If choosing a heavy-duty bag or pack to transport photo/video kit on and off airplanes, then size, weight, practicality and price all play their part in which one I take with me. Additionally, as the size and weight of equipment being transported can vary depending on what kit I’m reviewing, having a bag that is as flexible in terms of adjustable inner dividers, as well as how it’s physically carried, is key.
The Vanguard VEO Select 55BT impresses from the off, as there are lots of ways it can be transported by hand, or its inner sanctum reconfigured. It’s not only ruggedly constructed, it can also be lifted via handgrips, pulled along behind us as a rolling bag, or, thanks to a couple of hidden straps at the back, alternatively worn as a backpack. I can make the personal decision based on what is more practical at the time; do I want to keep my hands free, for example? Or if’s it too heavy or bulky when full of cameras and lenses, perhaps making use of the four wheels at the base is more comfortable and sensible?
Although I had the attractive dark green ‘GR’ version of this Vanguard bag sent for review, it also comes in standard black for those who’d rather remain part of the herd.
So how does the Vanguard VEO Select 55BT shape up as a standalone item, plus in comparison with market alternatives? Read on to find out…
Vanguard VEO Select 55BT: Specifications
Vanguard VEO Select 55BT: Price
At £249 / $369, the Vanguard VEO Select 55BThas been on the market since December 2019. As ever, a premium look, feel and featured camera bag commands a premium price. But since the features and performance fall somewhere between a hard case, a roller bag and a backpack combined, I feel what’s being asked here is both reasonable and favourably comparable with the rest of the market.
Vanguard VEO Select 55BT: Design & Handling
A rugged construction, fully featured roller bag inevitably results in added weight, over and above a bog-standard consumer roller that isn’t built to carry and safely secure expensive camera kit.
At approximately 4.3Kg when empty, the capacity of the Vanguard VEO Select 55BT is claimed as sufficient to fit a maximum of two DSLRs or mirrorless models, plus four of five lenses including one up to 300mm f/2.8 in size. Alternatively, video gear or a small drone could be stashed within.
Unlike alternatives such as the otherwise more voluminous Tenba Roadie Roller Air Case 21, Vanguard has found room here to give us a zippered compartment to stash a laptop up to a modest 13-inches in size, plus a tablet in the region of 9.7-inches. As with most alternative rolling bags or backpacks aimed at photographers, a tripod can be worn on one side, if wished, to really max out available storage.
Still a fairly weighty 4.3Kg approximately when empty, which I found manageable, the maximum load Vanguard’s bag can handle is a generous 12.4Kg. Whether we’d personally want to be hefting a bag around as hand luggage at that weight is another matter. But, in short, while the bag isn’t particularly voluminous or deep compared with alternative higher priced options, most non ‘power users’ should find the accessible space more than matches their storage needs.
Vanguard VEO Select 55BT: Performance
Plentiful compartments accessed via chunky good quality zips are the order of the day with the Vanguard VEO Select 55BT. Its strengthened outer fabric feels more than capable of withstanding accidental knocks, rips or tears.
While the exterior looks rather busy with its multiple straps, fastenings, handles and padding indicating it’s been built to last, it doesn’t obviously scream ‘camera bag!’ to all and sundry. Perfect for those of us who don’t want to stand out in a crowd.
When previously reviewing rollers bags I’ve sometimes wished for an extra pair of castors at the base. Here we do get granted that wish, the Vanguard’s quartet of wheels allowing the bag to pivot or spin through 360-degrees on the spot, which comes in handy in crowded airport or train station scenarios where we’re steering around fellow travelers’ legs and their own bags.
Further aiding comfort in warmer climates is breathable padding at the rear to prevent sweating through your clothes and the bag, if re-configuring the set up and wearing it as a backpack. You’ve probably gathered by now, but versatility is the watchword here.
Vanguard VEO Select 55BT: Verdict
While the Vanguard VEO Select 55BT may not be the biggest or most voluminous camera bag around when it comes to remaining within the restrictions imposed by airlines for cabin luggage, I reckon it will satisfy most of us. Although not exactly lightweight even if empty, handles at the top and side aid portability as do the wheels at the base and the straps at the back, conveniently transforming the set up into a backpack if that seems the most practical usage at the time. Well-made and thoughtfully constructed, if you don’t need a massive amount of space for photo and video gear and want to pack reasonably sensibly and lightly, this adaptable option may well fulfil the brief.
Alternatives
Though without question well made, the Vanguard VEO Select 55BT does not quite feel as rugged, or our kit as reassuringly protected as with higher priced alternatives like the roomier, yet heavier Think Tank Airport International V3.0, or similarly tank-like Tenba Roadie Air Case 21. On a more positive note, this Vanguard competitor is however not just cheaper but also lighter in weight than both; if only just at 4.3 kg when compared with its peers’ 5 kg and 4.7 kg weights respectively.
As on the Think Tank Airport International V3.0, the Vanguard gifts us a pouch to stash a laptop or tablet, not just camera and video gear, whereas the Tenba alternative omits such an option. I also liked the fact that this Vanguard bag/backpack/rolling case features four wheels rather than merely the standard two of its rivals. This allows me to steer the bag in any direction on a level floor such as an airport with ease. This deep green colorway of the Vanguard I had to look at will also help it stand out in a sea of boring, standard-issue black rolling cases at any given point.
