I had been itching to get my hands on a comfortable backpack that could accommodate my camera with the additional lenses, cables and other stuff that I like to carry on me with my camera, in addition to a standard 14 or 15 inch laptop. I researched on the internet for the right bag for quite some time. I really didn’t want to go overboard with this selection since I don’t plan to increase my camera gear by any substantial amount, but I also didn’t want to be left wanting for space if I did get a couple of extra accessories.
After a lot of browsing the internet, reading reviews on blogs and watching videos on YouTube, I shortlisted my choices down to the Lowepro Fastpack 350 and the Kata DR-467i and finally bought the Kata as made obvious by this post’s title.
Both these backpacks were perfect for my gear. I settled on the Kata since I felt that it looked better and also a couple of additional features that highlighted their attention to detail. Also, the fact that Kata is an Israeli company that makes bags for the Israeli Army, inspires a lot of confidence in their product.
A couple of the things that helped me make up my mind were that with the Kata, I could also carry a good sized tripod strapped to the side of the bag. Also, the Kata came with an all weather cover that gave the whole bag and the gear inside extra protection in bad weather. Other small things that showed their attention to detail were the rubber cups to prevent zipper noise, the reflective thread in the zipper ends for visibility and the ability to easily strap the backpack to any strolley for wheeling around.
The bag easily holds 1 or 2 camera bodies in top grip position, 2 to 3 lenses and additional things like a flash or lens hoods. The bag can also hold a good sized laptop in the dedicated laptop compartment. I easily carry my 15.6” Lenovo widescreen laptop.
Here is a photo tour of the backpack.
The Kata DR-467i holds the camera along with acessories in the bottom compartment, other gear and miscellaneous things in the top compartment and a 15“+ laptop in the rear laptop compartment
This is the camera compartment. Bright yellow so that you can spot even the smallest accessory. This padded area can also be removed to turn the bag into a normal backpack
The padded internal camera area can be completely removed to turn the bag into a normal backpack with a single large compartment. The central partition in the main bag body also opens up
The construction of the bag is really good. The metal buckles add a nice touch and also add to the sturdy look of the fittings
The metal zippers are hidden behind rubber caps so that they don’t flap around. The other zippers have reflective thread running through them for better visibility
The back of the bag is nicely padded. There is also a elastic strap towards the top so that you can secure the bag on a strolley while travelling
This pouch can be used to either carry a small bottle or it can also be used to carry a tripod which is also secured towards the top
The all weather cover completely protects the bag in case you have to move around in bad weather for prolonged durations
I wasn't too enamored with the bag — it just didn't live upto it's marketing hype (not unusual though). I'd be interested to hear how you get on with it when you use it in anger though.
http://davidgilbert.org/Review-kata-dr-466
@Dave thanks for stopping by!
Well, you know, its product reviews like yours that help people like me make up my mind. I actually bought the bag from ebay US, since ebay india has no camera+laptop bags available in either Kata or Lowepro. I will be travelling with the bag soon, and will definitely post an update.
Any updates on this bag? I am considering it
@Scott
The bag has served me well for the last 9 months. I have used to to carry all my photo gear (1 body, 3 lenses and assorted accessories, full size tripod) along with the 15.4 inch screen laptop, whenever I have been travelling.
Apart from that, I use it as my office bag on a daily basis.
The good parts: Capacity, Quality of Construction, and Weight Distribution.
When this bag is full, its just feels like it is in its element. Carrying it is really comfortable even if you use only one of the straps like I do. The quality of the materials used and the workmanship is top rate. I have yet to see even a thread come out of place. The zippers are amazing, and have taken a lot of punishment. The rain cover provided is very useful for dust protection as well, especially in India.
The bad parts: The base of the bag doesn't have those little rubber nubs to keep the main body slightly off the ground. That means when you set it on the floor/ground anywhere, it will get dirty. The padding on the back of the bag is very rigid. This helps to keep the shape and provide impact protection, but also loses some points on the comfort of the bag when on the shoulders.
On the whole I am pretty happy with it. The other option that I was considering was the Lowepro Fastpack 350. I decided on this since these guys make the bags for the Israeli army as well.