Vanguard Alta Sky 42 17L Camera Backpack, Dark Gray

2023-09-19T11:40:12

Build quality and material quality of this camera backpack are excellent. Backpack is very comfortable even when fully loaded with gear. The only thing keeping me from giving it five stars is the large access flap on the back does not lay open on its own. This can be annoying when trying to change lenses.

AARON C.

2023-01-04T11:03:19

This is a well designed and constructed bag for long lens storage and short hikes. It?s a comfortable fit after adjustments, and although I haven?t tested it yet on long hikes, I don?t expect it to be an issue for what I intend. It provides excellent protection for my long lens assembly of AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED (with hood), Nikon TC-20EIII, Nikon D850, and full size tripod. A tall bag like this is ideal for my birding needs, but I wouldn?t use it for general purpose outdoor photography requiring multiple bodies and lenses.

CHARLES S.

2022-04-06T08:25:56

good quality bag. if you arent putting in a camera and lens that take up the entire bag, it's not very good. there are very few movable compartment walls. I was hoping for something I could carry around my 3 smaller lenses and my big 600mm. if you just want to use it for traveling, it's fine. I would not use it as a hiking bag though.

GREG P.

2022-01-27T07:10:58

Great for travel, wouldn?t fly without it!

JUSTIN S.

2022-01-12T07:50:49

Went in a limb and bought for my Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL ED, it stated it fit most 800mm lens, it does fit both my D5 and D850 attached to body even with the teleconverter, hood has to be inverted while in bag but not a big deal at all. Absolutely best bag paired with this massive piece of glass. :D very satisfied.

Mark J.

2021-03-19T08:47:32

Well made and versatile

Lawrence T.

2021-01-31T09:02:13

Great bag.

Sean B.

2021-01-26T07:38:20

Very well made, perfect size for Me, holds My body and 3 lenses with plenty of extra room.

KRISTIE G.

2021-01-12T08:04:36

This is a great travel and day trip backpack. I have not previously owned a backpack designed specifically for camera gear and that was an adjustment but a good one. It holds my tripod easily and securely and the weight distribution is great. There is lots of space and can be tailored to your gear. My wife helped me with organizing the compartments as that is not my cup of tea.

Bernie B.

2020-10-03T05:40:18

Best bag I've ever owned

LEWIS J.

2020-06-12T01:38:59

Ok so this is a HUGE bag but it fits everything for my needs. I can fit my Nikon D850, 3 lenses (including a 200-500mm), my mavic 2 and all accessories, tripod, water bottle, umbrella, weather gear, snacks, iPad, MacBook, personal effects etc. Only need this bag for everything I would need for a day out. Once I filled it, it was pretty heavy which is to be expected, I love the waist belt for extra support and it’s a very comfortable bag to carry. So many easy to access and useful pockets too. For me it would be too big for hiking all day but perfect for having everything in one place. Very happy with this purchase.

BEC M.

2020-06-03T08:58:35

Very high end construction quality. Smart design in its layout and all the pockets. Interior color yellow was a great idea because of high visibility in identifying your stuff. Main compartment access is from the back again very smart idea. Many main access areas to get out you gear fast. Dimensions fit for the airlines carry on size requirements. I won't check in camera baggage to risky. I removed two of the largest yellow inserts and was able to carry a Nikon d750 with lens attach and a d500 body and 7 lens. Top zipper compartment housed related stuff like batteries and so forth. Attached a water bottle and compact tripod to boot. In my opinion you won't find a better bag that fits airline requirements, is built this well, is this innovative and can take this much equipment.

RICHARD D.

2019-11-06T11:59:50

A little mislead about how to attach a tripod to this backpack? Other than that, I am able to carry all my needed equipment.

michael s.

2019-03-13T09:38:35

Very nice quality. Feels a little heavy, but when on your back is quite comfortable. My bag is packed and ready to go, will be leaving for Costa Rica next week! Thank you...

Kathy H.

2019-03-03T07:31:15

Bag is made of good construction materials, lots of storage, comfortable to wear

TOM S.

2019-02-22T14:31:10

Tried another backpack and would not allow my camera with power pack to easily be removed from the case without opening the whole pack. Roomy enough for all my gear, so far, and very comfortable to carry on my back. Still rearrangling to fit all my stuff but very happy with it. Very robust material. Love the style of velcro partitions in this pack. Had trouble with getting the five stars to show. This is a five star backpack.

David W.

2019-01-30T12:58:43

First let me say i love the make and quality of this bag. Also i love the tripod options along with the straps and padding. My gear is a single a7r3 with a few lenses, a flash some miscellaneous items and a surface pro. Not a bunch of gear. fully loaded it can be a bit heavy but with straps and hip belt i can carry all day no problems.I just don't like the access points. especially the side maybe better with a larger dslr. when i have my camera out i like to use peak designs capture clip. Inner compartment customization is very limited. Along with no extra dividers or straps can be purchased separately from vanguard. Want vanguard dividers buy another bag to get them. So all i found was some dividers from ONA. Layout seemed awkward to me. Plus opening the main compartment zip wont open and stay open. It falls back shut unless you force it and then the bottom of the bag folds in a very weird way that doesn't look like it will be good for the long run. I ended up returning because it doesn't function for me. I also tried the alta sky 53. To me a much better bag just cannot fit on a plane and still the same problem with the back access. It had a lot better function for me but very heavy. In the end i have settled on think tanks airplane commuter bag for my day to day though I'm not a fan of how to carry the tripod. but a hiker might like this bag a bit better for the harness and back support. I would highly recommend this bag but only if it serves its function for you.

jeffrey h.

2018-11-01T11:56:40

Could not fit Fujifilm XH-1 and two Tele lenses, and no room for future expansion. Traded up to larger Vanguard backpack.

Curt P.

2018-10-03T17:51:41

This backpack construction feels flimsy. The interior compartments are lined wth a relatively thin fabric that is likely to tear under modest stress. Internal liners are not sufficiently firm to provide adequate protection to photo or video equipment at any advanced level. It might be OK for carrying a down jacket or a sweater however.

John T.

2018-08-17T11:54:44

Fits everything I need for a 1-man band situation out in the field. Plus the inside is yellow, so you can find your gear!

RYAN B.

2018-05-29T09:08:17

bag is most durable I've seen and allows great flexibility re. possible configurations.

Richard H.

2017-12-28T08:22:54

Use it with a canon 5DsR and Canon 200-400 4L. Excellent product. Very comfortable to hike with.

MARCOS F.