Shimoda Sidecountry Backpack Review

If you love adventure photography and traveling with your camera gear, you might be wondering if the Shimoda Sidecountry backpack is for you.

A good bag can make your life easier, protect your gear, and even speed up your workflow. In this review, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Shimoda Sidecountry.

From its design and build to its storage, comfort, and versatility, I’ll cover it all. By the end, you’ll know if this bag is the right choice for your next adventure.

Read on to learn all about this awesome new bag from Shimoda.

What is the Shimoda Sidecountry Backpack?

The Shimoda Sidecountry is a lightweight, modular backpack system built for adventure, travel, and creators on the go. It combines a top loader camera case with a dedicated side access backpack for fast-moving situations.

The pack comes in two sizes: 28 liters and 32 liters. Each starter kit includes a medium top loader, with small and large options available depending on your gear.

The Large holds a full-size camera body and two extra lenses, while the Medium holds a full-size camera body and a lens.

This bag was designed in the mountains but looks sleek enough for urban use. It’s vegan-friendly, PFA-free, and made from recycled Cordura nylon.

If you’re an urban traveler, they also make a variation of the Side Street backpack that’s more tailored to the urban environment, where theft protection and sleek styling are important.

Personally, I really like the Sidecountry version because of its large capacity and accessory straps.

If you want speed of access, comfort, and a lightweight bag, this is definitely a great option.

Design and Build Quality

Shimoda focused on smooth lines, modularity, and practical details with the design of this bag. The bag feels weather-resistant, and the reinforced bottom can handle rough surfaces without looking roughed up.

I didn’t treat it very gently on several trips, and it still looks fresh. This is something I have really come to appreciate about all the Shimoda camera bags I’ve tested.

The back panel is padded with breathable mesh to keep you cool, and the shoulder straps include a raised camera clip mount that doesn’t dig into your shoulder.

After opening the magnetic top latch, the clamshell compartment opens for extra storage. This allows for easy access and flexible storage.

I really like how you can use the bag as a backpack or remove the top loader for a standalone shoulder bag or sling bag. This gives you flexibility when traveling to carry your camera how you want: bring the whole kit or travel light.

An aluminum frame and smart harness distribute weight evenly across your hips and chest. During short walks, the waist belt magnetically stays out of the way.

When you connect the waist, this bag is ready to carry heavy loads with comfort.

Overall, it’s a bag that looks sleek but is built for serious use. It has already earned a top-tier spot in my array of camera bags.

Storage Capacity and Compartments

The main feature is the side-loading top compartment. This is Shimoda’s first design that focuses exclusively on the side-access style.

Small, medium, and large top loaders accommodate everything from a single body and lens to a full trinity of lenses.

I love that you can pick whatever size top loader fits the gear you need. This gives it further modularity, allowing you to take different top loaders on different outings (with an extra purchase).

The roll-top section adds extra space for a drone, GoPro, or even a helmet. Inside, you’ll find a removable tote for errands or short trips, which is surprisingly handy.

These sort of design elements show that the bag was actually tested in real travel scenarios before it was put out to the market.

The interior includes a 16-inch laptop sleeve and dividers for cameras, lenses, and accessories. I love the handy white laptop sleeve because I often just want to grab my computer with a little padding to go work at the coffee shop.

Another new feature I hadn’t seen before was the bright white interiors that make it easy to spot small items like batteries or memory cards.

Time will tell how dirty they look over time, but for now, I like being able to easily see into the bag.

Protection and Security Features

The Shimoda Sidecountry includes padded dividers that keep your gear safe from scratches and impacts.

The side-loading top compartment and roll-top closure secure your gear from the elements (see above photo from a jeep tour during a total downpour).

As always, I love that Shimoda includes a hidden AirTag sleeve that helps track the bag when traveling. Not that I ever let it out of sight, but it does provide peace of mind.

Shoulder strap mounts for camera clips reduce strain and keep your camera accessible. I also liked that the shoulder pockets are large enough to fit my iPhone 16 Max.

Weather-resistant materials and a rain cover provide added security when traveling in rainy environments.

I love the peace of mind that even in wet or rugged environments, your gear stays protected. That is what a camera bag is all about, right?

Accessibility and Ease of Use

The Sidecountry is designed for quick access to your camera. Slide the top loader under your arm, unzip, and grab your gear without removing the backpack.

When you want to travel lighter, the top loader detaches and can be carried with a shoulder strap or as a waist/sling bag. This flexibility is really nice to have for photographers on the go.

I love the little design features like magnetic flaps and smooth zippers that make gear access simple.

There are also a few small pockets that hold batteries, memory cards, and accessories.

For those brave enough to mix liters of water and camera gear, hydration hose ports keep liquids separate from camera gear (at least in theory).

I’ve had enough water bladder failures to make this a no-go for me, but I appreciate the sentiment.

