Vanguard Alta Fly 55T G2 review: why get a separate roller bag and backpack when this does both?

When choosing a camera bag, I always consider not just the equipment I currently possess, but the potential for future expansion. And, while I believe there’s no such thing as an ideal camera bag for me – precisely because my wants and needs are in constant flux – I’m nonetheless always on the hunt for a single solution catering to all eventualities.

Enter the Vanguard Alta Fly 55T G2, a roller bag that thinks it’s a backpack. Or vice versa. Shoulder straps tuck neatly into the rear back padding when not needed. Similarly, chest and waist belts are provided for added stability if worn. Four wheels provide manoeuvrability when dragging the bag, with the added advantage of raising the bottom of the bag some four inches off the ground and clear of puddles. These wheels are also detachable, providing maximum flexibility and convenience.

With overall dimensions currently meeting most airline carry-on restrictions, I can take the Vanguard Alta Fly 55T G2 aboard as hand luggage. I found the multi-directional 360-degree rotation of its four wheels provides fluidity of movement when wheeling the bag around; in a busy airport or train station, the ability to quickly steer around other people’s trolleys and luggage when heading through security and on to the boarding gate is much easier with four wheels rather than just two. Naturally, an extendable/retractable handle is also included, onto which potentially a smaller, lighter second bag could be hung. This handle is neatly hidden within a zippered compartment when not in use.

First impressions are that this relatively lightweight and manageable roller bag/backpack combo could very well be a travel solution requiring fewer compromises than most. That’s thanks to the ability to transform the unit from a rolling case to a pack, and back again, as required.

But how does it also shape up when it comes to safely storing and transporting my precious camera kit, laptop, and possibly a tripod?

Vanguard Alta Fly 55T G2: Specifications

Vanguard Alta Fly 55T G2: Price

This backpack/roller bag combo certainly looks and feels premium from the outset. So, the manufacturer’s suggested price of $271.99 / £250 / AUS $369.99 does not come as a shock, or feel ‘off’, to me. Further peace of mind comes via an initial two-year warranty.

The asking price for the Vanguard Alta Fly 55T G2 also seems fair when compared to the competing Tenba Roadie Air Case Roller 21, which likewise resembles a traditional bag or pack from the outside, yet in this instance hides a hard case interior. It provides marginally more depth for housing kit, but is slightly heavier with it.

Another alternative in the same price bracket, which is bigger and heavier still for an increased level of protection, is Vanguard’s 53D rolling case. Bear in mind that this option does weigh three times as much as the Alta Fly 55T G2, so getting more storage and greater protection requires some compromise.

Vanguard Alta Fly 55T G2: Design & Handling

Design-wise, this resembles a stylish, premium-look-and-feel regular backpack, until you notice the wheels at its base; if, that is, you’ve chosen to attach them. In terms of where this bag fits into its maker’s line-up, the ‘G2’ is an update of its original (but now discontinued) Alta 55T pack. What’s new this time around is what Vanguard terms its ‘ReGLIDE’ removable wheel system, plus a more comfortably curved style of handle. Both combine to provide a greater degree of control regarding how the bag is manoeuvred.

Weighing 3.8kg when empty, the Vanguard Alta Fly 55T G2 is lighter than comparably priced hard cases, which can be stood on yet still hold their shape, such as the Peli 1535 Air – should I want a greater degree of protection. Albeit only just, as that rival weighs 4kg without any kit loaded. The Vanguard also deliberately looks – and handles – more like a standard backpack than a photographic case, meaning it’s less likely to attract prying or envious eyes. It’s not obviously a ‘camera bag’.

While I’d classify this more as an everyday pack for photo enthusiasts as opposed to pros, that’s not to say Alta Fly 55T G2 doesn’t feel rugged. The outer fabric is firm to the touch and looks hard-wearing. The materials used in its construction are moisture-resistant, though a pull-out rain cover is provided as an added measure. This gives me peace of mind that it’s an item that should last years of use. I found that the shoulder straps, when in use, are also comfortably padded and avoid digging into the skin when transporting heavier loads.

Upon unzipping the main part of the bag, there’s a self-contained camera compartment, approximately 11.5cm in depth, with the usual array of padded dividers to prevent expensive items from rubbing up against one another. Fastened in place by Velcro, this enables a degree of adjustment and modification to accommodate varying sizes of stored items, while also keeping them snug and preventing them from rolling around inside the bag.

With the entire camera compartment measuring 310 x 115 x 410mm, Vanguard suggests there’s room for two mirrorless or DSLR format camera bodies, one with up to a standard 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom attached, plus a further six lenses. Enabling the pack to be used as a storage solution for non-camera gear, or to mix and match what I’m carrying, the entire camera compartment lifts out.

