54 6 July 2019 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk http://www.amateurphotographer.co.ukII subscribe 0330 333 1113subscribe 0330 333 1113
Testbench ACCESSORIES
At a glance
● 15in laptop compartment
● 29x12.5x49cm (internal
dimension)
● 34x20.5x50.5cm (external
dimension)
● 1.65kgFINDING a bag that’s perfectly matched
to your photographic needs can be
quite a challenge. Sometimes you
might want to carry lots of gear
and distribute the weight across
both shoulders, whereas other
times you might want to travel
light and prefer a messenger-style
bag to sling over one shoulder for
fast access to your kit. Vanguard has
identifi ed that some photographers want
the best of both without having to fork out on
two separate bags. Their answer is the VEO Select- an incognito backpack that lets you tuck away the
shoulder straps and attach another strap when a
different carrying method is preferred.
Entry to the main compartment can be made
through the side, rear or top, and it has a spacious
interior with room for a DSLR or mirrorless camera
with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, plus two
to three lenses, a fl ash and accessories. The divider
arrangement is confi gured as a daypack, with the top
third being a handy place to store spare clothes and
toiletries on a short city break when travelling with
just hand luggage. If you’d prefer to free up this
space to hold a large lens such as a 150-600mm
telezoom or backup body, the dividers can be
easily rearranged to do so.
Those who want to work or edit on the go will be
grateful for the 15-inch laptop sleeve. There’s also
a discreet top pocket that’s ideal for keeping your
phone or passport safe and the elasticated side pocket
can be used to carry a tripod or water bottle. At the
base a reinforced water-resistant material is used to
prevent moisture penetrating through when rested
on wet ground and a rain cover is also included.
Switching the bag from backpack to shoulder bag
couldn’t be easier – it’s simply a case of loosening
the shoulder straps, feeding them through two
loops to keep them out of the way and clipping on
the padded shoulder strap with metal fastenings at
either end. The side zip enables quick entry to your
camera and with sturdy side and top handles it’s easy
to grab from overhead lockers.
Ve r d i c t
I took the VEO Select 49 on a two-day trip abroad,
using it as a backpack while travelling and as a shoulder
bag walking around the city. It was very comfortable
to carry in both confi gurations, and if you pack sensibly
you can cram a surprising amount of kit inside. When
you consider its versatility and how well it’s made and
put together, it offers sensational value for money. As
stylish backpacks go that can be converted into a
shoulder bag in seconds, it’s by far one of the best
we’ve tested. We’re also fans of the military green
ALL PRICES ARE APPROXIMATE STREET PRICESfi nish as opposed to the more orthodox black.
Vanguard’s VEO Select range is made up
of the VEO Select 49 (above), VEO Select
41 and VEO Select 45. The VEO Select
45 (£129.99) can accommodate a 15in
laptop, whereas the VEO Select 41
(£129.99) accepts a laptop up to 13in.
Those who like the styling of the VEO
Select backpacks but would prefer a
dedicated shoulder bag should look at
the VEO Select 35 (£99). All Vanguard VEO
Select bags are available in green or black.THE VEO SELECT RANGE
Vanguard VEO Select 49
Michael Topham tests a backpack
that doubles up as a shoulder bag
● £149 ● http://www.vanguardworld.co.uk
GOLD
Grab handles
Grab handles at the side
and the top make it easy to
pull from overhead lockers.Access
The bag offers quick,
convenient access to the main
compartment from the
side, top and rear.Carry-on
compatible
This backpack fits the
carry-on luggage
requirements of
most airlines.Straps
The bag has an adjustable
sternum strap and waist
strap, but the latter is
a little thin.