Kata Bags Anyone?

Has anyone tried any of these Kata line of bags? They look really interesting.

Sling bags, particularly T-212:

http://www.kata-bags.com …=58&perentId=4&​ProdLine=4

Backpacks, particularly R-103:

http://www.kata-bags.com …=28&perentId=4&​ProdLine=4

Am thinking about getting T-212 for small jobs and easy carrying, and R-103 for trips, hiking, etc.

Since there are hardly anyone experienced with the Kata "EPH" bag system on this board, I decided to just go ahead and order the two items aforementioned. From all the information I could gather from other sites (one -- and only -- 5 star review at Amazon.com for R-103), I think I've made the right decision in going with the "EPH" (Ergonomic Photo System) bags that are modular for greater versatility. I ordered them from the Midwest Bags (midwestbags.com). While the prices are the same as B&H and others ($62.95 for T-212 and $159.95 for R-103), the Midwest Bags are offering free shipping plus 2 gift bags to choose from (Baby Scarer, Ripsnorter, or Lollybag cell phone pouches with the order of more than $150). That puts them about $50 cheaper than their competitors. The service is also excellent with lightening speed of response. I don't think I've ever had a service faster than these folks. Absolutely no waiting when I called. My order was out in less than 20 minutes, believe it or not, to FedEx. They made you feel like you're the ONLY customer. WOW!! It was so good that I'm wondering whether these people are real (or whether I'm gonna get my stuff for real, lol).

In any case, since there are lots of questions regarding bags and brands and so on on this forum, I'll post my review upon receiving and using them.

SYS - It's a pity for me you didn't get these and review them a couple of weeks back as I was in the market for new travel/walkabout bags for a trip to TX on Thursday

These prices are equal to just the R-103 here in the UK, so I'll look forward to your review and hold off buying something new in the meantime... bubble-wrap has sufficed in the past!

SYS, I noticed that rklepper referred to this brand in this: https://photography-on-the.net …113181&highligh​t=Kata+Bag
thread.

I didn't see any top load options from Kata, but they look very interesting.

Yes, I read everything, including rklepper's, about Kata prior to ordering the items. Kata doesn't seem to be as well known as other brands like Lowepro, but from what I've read so far, Kata seems to be as good or even better. But what really sold me was the Ergonomic Photo system with modular flexibility. I wanted a slinger for a quick draw and shoot, but none seems to come with a broad comfortable shoulder padding the way Kata's T-212 does, but of course a slinger itself is not enough -- so the beauty of this modular system where one bag can go with another or two or even three. Build them up or build them down depending on your job.

Kata is also a company that makes body armors. They gotta know something about protecting critical things, right? If they can protect human bodies, I'll let them protect my camera equipments.

Kata formerly made the line Sanders marketed as the Domke Quest line. I have 2 of their backpacks, a waist pack, and the front chest pouch. The chest pouch is too small for any of Canon's DSLRs with anything biger than the 28-90 zoom on, but the rest of the stuff is very good.

I have the Kata R102 and I'm going to order the HB 207, which is a bigger pack.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation

I have used Lowepro and Tenba packs in the past and for me they don't compare. The Kata fits much better, ergonomically it's lean and mean. It's built like a tank and doesn't look like a photo pack. The other great feature is the zipper in the middle of the pack that allows you to just remove the camera with lens attached and not open the entire pack.

I'd like to hear what you think about it.

SolPics wrote:
I have the Kata R102 and I'm going to order the HB 207, which is a bigger pack.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation

I have used Lowepro and Tenba packs in the past and for me they don't compare. The Kata fits much better, ergonomically it's lean and mean. It's built like a tank and doesn't look like a photo pack. The other great feature is the zipper in the middle of the pack that allows you to just remove the camera with lens attached and not open the entire pack.

I'd like to hear what you think about it.

Have you considered ordering the HB 207 from the Midwestbags.com for free shipping plus gifts?

I actually am going to order it from Midwestbags.com . I saw Doc Klepper's thread a couple of weeks ago and that's a great deal.

I'm not sure if this helps, but here's what I posted in an older thread about camera bags...

I purchased a Kata H-14 from Adorama and I absolutely love it. I was looking for a small bag to use at Disney's Animal Kingdon, Sea World and various other day trips. My criteria was for something that was secure, could carry 2 lenses, sort of water proof (have to go on those water rides) and wasn't tagged as a camera bag. I originally purchased a Lowepro AW 70, but found it too cumbersome. I'm not sure how many people know about Kata bags, so here's a link:

http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?p...​Id=4&ProdLine=4

I can place the 300D with 100-400 IS L w/hood attached inside and It still has room for one other lens, 17-40 or 70-200, and carry 2 filters, 2 spare batteries, cellphone, keys, wallet, and it's rain cover.

It's a little expensive at around $70, but it worked out perfectly for my needs and I highly recommend it if it fits your requirements.

After owning the Kata for almost 6 months now, I'm still amazed as to what I manage to fit inside. Since originally purchasing the bag I have switched to the 20D. I highly recommend Kata for their build quality, ruggedness and the amount of thought that was put into them is just great. I too like the fact that they don't look like your everyday camera bag. Hope it helps...

luisv, question: can you fit 20D+grip with 70-200L IS attached in Kata H-14 GDC Holster Case (this is the only one that looked like top loader type).

Thanks.

I honestly can't say for sure as I don't have the grip nor that IS lens. However, if you remove the grip and place it into one of the side pockets it should all fit. I can carry the 20D with 100-400 IS and hood attached, 17-40 and a flash in the side pockets with room for my keys and wallet. There is still room around my 20D, but I can't say with any certainty that it would fit with the grip attached.

I have the Kata R102. I researched it extensivley prior to purchasing and it is far and away build better and better designed than any of the other bags out there, bar none. The only difference between the R102 and the R103 is the ability to carry a laptop with the 103. I went with the 102 as I did not forsee a reason to carry a laptop into the field with me.

You will not be dissappointed.

Wonder if R103 can hold a 17" Dell XPS laptop....

I use the Kata rain gear and it has saved my stuff once this season - camera went down hard in the mud. I don't like the back window for viewing, not that useful. But in a down poor I was able to keep shooting and kept my camera equipement safe.