A day in London with the Vanguard VEO lite 25l backpack and 2l Shoulder bag
From the moment you shoulder the VEO Lite 25L backpack, it feels purpose-built for the urban photographer or traveller who doesn’t want to lug an oversized, heavy camera bag around busy city streets. At around 25 litres with a lightweight polyester build, weather-resistant zips, and a rain cover included, the backpack strikes a balance between capable storage and ease of movement — ideal for unpredictable London weather and Tube commutes.
The internal layout is thoughtfully split into a lower camera compartment and an upper daypack section. The lower compartment measures roughly 295 × 150 × 230 mm — enough to accommodate a full-frame mirrorless camera like the Sony A7iv that i had with me along with a standard zoom or prime attached, plus several additional lenses and accessories without feeling cramped. You’ll find the padded dividers easily reconfigurable to separate bodies and glass while keeping them secure during busy commutes or hopping on and off the tube.
If like me you’re carrying a Fujifilm X100VI, which is a compact fixed-lens camera beloved for street photography, it fits very comfortably alongside a couple of extra batteries and small filters in the lower compartment or even in the shoulder bag alone for quick access - in fact you will see in my video just how useful the 2l shoulder bag is for a minimalistic travel companion. Because the X100VI is smaller and lighter than many mirrorless kits, you can free up extra space in the backpack’s daypack area for personal items like a water bottle or guidebook when on the go
Vanguard 25l VEO lite and 2l Shoulder bag
Comfort and access really matter in a city like London. The backpack’s padded harness distributes weight well — even when fully loaded with camera gear, a lightweight jacket, and a laptop — and has side and rear access so you can unclip gear quickly on a busy Tube platform or when arriving at your hotel. Popping the backpack off to grab a lens or phone without blocking foot traffic is a small convenience that makes a big difference in crowded spots like Oxford Circus or Covent Garden.
The shoulder bag plays a critical role alongside the main backpack. Its compact footprint lets you carry everyday essentials — phone, wallet, keys, Oyster card — or lighter camera gear (like the X100VI by itself) without needing to unzip the larger pack. On short walks between coffee shops in Soho or during quick photo stops by Piccadilly Circus, it’s more convenient than carrying around the full backpack. The ability to attach it to the front of the main pack when not in use adds a neat modularity to the setup.
Organisation is strong overall. The backpack’s upper daypack compartment can be used for personal items — jacket, snacks, notebook — while still keeping your camera gear tucked safely below. Hidden pockets for valuables and tracking devices add peace of mind in tourist-heavy areas. In contrast, the shoulder bag keeps must-reach items on your person without distracting from mobility. This two-bag system lets you move swiftly through busy pedestrianized zones or transfer quickly between Tube lines without scouring a deep pack for transit essentials.
In practical London use — from tube commutes to open-air walks past Big Ben or crowded markets in Camden — the VEO Lite combo performs as an adaptable everyday travel solution. It’s light enough to wear all day, stylish enough to blend into urban settings, and structured enough to safely carry both quality mirrorless gear and personal items. For vloggers, street shooters, and travellers who don’t want to compromise on capacity or comfort, this pairing makes everyday city adventures smoother and more organized.
Take a look for yourselves -
https://www.vanguardworld.co.uk/collections/bags/products/veo-lite-b25l-cm