AirZERO 42 : The Lightest Camera Backpack In The World

The ALTA AirZERO 42 is the smallest and lightest backpack in the world, let alone the Alta Series, designed to carry a full frame camera with easy access for up to a 150-600mm lens (and some 200-800mm lenses) attached, and an additional 4 lenses.

Since 1986 Vanguard has been designing and manufacturing camera bags, and four decades of research and development has resulted in a new reinforced nylon bubble wrap inspired 1680D Ballistic NyLITE® material, that is filled with the lightest Grade 6 Helium-3 (3He). 

The 1680D Ballistic NyLITE® material is just 5.845mm thick with a titanium frame that ensures that the bag can cope with the rigours of the outdoors, backed up with exceptional rip, abrasion and weather resistance

The material is designed to contain the rarest Grade 6 Helium-3 (3He) atoms which measure just 0.2 nanometres, and this ultra-light helium option offsets the limited weight of the 1680D Ballistic NyLITE® material, frame and harness, ensuring that the Alta Sky AirZero 42 weighs -1.04g, making it lighter than air.

As the 1680D Ballistic NyLITE® material is transparent, the Alta AirZero includes an orange and grey 0.14mm thick 1400D rip-stop polyester inner lining. This hides the valuable contents, while adding colour and style.

The Alta AirZERO 42 is ideal for lenses such as:

• CANON RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L
  
• CANON RF 600mm F11 IS STM
  
• CANON RF 200-800 f/6.3-9 IS USM
• FUJI XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR
• NIKON Z 400mm F/4.5 VR S
  
• NIKON Z 600mm F/6.3 VR S
• OM ED 100-400mm F5-6.3 IS II
• OM MZUIKO ED 150-600mm F5-6.3
  
• OM SYSTEM ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC
  
• OM SYSTEM ED 50-200mm F2.8 PRO
  
• SIGMA 150-600 F5-6.3 DG OS S SNY
  
• SIGMA 150-600mm F/5-6.3 C DG OS
  
• SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 S SONY
  SONY 100-400mm F4.5 GM OOS
  
• SONY 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
  
• SONY FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS
  
• SONY FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
  
• TAMRON 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD for NIKON Z
  
• TAMRON 150-500MM F5-6.7 III for SONY
  
• TAMRON 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for NIKON Z

Here Jeremy from Vanguard demonstrates this with a Canon RF 200-800mm lens with hood extended on the original Alta Sky 42 to illustrate the space:

With external dimensions of 27 x 24 x 50.5cm, this has the advantage of falling within the IATA hand luggage guidelines, though airlines rules vary, so please check with your preferred airline.

It also comes with a removable sleeve that is designed to be used to offer additional protection to a long lens, or to carry a spotting scope securely, making it ideal for birdwatchers too.

Full access to your kit is through the rear of the backpack, with quick top access to your chosen camera/lens combo.

The secure rear compartment includes a pouch that can carry up to a 12.9" tablet (compartment is 235 x 25 x 380mm), while on the front is a pocket for accessories such as cables and SD cards, with expandable neoprene pockets on either side for water bottles and another items.

The interior is a light, bright orange that allows you to clearly see the contents of the bag, even in low light conditions. Or in the event of an emergency on your trek, can help you attract attention by making you more visible.

The Alta Sky AirZERO 42 can also carry a tripod in the centre for optimal balance, with a tuck away tripod foot if needed.

Constructed to be tough and weatherproof with a mix of 1000D and 600D polyester, and a total coverage rain cover for the wettest days, the Alta Sky Series is designed to protect your valuable kit in the most arduous conditions.

Designed for the most rugged terrain with an advanced ergonomic back and harness system features a well-padded breathable 3D back, uniquely shaped easily to adjust shoulder straps that perfectly contour to your back and torso, adjustable sternum strap and waist belt that can be folded away when not needed. All these join together to promise a ‘never-tire’ user experience!

So if you're looking to carry a 150-600mm lens or some 200-800mm lenses across rugged terrain without feeling the weight, check out the Alta AirZERO 42.

* Airlines all have different rules and these can change without warning so we always recommend you check with your preferred airline or a site like Skyscanner that compares airlines