Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into the Vanguard VEO Select 37BRM Backpack. If you're anything like me, you know how crucial it is to have a reliable and versatile camera bag. Whether you're trekking through the urban jungle or exploring the great outdoors, your camera bag is your trusty sidekick. The VEO Select 37BRM promises to be just that, blending functionality, durability, and style into one neat package. So, let's unpack what makes this backpack a standout choice for photographers of all levels.

Overview of the Vanguard VEO Select 37BRM Backpack

The Vanguard VEO Select 37BRM is designed as a multi-functional backpack, aiming to cater not only to photographers but also to those who need a reliable everyday carry. This backpack boasts a convertible design, allowing it to switch between a camera bag and a regular backpack seamlessly. This feature alone makes it incredibly appealing for photographers who don't always want to scream, "I have expensive camera gear in here!" The exterior is constructed from high-quality, water-resistant material, ensuring your gear stays safe and dry in unpredictable weather conditions. The interior is highly customizable, with padded dividers that can be adjusted to fit various camera bodies, lenses, and accessories. Beyond camera gear, there's ample space for personal items such as a laptop, tablet, and other essentials. Comfort is also a key consideration, with padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel, making it comfortable to carry even when fully loaded.

Key Features

• Convertible Design: Seamlessly switch between a camera bag and a regular backpack.
• Water-Resistant Material: Keeps your gear safe and dry in various weather conditions.
• Customizable Interior: Padded dividers to fit different camera setups.
• Dedicated Compartments: Separate spaces for camera gear, laptops, and personal items.
• Comfortable to Carry: Padded shoulder straps and breathable back panel.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to camera bags, design and build quality are paramount. You need something that can withstand the rigors of travel and protect your valuable equipment. The Vanguard VEO Select 37BRM doesn't disappoint. The first thing you'll notice is the robust construction. The backpack is made from a durable, water-resistant fabric that feels like it can take a beating. This is crucial, especially if you often find yourself shooting in less-than-ideal conditions. The zippers are sturdy and smooth, ensuring easy access to your gear without any frustrating snags. The stitching is clean and reinforced in key areas, adding to the overall durability of the bag. Inside, the padded dividers are well-cushioned and can be easily adjusted to fit your specific gear. The convertible design is particularly clever. When you want to use it as a regular backpack, simply remove the dividers and you have a spacious compartment for books, clothes, or whatever else you need. The attention to detail in the design is evident, from the strategically placed pockets to the comfortable shoulder straps. This backpack is built to last and designed with the photographer in mind.

Material and Durability

The material used in the VEO Select 37BRM is a high-density, water-resistant polyester. This choice of material ensures that the backpack can withstand daily wear and tear while providing adequate protection against moisture. The water resistance is particularly useful for photographers who shoot in diverse environments, from rainy city streets to misty mountain trails. The base of the backpack is reinforced with a tougher material, providing extra protection when placing the bag on the ground. The zippers are heavy-duty and designed to withstand frequent use without breaking or snagging. The stitching throughout the bag is reinforced, preventing seams from splitting under heavy loads. Overall, the VEO Select 37BRM is built to withstand the demands of professional use, ensuring that your gear remains safe and secure.

Aesthetics and Style

A camera bag should not only be functional but also look good. The VEO Select 37BRM strikes a nice balance between practicality and style. It has a sleek, understated design that doesn't scream, "expensive camera gear inside." The minimalist aesthetic makes it suitable for both urban and outdoor environments. The backpack is available in several colors, allowing you to choose one that matches your personal style. The clean lines and subtle branding give it a professional look, making it appropriate for business meetings or casual outings. While aesthetics are subjective, the VEO Select 37BRM is generally considered to be a stylish and versatile backpack that complements any photographer's wardrobe.

Storage and Compartments

Storage is where the Vanguard VEO Select 37BRM truly shines. As photographers, we carry a lot of gear – camera bodies, lenses, flashes, batteries, memory cards, and the list goes on. A well-designed camera bag needs to accommodate all of this in an organized and accessible manner. This backpack offers a plethora of storage options, both inside and out. The main compartment is highly customizable, thanks to the adjustable padded dividers. You can configure it to fit your specific camera setup, whether you have a mirrorless system or a full-frame DSLR with multiple lenses. There's a dedicated laptop compartment that can hold up to a 15-inch laptop, as well as a separate tablet sleeve. The front of the bag features several smaller pockets for accessories like batteries, memory cards, and cables. On the sides, you'll find stretchable pockets for water bottles or other quick-access items. The thoughtful layout ensures that everything has its place, making it easy to find what you need when you need it. Let's break down the storage and compartments in more detail:

Camera Gear Compartment

The camera gear compartment is the heart of the VEO Select 37BRM. It's designed to hold a significant amount of equipment while keeping everything safe and organized. The adjustable dividers allow you to customize the space to fit your specific gear. For example, you can create larger compartments for camera bodies and smaller compartments for lenses and accessories. The dividers are padded to protect your gear from bumps and scratches. The compartment is accessible from the back of the backpack, providing an extra layer of security against theft. The back access also allows you to lay the backpack flat and open it up like a doctor's bag, making it easy to access all of your gear at once. The size of the compartment is generous, allowing you to carry a professional-level camera setup without feeling cramped.

