I've been more than happy with my Amazon-purchased Ape Case camera bag (medium) -a great value and a terrific bag. It's a workhorse that still looks new after two years.
But I've wanted a backpack camera bag. Shopping around, I kept coming back to the Kata 3N1 for its versatility: regular backpack, left or right sling with quick access on either side, and criss-cross to go from backpack to sling in seconds.
But which one? The 20 or the 30? I didn't need the netbook / laptop compartment, since I don't plan to tote one. The 30 sounded a bit large.
I ordered the 20, then changed my mind and chose the 22 -WITH the netbook compartment. Because I realized I would use it for manuals and bounce cards. And maybe a netbook, if I like . . .
The Kata 3N1 22 arrived in four days and it's been everything I hoped. Beautifully designed and constructed; high quality; amazing in operation.
Right away, out of curiosity, I wanted to see how I could configure it and load it up. Here it is, packed, at 14 pounds. (3 of those are the bag, so that's 11 pounds of gear in a deceptively compact and comfortable backpack.)
UPPER COMPARTMENT
580 EX II Speedlite (in its case, with stand)
430 EX II Speedlite (in its case, with stand)
8 spare AA batteries for Speedlites
Cables
Microfibre cloths
Lens caps
RIGHT EXTERIOR POUCH
Second Canon camera battery
Canon battery wall charger
LEFT EXTERIOR POUCH
Polarizing and other filters
MAIN COMPARTMENT
Canon 40D
Tamron 70-300mm and reversed hood (on camera)
Canon 50mm 1.8 prime (hood separate)
Canon 28-135mm (hood reversed)
Tamron 17-35mm (hood separate)
Tamron 28-200mm (hood reversed)
2-pc Vivitar wireless remote (in mesh pouch, not included)
3pc Cowboy wireless Speedlite triggers (in mesh pouch, not included)
Rain cover in pouch
Media kit -with extra compact flash cards
NETBOOK COMPARTMENT
"A Better Bounce Card" Bounce Cards
Manuals
And there's still room for a card reader, binoculars, LED flashlight, small miscellaneous items.
Will I walk around every day with it loaded like that? Probably not. Then again, why not? Leaving out a couple or three lenses and one Speedlite doesn't reduce the weight by THAT much. (Though it's an amazingly comfortable everyday run-around backpack / sling if I leave a few items at home.)
All I have to do is sling my tripod (in its case) and light stand / umbrella (in their case) over my shoulder, or hand carry them, and go. An easily portable highly versatile studio for locations.
Does the 3N1 system really work? And how!
I have had none of the problems a few others have mentioned. I'm 6', 200 lbs, 42" waist. The adjustable waistband fits me fine, with inches to spare.
Yes, wearing it as a regular backpack is the most comfortable over time, as everybody mentions.
But the criss-cross position is almost equally comfortable, with the advantage of instantly converting to a sling. I don't feel "choked" by the straps at my neck, as a few have mentioned. Yes, I adjust them more often because of the configuration. But I don't mind, having the option to instantly go to a sling.
The adjustable padding on the straps is comfortable and effective. The quick-release buckles are strong yet easy to fasten or open. Yes, you really CAN pull the side flap open with one hand and grab your camera from the bag on the fly. The zippers are heavy-duty but smooth.
Sling position (I'm right-handed) works as advertised, with rapid access to my camera without opening the main bag, plus the stabilizing factor of resting my elbows on the bag, now slung around and lying across my front, while shooting.
Sturdy, solid protection for all that gear, plus a rain cover if needed. And yes, I'm glad to have the netbook compartment. I knew I'd use it and it's worth the extra $20.
Now that I've seen how MUCH gear I can pack, it's a daily exercise to decide what I really WON'T need when I go out, and enjoy this versatile backpack / sling at its lightest and for all it's worth. Because it's so brilliantly sized and configured that, backpack or sling, it doesn't feel clumsy or oversized at all, as you use it.
Of course, you're carrying as much as 14 pounds of gear or more in this seemingly compact case -so it's not like toting an iPhone in your pocket. You feel it. The trick is HOW and how much you might be strained by the extra weight.
The Kata 3N1 22 distributes the weight perfectly and is hands down and fully loaded the most comfortable backpack I've ever worn. You can even use it as an ordinary backpack if you like. The padded partition separating the upper from the main compartment unzips to create one large interior space (by removing the remaining velcro-strapped padded dividers).
I'm impressed. This is an organically designed ergonomic camera equipment transport-protection system that can literally change from day to day, or hour to hour, according to your personal / professional needs and schedule. Priced as well as it is designed and constructed.
Great job, Kata.
I gave this pack a five star rating because it is well made, well designed, roomy, and works the way it is intended. But even with all that being said, I have returned the bag. It's simply too big for me. That's why I'm reviewing it I want to give some fair warning to potential purchasers.
I'm a photo enthusiast and I take my camera nearly everywhere. If you're like me, you're obsessing over this bag purchase, looking at all of them and trying to choose the one that works best for you. I bought this bag thinking it would be nice to have plenty of space to hold all my gear. And it does just that. I have a Canon 40D, two telephoto lenses and a short prime lense. Add to that all the usual stuff you need to own battery pack, cleaning supplies, a few filters, and spare SD cards. It all fits in the bag with room to spare for my passport, sunglasses, wallet items, even a snack and a bottle of water. It's comfortable, secure, has a waste strap for support, and the quick side opening works well. I got the one with the laptop compartment and my netbook fits in it just fine.
