Vanguard Alta Fly DSLR Camera Backpack Review

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There’s so much talk about cameras, lenses, flashes, and tripods, that a durable camera bag often gets left out of the conversation. In reality, a sturdy, well-made bag should be top priority because of its ability to protect all the expensive gear you’ve invested in. The Vanguard Alta Fly DSLR camera backpack has a ton of incredible features, and is rugged enough to serve you for years to come.

Vanguard makes a variety of camera bags. In this post, I’ll be reviewing the Alta Fly 58T rolling camera backpack. More than a backpack, it’s also a four-wheel trolley, which make transporting your gear super convenient, and it’s configured to hold a drone and drone accessories.

What It Holds

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The backpack will accommodate up to two professional DSLR cameras, four to six lenses up to 300 mm, a tripod, a tablet, a 14-inch laptop, a flash and other accessories, OR a drone. How’s that for roomy? If you’re the proud owner of a drone, this trolley backpack is one worth checking out. There’s not many bags out there that will fit two DSLRs, plus a drone. In fact, the 58T has been referred to as a “rolling studio.”

What It Holds

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• 1-2 pro DSLR cameras
• 4-6 lenses, including long lenses
• Tripod and flash
• 14″ laptop and tablet
• A drone and accessories
• Various accessories

The bag is sturdy, yet lightweight, and has built-in shoulder straps for comfort. It comes with multiple well-thought out compartments and dividers that are generously padded for added protection, The dividers can be configured in a way that will best suit your gear or you can remove the compartments entirely if you want to use the bag as a personal luggage backpack.

Vanguard Alta Fly Features

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The designers have incorporated a plethora of travel-friendly features that make the bag unique and equipped to withstand the rigors of travel. The bottom of the bag is made of moisture-resistant material that will resist scratching. The built-in shoulder straps can be used to carry the bag as a backpack, but can also be tucked away or removed entirely.

The long, extendable bar handle lends for easy transportation, as do the top and side handles. There are pull-out covers you can place over the wheels to protect your clothing while using the bag as a backpack. The compartments and dividers can be customized for your particular gear, with the gray inserts specifically intended to pack a drone.

Check it out here

A 3-point security point system adds additional protection as do the double security buckles. The connection straps can be used to secure a tripod to the front of the bag, and the spacious side pocket is great for carrying a tripod or water bottle. The backpack includes a total coverage rain cover for protection in inclement weather.

Summary Of Features

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• Backpack meets strict airline sizing standards
• Constructed of anti-scratch, moisture-resistant materials
• Built-in, padded shoulder straps that can be tucked away
• 4-wheel trolley system
• Extendable bar handle
• Sturdy top and side handles
• Durable and lightweight
• Multiple well-padded compartments and dividers
• Dividers can be customized
• Removal inserts
• Laptop sleeve
• 3-point security system for added protection
• Daily accessory organizer
• Dedicated pockets
• Ample side pocket for tripod or water bottle
• Drone and accessory accommodation
• Pull-out wheel covers
• Total coverage rain cover
• Connection straps to secure tripod
• Double security buckles
• Heavy-duty zippers

Security And Convenience

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The Alta fly was built with security in mind. The 3-point security system includes a buckle that locks over the external zipper, and an internal full-coverage zippered mesh flap to keep your equipment safe. The large pockets on the front of the bag include an organizer, providing easy access to a smartphone and charger, sunglasses, tablet, wallet, and travel documents.

The four-wheel rolling system provides a distinct advantage over two-wheeled systems that don’t glide as smoothly. This is a significant issue when you’re wheeling your bag through busy airports. The backpack is deep, which makes it capable of accommodating tall lenses, and the zippers are sturdy and durable. There’s nothing worse than flimsy zippers. If you want to use the backpack as personal luggage, simply remove the camera dividers, which are connected to a single insert.

Save 15% on the Alta Fly backpack

 

The backpack meets strict airline carry-on regulations, in terms of size, and will fit in a standard overhead bin. The last thing any photographer wants to do is check their expensive camera gear. The dimensions of the bag measure approximately 13″ by 8″ by 21″. Even though the bag was designed for travel, that doesn’t mean you won’t want to use it for everyday shoots. It’s the ultimate in design, versatility and durability.

Key Points

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In my opinion, the folks at Vanguard have thought of everything. Overall, the Check it out here is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for optimal gear protection while traveling. Unfortunately Vanguard doesn’t offer a free return policy, and the bag would be even better if the waist strap was padded.

Because the bag fits so much gear, it can be easy to over pack, making the backpack heavy to carry. This is where the four-wheel trolley system is a lifesaver. The $299.00 price tag may be prohibitive for some, but considering the price of the gear it will be accommodating, it seems rather a moot point.

What do you think? Would you buy the Vanguard Alta Fly? Let me know in the comments:)