Shimoda Filter Wrap 150

Call me old fashioned, call me a Luddite, but I still use filters. I’d much prefer to get things as right as possible in camera than spend extra time at the computer blending shots and other digital jiggery-pokery.

As such, I’m a big fan of filters and regularly take several graduated neutral density (GNDs) filters as well as a circular polariser (CPL). Occasionally, I’ll also pack a couple of neutral density filters (NDs) to allow for longer exposure times which will impart a degree of movement into water, clouds and the like.

Photographers often see the perfect camera bag/pack as the holy grail of gear searching but I’ve had equally as much trouble finding the ideal method of carrying filters. I’ve bought a whole host of expensive filter pouches from various big brand names. None has proved suitable mainly due to weight/bulk considerations or just not being simple and easy to use. For me, gear has to work, to make my life easier otherwise it doesn’t get used.

Thus I have a bit of a collection of filter cases, all pretty much brand new, all pretty much unused. Enter the Shimoda Filter Wrap 150. I admit that when ordering it, it felt like a bit of a gamble but with a RRP of £28 it seemed a bet worth taking.

They say that the proof is in the pudding (whatever that means) but all I can say is that the Shimoda wrap has been used on every photo trip that I’ve made since its purchase. It just works, it helps me get on with the job and thus it has become a constant companion in the mountains.

Well, what’s so great about the Filter Wrap?

Size and Shape; thin and flat, it is nicely compact unlike the boxy shape of most filter cases, thus easy to stow inside a bag or pack.

Weight; at only 0.16 kg it’s nice and light unlike some. Some cases are incredibly heavy and whilst that may work for roadside photography it’s a no go for the mountains where every gram is important.

Design; simple is best and Shimoda knows this and has executed the perfect blend of necessary features without any unnecessary gimmicks.

Practicality; the wrap can be hung from your tripod or laid flat on the ground or on your pack. I usually opt for the latter, the flat rear opening panel of the Shimoda packs doubling as a fantastic improvised work bench.

Protective Without Overkill; Shimoda has struck the perfect balance of protection without going over the top. Some cases are rock solid, rigid constructions that feel capable of stopping a speeding bullet. The Filter Wrap provides an excellent level of protection at a minimal size and weight so hats off to the designers.

The fact that I use it pretty much on a daily basis says more about Shimoda’s Filter Wrap than any amount of words ever can. Shimoda are well known for their packs but they also make a whole range of accessories so do check out their website. Not sure why Shimoda accessories are not getting bigged up and a google search revealed zero reviews of the Filter Wrap so hopefully this puts that straight!

https://uk.shimodadesigns.com/filter-wrap-150-army-green/

PS Well done, Shimoda for creating something that so many other companies have tried and been found wanting.