But the thing is just too darned big! I feel like I'm shouting TOURIST!! It sticks way up on my back and looks silly. If I use it in the criss-cross configuration, it crosses over my breasts and makes them look like Zena the Princess Warrior. I can get the side opening to work using the backpack configuration, but it's not as stable. And it's so bulky that it feels a bit unwieldy.
Finally, carrying all that stuff around made me realize that doing so is not really necessary. Do I really need to carry all three of my lenses and all my cards, filters, and gear on an outing? It makes for a heavy pack, and unless you're a pro, or a very serious ameteur, I just don't see it being necessary to take it all with me. I traded down for a lowepro fastpack 100, and I'll post a review when I've had a chance to go over it. But it looks like I'll be able to carry my camera, one spare lense and all the other accessories I need just fine. The pack is smaller, more streamlined looking, and weighs less.
I gave this item a great rating because it is a beautiful product. Quality materials, light color inside so you can see what's inside well, and lots of thought put into what a camera user needs. And I LOVE the fast access side set-up. I didn't think it would be fair to rate it down because it didn't suit my needs. But non-pros should know that it's big enough to carry a fair amount -if not allof what you own, and if you want to do that, then this bag will suit your needs. But if you want to carry your camera, maybe a spare lense, battery and SD card with plenty of room left for a sack lunch, this is overkill.
Buy Kata KT D-3N1-22 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot Now
Pros: Great build quality, easy access of the camera, comfort, good design,
Cons: Uneasy access to lens at center comp., top is not fully open enough. computer compartment can only fit iPad or 11" laptop
Overall: highly recommended
Read Best Reviews of Kata KT D-3N1-22 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot Here
I researched for several months to find a sling bag that would be large enough to carry my D700, 3 lenses (1 of which is a larger ultrawide zoom), and various other peripherals when I travel, that would *magically* shrink to a manageable size for day hikes and around-town shooting. With exception to the Kata, I was able to examine the usual suspects in person at a local electronics superstore. The bags were either too small or too big, and none offered the flexible sling / back pack option, so I decided to take a leap of faith and order a Kata. I was leaning towards the 10, however, based on other reviews, I decided the medium size would be required to accomodate my kit. I ordered the Kata KT D-3N1-22 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot so I could tote my iPad2 as well.
I received the bag quickly and was immediately concerned about the size. I decided to give it a try anyway. With room to spare, I was able to load it up with the kit mentioned above as well as my iPad, wallet, various cleaning gadgets and a few more odds and ends one would expect to carry on a day trip. I struggled with the size of the bag on my frame all day. The back pack configuration worked a little better, but the bag itself is so long. it would not sit comfortably on my tiny frame in any configuration. It also stuck out way farther than I liked. Even on my husband, who is 5'9", the profile was freakishly large.
I give this bag four stars because the quality is top-notch, and the over-all functionality is great. I just wish it had a drnk holder, as mentioned by most others. Despite the size, i was easily able to access my equipment and swap lenses without the need for placing the bag on the ground. I am going to exchange this bag for the Kata KT D-3N1-10 Sling/Backpack (Black) in hopes that it is more suited to my needs. I will update my review upon receipt of that bag.
8/17/2011 UPDATE: Received the Kata KT D-3N1-10 Sling/Backpack (Black) and love it. It's more suited to someone small like me, and with exception to my iPad, fits everything the Kata KT D-3N1-22 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot held. I am very pleased with my exchange.
Want Kata KT D-3N1-22 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot Discount?
This bag is fantastic. It is good looking, flexible, well organized, and sturdy. I travel worldwide, year round. I am a road warrior. I needed a bag for carry on purposes that I could also use while doing day hikes, take to the office, etc. I carry:
a Nikon D7000 with 2 extra lenses
a macbook air 11 inch
a sony coolpix
two mobile phones
a wifi hotspot
two pouches with cables and wires and chargers
passport and money pouch
rain sleeve
ultralight windbreaker
-Spare batteries
-small spiral paper notebook and pen
I used to have to carry a much larger bag to accommodate these items. But the 3N-22 works perfectly. Its a snug fit, but with all of the pockets and points of access, I can get to everything quickly. It is also sturdy.
The flexible straps work really well. I recently tested these on a mountain biking excursion in China. Used both straps while biking and pulled one to quickly slide the bag towards my chest for easy access to my DSLR. Worked quickly and easily.
My only suggestion for improvement would be for Kata to re-inforce the bottom of the bag with a water proof fabric. I set mine down all of the time, and not always in the driest of places. Otherwise, I would say this is the best bag I have ever owned... And I have tried many.
I purchased the brown bag with pink lining. The bag is very well made. The stitching is solid and I think it will last a long time. It has plenty of room for all my devices. The tablet pocket has more than enough space for my Samsung Note 10.1 tablet. If anything, I think the tablet pocket has too much space. The length and depth were perfect fits, but the pocket is also about an 1 2 inches wide. I would prefer if it were like a sleeve with a more snug fit. That would also create a little more room in the main compartment, something that I think would benefit the design.
