Kata R-103 GDC Rucksack
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Digital camera reviews of Kata R-103 GDC Rucksack
Digital camera Review: Kata R-103
Summary: 4 Stars
Very nice bag to carry. It could use a couple of more pockets, but it is built strong and tough. I highly recommend it.Digital camera Review: Kata R-103
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this product after looking at everything I could find in the market for carrying camera equipment and a laptop. The construction is top notch. The materials, workmanship are all done very well. I carried a Canon 20d with 70-200 f4, several other lenses, 14" Dell laptop, charger, card reader, batteries etc. Fully loaded around 20lbs I carried this for 10 days while shooting in Europe with no problems. I felt my gear was well protected and the carry on compatible size let me keep it with me while flying. Great solution for digital shooters that want a laptop along in a rough environment. There are better solutions for a bag to shoot out of but I think this is a great way to get your gear safely to and from the location. Some additional zippered storage on the outside that could be reached while the pack is being worn would be nice.Digital camera Review: Laptop doesn't fit
Summary: 3 Stars
I chose the Kata R-103 because I wanted to carry my camera, a long lens, and my laptop in one bag, but didn't want something too big.
Unfortunately, this bag isn't big enough. My Dell Inspiron is 14" x 10-1/4" x 1-1/2", and it doesn't fit. One corner sticks out, and the zipper won't close over it. Well, I could probably force it to close, but it doesn't seem like that would be good for either the computer or the bag. And I can just imagine how much fun it would be, struggling with that zipper while going through airport security.
It would be really helpful if they would give the maximum laptop size that would fit in the item description - all three dimensions.
The Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack for DSLR system or DV/HDV camcorder. (Insertrolly optional) is even narrower than the the R-103, so I am ordering the Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack for DSLR system or DV/HDV camcorder. (Insertrolly optional), and hoping for the best. I may keep the R-103 as a daypack. It's a nice size, if you aren't planning to carry a laptop. I am only 5'-1", but the R-103 is not too big. It is comfortable and well-made. Just not quite large enough for my laptop.
They should have used a material with a little more "give" around the zipper. My computer would fit if they'd done that.
UPDATE: Well, my laptop wouldn't fit in the Kata HB-207, either. Instead, I bought the Lowepro Rolling CompuTrekker Plus AW Camera Bag.
UPDATE #2: I have now taken this bag on a 10-day road trip, as well as several day trips.
The good: It's very sturdy and well-padded. The shape and size are good. The tapered top, that meant my laptop wouldn't fit, makes the bag look less bulky, and also makes it easier to open and close the zippers. It looks smaller than it is.
The bad: It's rather rigid. It's bulkier than it looks; the padded straps take up a lot of room. Don't expect to crush it down to save space if you're packing it empty in your luggage, as you might with an ordinary backpack.
The ugly: There are only two outside pockets. They are small, shallow, diagonal pockets that run parallel to the main zipper. They don't hold much; maybe a pair of sunglasses or a very small wallet. Because of their orientation, they are extremely easy to accidentally open while you are opening the main zipper, and if you do accidentally open them, whatever is in them will fall out. I almost lost my keys more than once. I tried putting one of those Sandisk keychains on the zipper, so I would notice if I was pulling the wrong one, but that only made it worse. The keychain caught on the other zipper, and when I opened one, both would open.
I like this bag, but I really wish it had more and better-designed outside pockets. Somewhere to safely stash your wallet and car keys, and larger pockets where you could tuck a map or a bottle of water.
Digital camera Review: Lovin' It
Summary: 5 Stars
Durable, rugged, placement for my cameras, their parts, my tripod, and my laptop computer. Wow! I got everything that I wanted in this purchase.Digital camera Review: Nearly Perfect
Summary: 4 Stars
About as close to perfect as you can get for a camera backpack. There are just three things I would change:
1. Add a pocket that can hold several lens filters.
2. Move the opening on the slips on the sides of the bag to the top and bottom so I could attach some external cases. Maybe something like the MAS system on the Tamrac bags. I can't for the life of me find anything useful to attach to the outside of the kata.
3. Make it so that cameras like my D200 with the vertical grip fits more snug or give us an extra pick of cushioning material to place under the lens of camera's that sit so high. I had to place a rolled up sock under my lens since it doesn't sit right in the bag with the vertical grip attached.