TimeOut

KATA (3-N-1)-22

 

When I first got into photography, I had a simple Nikon dslr with a do-it-all zoom kit lens.  I carried it in a tactical backpack that I used occasionally at the range and as since it was padded, it worked pretty well.  A short time later, I got to travel with a PuristS friend who is a great photographer and he whipped out a cool looking bag that was made specifically for cameras.  In the firearms world, I learned long ago that it was worth the extra expense for a solid bag so I started my search for something to hold all my photo gear.  A few brands stood out but one of the most innovate bags are from a brand called Kata.  They produce some interesting designs in various sizes.  My very first camera bag was a '3-N-1' 20 series backpack style bag.  They call it a '3-N-1' as it can be carried in 3 different ways: as a traditional back pack (with the two straps), sling by using one strap across the body, and a secure position with the two straps in a cross pattern.  They make 3 sizes, 10, 20, and 30 with the 10 the smallest to the 30 which is the largest. 

A short time later they introduced the 11, 22, and 33 series which cleverly allowed the carry of a tablet, netbook, or a laptop.  Recently they came out with a lighter and more advanced variant targeted at the professional shooter with the PL series (25 and 33).  For this review we have a detailed look into the Kata 3-N-1-22 sling style backpack:

The 3-N-1 series is made of a well padded ( EVA-Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) and high quality waterproof rip stop nylon material.  The zippers have pull tabs that are easy to manipulate.  A padded carry handle is sewn in to the top of the bag as is a drag handle loop perpendicular to it.

Thick padded shoulder straps for comfortable carrying for long durations:

Shoulder straps can be tucked in for a clean tangle free pack:

A padded waist strap can be tucked in or pulled out for extra security when hiking:

A design on the portion that comes into contact with your back allows for better air circulation and is well padded for comfort:

A trolle strap that allows the Kata 3-N-1 pack to be slid over a luggage cart or handle:

The top compartment has plenty of space for accessories or extra lenses.  There is a mesh zip pouch for storing CF/SD cards or filters. 

Two different sized pouches can hold business cards or other flat accessories.

The  22 has a padded compartment for a tablet or netbook ( My Acer 10.1" fits perfectly inside).  This convenient feature doesn't add that much to the overall thickness compared to a regular 20 so I would definitely recommend it.

A metal D-ring is used to attach a travel tripod with the optional accessory.

Locking tabs prevent the entire bag from full opening when used in the sling mode. 

The unique design allows one to carry the backpack and open the bag via the side pocket and quickly bring out the camera.  A simple one handed motion can be used to release the buckle, pinch the plastic buckle to slide open. 

You then pull on the buckle (at the red stitched area) across the side and it exposes the compartment for access to the camera stored inside the bag.

With the opposite hand, you can grasp the camera and pull it out to shoot.  IMO, this design is fantastic and works really well when you are traveling around.  The camera is well protected from the environment and comes out quickly and easily when you need to start snapping photos.  You can see from the pic that it can easily accommodate a D800 with a battery grip in the main compartment.

It is deep enough for a Nikkor 16-35, 24-70, or a 28-300.  At the bottom position (left side of picture) a padded divider has space for a flashgun (I place my SB900 down there).  The 'modi-vers' system allows for interchangeable Aeriform foam padding to create a custom layout for equipment placement.

On the right of the main compartment I have configured the 22 for additional space.  The bright yellow interior color helps in easily identifying the contents inside the compartment.  The contrasting black straps function as pull tabs to open the velcro secured compartments.

It holds my GoPro and some of it's accessories.  I have the Hero 2 HD with the LCD attached and you can see it has plenty of space for it:

The Kata bag includes a rain cover that packs into it's own and can be deployed quickly to cover the entire 22 backpack if the need arises.

The Kata is a great lightweight traveling backpack.  It's well made, comfortable and holds quite a bit of gear.  But as no bag is perfect for all situations, I have other larger bags that I use when I need to hold more gear.

Next up, my favorite most often used bag...the excellent ThinkTank bags!

-MW



This message has been edited by DRMW on 2013-03-05 00:47:03