Vanguard VEO Adaptor R48 GY Backpack Review

Back in the Autumn of 2021, Vanguard launched a new VEO Adapter backpack range for photographers featuring 'S' and 'R' model types that have everything you come to expect from a camera bag along with the added bonus of a USB interface port that allows cameras, smartphones and other kit to be charged on-the-go. 

On test, we have the VEO Adaptor R48 BK which is the largest backpack in the collection and it's available now from the Vanguard website, in two colour options, priced at £119.99. 

Vanguard VEO Adaptor R48 GY Backpack Features

The Vanguard VEO Adaptor R48 BK is a backpack that features rear as well as top access to kit that can be figured however you like with the removable sections that can also be removed completely should you want to use the backpack for another purpose. Inside there's room for a DSLR with 6-8 lenses (up to 400mm), flash, accessories and a 16" Macbook. There are multiple pockets for cables, SD memory cards etc. and there's space for a tripod to be attached/carried on the front of the backpack. The main standout feature of this range of backpacks from Vanguard is the USB-A port that allows kit to be charged while out-and-about (power bank and cables not included) that sits tidily in a top/side pocket. 

Other features include an ergonomic harness system with a waist strap, padded shoulder straps that are adjustable, reflective stitching so you can be seen more easily when light levels drop, a rain cover and an improved waterproof material has been used in the bag's construction. 

Key Features

• Rear Access
• Top Access 
• USB-A port for on-the-go charging of devices
• Fits a DSLR, 6-8 lenses (up to 400mm), a flash, accessories and a 16" Macbook
• Multiple pockets for small accessories
• Space for a tripod to be carried on the front of the bag
• Ergonomic harness system with waist strap
• Reflective stitching for extra protection at night
• Constructed from improved waterproof material
• Rain cover

Key Specs

• External Dimensions: 290x220x490mm
• Internal Dimensions: 260x160x480mm
• Weight: 1.45kg

Vanguard VEO Adaptor R48 GY Backpack Handling & Performance

What we've come to expect from Vanguard nowadays are good quality products with features we may not have thought about that are reliable and offer decent value for money and the VEO Adaptor R48 ticks all of these boxes. Put simply, it gives you everything you need from a camera bag and it looks understated, yet modern, so shouldn't attract any unwanted attention from opportunist thieves. It's also slim-line so will easily fit in the overhead locker on a plane when travelling or tuck nicely into your car boot for a day trip at the coast. 

We've said that the VEO Adaptor R48 has everything you expect a photography backpack to have but one standout feature you might not expect to see is the new USB interface port that can be used to charge your camera or smartphone while you are out and about. You will need a power bank and cable to take advantage of this feature as they're not included but it's a pretty neat thing to see built into a camera bag, especially as it's so tidily hidden away. To charge your camera, you need to place the power bank inside the top compartment's designated pocket where you'll find a USB cable to connect it to. Then, from the outside USB port, you just connect another cable and voila, you have power to your smartphone. We found it particularly useful when using maps/GPS on our smartphones as they do tend to die pretty quickly when following routes.

The Vanguard VEO Adaptor R48 is one of four models in the VEO Adaptor Series that come in two configurations: S models and R models. The main differences between them are the amount of kit each backpack can carry and how the kit is accessed but they are all constructed from improved waterproof, polyester with a PU coating that keeps your kit dry and secure. The VEO Adaptor R48 feels reassuringly rugged, well-made and definitely like it will last you a long time. It's well constructed with strong stitching and tough materials that are also well padded. On the bottom is a smooth wipeable surface should you put the bag down on a damp floor and a rain cover is supplied for days when wetter weather is forecast. If you happen to be out at night, reflective stitching will make you stand out better. 

For comfort, the VEO Adaptor R48 comes with an ergonomic, padded harness as well as a waist strap and adjustable shoulder straps that are also padded and feature breathable material (the back of the backpack does, too). All of these features together help spread the weight of what's inside the backpack more evenly so you'll find it much easier to manoeuvre. We also found that the design of the backpack made us stand that bit straighter, improving our posture and stopping aches and pains from creeping in. 

For those who travel a lot, there's a trolley sleeve on the rear so you can secure it to a wheely case, a strong top handle for times you need to quickly grab the backpack and on the front is a tripod holder which helps balance the weight better as it's not loaded on one side. 

There are pockets galore for small items, with dedicated green and red pockets for new/full memory cards, a space for a water bottle and a front flat pocket perfect for documents you need to access quickly/easily. The smaller pockets have an anti-theft zipper lock system which is a simple elasticated loop you thread the zipper through when not accessing the pocket which may sound simple but it does make trying to access the pockets a much tougher task. 

You can access your kit via a rear opening which keeps what's packed inside safe when on the move as no one can open the backpack up if the access point is protected by your back but for quick access, there is a top opening so you can configure the backpack accordingly if you want to use this zipper section. For those who prefer quick side access, the S41 and S46 feature this.

The inside can be set up however you like as the padded dividers and straps are all removable. In fact, we took them all out completely when we needed to walk to the local shop for essential supplies! The inserts are well made and offer good protection against bumps and knocks with the added bonus of a couple of straps keeping kit safe. Rejigging the backpack is a quick process, too, as the dividers simply velcro into place but you do need to give them a good tug to get them out which isn't a bad thing. Also on the inside is space for a 16" Macbook or similarly sized laptop. 

Overall, the VEO Adaptor R48 is another great backpack designed by Vanguard that's really comfortable and practical to use. 

Value For Money

The Vanguard VEO Adaptor R48 backpack is priced at £119.99 which makes it good value for money when you compare it with other photography backpacks available. Plus, there's the built-in USB-A port which is a rather unique and useful selling point. 

Other backpacks you might want to look at include the Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW, Lowepro Flipside Backpack 400 AW III, Tenba Shootout 14L Slim and Manfrotto Advanced2 Befree. Vanguard also offers a wide range of backpacks designed for a wide range of photographers. 

Vanguard VEO Adaptor R48 GY Backpack Verdict

The Vanguard VEO Adaptor R48 GY is a great backpack for photographers who want a comfortable and stylish way to carry plenty of kit. You won't have to leave anything out of this kit bag and when you're not using it for carrying your camera, you can remove all of the inserts and use it as an everyday backpack. The USB-A port is a nice touch we didn't think we needed until we used it and there's plenty of room for small accessories, too. We like the rear access as this keeps gear safe but you can also quickly grab your camera from the top compartment when needed (and you configure the bag correctly). The ergonomic harness system, waist straps and just the general overall built of the backpack make it really comfortable to wear. In fact, it made us stand up that bit straighter which isn't a bad thing! Your posture will thank you for it. 

Vanguard are definitely onto another winner with the VEO Adaptor R48 GY Backpack and we're certainly happy to 'Highly Recommend' it. 

The Vanguard VEO Adaptor R48 GY is a modern camera bag with room for ample kit that also converts into a great day bag and offers on-the-go charging.

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Vanguard VEO Adaptor R48 GY Specifications

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