Vanguard Backpack

Update from below:I've used the bag for a few days now and it's worked brilliantly. It got an absolute soaking on a welsh mountain without the raincover fitted and still didn't get wet inside. No issues at all, easy to access the kit and surprisingly comfy considering the narrower straps than on my other bags. Just ensure it's tightened to your back with the adjustable shoulder strap pulls and not hanging off your shoulders pulling you down and giving shoulder/back ache, as all backpacks should be fitted.--------------------------------------Like most photographers I have a huge collection of bags. Collected over the years in the never ending search for the perfect bag. One of my biggest issues is finding a bag for photography that also holds a day out kit like a flask, food and jacket. They're mostly just enormous and heavy even when empty.I'm currently using 2 Billingham Hadley bags for different uses, a large 445 Billingham for travel and a large Lowepro whistler for any days that involve hiking or camping. I also own a lowepro flipside and a mindshift dual25.. Only the Hadleys are suitable for the purposes, I'm just not happy with the others at all.This bag appeared on a youtube video I watched, thought it looked great so took a look on Amazon. At almost £100 it was a bit of a punt but decided to try it. Vanguard isn't a name I head for when it comes to bags.It's very well made, good quality materials, zips, straps etc.. It's also smaller than my other backpacks. It doesn't protrude backwards 2ft like my other bags. I struggle to get through some of the mountain kissing gates with the lowepros on my back! Love the briefcase handles and shoulder strap. Brilliant for moving the bag around when travelling. The green colour is nice and dark, think army green and you've got the colour. Side access to the xt4 is handy without removing the bag.Filling it was easy and it holds an absolute ton of kit and it fits in very well. Here's an idea of what it holds for a few days in the mountains. I can strap my tent, bag and airbed to the top if needed. The list below is what I've placed into all of the compartments, ideal for a week in the highlands with all in one bag. I'll only be carrying the full kit on trips away, mostly it'll be a mix of the kit for a day or two.main photo compartment:xt4 with vertical grip accessible from side zipper toox100v +tcl and wcl lensx100f + wcl lensxt4+v/f battery chargersrocket blower +clothsset of circular nd filtersvanguard 4 battery holder and v/f peripheralsvanguard 2 battery holder and xt4 peripheralsa spare card and accessory holdertripod spare small column sectionstupid xt4 plugfront top pocket:phone + keysSecret pocket on back:Walletfront double opening pocket:shoulder strapwaterproof cover2x powerbanksside pocket:gitzo traveler tripodHiking sticks strapped on opposite sideside pocket outer:first aid kit**most important for a day in the mountainsTop compartment:Thermos ultimate 500ml Flaskthermos food flask can be swapped for stove and food.packable waterproof jacketumbrellawater filterbanana/apple/2x cereal barsplus room for a few smaller items.3LT tool on strap with peak cuff and garmin 64s.Also takes a peak capture clip on the straps.There's probably stuff I've forgotten to add above but it all fits nicely without bursting at the seams. It will hold more kit but you's have to start cramming it in. The zips aren't anywhere near to struggling as it's set up now.The only thing I would've liked is slightly thicker shoulder straps but they're good as is but thicker is better!I've added a full load and the straps are still comfy. Like the hidden waist strap. I don't always fasten them if the bag is on and off and they just flap about annoying me.It also stands up on its own too. It can be wobbly if you load it top heavy but the flat bottom is nice.I've only loaded it yet and I'm trying it in a couple of days. If there's no update when this is posted it's all worked nicely. Any issues and I'll update.Overall it looks to be fantastic so far, really happy.

For years I have searched for the perfect camera bag. Not too big, not too small. Room for camera, a couple of lenses, cleaning gear,spare batteries, tripod, folding umbrella, small first-aid kit, water bottle, waterproof jacket, baseball cap...you know, enough stuff for a good day's photography. Oh, and it must have quick side access and main access against my back. Room for my tablet would be nice, and perhaps a couple of maps, and what about a rain cover? ... and, above all, it must be comfortable for long hikes. Impossible, you say? I used to think so (and I have a collection of five other unsuitable camera back-packs to back me up). Not any more, my friends. This Vanguard VEO Select 45L back-pack is IT! And did I mention, it looks super cool as well 😄

After a solid months use, I'm well impressed with this bag. Holds my camera gear, work laptop and still has additional storage for misc items. This bag has improved my day to day carrying of gear and made my routine much easier

I'm a bit disappointed with this bag, mostly due to the way the straps are made. The shoulder straps are just about ok (not thick/wide enough for a long day out with a full bag), but the sternum and waist straps are frankly rubbish. Compare with the LowePro straps, which help to keep the weight off your shoulders by transferring some of the weight to your hips - like proper hiking packs do. This exacerbates the issue with the shoulder straps being narrow - the weight gets concentrated over a small area, leading to very sore shoulders.It's configurable enough to make many people happy I'm sure, but I was looking for a solution for all day landscape photo trips (camera, lenses, tripod, filters, extra clothing, snacks, water etc) and this is really not suitable. An upgraded, thick waist strap would make a huge difference.

I really like this bag. It’s amazing, stylish and totally customizable to your needs. Materials are really good, well made and great value for money. This is my first backpack of this type and I accommodate a bmpcc 4K with full tilts cage, two lenses, plus a bunch of accessories like a big follow focus and rails, batteries and bunch of cables. It’s just perfect. Everything is thight and even more is extremely confortable. I’m really happy with it and I can recommend. I’m a seansable video maker and I spend a full day with this bag fully loaded on my back and it was confortable. Probably the only downside is that if it’s too hot, my back starts sweating. But nothing pretty dramatic.