Kata DT 3-N-1-30 Camera Backpack Review

Sounds strange, but I have never owned a true photo backpack in 27 years of having an SLR type camera system. I have had backpacks, just none build just for photography. That all changed this week. I have been looking at bags for years, but never found what I really wanted. Many came close, but just not enough to pull the trigger on a purchase. I have been following Kata since the 1990′s when I first heard about them in regards to video gear bags. Then I came across the 3N1-30 and knew it would meet my needs.

There are plenty of reviews out there, so I will just say what I think after using it for some short walks, shooting an event out of it and taking it on a wilderness hike for many hours.

The price was right. The weight was right. The protection was right. The equipment it holds is right.

How it performs
Just the right size for just the right needs. Comfortable and fits my 6’5″ frame just fine. Nice form factor, easy to use and a joy to transport gear in.

How I use it
I don’t take everything on a hike. I need a body or two, 3 or so lenses, some accessories and maybe a pano head for certain trips.

What I like about it
It does not scream “expensive photo gear inside” to me. The left or right sling option is great.

Bright yellow interior might not be to everybody’s liking, but take this into account. At night, fumbling inside a dark bag trying to find something is a pain. Almost all my photo gear is black and it really stands out against that vibrant yellow. Thumbs up from me.

Access to equipment the way I want. Easy pull-out of lens mounted body is a cinch. Not having to put the bag on the ground to use it was key in my book. Access to memory cards and a lens change or two is easy without putting it down too. When you do want to put it down and have access to every square inch well it works well that way too.

Strong and durable.

What I don’t like about it
Around town, short walks and such I never noticed an issue. But on a long wilderness hike I had issues with the shoulder straps pulling back into an uncomfortable position. I could not keep them in the right place. Maybe it is my size or what I was wearing was more prone to them slipping, but it bugged me. The solution in the field was easy though. Just unclip the straps and clip them back in with an X pattern across the chest. Problem solved for sure this way. An optional chest-strap might be in order here to use it as a more traditional backpack.

Using it sling-style works too, but not fully loaded I find. Too much pressure on one shoulder and it starts to ache rather quickly. Too heavy when rotated around, but once the largest body/lens combo is pulled out of the side, it is much quicker and easier to use a sling.

I think the add-on 3N1 Tripod holder is just that, an add-on. It works really good mind you, and is only a minor nitpick. A 2.3lb CF tripod does not add much weight at all. The fact that I can remove it and get a very clean backpack when not packing a tripod is a plus. So truly a minor nitpick.

Price Paid
$129 for backpack, $29 for tripod holder.

Conclusion
It really serves my needs and when fully packed it still not too heavy. Great as a sling, great as a backback and the crossover backpack option is nice to have when you really need it. Whenever you are not using a strap or belt it tucks away. Brilliant!

Travel
Airlines, airports and packing gear around in different cities. I took it to Newport Beach for three days and hiked 20 miles with it all over the place. It performed great.

Update 7/10/11
Having used it for over a year now it has worked well and offers just the right amount of storage for my needs. It shows very little signs of wear too. On an average day it contains three bodies, four lenses, spare batteries, spare cards, camera accessories like remote timer, filters, etc., as well cleaning supplies. Maybe I should take a photo of what goes in it on an average day.

-Landon