Questions for Kata 103 owners, please...

[SoundsGood]

I'm hoping some Kata 103 owners can help me with these questions... thanks in advance!

1. Where do you put extra stuff?
I see plenty of room in the 103 for camera and lenses, but other bags I've seen have pockets (or sections?) for other odds and ends. Does the Kata 103 have extra pockets or sections? If so, are they large -- or small?

2. Backpack vs. Sling?
How do you like this bag compared to a "Sling" type bag that swings around front for easy access?

3. Picture of someone wearing it?
I can't find a Kata 103 in a store, so I can't see it in person or try it on. Anyone have a picture of the 103 while worn on your back?

4. Comfortable?
I see this bag is a little heavier than some others I've looked at. In your opinion, how comfortable is this bag compared to Lowepro or Tamrac bags?

5. Laptop compartment?
Will a Dell Inspiron 6000 fit in the laptop compartment? It is a 15.4" WIDEscreen laptop.

6. Airport/Airplane access?
Will a "loaded" Kata 103 pass for carry-on luggage? If so, will it fit under a seat?

Sorry for all the questions, but this bag is a lot more expensive than the other bags I'm considering... and since I can't see it or try it on, I've got a lot of questions. :)

Thanks again!

[Dorman]

Check this thread out, 3-4 threads below yours. :)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=259734

[SoundsGood]

Check this thread out...
Thanks, I had already seen that thread. But it doesn't really answer these particular questions.

If any actual Kata 103 owners could help with these particular questions I'd really appreciate it! :)

[BBrat]

I'm hoping some Kata 103 owners can help me with these questions... thanks in advance!

1. Where do you put extra stuff?
I see plenty of room in the 103 for camera and lenses, but other bags I've seen have pockets (or sections?) for other odds and ends. Does the Kata 103 have extra pockets or sections? If so, are they large -- or small?

if you have seen the picture of the bag open? the round section (lid) of the bag has storage pockets on the inside of course. also there are 2 pockets on the outside of the bag where i store my batteries and CF cards. there is a mesh type pocket on the inside that looks like it holds filters too. also some use the divided sections to hold other accesories. i dont take my laptop so i also use the laptop area to hold stuff.


2. Backpack vs. Sling?
How do you like this bag compared to a "Sling" type bag that swings around front for easy access?

i had the lowepro slingshot 200aw and sold it. it was extremely tight just holding my gear. the Kata is much roomier and built like a tank.

3. Picture of someone wearing it?
I can't find a Kata 103 in a store, so I can't see it in person or try it on. Anyone have a picture of the 103 while worn on your back?

sorry cant help here....actually havent tried to put it on my back yet???

4. Comfortable?
I see this bag is a little heavier than some others I've looked at. In your opinion, how comfortable is this bag compared to Lowepro or Tamrac bags?

no experience with tamrac bags and the only other bag i have tried is the slingshot...sorry again

5. Laptop compartment?
Will a Dell Inspiron 6000 fit in the laptop compartment? It is a 15.4" WIDEscreen laptop.

i have a toshiba laptop with a 15.4 screen and no problems here... but like i said i dont take my laptop places. so why get the R-103, use the laptop area for extra storage...

6. Airport/Airplane access?
Will a "loaded" Kata 103 pass for carry-on luggage? If so, will it fit under a seat?

this i havent tried yet and too am very curious about, going away in April....

Sorry for all the questions, but this bag is a lot more expensive than the other bags I'm considering... and since I can't see it or try it on, I've got a lot of questions. :)

dont be sorry, i had the same questions when i bought mine and i had never seen one or asked, just did it and dont regret it...:)

Thanks again!

hopefully some questions have been answered

[SYS]

Here you can see a guy wearing the Kata R-102 (same size as the R-103 except that it doesn't have the compartment for a laptop) to at least give you some idea (scroll all the way down the link):

http://www.shuttertalk.com/articles/katat212w92

Also, I bought 103 precisely because it's airline compliant, but then I haven't flown with it loaded since I bought it...

This bag is VERY comfortable. As for the size and room, you have to remember that Kata bags are modularly designed, i.e., you can "grow" the system as your gear grows. The link above that I've provided illustrates this point well.

[Tsmith]

and a few more:

http://www.digitalgrin.com/showthread.php?t=24826

http://www.shuttertalk.com/articles/katar102

[viodea]

3. Picture of someone wearing it?
I can't find a Kata 103 in a store, so I can't see it in person or try it on. Anyone have a picture of the 103 while worn on your back?

The link above shows 102 which is not quite the same as 103. 103 looks much bigger than 102. Sorry that I don't have a picture of myself wearing it.

5. Laptop compartment?
Will a Dell Inspiron 6000 fit in the laptop compartment? It is a 15.4" WIDEscreen laptop.

I use it for my 14" notebook. It's a tight fit on the height & depth with spare space on the long side (length). I also fitted a 15.4" (non-wide screen) in there with very tight fit but no problem.

6. Airport/Airplane access?
Will a "loaded" Kata 103 pass for carry-on luggage? If so, will it fit under a seat?

I used it as my carry-on many times and no problem at all. I'm not sure if it'll fit under the seat. I put it on the overhead compartment. I managed to put it on a very small plane (1 seat on one side and 2 seats on the other).

[SoundsGood]

Wow, thanks guys... great info! :)

[Rumjungle]

It is airline compliant and I managed to stow it under the seat, but part of it stuck out (I guess this could serve as a footrest;) ). It fits fine in the overhead compartment, though.

[SoundsGood]

Thanks, Rum!

[mrclark321]

I have a Kata 102 and it's an excellent bag. On the outside there is also some spots for storage, if anything I would say this is the week point of the bag. The flap to access the camera also has storage as well as the main flap has a zippered area for storage. The back-pack is comfortable too wear and last year I took it as a carry on on our trip to Florida and I put it in the overhead compartment but I think it fit under the seat.
Mine does not have a laptop compartment so can't comment there. Scroll through this link and there is pics of me wearing the bag.

Dan
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=169637

More stuff :)

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1077389

http://www.cambags.com/camera_bag_mainpage.htm

[awad]

after lenses, theres not much room for stuff. i added the w-92 to hold my extra crap.