Fifty-Fifty Backpacks

Vanguard Adaptor 46

Key Specs

• Street price: £52
• Interior Size: 24x15x26cm
• Exterior Size: 27x25x45cm
• Laptop compartment: Yes
• Weight: 1.8kg 

Vanguard's Adaptor 46 is one of four bags in the series, and is a smaller alternative to the Adaptor 48. Weighing just 1kg it's the second lightest bag on test, and features zipper openings to the lower camera compartment on both sides.

Whether you're left or right handed you can slip a shoulder strap off the shoulder, pull it round and gain access to your camera and lenses in a flash. With a bit of persuasion we crammed in a semi-pro DSLR (without grip) and a pair of primes alongside but there wasn't space for any additional lenses or a flashgun.

Opening the top compartment reveals this area is also on the small side and we just about squeezed in a packed lunch. There are two mesh pockets within the lower compartment to store compactflash media, and the side compartment is handy for transporting a tablet or laptop provided it doesn't exceed 13in.

Like all the bags in this test the standard of the stitching is exceptional and the addition of a tripod holder could prove valuable if you want to keep both hands free when you're walking. Like Kata's 3N1 there's also the option to turn it into a sling bag. Generally, we found the Adaptor 46 slightly small and it lacks waist and chest straps.