Summit Creative Tenzing 50L.
In mid-2024, I was approached by Specialist Photo UK, the importer of KASE filters and Kingjoy Tripods, with an intriguing proposition: they wanted to know if I’d be interested in testing out a new camera bag. This was particularly compelling because I already owned a Shimoda Action X50, and the new bag was designed to compete directly with it. Let me make one thing perfectly clear right off the bat—I absolutely LOVE my Shimoda!
I guess this is not a long term review because I have only had the bag now for six months. However, it’s certainly standing up so far.
I suppose the first this to say is that it’s green, very green indeed…or is it turquoise/teal? I think it might be turquoise! Im not sure I like the colour yet, but it might grow on me. It is however going to be available in black/ orange so mine just might be a pre- production model. At first glance it looks similar to my Shimoda, however there are differences that distinguishes this from Shimoda. In terms of cost, my Shimoda with the large Internal Camera Unit (ICU) set me back just shy of £500.00. Shockingly expensive in my view, but they are good…and I’ve had a lot of camera bags.
Before I get into describing the differences, I will just mention the fabric and weight. Both bags are made from a ripstop nylon and both have a similar look. Completely empty, the Shimoda Action X50 with the large ICU weighs in at 3.1kg, the Tenzing 50L 2.9kg. Both have water resistant external zippers.
Rear view
The two bags look different sizes on this photo but in reality, they are exactly the same. The main differences that really matter as far as I can see here is the centre handle on the Tenzing. Very handy for moving the bag around quickly on the floor. That being said, more often than not, the zipper is open when the bag is on the floor to access gear, so this wouldn’t be useful in this instance. Had you placed the bag down to consider a shot then wanted to move slightly then yes, this would work. Both bags have a side handle, which could be used for the same purpose but two handles would be better than one in my view. I still think the Tenzing wins on this front by having that extra option. As you can see from the photograph, the Shimoda has an adjustable harness and the Tenzing not. I can’t really comment on this other than to say in all the camera bags that I have ever owned, I’ve never had to adjust the harness and the same goes for the Tenzing. Not apparent on this picture is the waist strap. The Tenzing has a nice handy pocket on the left side for your phone etc., whereas the Shimoda has none. Even my iPhone 12 Pro Max with a Toro leather cover fits in it.
Sides
The main differences here are the pockets. Both have a pocket that allows access Into the internal parts of the bag on one side and both have a side storage pocket on the other. The pocket on the Tenzing that allows access to the inside also has an integrated hidden pocket, which I really did like. You could hide keys in here or even an AirTag for security. The Shimoda also has two extractable net bags, one on either side for carrying water bottles, or a tripod if you dare. I’ve never tried this as they just don’t appear that robust to me. They often flap around like big elephant ears. The Tenzing on the other hand has two expandable strapped pockets instead, which I think I prefer and will certainly carry a tripod leg (without spikes). The main side storage pockets do pretty much the same as one another. The buckling system on the Tenzing to my mind is more extensive and appears to have been thought out – as the name suggests – to get you and your climbing gear up a mountain if you wanted to.
Front view
A couple of differences here which in my view trump the Shimoda. The first is that the pocket at the top zips much further down on the Tenzing, which makes accessing your bits and bobs much easier. Also, and I literally just noticed this, the Tenzing has a second zipper which allow the whole pocket to expand as shown in the insert photo…genius I thought! In here there is a zipped mesh bag for batteries and memory cards, a slot for a laptop and a large space for guide books etc when it’s fully expanded. The pocket at the bottom provides a little extra storage should you need it but its main function is to house the climbing helmet holder which again, leans the bag towards mountain use if you need a bag for such an occasion. Some might find this a useful way to carry a cycle helmet.
Top
The above is a view inside the roll top storage area of the Shimoda. This is one of the things that consolidated my purchase of this bag. It allows me to store a coat, waterproof trousers, a brolly and food for the day when it’s fully expanded. The Shimoda’s compartment is completely separate to the ICU below it and there are two internal zippers where I put my keys and snacks that can otherwise easily get lost within rolled up clothing. There is also a side pocket at the base of the roll top to allow access without unraveling it should you wish to have quick access. Both bags have this.
The Tenzing doesn’t provide any separation between your stored goods above and the camera padding below and I have to say, this is the place that lets the bag down slightly. Any small loose items placed in here generally will likely get lost in the bowels of the bag below, which I thought was a slight oversight. There are a couple of mesh pockets in this space but they lack zipper. That being said, with so many other pockets available in the bag, I can forgive them. The hole that you see daylight through in the side of the bag is for a bladder. I’ve never been keen on this idea because you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to realise what will happen should your bladder burst. The very top of the Tenzing roll top also has another zip wheres the Shimoda doesn’t. I don’t think it needs this. It’ my understanding that these roll top systems can actually keep out water without the need for a zip
Main compartment
The Tenzing has skipped the ICU and I have to say, I’m really not that fussed either. Some have said the great thing about an ICU is that you can take it out, zip it up and have it as an airline carry on. I do see this as a potential selling point, but for me, I haven’t been on a plane since we got our dog six years ago, so I’m happy with this configuration. And to be honest, my gear fits in it better than the large ICU within which the Shimoda ever allowed. I had things stacked on top of each other in the Shimoda, but not here. You will also notice the inside lid. The Shimoda (not shown) has one unzipped pocket whereas the Tenzing has two zipped pockets and another laptop/pamphlet holder.
There are some other subtle difference between the two bags such as buckles and extra straps for stowage, but I thought I’d cover the points that mattered to me. For those of you wanting to take this up a mountain, even carrying ice axes or skis, then the straps and lashing ability that the bag offers is great. The internal compartment also has an adjustable system to allow the camera section to be shrunk or expanded as required.
Would I swap my Shimoda for the Tenzing after first impressions – I’d have to say yes.
The Tenzing 50L costs only £340.00 and when you compare that to the £500.00 of the Shimoda Action X50, it’s an absolute bargain. If you are interested in a Summit Creative bag, of any size and would like to support me, please click here or scan the QR code to use my affiliate link at the Summit Creative website.
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