Hi, all. I'm considering a Shimoda Side Lite 22L Starter Kit to use as my bag of choice for carrying my camera gear while going on hiking, photo walks, and bike rides. I'm currently swapping from Fujifilm to M43, but my future setup will be an OM-1 body, OM 60mm f/2.8 macro lens, and OM/PanaLeica 100-400 lens. I may also pick up, and carry with me, a twin light setup for macro like the Godox/Flashpoint MF12, as well.
Has anyone used this bag in the field? What are your pros/cons? Thanks in advance for your time and advice.
Not the Side Lite, but I just got the Side Street 28.
I already own a Explore 35, and was looking for a smaller, lighter pack for mostly urban photo trips where I am on my feet most of the day. Compared to the should bag I had been using for such trips, I wanted a bit more space for auxillary items (extra clothes, etc) and more long term carrying comfort.
The removable small shoulder bag of the Side series sealed the deal for me. I hand considered Wandrd and Peak Design, but wanted the comfort of the Shimoda shoulder straps and internal frame.
I chose the Side Street over the Side Lite for the sleeker look that would stand out less in urban environments, even though I didn't need the extra weight of the laptop sleeve.
The material quality of the bag is very high, just as good as the Explore series, it feels extremely tough and somewhat waterproof. The harness system is very comfortably fully loaded and effectively transfers weight to the hips when the hip belt is used.
The side access is more useful than on my Explore 35 due to the opening being less stiff and difficult to open, and the opening itself being a bit wider.
Overall I feel like this bag fits my needs well, and I will find out more on a 2 week trip to China next month.
If I were choosing for more trail based usage, I would have gone with the Side Lite for the lower weight and lack of uneeded laptop sleeve. I didn't like the omission of the water bottle pockets ok the Side Country models, and at that size I would just use my Explore series for a large amount of camera gear, or a hiking backpack with ICU for smaller amount of camera gear.
