Vanguard is a global brand that creates innovative and affordable products for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. When it comes to its lineup of photography bags, Vanguard offers a large variety of options, including holster and zoom bags, backpacks, messenger bags, and travel-oriented roller bags. Firmly planted at the top of its professional lineup, the Vanguard Alta Sky 53 Camera Backpack is the ultimate adaptable backpack for professional use.
The Vanguard Alta Sky 53 Camera Backpack has some unique features that make it perfect for photographers and travelers who are looking for robust gear protection, ultimate build quality, and enough room to carry a large amount of gear without any compromises. Take a look at some of the key features of the Vanguard Alta Sky 53 backpack below.
Key Features of the Vanguard Alta Sky 53:
- Versatile configuration options
- Ergonomic air-system back, chest harness, and waist belt
- Multi-access quick-action compartments, including a full-size rear opening, top access, and large side pockets
- Full-size drone carrying solutions
- Bright colored interior for easily identifying gear
- Stowable connector straps to reduce clutter
- Internal smartphone pocket with wired headset port
- External center-mounted tripod carrying system
- Alta Link – action tripod bag connection for protection
- Seam-sealed rain cover
Build Quality
The Vanguard Alta Sky 53 Camera Backpack is a premium professional backpack featuring high-quality nylon, reinforced stitching, durable zippers, and thick padding on the straps and backing. It’s a large and rugged backpack designed for demanding photographers who want a do-it-all backpack.
Weighing in at 6.28 lbs. with a load capacity of 35.26 lbs, this Vanguard camera backpack can carry up to two full -rame camera bodies, 6-8 prime lenses, and offers convenient top access to large telephoto zoom lenses. It also features multiple external options for carrying tripods, gimbals, and drones.
The rugged exterior nylon protects your gear from the elements. Also, the tough bottom padding allows you to put your backpack down in adverse conditions without worrying about your gear getting wet.
The Alta Sky 53 includes a seam-sealed rain cover for protection against heavy rain, which is conveniently labelled and stored in the bottom of the front flap.
Interior Access and Storage Options
The Vanguard Alta Sky 53 Camera Backpack provides access to your gear from the top and back of the backpack. The 22.8 inch-deep central design can easily accommodate a full-frame body with a long 200-600 zoom lens attached, making it very convenient for quickly grabbing a big setup from the top zipper. The top flap also two useful slots for used and unused SD cards.
The interior of the backpack is designed to help you locate gear easily in low-light conditions. The bright yellow color and accents are carried throughout the entire bag aesthetic, including the zippers, buckles, and stitching.
Additionally, the Velcro dividers are bright yellow as well. They can be configured in a multitude of different ways. They can even be completely removed, allowing the backpack to quickly be converted to a day-bag for personal use. The back panel has a large and fully padded slot for laptops and tablets, offering ample space for up to a 17” laptop and a tablet with a case.
Exterior Storage and Carrying Options
The Vanguard Alta Sky 53 Camera Backpack offers plenty of exterior pockets, zippers, and straps for carrying a number of different items. This can include tripods, gimbals, drones, water bottles, accessories, and other essentials. The large side pockets can carry a tripod or a water bottle on either side, with one of them being a dedicated tripod pocket with an included harness for attachment.
One of my favorite features of the backpack is the innovative exterior front flap and harness system. I love being able to attach my gimbal on the outside of the backpack for quick access. Also, the front harness features a tripod pocket. This makes it ideal for center-mounting a tripod for a more balanced carrying experience.
The reinforced loops on the harnesses allow the straps to rearrange into any configuration needed. This makes it ideal for carrying a gimbal, tripod, or a full-sized drone.
Final Thoughts
The Vanguard Alta Sky 53 Camera Backpack is a high-end professional backpack for photographers that are looking for maximum versatility, build quality, and storage capacity. It can carry a large amount of gear and provides innovative features while being ergonomic and comfortable. It will handle any task needed and comes with a lifetime warranty from Vanguard.
