Review - KATA 3N1 - 25PL

I believe he is referencing the following (Picture from review on Wired.com):
http://www.wired.com …lab/2009/07/kat​a3n1-2.jpg

rumple wrote in post #13995491
Hmm, I don't have a pic of it on hand.

I'm talking about the design of the side access flap for quick draw without putting down the bag. When you want to access your gear on the move, you swing the bag to one side, open the side release buckle and pull the whole flap apart. Is there a thin strap in-between the zippers underneath?

Is that what you can see on this video
http://vimeo.com/31900​452

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

here's some pic:

1840 x 3264

EMBED PREVENTED, IMAGE TOO LARGE: http://img269.imagesha​ck.us/img269/4718/imag​0662ud.jpg Click here to see our image rules.

1840 x 3264

EMBED PREVENTED, IMAGE TOO LARGE: http://img710.imagesha​ck.us/img710/6602/imag​0661w.jpg Click here to see our image rules.

Big thanks to wunhang & Andrew_WOT, that's what I'm referring to, sorry for the ambiguity guys

EOS mE, thanks for the pics to clear the air. Looks like this is the design Kata prefers now; same as previous models in the sling-backpack series except for the older ones like mine.

That piece of thin strap, when placed between the 2 zippers, allows what I like most about this type of bag from Kata; -- quick access -- with just one pull of the side release buckle.

ronnie +1.. same here. i tried to quick access with my 24-70 + reversed hood and it goes in and out with the bag fully loaded.

I wish I read this before buying the Lowepro Pro Runner 450 AW. Nice review, I really like the bag. Now I'm undecided, return or keep my Lowepro.

charles.. most are out of stock right now. the one on amazon is still available. but most other places like adorama, B&H, and other places are all OOS.

i picked up mine from a local shop on the east cost online. that was their last one in stock i don't know about the pro runner 450 AW, but after seeing a review on this bag going through the weather elements in Taiwan and the gears were nice and dry... i was sold. needless to say, when i got it and put all my gears in..... DAMN~~ i'm i love... and i'm not even a backpack type of guy!!

rumple wrote in post #13990246
Nice review!

Can you put your 5D2 + 70-200 into your new bag in the same way I put my 20D + 100-400 in my Kata 3n1-20 as shown below?

The dimensions for the setup is H E R E.

Just got that bag yesterday. Yep, I can fit 70-200 F2.8 attached to ungripped 7D as pictured just fine, with 24-70 and 17-40 on the other side. Like it, plus as divider between main and top compartments is removable, you can extends capacity of main one and fit bigger things like 70-200 with 2x TC attached.
Wish they came with integrated tripod solution like one of Lowepro Flipside or Slingshot instead of afterthought attachment.

^^ congrats Andrew!! don't you love the bag?

don't forget to claim your $40 rebate.

Andrew_WOT wrote in post #14056722
Just got that bag yesterday. Yep, I can fit 70-200 F2.8 attached to ungripped 7D as pictured just fine, with 24-70 and 17-40 on the other side. Like it, plus as divider between main and top compartments is removable, you can extends capacity of main one and fit bigger things like 70-200 with 2x TC attached.
Wish they came with integrated tripod solution like one of Lowepro Flipside or Slingshot instead of afterthought attachment.

Congrats on yr new bag! I'm sure you'll like your bag as much as EOS_mE and myself, though mine is an older version.

My sentiments exactly regarding the tripod holder attachment. For the price you pay, the separate tripod holder should come free with the bag.

EOS mE wrote in post #14060592
^^ congrats Andrew!! don't you love the bag?

don't forget to claim your $40 rebate.

Wow, thanks for reminding, I got it so cheap that completely forgot about that.

rumple wrote in post #14061199
Congrats on yr new bag! I'm sure you'll like your bag as much as EOS_mE and myself, though mine is an older version.

My sentiments exactly regarding the tripod holder attachment. For the price you pay, the separate tripod holder should come free with the bag.

It does come for free with PL but I was hoping for integrated solution rather than separate attachment.

Andrew_WOT wrote in post #14061764
It does come for free with PL but I was hoping for integrated solution rather than separate attachment.

Oh, it's good to know that it does come free

For an integrated solution, Think Tank Photo Rotation 360's tripod holder is another great idea (It is hidden when not in use).

i walked around all day in carmel with this bag.. in both sling and regular backpack position and I LOVE IT! most of all, people didn't even notice it was a camera bag.

Edit: Just came back from a biz trip in DC. Stayed there for 2 days, walked 7 miles, my back and shoulders didn't hurt from the backpack position (not the X position). i really love this bag.. very quick access even in backpack mode, and walk around town is very comfortable as well. however, in 75-80 degree weather in DC, i did get a bit of wetback syndrome.. but then again, i sweat like a pig.

This looks nice both to the eye and functionality wise.. But, how's the build quality? I will be trucking it around in the Pacific Northwest (Hikes in Washington/Idaho to British Columbia), and sometimes just casual park visits.. But, to those who know the terrain and weather here, it can be rough and messy... will it hold up?

Guys, how is this different from a 3n2-22? I saw them side by side in a shop yesterday and apparently there is no difference in size if you ask me. They both have the same internal capacity and number of deviders.

The only thing I found different was the material it was made of, the zippers were different too and the additional tripod holder. Apart from those differences, I could not see why I need to splash out a whole lot more on the 25PL.

Thoughts?