Kata KT D-3N1-33 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot

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Price: $202.37   

Product Feature

• Sets up properly for left or right handed use
• Converts quickly from backpack to sling.
• Built in laptop compartment.
• Rain cover included.

Product Description

The Kata 3N1 Sling / Backpacks provide photographers with the quick access of a sling and the comfort of a backpack. The 3N1 with laptop slot has the unique ability to be used as a right-handed sling, left-handed sling and backpack In addition to different carrying options, the 3N1 includes ample storage for photo and personal gear. Photo equipment is stored in the bottom main compartment of the pack taking full advantage of the modular dividers to custom fit the bag to your exact equipment. The large top compartment will hold personal items or additional gear, and the internal pockets and MP3 player pouch will allow you to organize your personal effects as efficiently as your photographic gear. Two external pockets allow quick zippered access to accessories without opening the main compartments. The 3N1 also includes a rain cover for protection in inclement weather. The 3N1-33 will hold a DSLR with battery grip & long-range zoom lens attached as well as, 5-6 lenses, flash, laptop computer (up to 15.4-Inch ) and personal gear. It also makes a great video bag and can hold a compact camcorder and accessories. External dimensions: length 12.6-Inch ; width 9.3-Inch ; height 18.1-Inch ; weight 3.7 lbs. Internal dimensions Length 11.6-Inch ;Width 6.3-Inch ; Height 11.8-Inch . Laptop compartment dimensions Length 10.6-Inch ; Width 1.6-Inch ; Height 16.5-Inch .

Kata KT D-3N1-33 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot Review

Last year I decided that it was time to replace my camera backpack and after much research, realized that the SINGLE perfect bag just does not exist. So, I decided that I would need to get 2 bags-- one for my day out excursions and another for my week+ long vacations when I am away from home. For the former, I got the Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack (Black), which is GREAT (see my Amazon review for details). However, it isn't big enough to carry as much of my gear as I want for longer trips, including my laptop. So, I knew that I was going to be buying a complementary bag for those occasions. I have been waiting for the 3N1-33 since I first learned of its impending arrival in November 2009. As soon as it became available on Amazon, I snapped one up.

First, I will highlight what I like about this bag:

1. It is light-- much lighter than the camera backpack that it is replacing.
2. It has a huge capacity-- I can easily pack everything I own into this bag, including my Canon 30D, 70-200mm 2.8 IS and hood and case, 17-55mm 2.8 IS and hood, 50mm 1.4, Canon 1.4 multiplier,430EX II flash, Kenko extension tubes, Arctic Butterfly and Loupe, filter packs, Pocket Wizards, BH-55 tripod head, battery charges, manuals, cords, lens cleaning supplies, and more.
3. ALL the backpack straps tuck away-- LOVE this feature! Nothing to hang out when carrying it around as a bag instead of a backpack. ALL camera backpack makers should follow Kata's lead here.
4. The quick-draw release system-- VERY quick to get at your camera.
5. Carries my 15.4" laptop with room to spare.
6. Comfortable waist straps
7. It is a good size-- even though I am a smaller man, it doesn't look or feel too big on me
8. Excellent construction-- solid stitching, rugged materials

At first glance, this bag seemed to be about as good as it gets. However, after using it a few times, I discovered its shortcomings...

1. The 3-in-1 system, while a GREAT concept, just doesn't really work with this bag. In fact, the bag doesn't really work well as a sling bag at all. The bag is so big that you do end up carrying a ton of gear in it. However, the weight of all that gear really adds up. While it is very easy to sling the bag into position, it is quite difficult to put back on your back with any real weight in the bag. Additionally, because of the flexibility provided by the 3-in-1 system, the shoulder straps really don't work great for any one of the configurations. In sling mode the single shoulder strap rides up your shoulder to your neck and can be uncomfortable. In backpack mode, the straps ride out towards the edges of your shoulders and don't distribute the weight very well. In X-position mode (both straps attached in sling mode), both straps ride up to your neck and squeeze your neck. Regardless of how you wear the bag, I would recommend wearing a collared shirt to prevent as much chafing as you can.

2. The lower internal area is very roomy, but not overly configurable. It works great if you want to have your long lens attached to the camera body in sling mode, but, if you want to carry your long lens unattached, and have another lens attached to the body, the internal dividers aren't really flexible enough to accommodate that. You are forced to put your long lens in the top section, which then essentially means that not much else can go there. So, if you are going to be using multiple lenses including your long lens, you end up swapping gear around from bottom to top quite often.

3. Minor nitpick-- the top handle, while very sturdy, causes you to carry the bag at its widest position (i.e. it extends away from your body the maximum width- 12.6"-- of the bag) to be comfortable. If the handle were turned 90 degrees, then it would only extend 9.3" from your body.

Unfortunately, for me, the negatives outweigh the positives and, like the other reviewer here, I have decided to return my bag. I think my lesson learned is that ANY sling bag of this size is probably going to suffer from the same usability issues due to the sheer amount of weight it can carry. If the bag really cannot perform as a true sling pack, then I have decided it is better to just get a true backpack instead. The alternative backpack-only bags that I am looking at are all much less expensive which is an added advantage (the extra $50+ just for a laptop sleeve seemed a bit extreme anyway...)

There is so much to love about this bag-- I really wish it had worked out better for me.

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