Vanguard VEO 37 Travel Shoulder Bag at a glance:
- Separate access to underside tripod-storage area
- Tripod-storage area doubles as long-lens storage compartment
- Padded easy-access pocket to take an 11in tablet or Ultrabook
- Fully adjustable shoulder strap for different carrying options
- Full-sized rain cover
- Price: £69.95
- Website: www.vanguardworld.co.uk
Launched at The Photography Show earlier this year, Vanguard’s VEO 37 is designed to discreetly hold a complete compact system camera outfit, such as the Sony Alpha 7 or Fujifilm X series and accessories, with everything easily accessible by your side. The upper compartment with its padded dividers can hold a camera body, several lenses and a flash. Removing the dividers allows room for personal items. The lower compartment easily holds a travel tripod and, if you choose to store a long lens in here, the tripod can simply be strapped to the fittings on the underside of the bag.
The black 600D polyester material with grey piping doesn’t scream ‘I’m full of camera gear!’ either, so it’s perfect for the photographer who wants to explore without giving the game away. And although it could shrug off a light shower, it also has a rain cover for more protection.
Vanguard VEO 37 Travel Shoulder Bag – Key features
Tripod compartment
Accessed from a zipped end flap, the tripod compartment allows secure storage for your travel tripod.
Zippered pockets
A secure side pocket provides ample extra space for any small accessories, plus a mobile phone or compact camera.
Rain cover
A full-sized cover with an integral pouch is stored in the side zip pocket.
Shoulder strap
The wrap-around nylon webbing strap with shoulder pad allows you to carry the bag across the chest, on your shoulder or tight underarm.
Vanguard VEO 37 Travel Shoulder Bag – Verdict
The Vanguard VEO 37 has the feel and demeanour of a high-quality bag and will cope with much use and many miles of travel. How much kit you can squeeze into this lightweight shoulder bag is impressive, and I liked how easily customisable it is. The extra compartments for memory cards and filters with zipped and unzipped external pockets are a plus, and its stealth looks are an advantage if you’re venturing off the beaten track.
SCORE: 5 out of 5
You may also wish to consider:
Manfrotto Unica Stile V
Price: £40
Website: www.manfrotto.co.uk
Like the VEO 37, the Unica Stile V has an integrated compartment in its base for a small travel tripod. Along with a DSLR and lenses, it can hold a 15in laptop. It’s currently being sold at bargain end-of-line prices.
Thule Covert DSLR Messenger Bag
Price: £129
Website: www.thule.com
The Thule Covert DSLR Messenger Bag is designed for photographers who want their camera gear close at hand. With its roomy interior, it’s a slightly more spacious option and has a separate padded compartment for a 15in laptop or iPad.
Lowepro Urban Reporter 350 Bag
Price: £109
Website: www.lowepro.com
The Urban Reporter 350 is also a refined and discreet messenger-style option, offering a classic carrying solution that doesn’t shout ‘camera bag’. It has considerable capacity with space for a 15in laptop.
