VEO City B37 vs Metro B25L: Camera Backpack Size Guide
By Vanguard World UK | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Comparisons
Compare the 13-litre VEO City B37 and 25-litre VEO Metro B25L to choose the right camera backpack for day trips, commuting, or carry-on travel.
Quick answer
Choose the VEO City B37 if you want a compact 13-litre backpack that keeps a small mirrorless or DSLR kit close and moves easily through crowds. Choose the VEO Metro B25L if you need a 25-litre pack that is hand luggage compatible based on IATA guidelines and can carry more gear for day trips or commuting. Both share Vanguard's VEO design language, but the size difference changes how you pack and where you take them.
Capacity and what each pack is designed to hold
The VEO City B37 is a 13-litre backpack, so it suits a minimal kit: one camera body, one or two compact lenses, and a few accessories. The VEO City Series uses Technical Pouches (TP) to organise accessories, which helps you keep small items from rolling loose in a small bag. The VEO Metro B25L is a 25-litre backpack, nearly double the capacity, and it is part of a series that includes backpacks, shoulder bags, computer sleeves and smartphone pouches. That extra volume is useful when you carry a laptop, a jacket, or a second camera body alongside your shooting gear.
Carry-on and travel considerations
The VEO Metro B25L is hand luggage compatible based on IATA guidelines, which matters if you want to avoid checking your camera gear on a flight. The VEO City B37 is smaller, so it will also fit within most cabin limits, but Vanguard does not list IATA compatibility for it. If you fly frequently and want a bag that is explicitly designed around cabin rules, the Metro B25L is the safer choice. If you mostly shoot in town and want the lightest possible pack, the City B37 keeps your load small.
Comfort and access on a shooting day
A 13-litre pack like the VEO City B37 stays close to your back and is less likely to swing when you turn in a crowd. That makes it a good match for street photography or a quick walk where you carry only the essentials. The VEO Metro B25L distributes more weight across a larger frame, which can feel more stable when you carry a heavier lens or a laptop for a full day. The trade-off is bulk: the 25-litre pack takes more space in a car, on a train, or under a café table.
Matching the pack to your lens and body size
Neither Vanguard product record lists internal dimensions or maximum lens length, so you cannot confirm a specific 70-200mm or 150-600mm fit from the supplied facts alone. As a practical approach, measure your longest lens with the hood reversed and compare it to the internal depth of the bag you are considering. If you regularly carry a long telephoto, the 25-litre Metro B25L gives you more room to arrange dividers, while the 13-litre City B37 is better suited to standard zooms and primes. When a specification is missing, treat it as a decision limitation and check the bag in person or with the retailer before you buy.
Trade-offs: City B37 vs Metro B25L
- Capacity vs portability: The City B37 gives you 13 litres in a compact shape that is easy to carry all day. The Metro B25L gives you 25 litres, so you can carry more gear and personal items, but the bag takes up more space. Pick the smallest pack that fits your longest lens and your daily essentials.
- Travel rules vs everyday simplicity: The Metro B25L is hand luggage compatible based on IATA guidelines, which helps on flights. The City B37 has no listed IATA compatibility, so you rely on its smaller size to fit cabin limits. If you fly often, choose the Metro B25L for the explicit carry-on guidance.
- Organisation vs open space: The City Series includes Technical Pouches (TP) to organise accessories, which keeps a small kit tidy. The Metro Series focuses on city exploration and includes backpacks, shoulder bags, computer sleeves and smartphone pouches, so it supports a wider mix of gear. Match the organisation style to how much loose gear you carry.
Product facts
- VEO City B37 : 13 Litre Camera Backpack - Grey: The VEO City B37 is a 13-litre camera backpack in the VEO City Series, which includes Technical Pouches (TP) to organise accessories. The compact volume and pouch system suit a small mirrorless or DSLR kit where you want everything organised without a large pack.
- VEO Metro B25L : 25 Litre Camera Backpack - Cream: The VEO Metro B25L is a lightweight 25-litre backpack that is hand luggage compatible based on IATA guidelines. The larger capacity and IATA-based carry-on compatibility make it a stronger choice for travel days when you need to keep gear with you in the cabin.
Which size should you choose?
Best for
- Photographers who carry one camera body and one or two compact lenses
- Street and city shooters who want a small camera backpack UK buyers can wear all day
- Day trips where you want to travel light and keep gear close
Not for
- Photographers who need to carry a laptop, a second body, and multiple lenses
- Frequent flyers who want a bag explicitly listed as hand luggage compatible based on IATA guidelines
- Shooters who regularly carry long telephoto lenses and need more internal space