One of the only minor drawbacks is that the accessory pocket on the top loader becomes hard to reach when the top loader is mounted inside the bag. I ran into this issue several times when I put batteries in this pocket, only to find them slow to reach when I needed them.

Overall, this bag has some excellent features that make access a breeze!

Comfort and Portability

Comfort is a priority on the Shimoda Sidecountry backpack. The padded back panel uses breathable air mesh, and the shoulder straps are lightweight and supportive.

Load lifter straps transfer weight from shoulders to hips efficiently, and the waist belt is removable but useful for heavier loads or longer treks.

I did find that the torso length was a bit short for the load lifters to do much, but shorter people will have a better fit.

The bag can move naturally with your body or be locked in close for active situations.

Ian, the designer at Shimoda, did a great job of making this bag perfect for situations where you want to bring a camera but also need room for outdoor gear.

Even fully loaded, it remains comfortable for hours.

Versatility and Travel-Friendliness

The Shimoda Sidecountry backpack is perfect for adventure and travel photography. You can use it for skiing, hiking, urban travel, or everyday shooting.

The modular top loader allows quick switching between backpack, shoulder, or waist carry. It can hold cameras, lenses, drones, laptops, and extra clothing all in one bag.

It meets carry-on guidelines and may even pass for a personal item depending on how full it is and how strict the airline is.

The expandable compartments accommodate different gear setups, so every style of photographer can make it work.

If you want a bag that adapts to your activity, the Shimoda Sidecountry backpack is a great choice!

Organization and Accessibility of Accessories

With the Shimoda Sidecountry backpack, accessory storage is thoughtful and practical. Two front-panel sleeves let you store jackets, gloves, or other secure items like avalanche gear.

Side pockets hold water bottles, small cameras, phones, or anything you need fast access to.

Accessory straps on the front let you secure a tripod, snowshoes, or a snowboard. I love having the ability to strap gear on the bag because I inevitably end up carrying other people’s stuff when I’m out on a shoot.

The removable tote adds flexibility for errands or travel outings, and the shoulder strap pockets keep things like phones, headphones, and passports right up front where you need them.

Lastly, bright interiors and clear layouts make it easy to find gear quickly. Some bags have excessive pockets, and items get lost, but the Shimoda Sidecountry strikes a good balance of organization and simplicity.

How I Tested the Shimoda Sidecountry Backpack

I used this bag for several months in different environments. From the waters of the East Coast to the desert southwest, the Shimoda Sidecountry has performed!

I’ve carried cameras, lenses, a drone, a GoPro, a laptop, and personal items through planes and up mountains. I tested it on hikes, airport travel, and adventure outings.

I used the modular top loader as a shoulder bag and as part of the backpack. I also tested carrying tripods, water bottles, and other accessories.

Finally, I gave it to my wife to carry a camera to document my effort of running my first ultramarathon.

Throughout all these adventures, the Shimoda Sidecountry has worked exceptionally well to keep gear organized and accessible!

Alternatives to Shimoda Sidecountry Backpack

If you need full rear access, the Shimoda Action X series may be better. I’ve used these bags for years and they are of equal quality with more access.

Peak Design’s outdoor backpacks offer a similar size and versatility. They appear cheaper, but by the time you add a camera cube, you’ll be similar in price.

For a budget option, consider the Wandrd Provoke series.

The Shimoda Sidecountry stands out for side-loading access and a modular top loader design!

Price and Value for Money

The Sidecountry is a premium camera backpack. It is an investment, but its durability, versatility, and modularity justify the price. Plus, you get a solid warranty if anything goes wrong.

This bag can also easily adapt as your gear grows or your shooting style changes. I think you’ll find it to be a great addition to your travel setup.

Shimoda products are built to last, so you can count on long-term reliability. This makes the Shimoda Sidecountry a solid choice!

FAQs

Does the Shimoda Sidecountry come in other sizes/models?

Yes. You can get the 28L or 32L version. It also comes in the Side Lite version and Side Street version for weight-conscious or urban travelers.

Does it have back panel access?

No, the Shimoda Sidecountry is meant for side access to camera gear.

Does the Shimoda Sidecountry include the top loader bag?

Yes! You can select the size of top loader you want – small, medium, or large.

Is the Shimoda Sidecountry worth the money?

I believe it is! It’s a great product, well-designed and backed by a company that cares about the photography industry.

Shimoda Sidecountry Backpack Review | Conclusion

The Shimoda Sidecountry backpack is flexible, comfortable, and practical. It works well for photographers who mix camera gear with adventure and travel essentials.

You get quick access to your camera, excellent organization, and modular carry options. It may not be perfect for tripod carry or extremely heavy lens setups, but for most photographers, it’s ideal.

Whether you are a pro or an enthusiast, this bag makes carrying and using your gear on adventures easier. It’s a bag you can rely on for years of creative photography, adventures, and travel.