The compact R-103 is designed to hold a DSLR with 80-200 / 300mm lens attached an extra body, 4-5 lenses and additional accessories + netbook/laptop (up to 14" or 15"). The special design gives quick, separate access to the camera in the central compartment, while the rest of the equipment surrounding it remains secure. Additional accessories, like flash-unit, filters, charger, cables and personal essentials can be stored in the spacious arched lid compartment, the 2 external pockets and the central mesh pocket. * Fits SLR Camera Kits * Fits Various Camcorder Kits * Padded 1000D Cordura Backpack * Central Camera Compartment * Modi-Vers System * Thermo-Shield-Technology Protection * Ergonomic Photo System * TST Tripod Holder * Elements Cover
DSLR with 80-200 / 300mm lens attached an extra body, 4-5 lenses and additional accessories + netboo
This product meets my needs for discreet, rugged, and innovative design. I particularly like the ability to hook my camera to the harness straps to take the load off my neck. The combination water and heat shield is clever and practical. It is obviously designed by people who use bags in other than hotel lobby settings as it is rugged to the point of being defensive. It may be the best backpack design, per say, I've ever used. I require the predictable mobility of a backpack. It also fits into overheads on even the most obscure regional carriers without issue and can hold enough personal necessities to get by when my main luggage is misrouted to Persia ;-)
Build quality, the overall way it feels, the specific features.
None at this time.
The bag is superbly built and quite light compared to its size. The zips are quite stiff, very stiff to start with but loosen up some, but remain stiff enough to always feel bag is secure when on your back. It is a supremely compfortable bag to carry - and I have carried a lot of different backpacks in my time! Even without a waist belt it never feels heavy and the harness is very adjustable. The inside is well designed with soft lining to all the partitions. It is shallower than I imagined and does not take even my Tokina 12-24mm f/4 standing up - for its size I was surprised how little it took - but it carries all I need it for. The only criticism is lack of 'flat' pockets, the only one being on inside of quick release lid and that is very tight - I caon only get 1 filter and a cleaning cloth/pen in mine. THe lid lining pocket (which I only noticed after a week of having the bag) actually takes a lot of stuff tho - all my spare batteries, caps, cleaning stuff (inc Rocket blower) and gloves. I don't use the laptop compartment but I reckon it could take a thin jacket folded up easily. I like the quick access compartment and the fact that the central bit takes my body with the 100-300 and I can still get it out quickly. My wife calls me an Armadillo when I'm wearing it! But at least it doesn't look like an obvious camera bag.
I`m quite pleased with this bag even though it doesn't hold as much as my tamrac cyberpack 9 .. It,s way more comfortable and smaller.. I bought it because it should not be a problem to get this on an airplane as carry on..
As you can see there is still a bit of room at the top for some small items. Also there are two small side pockets and you have the Laptop section underneath as well, theres enough room to fit a 15.4" widescreen laptop. I have an IBM Thinkpad Z60M which has dimensions of Height:37.3mmWidth: 357mm Depth: 262.5mm You have to push it right in for it to fit.
After much research I finally settled on this Kata backpack. From what I've read Kata was started by a few guys formerly of the Israeli army so they were concerned with comfort, load bearing, durability and protection. Kata also makes ballistic bullet proof vests in case you were wondering! On to the bag. There is room for my Rebel XTi with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS mounted or stored to the side. Of course all of my other lenses, flash and accessories fit as well as my 13" Apple MacBook. The one thing I liked about this bag is that it does not follow the formula of most other manufacturers, that being a box on your back with straps. Most other bags in this size range feel like someone packed a box full of camera stuff and decided one day to carry it around. Another plus is that this bag does not look like a camera bag so it should not attract as much attention. A unique feature of this bag is the smaller opening in the front which allows access to only the camera and whatever you have stored in the center divider. This allows you to get at your camera without having to open up the entire bag and risk dropping anything else stored inside. Kata has also supplied a tripod carrier (can be used on front or side) which I have not pictured here and have not had a chance to use yet. I do have to say this is one of the more comfortable backpacks I have tried on. While not a small bag by any means, it is not as bulky and feels more comfortable to wear. Hopefully this stays true after I experience the bag on a long outing. My only complaint as of now is the zippers are a bit stiff and can take some effort to open if not at the right angle.
Low profile non-boxy form factor, very rugged, good load balancing across shoulders, does not look like a camera bag.
Stiff zippers
I can highly recommend the Kata R-103 rucksack - built like a tank, but distributes the weight nicely - I've only done approx 6 mile walk with it but was comfortable over that distance.
