Exterior: Tough, gray 1000 denier Cordura Interior: Contoured, thickly padded with six layers of pro
Colours
black
About this bag
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
What fits inside
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 ;-)
What works
Build quality, the overall way it feels, the specific features.
Room for improvement
None at this time.
In the bag
Canon EOS 5D
BG-E4 battery grip
Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USMCanon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USMCanon EF 17-40mm f/4 L USM
charger, silica gel, IBM ThinkPad 600.
canon 5d
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.
What works
Low profile non-boxy form factor, very rugged, good load balancing across shoulders, does not look like a camera bag.
Room for improvement
Stiff zippers
In the bag
1. Canon 400D Digital Rebel XTi with Sigma Super Wide Angle Zoom 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro
2. Rocket Blower / Lens caps
3. Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L USM IS
4. Canon 430EX Speedlite
5. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
6. Tamron 1.4x Teleconverter
7. Stofen Omni Bounce
8. Misc pouches which can be velcro-ed into place in any empty slot and the all weather cover are stowed here when not in use.
CF Cards
Apple 13" Macbook
Camera spare battery and charger
canon 400d rebel xti
