The VEO Adaptor series of backpacks from Vanguard are an update to the most-popular backpack in Vanguard’s history – the original Adaptor. Available in four models with either rear access or side access and four sizes, there’s a VEO Adaptor backpack for every photographer.
Available in classic black, all VEO Adaptor models feature a sleek, modern design that holds a lot of camera gear. Choose from Rear or Side Access and four sizes: R44 and R48 or S41 and S46. Rear Access bags can also be Top Access. One of the standout features of the Side Access S series is that you can access your gear from either side – most bags with side access only have one side that opens.
Each bag features an integrated USB-A cable so you can keep your battery protected inside the pack while you power your device outside the pack. Each pack will hold a gripped DSLR or mirrorless camera and multiple lenses and accessories, plus a laptop or tablet. There are multiple pockets for cables, memory cards and more. Tripod mounts are on the front of each bag – keeping the weight of your tripod centred so your bag doesn’t feel off-balance when you walk. There’s reflective stitching so you can be seen at night and the material has improved water resistance – plus a rain cover is included.
Vanguard Canada loaned me an S46 and R48 – the largest side access (S46) and rear access (R48) bags. The side access is perfect for left-handed and right-handed people – you can setup your bag to access it from either side! This is unique to Vanguard and why Adaptor has been one of their best-selling backpacks over the years.
My eldest grandson’s hockey team advanced to the OMHA U16 AAA tournament and then the OHL Cup – two of the biggest hockey tournaments in the country – so I had to bring my camera and gear along to get some images. Some of our best NHL players have featured prominently in these tournaments.
Before I reach for a camera bag, I have to figure out what gear I need to fit inside. I knew I needed my Tamron 150-600mm G2 as well as Tamron 70-200 G2, plus 1.4x Teleconverter. My standard 24-70 G2 would be perfect for wide angle images. These lenses fit on my Nikon D810 with grip plus my Z6 and FTZ adapter. With all of this, I reached for the Adaptor R48.
The R48 is big enough for all of this, plus some accessories such as extra Exascend memory cards, Hahnel batteries and a Tether Tools Charging block and cables, plus the included rain cover.
An added bonus in a busy arena is that R48 is rear or top access only, so my gear is secure against my back when I’m not using it. The rear access also means I’m not putting on the ground the part of the backpack that goes against my clothes. You lay the pack down on it’s front to open it up – this keeps me much cleaner. The rain-resistant material is easy to clean – I wiped it with a damp paper towel after.
One of my favourite features are the ergonomic straps and padding system. There are air channels and dimpled pads to keep you cool as the temperature rises. Despite all of the gear I had in my pack, this padding made it very comfortable to wear. I’d have to rank this pack as one of the most comfortable I’ve worn. There are also both sternum and waist straps to secure your pack to your body.
A good backpack is indispensable for most photographers, which is why many of us have more than one. Adaptor has all the standard features – removable dividers, lens securing straps, lots of pockets – but does have some standout features. The Adaptor impresses me most with its build quality and materials. It feels like a far more expensive pack. The ergonomic padding and strap system was a pleasure to use – it’s so good that I would reach for this pack first. The centre tripod mount is such a smart feature – more backpacks should have this. I could load this pack with a LOT of gear and everything was secure and stable – it didn’t roll around on me.
Discussed Items
Author: Will Prentice
A portrait, fine art and commercial photographer for 30 plus years, Will Prentice is not just a contributor to PHOTONews magazine, but also host of PHOTONewsTV, owner of Captura Photography+Imaging and Technical Support/Brand Manager for Amplis Foto, Canada’s largest distributor of photographic equipment.
Will teaches photographers of all skill levels how to improve their craft – from creative photo projects to picking the right gear for their needs to flattering lighting to getting the best expressions to creating final images for screen and print. His unique style of highly detailed images with perfect tonality, wide dynamic range and stunning colour is instantly recognizable. Commercial clients rely on Will’s creative eye and mastery of lighting.
When he’s not behind the camera or in front of a class, you’ll find Will outdoors in any weather – usually on one of his bikes or enjoying time with his grandchildren.
Hey Will !!! Congrats on your grandson’s hockey victory, your great shots, and even getting him to pose with you!!! Mine won’t do that… 🙁
Thanks George! They played well – lost in the quarterfinals of the OHL Cup as well. I didn’t give him the option of not posing 😉 Just tell him to get in the photo 😀