Laptop and Tablet Sleeves

In today's digital world, many photographers need to carry a laptop and tablet with them. The VEO Select 37BRM has you covered with dedicated sleeves for both. The laptop sleeve can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop, while the tablet sleeve is perfect for an iPad or similar-sized device. Both sleeves are padded to protect your devices from bumps and scratches. The laptop sleeve is located in a separate compartment, ensuring that your laptop doesn't come into contact with your camera gear. This is particularly important to prevent scratches or other damage. The tablet sleeve is located in the same compartment as the laptop sleeve, making it easy to access both devices. The addition of these sleeves makes the VEO Select 37BRM a versatile backpack for both photography and everyday use.

Accessory Pockets

The VEO Select 37BRM features a variety of accessory pockets for storing smaller items like batteries, memory cards, cables, and chargers. These pockets are strategically placed throughout the backpack for easy access. The front of the bag has several zippered pockets for storing items you need to access quickly. Inside the main compartment, there are mesh pockets for organizing smaller accessories. The side pockets are perfect for water bottles or other items you want to keep within reach. The abundance of accessory pockets ensures that everything has its place, preventing your bag from becoming a disorganized mess. The thoughtful placement of these pockets makes it easy to find what you need when you need it, saving you time and frustration.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Let's be real, comfort is key when you're lugging around a bunch of heavy camera gear all day. The Vanguard VEO Select 37BRM seems to understand this, as it's designed with several features to enhance comfort and ergonomics. The shoulder straps are generously padded and adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect fit. The back panel is made from a breathable mesh material that helps to keep you cool and prevent sweating. There's also a sternum strap and a waist belt, which help to distribute the weight evenly and prevent the bag from bouncing around while you're walking. These features are particularly important if you plan on carrying the backpack for extended periods of time. A comfortable backpack can make a huge difference in your overall shooting experience, allowing you to focus on capturing the perfect shot without being distracted by discomfort. Here’s what makes it so comfy:

Padded Shoulder Straps

The padded shoulder straps are one of the key features that contribute to the comfort of the VEO Select 37BRM. The padding is thick and supportive, preventing the straps from digging into your shoulders. The straps are also contoured to fit the shape of your body, providing a more comfortable fit. The adjustability of the straps allows you to customize the fit to your specific body type. The addition of a sternum strap helps to distribute the weight evenly across your chest, preventing the straps from slipping off your shoulders. The padded shoulder straps make a significant difference in the overall comfort of the backpack, especially when carrying heavy loads.

Breathable Back Panel

The breathable back panel is another important feature that enhances the comfort of the VEO Select 37BRM. The panel is made from a mesh material that allows air to circulate, preventing your back from getting sweaty. This is particularly important in hot weather or during strenuous activity. The panel is also contoured to fit the shape of your back, providing additional support. The combination of the mesh material and the contoured design helps to keep you cool and comfortable, even when carrying the backpack for extended periods of time. The breathable back panel is a must-have feature for any camera backpack, and the VEO Select 37BRM delivers.

Weight Distribution System

A good weight distribution system is essential for carrying heavy loads comfortably. The VEO Select 37BRM features a sternum strap and a waist belt, which work together to distribute the weight evenly across your body. The sternum strap prevents the shoulder straps from slipping off your shoulders, while the waist belt transfers some of the weight from your shoulders to your hips. This reduces the strain on your back and shoulders, allowing you to carry the backpack for longer periods of time without fatigue. The adjustability of the sternum strap and waist belt allows you to customize the fit to your specific body type. The weight distribution system is a crucial feature for anyone who plans on carrying a lot of gear, and the VEO Select 37BRM excels in this area.

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Vanguard VEO Select 37BRM has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these pros and cons can help you make an informed decision about whether this backpack is right for you. Let's start with the pros:

Pros

• Versatile Design: The convertible design makes it suitable for both photography and everyday use.
• Durable Construction: The high-quality materials and reinforced stitching ensure that the backpack can withstand daily wear and tear.
• Ample Storage: The customizable interior and numerous pockets provide plenty of space for camera gear and accessories.
• Comfortable to Carry: The padded shoulder straps, breathable back panel, and weight distribution system make it comfortable to carry heavy loads.
• Water Resistance: The water-resistant material protects your gear from the elements.

Cons

• Size: The backpack may be too large for some users, especially those who prefer a more compact option.
• Weight: When fully loaded, the backpack can be quite heavy.
• Price: The VEO Select 37BRM is not the cheapest camera backpack on the market, although the quality is very high.

Alternatives to the Vanguard VEO Select 37BRM

If the Vanguard VEO Select 37BRM doesn't quite meet your needs, there are several other camera backpacks worth considering. Here are a few alternatives:

• Peak Design Everyday Backpack: A popular choice for its sleek design and versatile storage options.
• Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II: Known for its rugged construction and customizable interior.
• Think Tank Photo Airport Advantage: A lightweight and compact option for travel photographers.
• Incase DSLR Pro Pack: A stylish and functional backpack with a focus on organization.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the Vanguard VEO Select 37BRM? Overall, it's an excellent camera backpack that offers a great combination of versatility, durability, and comfort. The convertible design makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, from photography to everyday carry. The high-quality materials and reinforced stitching ensure that it can withstand the rigors of travel. The ample storage space and customizable interior provide plenty of room for all your gear. And the padded shoulder straps, breathable back panel, and weight distribution system make it comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, the VEO Select 37BRM is a worthwhile investment for any photographer who values quality and functionality.

Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, the VEO Select 37BRM is a reliable and versatile backpack that will serve you well for years to come. Just make sure the size and weight suit your needs, and you'll have a fantastic companion for all your photographic adventures!