Kata Holster H-14 Mini Review

[OllieS]

After researching several backpacks by Tamrac, Tenba, Lowepro etc. I stumbled upon the Rucksack R-102 by Kata. While doing some homework on the backpack, I came across the Kata Holster H-14. As I do not always want to carry the R-102 with me, I decided to pick up one of the H-14s.
First off, let me tell you that 2 days earlier, I purchased the Tamrac Pro Digital 7. Below is a pic of it next to the Kata H-14. Retail on the Tamrac Pro Digital 7 was $50, and the Kata H-14 $80. However, if I would have kept the Tamrac PD7 I would have spend another $20-25 on a decent strap as the stock one is less than comfortable (no padding at all).


After bringing the H-14 home, it was clear that the Tamrac PD7 is going right back where it came from. This decision was based on criteria such as build quality, protection, room, comfort etc.

The Outside:
The outside of the H-14 is extremely well made. The 'ribbed cage' center section protects your investment without compromise. The zippers are heavy duty, the strap is extremely comfy and features the same grade nylon as car seatbelts.

[OllieS]

The Inside:
It features the following compartments: 1x Main Compartment, 1x smaller Compartment within the Main (for USD and Batteries/Cards - comes with credit card size holder), 2x side compartments, and 1x thin compartment for cleaning cloths etc. Here are some pix:

[OllieS]

Here is the list of things I fit in the H-14 without any issues:

1x Canon 400D w/ Grip, 24-105F4L IS USM & Hood, Grip Strap, OPTech Shoulder Strap
1x Canon 430ex
1x Diffuser
1x new pack of AAs
4x AAs
2x CF cards
1x OPTech Strap center section
1x Wall charger
1x 400D Battery
1x USB

The following pix gives you a couple examples on how everything is arranged:









One thing to note, with the 400D in place, there is still enough room behind the divider to put a 10-20mm or other smaller gear. Also, I do not have my 70-200 F2.8L IS yet, but we tried it out at the store. Believe it or not, the 70-200F2.8L IS fits in one of the side pockets, with the camera set in to the main compartment. Snug fit, but it works. Something the Tamrac could not provide...heck...it did not even have room for the 430ex. I do suggest though that you try it yourself before you take my word for it. I can only report what I have found.

Verdict:
The Kata H-14 is an amazing bag. The build is rock solid, and anything else I looked at did not even come close to the features, functionality, protection, size etc. If you are not in the mood to lug around the backpack for a short trip, and are looking for a bag that gives you enough room and protection for your investment, then the Kata H-14 is for you.

I would not recommend this bag, if I am not happy with it (see my Tamrac feedback). I own it and feel extremely comfortable recommending this bag to anyone.

Score: 9.5/10 (There is always room for improvement, but I cannot point out a thing I do not like about it.)

Here ist a list of user-confirmed configs:

OllieS:
1x Canon 400D w/ Grip, 24-105F4L IS USM & Hood, Grip Strap, OPTech Shoulder Strap
1x Canon 430ex
1x Diffuser
1x new pack of AAs
4x AAs
2x CF cards
1x OPTech Strap center section
1x Wall charger
1x 400D Battery
1x USB

Linkzi:
10D w/ grip & Tamron 17-50
Sigma 10-20
430ex
70-200F4L
2 Batteries
Cards
Lint free cloth
2 Hoya CPL w/ cases
All hoods reversed
(Slight modification)

rklepper:
30D w/ grip
(Slight modification

TeamSpeed:
30D with Grip
70-200 f/2.8 IS
10-22
50mm f/1.4
2 spare batteries
17-55 iS
USB cable, spare memory card, microfiber towel, and ghetto monopod

Ronald S. Jr.:
5D w/ 270-200F2.8L IS
580ex
100mm Macro

Posidon324:
30D w/ grip & 70-200F4L IS
28mm + 50mm, OR
Tamron 17-50

nomorebs:
400D w/ grip & 70-200F2.8L IS
24-70 F2.8
1.4x TC
580ex

dicktay:
350D w/ grip & 70-300IS
580ex
Tamron 17-50F2.8

[Linkzi]

I have one too and it is outstanding. I carry my 10D w/grip, Tamron 17-50 attached, Sigma 10-20 on the bottom below my 10D/lens. My 430EX flash with diffuser attached is on one side and my 70-200 f/4L is on the other side. I carry two extra batteries, cards, lint free cloth, and two Hoya CPLs in their cases. All of my lenses have the hood reversed for storage. I did modify the opening by slitting the flap and sewing it (a tip from a fellow POTN member) to fit my 10D w/grip. Nice photos of the bag, I'm sure it will help alot of lookers.

[rklepper]

I use one all the time with my 30D and grip. I also had to modify it to fit, but it was worth it as I love this bag.

[Posidon324]

I actually ordered one of these last night. The reviews I read were pretty much spot on with the one you provided. Looking forward to getting mine in the mail.

[Linkzi]

Originally Posted by rklepper

I use one all the time with my 30D and grip. I also had to modify it to fit, but it was worth it as I love this bag.

Thanks for the tips, Doc...I knew it was Doc something?? I also used your cane tips for my tripod. Both work great.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I've owned that bag a couple of times. Fantastic product. Uncompromising protection, and stylish to boot.

[Posidon324]

Originally Posted by Ronald S. Jr.

I've owned that bag a couple of times.

There has to be some sort of story here ...

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Yeap. Only that a 1-series won't fit in one, unless you stand it perpendicular to the way it would normally be stored, and then it only fits with a 50 1.4 max on it. So, when I went 1-series, I switched to a Lowepro Nova, I regret to say. Nowhere near the quality. However, went back to the 5D/30D bodies, and back to the Kata I went.

[Ephemeral]

Nice review...I always like reviews with lots of pictures.

Seems like I need to spend some more money.

[EOSAddict]

Hmmm,

As a R-103 owner, I have been looking at this or the T-214 Torso pack for when I want a grab and go setip.. looks good! Thanks for the time spent doing this and the good info!

[OllieS]

Thanks guys! Glad you find it useful. Also, great looking combo if you have/get one of the Rucksacks as well...I picked up the R-102 along with the H-14

[SYS]

From my several Kata bags, this is the most used bag for all light shootings. For all those who own this bag, you might like to consider using this along with the Kata S-308 for greater comfort, stylish looking, and additional pockets. I love this combo. When you visit the Kata site, the photo of this bag that you see is actually the combo photo.

[TeamSpeed]

That was the one I latched onto as well. The final list of items (4 lenses, body w/grip, etc) I was able to fit into this bag is:

70-200 f/2.8 IS
10-22
50mm f/1.4
2 spare batteries
30D with Grip
17-55 iS
USB cable, spare memory card, microfiber towel, and ghetto monopod

The only remaining things I could not fit were the Bigma, the Sigma flash, and the charger... Still seeing what I can do with the Bigma!

Very tight and heavy, but the looks I get when everything comes out of the bag is priceless.

The thread that sold me was here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...ight=kata+h-14