Vanguard VEO Active Birder 56 Backpack - 56KG - Green

The VEO Active Birder 56 Backpack is a stylish, but rugged 47 litre trekking backpack that is designed for birdwatchers to carry their spotting scope to the most remote and rugged locations, or just to the park, in comfort.

High quality water resistant material with waterproof zips and additional seam sealed rain cover
Front and top access to the main 32 litre compartment with a padded spotting scope holder, with separate 15 litre top compartment
Carries a 16" laptop (compartment is 310 x 35 x 370mm) and a 10" tablet, and up to two tripods (rear and side)
USB port for charging on the go
Includes mutliple pockets and extra pouches for maximum storage
Sealed 390 x 180mm waterproof pocket for up to a 2 litre hydration pouch
This backpack is not suitable for cameras. If you want to carry a camera, you may wish to consider a VEO BIB F (front opening bag-in-bag), or a VEO BIB T (top opening bag-in-bag).

With all the features in the VEO Active Birder, Martin summarised this bag as "the gift that keeps on giving" in his review on Clifton Cameras. So if you're looking for a solution to carry your spotting scope over longer distances, check out the VEO Active Birder and #makeupyourownmind

The bag has an extended waterproof zip that allows the bag to almost fully open, giving you access to the backpack. If you just want top access, simply clip the strap on the left which prevents the bag being fully opened in error.

Inside the main 32 litre compartment 32 litre compartment is a 120 x 134mm padded tube that is designed to hold a spotting scope safe and secure to the back of the bag, with an elasticated loop to fit around the eyepiece. It also includes two inner pockets for a 16” laptop, (compartment is 310 x 35 x 370mm), and a 10" tablet. Above the laptop compartment is a zipped pocket for other essentials, like a smartphone or a VEO PA-65 Universal Digiscope Adaptor. The remaining space is available for any personal kit you need for your trek.

On the top of the backpack is separate 15 litre top compartment for items that you want to keep close to hand, and includes a mesh pocket and a key ring holder to help organise your kit.

To stay fresh on the go it includes a 390 x 180mm side pocket for a 2 litre hydration pouch. This pocket is designed to be waterproof to ensure that a leak can't get into your main compartment.

On the opposite side is an elasticated side pocket that can be used for a separate water bottle, or to hold a tripod.

Above this there is a USB port interface that allows you to carry the power bank of your choice in the main compartment, and connect it to your device to stay charged on the go. Perfect for powering your device, such as a smartphone as you use the GPS functionality to help with navigation or capture memories of your trip.

On the back is a discreet zip up rear pocket which is perfect for valuables such as a wallet or passport.

A tripod is also essential for use with a spotting scope, and two rear straps allow you to carry a full sized tripod centrally on the back, delivering optimal balance over longer distances. Alternatively, you can attach a tripod to the side and attach a sleeping mat or tent to the straps.

As this backpack is designed to carry larger kits over extended distances, extra attention has been applied to the ergonomics to deliver maximum comfort. This includes a reinforced aluminium frame which is shaped to follow the curve of the upper spine and stiffens the rear of the backpack. On the back itself there is a padded waist cushion and shoulder cushions, with a wide air-flow system. The shoulder straps are also well padded with an adjustable chest strap, and there is a padded waist belt to spread the load which can be removed or fixed around the bag when not in use, so it doesn't flap on shorter trips.

For even more storage, each shoulder strap includes an expandable elasticated pocket, with an expandable zip up pocket for snacks on one side of the waist belt, and a velcro strap that allows you to attach your binocular pouch through the belt loop on the other. It also includes a removable bottle holder and accessory pouch that can be used to organise your gear.

To cope with the rigours of the wilds, the VEO Active series is constructed of tough nylon 840D Cordura which is highly weather and tear resistant, with waterproof zips and quality herringbone and double reverse stitching. For wetter days, the VEO Active includes a rain cover.

Please note that this backpack is not designed for cameras. If you want to carry a camera, you may want to include a VEO BIB Bag-In-Bag.

So if you are looking for a rugged and stylish backpack for your birding kit that's at home in the wilds, or just for a trip to the park, check out the VEO Active Birder and #makeupyourownmind