Cambags

Equipment list in bag
1. Nikon D90 + Nikon 18-200mm VR F/3.5-5.6G IF-ED +
Optech Neck Strap
2. Nikon 180mm f/2.8 D ED-IF AF
3. Tokina 12-24mm f/4
4. Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro
5. Nikon 35mm f/2
6. Nikon 50mm f/1.8D
Manfrotto 718shb tripod

This is the Vanguard Up Rise 46 backpack which is the second from largest in the range, the largest being the UpRise 48. This backpack can carry a DSLR and 4-5 lenses plus a 14" laptop and room for accessories in a top compartment.
The UpRise label is an ingenious expansion system that allows the bag to grow as you need to carry more. In the case of the backpacks it means undoing a zipper at the front of the bag which gives you about 6cm of extra room inside. This allows you to  store a 20cm long lens facing outwards in any of the smaller lens divisions. Whereas without the Uprise only a 15cm lens would fit. Clever idea.

Heres the front of the bag, there is a pocket the whole length of the main compartment flap. Its not deep but enough room for manuals, lens caps, cables, phone, mp3,etc

One side of the bag as a side entry to your camera, this allows quick access to just your camera and attached lens.
Notice there is a strap across the depth of the bag to prevent the main compartment from opening if the zip is not fastened correctly. There is also a pocket to the left for the all weather cover that forms part of the cushioned back.

Here is the side access open. It has a combination of buckle fixing , velcro and zipper but it alllows extra security if the buckle is fastened. But this can be left undone and the velcro and zip allow for faster access without the fear of your camera falling out.



The back of the bag. Comfortable shoulder straps and an "air system" cushion where the bag meets your back.

The waist belt straps are convientley hidden in the base of the back cushions so they dont flap around when not required.

Waist belt



This is the top compartment of the bag. It can be accessed by a zipper on the front of the bag. The size is about 27cm wide, 10cm deep and 14cm height. Enough room for accessories and a flash or a bottle of drink and a light coat. There a are some netted compartments for batteries, memory cards,etc. Unfortunatly the main divider is fixed to the back so you can increase or decrease the size. Although it does have velcro at the sides and top but it doesnt do anything to increase the space available.



 The other side of the backpack has the tripod fixings.
 

A lower pocket is removed from a zippered compartment , this holds the feet of the tripod in place.

A strap near the top of the bag holds the head of the tripod in position.


Front shot with Manfrotto 718shb tripod

The base of the bag. It has a fairly hard plastic covering for protection.
 


Laptop compartment to fit a 14.1" or less. Shame it doesnt fit a larger laptop for this size of bag. The compartment is 15" long but the curvature of the top of the bag reduces the width preventing a larger laptop.


Inside the bag empty. One thing I dislike is that opening up the main compartment lid fully it causes the dividers to bend. Obviously doesnt do this with gear inside but makes it look like they werent intended to all fit inside in the first place.

Overall this is a really nice backpack that has plenty of nice features and looks very well put together. Everything feels like good quality materials and made to last. The UpRise idea works really well by increasing the depth of the bag by a few more centimetres you can fit a few more longer lenses in there if need be. Having features like side access to your camera, tripod holder, laptop compartment, top compartment , waist belt and a rain cover you get a lot of features for your money.
I can highly recommend this bag.

Likes about the bag:
Build quality, Uprise expansion, Nice strong materials, tripod holder, laptop compartment, waist belt, rain cover.

Dislikes about the bag:
Opening main flap fully is a little awkward. Top compartment divider is fixed to back. Laptop size seems a little small for this size of bag.

Review by Paul  at Cambags.com