Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case Review

As restrictions slowly lift and we start allowing ourselves the chance to dream about warmer shores, we thought it would be a good idea to get the travel theme ticking over on-site again and we're kicking it off with a review of the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case. The Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case is a 2-wheel trolley bag that also converts to a backpack and it meets the measurements needed to fit in the overhead lockers of most airlines (always check before flying). Inside, you'll find room for a long checklist of photography items that sit securely in padded dividers which can be reconfigured to suit your kit and it's currently priced at £219.99 (at the time of writing), instead of £249.99 making it a tempting purchase for when we're given the green light for travel abroad. To see if it's vacation-ready, we're putting the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case through its paces in our latest review. 

Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case Features

The Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case is an airline carry-on ready bag that can be pulled along on its two wheels or you can convert it to a backpack. It's constructed from high-quality water-resistant material, features zips that can be secured with a padlock (supplied) as well as double security buckles, removable padded dividers and netting to prevent your kit falling out when opened. Inside, the space is customisable and there's room for loads of kit, including a laptop/ tablet and a tripod will sit on the side of the bag via a tripod pocket. A double-bar handle makes the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case easy to pull but like-wise, it quickly converts to a backpack with straps and a waistband that tuck away when not in use. 

On test is the black version but the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case is also available in green or as a 4-wheel roller/backpack version. 

Key Features

• Roller Case/Backpack combo design
• Meets most airline on-board size guides
• 2-Wheels & double-bar handle
• Customisable internal storage space
• Front Access (can be set up for top access)
• Room for a tripod
• Space for a laptop and tablet
• Removable dividers so can be used for everyday luggage 
• Netting to prevent kit falling out and for extra security
• Secure zips with a padlock and double security buckles 
• Rain cover and constructed from water-resistant material 
• Space for: 2-3 pro DSLR/mirrorless cameras with grip(s), 8-10 lenses (up to 400mm f/2.8), a flash unit and accessories
• 2-year warranty (10 year extended warranty)

Key Specs

• External Dimensions: 36×22×54.5cm
• Internal Dimensions: 33×17×47cm
• Weight: 4.2kg

Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case Handling & Performance

When we're allowed to travel again, you don't want to turn up at the airport to find that your carry-on luggage can't actually be carried onto the plane because it's too big but you don't have to worry about that with the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case as its 36×22×54.5cm dimensions fit most airline guidelines. However, we still recommend you check with your specific airline before you fly to make sure the guidelines haven't changed. 

As well as fitting in the overhead storage in the cabin, you want your carry-on luggage to be robust, have plenty of space and it needs to be easy to transport which the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case ticks all of the boxes for. When we first took the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case out of the box it arrived in, our first thought was 'it looks really smart' and then when we picked it up our thoughts shifted from the way it looks to how it feels and it certainly is built to last. Airport luggage take a hammering so it needs to be constructed well and the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case feels really well made with strong, water-resistant material covering the outside with accents on the handle and front that are wipeable and offer extra grip when carrying. Even small details such as the stitching look smart and strong, with all seams sealed well and no give in any of the construction. The base is also reinforced to protect your kit even further and a rain cover is supplied for days when rain keeps falling from the sky. 

The base is where you find the 2-wheels which are taller than some wheels we've seen on other roller cases and they're smooth when in motion so your camera kit won't be shaken around too much when been transported. There's also a solid double bar handle that is of a decent height when extended and has a good grip when pulling the case. When you don't need the handle, it neatly and easily folds away into a designated pocket which can be zipped up. 

Talking of zips, all the access points have zips that include loopholes to allow you to secure them with a padlock (one is included with the bag) which will prevent unwanted access. For times when you don't want to use a padlock as it'll make getting to your camera awkward, there are double security buckles on the front of the bag so the zips can't be opened. There's also an internal net to stop quick hands from getting to your kit and the net will also stop your camera and lenses from falling out when you open the front panel. 

We forgot to mention that the wheels are replaceable which, in a time when we're all more conscious about not throwing too many things away, is a positive as it extends the life of the case. 

