Vanguard VEO Active 53 backpack review

The Vanguard VEO Active 53 is an innovative backpack that has just about everything covered, for you and your camera

5 Star Rating
Vanguard VEO Active 53
(Image: © Vanguard)

Digital Camera World Verdict

It’s a big backpack with a wealth of features, not to mention zips. It can take a while to find your way around but once you’re up to speed, there’s quick and easy access to everything. One particularly neat trick is that the main camera compartment is quickly and easily removable, and has its own zippered lid.

Pros

  • +

    Removable camera compartment

  • +

    Hydration and USB charging systems

  • +

    Excellent versatility

Cons

  • -

    Hefty at nearly 3kg

  • -

    Very chunky waist strap, but it’s removable

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The Vanguard VEO Active 53 is the largest edition in a range of four different sizes. The width, depth and height measure 33x25x55cm, rising to 68cm in height with the elevating top section extended. It’s particularly feature-rich and versatile for a split photo/daypack, but quite weighty at 2.9kg when empty.

Specifications

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 


His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 


In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.