Vanguard Veo City backpack review

Designing a camera bag is a fine balance. It needs enough space, protection and durability to cater for your beloved – and potentially expensive – camera gear. However, while function is indeed important, form can’t be forgotten.

After all, a bag is also an accessory, so it needs to look good on your shoulder. Add comfort to this list and true success can be difficult to achieve.

Veo City looks

Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but when I first set eyes on the Vanguard Veo City backpack, I immediately ticked form factor off the list.

The bag enjoys a tidy design with a tough, weatherproof 1050D nylon shell, seamless waterproof zips and attractive leather detailing.

But, crucially, this bag doesn’t look like a camera bag. For me, that makes an enormous difference.

Veo City features

Thankfully, this beauty is not just skin-deep. Beneath the outer shell are two layers of water-resistant polyurethane and a layer of high-density cross-linked polyethylene foam under-armour.

This ensures your set-up is well-protected when tucked up inside, which – thanks to a soft-lined interior and adjustable slimline dividers – is a pleasant place for your gear to be.

This range of bags comes in three sizes: 12 litres, 16 litres and 21 litres. We reviewed the 21-litre B46, which provides plenty of space for most set-ups – including a 16in laptop. Larger telephoto lenses can be a squeeze, so check the internal dimensions before buying.

Using the Veo City backpack

Access to the main compartment is through the back of the pack. With security in mind, this is not quickly accessible by design, but there is an easy-access camera compartment on top of the pack.

You can find this located beneath an RFID-protected top flap which fastens magnetically with a pleasing snap.

Once inside, the bag is well-organised, with plenty of zip-up pockets for stowing various cables, cards, filters, drives and other bits of kit.

Externally, expandable side pockets are good for a tripod, with an additional strap to hold it in place. There is also a hidden pocket on the rear of the bag that makes a perfect stash for your passport.

Add this to hand luggage-friendly dimensions, plus a removable pouch for accessories that transforms into a sling bag for outings, and you’ve got yourself a top pick for urban travel. You can also attach the pouch to the bag’s exterior to free up more space.

While all this is great, it would be nothing if the bag wasn’t comfortable. Thanks to 4D air-fibre padding, the bag moulds to the contours of your back while still remaining breathable.

Furthermore, the straps are made from honeycomb TPE padding with an adjustable chest strap for secure comfort while on the move.