When you're not rolling the case but you want to pop it on scales or into the overhead locker, there's a really useful top handle that's padded and secured incredibly well. It feels strong and we had no trouble keeping grip when moving the case around with kit in it. For when you need to remove the bag from the overhead storage, Vanguard has even thought to put a simple but useful strap on the bottom of the case which you can get an easy grip off to pull the case out. There are also two front feet on the base so the case will stand up on its own without falling over - handy for when you're in queues at passport control. 

Another way you can transport the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case is with its backpack straps so, essentially, you're getting two bag styles in one as it can be used as a traditional backpack, complete with a chest strap, in places where a roller case might be a bit awkward. Each strap is stored in a zipper compartment on the back of the bag which you simply pull out and attach to the fastenings on the bottom of the bag. The straps are adjustable and well padded so it's actually really comfortable to wear. We thought the wheels might be annoying but actually, they don't touch your back at all. There's also some padding on the back but there's still enough rigidity to ensure you that your kit is safe. 

The internal measurements of the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case are 33x17x47cm which translates to space for up to 2-3 DSLR/Mirrorless Cameras with grips, 8-10 lenses (up to 400mm f/2.8), a flash unit, a 17" laptop with a 9.7” tablet, a tripod and multiple accessories such as memory cards, cables, batteries and a charger. Padded dividers keep kit secure and you can configure it to suit as each divider features velcro so they can be moved around or removed altogether if you want to use the bag for everyday travel rather than a photography adventure. 

As well as compartments for kit, there are plenty of pockets that are secured with zips for accessories and we particularly like the memory card pockets that have red and green labels so you have space to store full and empty memory cards separately which is a nice touch. There's also a separate pocket for a laptop, tablet and/or paperwork so you're not fumbling through the main compartment of your bag looking for your passport or boarding pass. 

On the side is a handy tripod pocket that pulls out to give a base for your tripod to sit in when it's secured to the side of the bag which stops it banging around when walking. 

The slight snag with the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case is its weight as, without kit, it weighs 4.2KG and when you consider some airlines have a 10KG weight restriction for carry on luggage, it does sound quite heavy. If you compare the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case weight with other roller cases, they are all about the same but when you're using these bags in a place that weight is a premium, the lighter the better is something we think is important. Still, with a DSLR and lens weighing about 2KG, you will still be able to get a decent amount of kit in before you hit the maximum weight amount. 

Overall, the Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case is constructed incredibly well, is padded all around, feels like it could take a hammering and has oodles of room for cameras, lenses, a laptop and accessory. Plus, the fact that it transforms from a roller case to a backpack is a really useful bonus. 

Value For Money

The VEO Select 59T Roller Case is usually priced at £249.99 which makes it less expensive than most other roller cases from brands such as Lowepro and Manfrotto. It also offers better value for money than the Think Tank Airport International V3 which is priced at over £300. Vanguard also offers a range of other roller cases should you want a bag that's slightly more compact or has a different style with prices starting at £149.99 (while discounts applicable). 

For more bag choices, take a look at our complete buyer's guide to bags, you might also find some that are of interest in the Best Everyday Camera Bags roundup.

Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case Verdict

The Vanguard VEO is a smart-looking, 2-wheel carry-on that has plenty of room for camera kit and it also gives you peace of mind that your camera and lenses are not getting battered around in the plane hold as the measurements meet most airline on-board restrictions (always check before flying). The removable dividers also mean you can use the bag for everyday luggage transportation so you don't have to purchase a separate bag for trips where your camera kit isn't needed. Plus, the bag converts to a rucksack with comfortable padded straps meaning you can pick the case up and pop it on your shoulders in busy locations such as on the tube or when you meet stairs. One slight snag is the weight as, without kit, it already weighs 4.2KG and when the onboard weight limit for bags can be 10KG, you could quickly hit the max weight limit when adding camera kit. However, most competitor bags also weigh a similar amount so it's not out of the norm but when it comes to bags that are designed for travel, a lighter weight is always a plus point. Other features we really like include the side tripod pocket, zips which can be easily padlocked, supplied rain cover and water-resistant construction. 

Overall, the VEO Select 59T Roller Case is great for business or leisure trips and comes 'Highly Recommended' from ePHOTOzine. 

The Vanguard VEO Select 59T Roller Case is a TARDIS for kit that's secure, well-made and easy to transport.

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Vanguard VEO SELECT 59T BK Specifications

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