From time to time we get sent products and equipment from various manufacturers to test out and give feedback. The majority of these products do not fit in with our specific needs and we politely turn down the request. Over the past five years Matt has been working very closely with camera accessory manufacturer Vanguard as part of their ambassador program, and has put their range of tripods and bags through their paces all over the world whilst leading landscape photography workshops and tours with Siren Adventures. Vanguard kindly supplied the Veo Active 49 bag for this blog.
On his most recent visit to Iceland, one of the most demanding photography environments in the world, Matt took the latest Vanguard Veo Active 49 camera bag with him. One of the reasons he chose this bag was because of the 840D Cordura material the bag is made from. This material proved to be extremely durable and weather resistant without the need to fit the included rain cover. The weather sealed zips and roll down fastening top pocket gives more confidence that your equipment will be afforded as much protection as possible. The removable internal storage compartment features a lightweight aluminium frame that adds rigidity where it is needed. Gone are the days of large foam dividers as the Veo Active range now comes with thinner, lighter and more rigid dividers that gives much more space inside and protection.
If it is storage you are after the Veo Active 49 doesn’t disappoint, and it manages to swallow plenty of kit in the main compartment. The top of the bag features a roll down system that is secured with a metal fastener. This top storage pouch also has the outlet for a USB charger port with storage on the side for a power bank to provide the required power for charging. The Veo Active 49 is also able to accommodate a two litre hydration bladder in a waterproof pouch on the side of the bag. One clever storage solution on the hip strap is the expandable pockets that are perfect for storing spare batteries or snacks. Your tripod mounts to the font of the bag using a small pouch (that can double up as a water bottle holder) and a series of straps that can be adjusted up and down using a hook and eye system to hold equipment secure.
Overall, the Veo Active 49 bag is probably one of the best bang for buck purchases you can make. The quality of the design and materials used is equal to or even surpasses that of bags from more up market brands. Every person who takes part in a Siren Adventure Photography Tour and workshop will be able to sample a small range of Vanguard products and receive an exclusive discount code to use on Vanguard’s website.