Travel Pack --> a better 3N1 out there?

I never thought I'd be the guy to start a "Which camera bag..." thread but here I am, That Guy.

I owned a Kata 3N1-33 for all of a month. The design concept was perfect for me. A bag that I could shoot from, have two cameras with lenses mounted ready depending on which shoulder i swung the bag down from. There was extra space up top for personal items and it help my MBP. However, the harness was absolutely dreadful, and because of this, i sold the bag. There was no way I could carry it around loaded without my neck and shoulders aching like mad.

Three things I want differently:

1. a GOOD harness, one that will wear comfortably for a few hours of being out and about while traveling.

2. a water bottle holder, but this isn't very important since i can get creative with a nalgene but it would be nice

3. it shouldn't be so UGLY! the Kata was quite hideous IMO and I'm hoping something exists which has a little less shape (isn't totally square).

If I could shoot from it, the TTP Shapeshifter is a very enticing bag, the quality, the shape, pockets, etc.

Any ideas for me out there?

I completely agree with you on the Kata. It is fugly. The TT Shapeshifter is nice, but remember that you have to separate the body from the lens before packing it. Perhaps the Tamrac Aero 85 would suit you better? Although I don't think there are hip attachments, nor are the shoulder pads are very comfortable.

Maybe the Crumpler bags would be a good fit too. It doesn't have a bottle holder though. They do look great, open from the rear for security, and are very comfortable. Other than that, consider F-stop bags (too big IMO).

I've got the Tamrac Aero 85 and so far so good. Holds plenty of gear, has water bottle pocket, laptop section, and relatively comfortable (although no waist strap). It probably wouldn't win any awards for best-looking bag though!

Fugly.
Haven't heard that one a while.

The Tamrac Evolution 9 may fit your needs.
Comfortable while fully loaded.

A fairly popular option could be Lowepro's Flipside 400 AW. I'm not sure if it'll be deep enough for your 1D Mark III though.

Nick5 wrote in post #12944282
The Tamrac Evolution 9 may fit your needs.
Comfortable while fully loaded.

Thats not a bag looking pack. Im worried though that because it touts the same 3-in-1 idea that the straps may be sub-par. Do you have any experience with the pack and if it's comfortable loaded? John

Nick5 wrote in post #12944282
The Tamrac Evolution 9 may fit your needs.
Comfortable while fully loaded.

Apparently I didn't read your post very thoroughly! Do you own the pack?

I love the KATA. I think it looks modern and it functions well. Should keep it~!

thestone11 wrote in post #12947565
I love the KATA. I think it looks modern and it functions well. Should keep it~!

If KATA would put a proper harness on the bag, I would have kept it hands-down and just dealt with the looks...

I have never known a male photographer who cared about the looks of a camera bag. Females, yes there are plenty of them who want to make fashion statements with their cmera bags but, males no!

RPCrowe wrote in post #12947678
I have never known a male photographer who cared about the looks of a camera bag. Females, yes there are plenty of them who want to make fashion statements with their cmera bags but, males no!

Funny, I thought you actually participated in the Accessories & Storage threads. I certainly see an extremely large number of threads from both sexes that are concerned with how their bags look.

There is a new 3N1 coming out. It's called the Kata 3N1-35 PL. The straps do look thicker, and hopefully, a bit more comfortable.

It looks similar to the others, though. So it might not work for you if you really think they look hideous.

RPCrowe wrote in post #12947678
I have never known a male photographer who cared about the looks of a camera bag. Females, yes there are plenty of them who want to make fashion statements with their cmera bags but, males no!

Ha, I think my wife has said something to a similar extent! You're in Sandy Eggo, I'm in Orange County, we both know how vein each other can be...