Camera bags are not the flashiest gear news, but ask any working photographer and they will tell you the bag decides how your day goes. This week Shimoda Designs, the adventure camera bag brand, announced two new options: the third generation of its Action X backpack (Action X v3) and a brand new, lightweight Insider Sling. Both were covered by PetaPixel, Digital Camera World and other photo news sites on November 2, 2026.
One is built for long days on a mountain trail. The other is built for quick jobs where you want your camera close and your load light. Here is what is new, and how we think about bag choice for event, headshot and travel work here in San Antonio.
What is new in the Shimoda Action X v3
The Action X line is Shimoda’s flagship outdoor backpack. Version three is a refresh shaped by feedback from working photographers. The highlights, in plain terms:
- Five sizes, including a new 35 liter pack. The lineup now comes in 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 liters. Shimoda says the new 35L is sized to fit airline carry-on limits while still holding two bodies and several lenses, or one body with a big 200-600mm style zoom.
- A bigger side door. The side access opening is larger, so you can pull out one of up to two cameras with lenses attached without taking the pack off.
- More comfortable harness. The shoulder straps get more padding and ventilated 3D mesh, and there are now Capture Clip mounting points on both shoulder straps and the waist belt.
- Fit for more bodies. The torso height is adjustable, and optional women’s straps are available across the range.
- PFAS-free materials. Shimoda says the new packs drop so-called “forever chemicals” from fabrics and coatings.
According to PetaPixel, the Action X v3 backpacks start at around 300 USD, with kits that include a camera insert (Shimoda calls it a Core Unit) costing more.
The Insider Sling: Shimoda’s lightest bag yet
The Insider Sling is the piece we find more interesting for day-to-day client work. Shimoda says it was the most requested product from its community. It weighs under 500 grams and holds a non-gripped camera body with two mid-range zooms, such as a 16-35mm and a 24-70mm f/2.8, or a body with a 70-200mm f/2.8 attached.
- A sliding divider lets you change the layout without ripping out velcro walls.
- A front pocket holds batteries, memory cards and small accessories.
- An airmesh back panel and a strap that adjusts from either side make it comfortable on either shoulder.
- It comes in black, cappuccino and burnt red, with a five-year warranty, for about 130 USD.
How we think about bags as Nikon Z shooters
Grey Bug Photography has shot with the Nikon Z9 and Z8 since each camera launched, so we pay attention to how bodies actually fit in a bag. One detail in the Insider Sling specs matters a lot: it is built around a non-gripped body. The Z9 has a built-in vertical grip, so it is a tall, heavy camera and not the one you would plan around a small sling. The Z8 is a much better match for a light carry setup like this, especially with a 24-70mm f/2.8 on the camera.
That lines up with how we split our own work:
- Full event coverage means two bodies, several lenses, flashes, spare batteries and cards. That is a backpack or rolling case job, and it stays in a secure spot at the venue.
- Short assignments, walkarounds and travel days are where a sling shines. Your camera is on your body, not on a chair. After the F1 photographer gear theft story we covered earlier today, keeping your main kit on you is worth a lot.
- Outdoor and travel shoots, like the Colorado creek above (shot on a Nikon D850 at 24mm and a slow 1/10 second to soften the water), are where a comfortable, adjustable backpack like the Action X earns its keep. Your shoulders will thank you on the hike back.
If you want to compare options, you can shop Shimoda Action X backpacks at Adorama as the v3 models arrive, or browse Shimoda sling bags at Adorama.
Disclosure: some links in this post are affiliate links, which means Grey Bug Photography may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
Quick bag tips for photographers
- Pack for the job, not for every job. A lighter bag means you move faster and miss fewer moments.
- Test access with gloves on and in a hurry. If you cannot get the camera out in a few seconds, you will miss the shot.
- Keep cards and batteries in one known pocket. Running out mid-keynote is avoidable.
- Check airline limits before you travel. A carry-on sized pack keeps your cameras out of checked luggage.
What this means for San Antonio event and headshot clients
You will never see our bag in your photos, but it shapes them. A well-packed kit means less time setting up, faster lens changes during a keynote or awards moment, and a photographer who is still fresh at the end of a long conference day. For on-site headshots, a compact, organized setup also means we fit into a small office or hallway without taking over the room.
If you are planning event coverage, team headshots or a corporate photo day in San Antonio, reach out to Grey Bug Photography. We show up with the right gear for your event, packed and ready.
