Vanguard Sedona 41 backpack at a glance:
- Capacity: 41L
- Choice of three colours: blue, black and khaki
- Website: www.vanguardworld.co.uk
- Price: £89.99
While there’s no doubting the usefulness of the traditional camera shoulder bag, sometimes it’s just not the right tool for the job. If you’re out walking or hiking all day, for example, then you’ll need space for extras such as waterproofs and food, as well as for your camera gear. You’ll also want a bag that can be carried around comfortably for extended periods even when fully laden, which may well mean a backpack.
Vanguard’s Sedona range of casually styled backpacks aims to cover these requirements. We’re looking at the smallest of three rucksacks here, with a capacity of 41 litres. Larger 45L and 51L variants are also available, as well as 34L and 43L sling bags. Each of the five designs comes in a choice of three colours: blue, black and khaki.
The basic idea is that you have a padded camera compartment at the base of the bag, accessed via a zipped flap at the back, with a good amount of space for other items above. This rear-entry system gives excellent security for your equipment, the disadvantage being that it’s not especially quick to get at in a hurry. The bag will accommodate a decent amount of kit; for example, an enthusiast DSLR and three lenses should fit without any trouble. The outside of the bag is festooned with pockets and attachment points, so you can carry a tripod or walking poles without any difficulty.
The Sedona 41 is a well-made bag, and its styling is unlikely to draw any unwanted attention. It’s reasonably lightweight, at just 910g, but with a well-designed harness including an integrated waist belt, it’s comfortable to carry even with a heavy load on board. It may not be the best choice when quick access to your kit is necessary, but that’s about the only criticism.
