Fifty-Fifty Backpacks

Manfrotto Veloce VII

Key Specs

• Street price: £75
• Interior Size: 30x24x17cm
• Exterior Size: 48.5x34x25cm
• Laptop compartment: Yes
• Weight: 1.5kg

Largest of the six backpacks on test, Manfrotto's Velcoce VII features a slightly different design from its rivals. It has a top compartment for general kit much like the others, and this is accessed via a super-size buckle on the top corner.

To get to the main camera compartment, however, you're required to place the bag face down on the ground and fold back the shoulder straps before gaining entry. This is a good design if security is your main concern but not so good for speedy accessing to your camera kit (not to mention keeping your bag clean).

As for the size of the camera compartment - it's huge. A partition down the side lets you store a tripod up to 40cm in length and the roomy interior allowed us to cram it full with a semi-pro DSLR (with grip) and standard lens, 100-400mm telephoto zoom as well as a pair of smaller primes. Our only main gripe is the internal padding which didn't offer a snug fit for gear like the other bags, leading to our kit moving about a bit when on the move.

It also comes supplied with a 17in laptop compartment, two large external pockets, a well-ventilated lumbar pad and a chest strap. Unfortunately, the chest strap isn't elasticated as it should be to allow for chest movement.