it in terms of how it would be used out in the field - i really wish Shimoda had put a few lash points/molly webbing on the outside -accept for that and the strange placement of the key link -the Shimoda is the best pound per pound -would love to see you review the LowePro tactic pack

Shimoda X50 able fit in the carryon because I don't want to leave my gear in my checked luggage? I am going to put Sony 35 F1.4, Sony 16-35, Sigma 24-70, Sony 70-200 F2.8 and Sony 200-600 with a A7 and A7iii body in X50 vs X70?

Hi Al, how’s the heat dissipation and back ventilation between the two bags? I’m comparing between the Atlas Athlete, Osprey Stratos 24, Gregory Citro 30 and Deuter Trail 30. I’ve been struggling with the other camera bags like Wandrd Prvke and F-Stop Guru, which became hot and sweaty during hiking in summer. I tried hiking with an Osprey Stratos 34 + camera insert - the ventilation on that bag was fantastic for a day’s hike, but it was cumbersome to change lenses. The Atlas’ foam mesh worries me as it looks similar to other hiking camera bags like Vanguard Alta Sky, F-Burton or Lowepro Tactic 450. Even the F-Stop Guru was sweaty as it still uses protruding foam back panel. I’m also a small guy at 5 ft 5 and will be packing mirrorless camera. Any insights or suggestions?

@adriennejones9036

3 жыл бұрын

Try Mindshift backpacks

How tall are you? Did you find both bags adequately fit from a torso perspective or was one better than the other?

So cool, I want to order one! Can you please tell me if canon 400mm lens will fit in?

None of those bags seems to be designed to prevent excessive sweating on your back. Which is one of the reasons why I went for an Osprey Kamber backpack with a camera cube insert.

@GeorgeLoch

3 жыл бұрын

Did you get a camera cube from Osprey?

@zemekiel

3 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeLoch I got the F-Stop Shallow ICU medium

@Burritosarebetterthantacos

3 жыл бұрын

ospreys back mesh is killer

@akirahojo2

3 жыл бұрын

How do you workaround the hassle of reaching for the camera cube @zemekiel? I have an Osprey Stratos 34 and it was cumbersome to change lenses as I stored the cube beneath all the other hiking stuff I carried (ie. food, jacket, etc.).

@zemekiel

3 жыл бұрын

@@akirahojo2 The Kamber opens from the back panel, I just keep my cube open so it works just like a normal camera bag.

I want to know can atlas Athlete vs Shimoda X50 fit sony 200-600mm + A7iii? I am 4Ft 9in so bag is right for me and i want to travel, wildlife, landscape and shoot airplane?

@AlKulla

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Tommy, the Shimoda can yes, just barely. The eye piece on the camera will be against the ICU but should be fine. This video I made might help you. Thanks kzread.info/dash/bejne/nW2ouNtxZtTVc9o.html

Will the Sony 200-600 mm fit in the atlas

@AlKulla

2 жыл бұрын

No, not really. That was part of the reason why I bought the Shimoda bag. Don't get me wrong though, you might be able to make it work..

@markperritte

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlKulla thank you for getting back to me

What frame size did you get in the Athlete - large? Can you comment on the height of the two if compressed down to the height of the frame?

@AlKulla

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Rob. The Atlas is a large frame and the frames pretty much come up to the tops. I have flown with the Atlas without issues, pretty packed too, but have not flown yet with the Atlas. Hope this helps!

@robdonchez

3 жыл бұрын

@@AlKulla I was wondering which is taller if measured to the top of the frame.

@AlKulla

3 жыл бұрын

@@robdonchez Just measured them for you. They are almost identical, 23 inches from the bottom to the top of the frame. The Atlas might be a 1/4" taller, if that.

@robdonchez

3 жыл бұрын

@@AlKulla Thanks!

I have the Shimoda and LOVE IT! I am a big fan of LowePro bags and was using the Powder 500 but the Action X50 is just amazing. I think you're wrong about the water bottle pocket on the Shimoda. And that lower strap can be used to tie your bottle down or if the pocket is empty the strap can do the same or you can put the pocket back in its sleeve. I have the medium DSLR unit AND the small DSLR unit and I have PLENTY of room in the room top pocket area...it's HUGE! And let's face it...the Atlas looks CHEESY and GAWDY! I totally agree that the Shimoda bag is comfortable! Sometimes I forget that I'm wearing it!

@chrismixlewis

3 жыл бұрын

How is the side access compartment? That's the biggest dealbreaker IMO. I'm a bit side-access person since I take my camera out and put it away a ton. Is it usable on the Shimoda?

@rogalaphotography

3 жыл бұрын

@@chrismixlewis I use it all the time...no problem

I own the atlas athlete amazing bag but shoulder harness are little too narrow especially by the armpit area . Another thing that baffles me is putting a weather proof zipper on a stretch mesh spandex pocket lol. The straps on atlas seems a little essesive and long and you basically have to tie them in a knot to shorten them . Atlas bags are probably ready for a version two after contacting them they have no plans to make a upgraded model or any other colors besides yellow or black. Shame. The model has been out for awhile. Update atlas are in the works on releasing updated models acording to the rep.

@robdonchez

2 жыл бұрын

You said the atlas shoulder straps were a little too narrow - do you find them uncomfortable?

@jaysun070476

2 жыл бұрын

@@robdonchez they would be perfect if they were wider at the bottom they tend to dig in a little with a heavier load

@robdonchez

2 жыл бұрын

@@jaysun070476 Have you tried the Shimoda in comparison?

@jaysun070476

2 жыл бұрын

@@robdonchez yes I have the action x50 Probably the most comfortable camera bag I've tried. But all pockets seem tight . The bag is also noisy when walking and doesn't have that sporty flexible feel of the atlas athlete. It's thicker material and seems more waterproof both are great bags . The atlas has a built in camera core while shimoda is removable.

@robdonchez

2 жыл бұрын

@@jaysun070476 Thanks! If you had to pick between the two which would you go with?

I love doing wildlife things. 😉

Put some wax on the rubber strap

Shimoda offers more flexibility.