First test
If you need a roomy and rugged carrying solution, this top-of-the-range, trekking-focused photo backpack could be a perfect partner VanguardVEOActive 53 PRICE: £249.99 VANGUARDWORLD.CO.UK
WITH CONTENT CREATORS needing more kit for capturing stills and moving pictures, there’s a real need for carrying solutions to have great capacity and versatility. The VEO Active 53 – from Vanguard’s recently launched four-strong range of trekking photo backpacks – has all the credentials as an ideal bag for the multimedia creative. Its main camera compartment offers rear access and contains a
large, removable insert that is fully lined to accept the generous supply of thin, yet stiff padded dividers. The insert is self-covered, and has a carrying handle, so you can use it as a separate bag – the cover adds an extra layer of protection while it’s in the backpack. This can be folded over under the insert, allowing you to get at the kit quickly. The stiff-walled insert delivers excellent physical protection, while the opening to the main area has a thin metal frame for rigidity. This was large and deep enough to accommodate a multi-lens Nikon Z 9 outfit easily, with a Z 100-400mm zoom attached. A four-lens, Fujifilm GFX medium format selection was equally at home, with room to spare for batteries and filters. If your equipment comprises a stills camera, lenses, audio kit and a drone, that would all fit – as would a mirrorless camera, lenses, batteries and an external hard drive. Internally, the rear cover has two padded sleeves for a 16in laptop and 10in tablet, while on the outside, raised dots help airflow – and there’s a luggage strap, should you need to “THE EXPANDING TOP COVERMEANS THERE’S PLENTY OF HEADROOM FOR PERSONAL ITEMS”
PLENTY OF ROOM INSIDE The VEO Active 53’s removable camera insert has a generous capacity. If you prefer to have a long lens attached to the camera, that’s no problem add this bag to your roller case. If you prefer, the broad waist strap that has storage options can be removed. When the insert is in place, you can’t get at its contents via the top opening, but when it’s out – and the Active 53 is a daysack – you access content from above. The expanding top cover means plenty of headroom to accept personal items, clothing and, of course, yet more kit. It’s in this compartment that there’s a USB lead; connect a power bank and charge your phone via the USB-A port on the bag’s exterior, hidden in a side pocket.
SUPPORT NEEDS No problem attaching a tripod to the Active 53, and it’s quick to release, ready for set-up. A tripod can also be carried on the rear
SPECS › Price £249.99 › In the box Active 53M, detachable lens pouch (to 70-200mm) and accessories pouch › Colour Grey, khaki green (tested here) › Capacity 45 litres › Tripod holder Yes (up to two) › Laptop/tablet sleeve 16in laptop, 10in tablet › Rain cover Supplied › Daypack section Yes › Other features USB port interface for charging on the go › External dimensions 33x25x55cm › Internal dimensions 31x18x53cm › Camera compartment dimensions 28x16x38cm › Weight 2.9kg › Contact vanguardworld.co.uk
pocket and plentiful supply of loops to hang things off, there’s no shortage of potential in this capacious bag. It’s good in use, too. Even when well loaded up, it’s a comfortable bag to carry, with the adjustable padded shoulder straps, sternum strap and waist belt all playing their part. WC
If you are a landscape vlogger, having two tripods is essential – and no problem on the Active 53 (apart from the extra weight). You can strap one to the side, with another on the rear. Thanks to the added potential of a hydration sleeve, an elasticated
Verdict The Vanguard VEO Active 53 is a big bag, with serious capacity, that’s rich in features to make it great to use. Carrying it fully loaded is made as comfortable as possible. PROS Good handling, versatile protective dividers that are easy to fine-tune, USB charging port, accepts laptop and tablet, takes gripped and deep-bodied cameras CONS Quite weighty, even when empty
READY CHARGED The VEO 53 is one of a growing number of Vanguard bags with a USB-A port connected to a USB cable inside, for on-the-move charging
Issue 98 | Photography News 43
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