There is space for a laptop within the front interior section of the bag when unzipped. The pouch here, measuring 290 x 25 x 410mm, ably accommodated my 14-inch laptop, with additional room for an 11-inch tablet, if needed. There’s the opportunity to cart around a standard tripod, too, if you’re OK with tethering it to the outside, though obviously all of this potentially adds to the combined weight on your back.

Of course, if I don’t want to max out the interior capacity with tech, I can use the remaining space for clothes and other items I might require when travelling. As noted, the removable interior divider system – the cushioned camera storage section lifts out as a single unit – allows for such personal customization. I particularly admired the choice of bright yellow interior – yes, it’s ‘on brand’ for Vanguard, but it also makes it easier to spot and retrieve smaller camera items and accessories.

Vanguard Alta Fly 55T G2: Performance

What I want from a good quality camera bag is not only peace of mind that it will protect my kit when out and about, but that it will provide quick and easy access to said equipment when a photo opportunity unexpectedly and fleetingly presents itself.

As well as the 47cm two-stage extendable/retractable handle for use when the bag is used as a roller, there’s a heavy-duty fabric carry handle at the top of the bag, plus another at one side. I found this useful when lifting the bag out of an overhead locker or simply picking it up off the ground.

Removing or attaching the wheels at the base is a quick and easy process. It simply involves squeezing a pair of tabs and pulling the wheel downwards to remove it, or realigning the tabs and pushing the wheel upwards and into place until hearing a definite ‘click’ to fix it. It’s intuitively straightforward.

Aside from sufficient padding and exterior strength to reassure me that whatever kit I have stowed isn’t going to get wrecked, even if my bag should endure rough handling, the other thing I care about is said equipment not getting damaged by damp conditions. While the wheels, if attached, do keep the bottom commendably clear of the ground, the rain cover – stashed in yet another zippered compartment near the handle – can envelop the bag/backpack if so wished.

Rather more quirkily – and thoughtfully – pull-down rain covers are also provided for the rear wheels. So, if I did quickly opt to wear the pack on my back in inclement conditions with wheels still attached, they hopefully wouldn’t leave dirty or wet marks on my clothes or jacket. As an added extra, the bag also comes with a combination lock, for added security when travelling, or if I need to stash my bag somewhere I don’t constantly have eyes on it. I get the impression Vanguard has thought of almost everything here.

As I would expect of any premium camera bag, numerous zippered compartments are provided for additional smaller items, not just the rain cover, but also, potentially, travel documents and paperwork.

As well as the top-located fabric handle plus extendable/retractable metal handle, I also liked the fact that we get an additional fabric handle on one side, so the entire setup can be carried like a briefcase/suitcase. It makes lifting it in and out of the boot of a car that much easier, too.

At each stage of exploration and use, everything is of high-quality construction. I didn’t spot any loose threads or fraying fibres, and setup and operation feel intuitive, practical and fluid at every step. I want, after all, to be quickly and easily loading and retrieving my kit, not endlessly faffing around with belts and zips.

Vanguard Alta Fly 55T G2: Verdict

Pushing versatility to the fore, this is a well-made, practical, and flexible transport solution for anyone who has a medium amount of kit to cart around. To that end, it would better suit the keen photo enthusiast rather than the fully professional photographer, which, in turn, is reflected in the feature-set and pricing.

There’s nothing ‘amateur’ about the Alta Fly 55T G2’s construction, however. Its rugged outer fabric provides peace of mind, and the bag/pack outwardly maintains its shape when squished or squeezed, with very little give. Inwardly, too, it provides a snug and safe fit for an average amount of photo gear.

It all adds up to a quality product for those wanting a relatively lightweight yet sturdy camera pack/rolling case combo, at a fair price.

Alternatives

For a similar price but oodles of kit protection, also look at the Tenba Roadie Air Case Roller 21. Its traditional-looking roller bag fabric exterior cloaks a very sturdy inner hard shell. It offers a slightly wider interior depth than its Vanguard rival at 15cm, but the extra degree of protection does push the weight when empty to 4.7kg.

If you really want to max out on gear, the Vanguard Supreme 53D is a wheeled hard camera case with roomier interior dimensions of 56 x 20 x 45cm, for a similar price. Bear in mind that its total weight, with padded divider inserts, is an eye-watering 11.2kg. It's strictly for professionals, then, who can perhaps delegate transportation to an assistant.

Check out our full guides to the best roller bags for photographers, and to the best camera backpacks