Kata R-103 suitable for my needs?

I don't have the cash for it yet (been saving for a new lens and just recently ordered a Bigma, so the bank account is a little starved at the moment), but I've been considering the Kata R-103.

I would be carrying:

Gripped 40D
100mm Macro
17-55 IS
80-200L
50-500 "Bigma" (soon to come)
580EXII
Flash bracket for macro work
Tripod
And space for other bits and pieces - CF cards, shutter release etc.

I have to admit I'm not a big fan of backpacks, having mainly worked out of shoulder 'gig' bags for the most part, but I know all this gear is too much to strain only one shoulder with.

Mainly what I need is a daypack that could also work as a travel bag. It would have to be waterproof/resistant as I will be working in humid conditions in the future (rainforest).

Is the Kata sufficient for my needs? The build quality and size seem good. Are there any better alternatives? Cost is a concern - I would prefer for it to be around $120-$150.

Since I don't own a Bigma and other stuff you have, no comments on whether all would fit or not, but I can tell you three things about R-103:

1) Its built is second to NONE in terms of quality, comfort, and protection. I now own 6 Kata bags because of this, and I don't hesitate to buy more should further need arise.

2) One of my Kata bags was drenched in earlier than expected monsoon rain while I was hiking in South Korea this past June. I forgot to travel with the Kata rain cover (comes with the R-103 purchase), yet everything inside was dry and safe. I was VERY impressed by this.

3) It's airline carry-on compliant should you need to fly to the rain forest.

Also, the R-103 comes with the pocket for holding your tripod, but since I hardly ever travel with my tripod, I haven't had a chance to even put it on the bag. So I can't tell you about that particular feature -- all I can say is that it is available.

Thanks SooYoung. According to online specs, the bigma is a couple of inches longer than the 100-400L. Does your 100-400 fit comfortably in the R-103? Can it fit in the bag attached to a body?

darosk wrote in post #6745497
Thanks SooYoung. According to online specs, the bigma is a couple of inches longer than the 100-400L. Does your 100-400 fit comfortably in the R-103? Can it fit in the bag attached to a body?

Yes, I can fit my 100-400 attached to my 40D in the bag and a few inches more to spare, so there shouldn't be any problem. There's a center padded divider that you can manipulate to accommodate whatever your gear's vertical length.

SYS wrote in post #6745707
Yes, I can fit my 100-400 attached to my 40D in the bag and a few inches more to spare, so there shouldn't be any problem. There's a center padded divider that you can manipulate to accommodate whatever your gear's vertical length.

Cool - thanks SooYoung!

The R-103 is an excellent bag... I'll be getting the R-102 very soon...

I have the R-103 and absolutely love the built and comfort of it. I wanted a backpack that can carry my 15" MBP so it's perfect for when I travel. I also have the H-14 for light days and surprisingly it can fit my 70-200, flash, and one lens.

pako73 wrote in post #6749426
I also have the H-14 for light days and surprisingly it can fit my 70-200, flash, and one lens.

It was the H-14 that I was caught off guard by torrential monsoon rain while hiking up a mountain in South Korea this past June. I had nothing to protect the bag with at the time, but my 40D and 24-70mm were dry inside and just smirking back at me.

Thanks for starting this thread, I have been looking for a backpack to hold the 100-400 on body and all my other stuff and wasn't sure of a bag to fit it in . I had never heard of the Kata brand, but from seeing the R-103 this is the pack I will be ordering soon. Nice looking too!

Hi I have the R-103 and have my 30D (grip attached) with 400 L attached ( have to move the interanl inserts slightly) and also my 24-105 in easy. There is a lot more space for a few more lenses. The bag itself is awesome. Very strong and well protected internally. I got soaked once at a WRC in Wales and everything was bone dry inside. Great bag

Thanks for all the posts guys - the Kata seems like the ticket...

SYS wrote in post #6749582
It was the H-14 that I was caught off guard by torrential monsoon rain while hiking up a mountain in South Korea this past June. I had nothing to protect the bag with at the time, but my 40D and 24-70mm were dry inside and just smirking back at me.

Right on, good to know they hold up well in the rain even without the rain cover.

darosk wrote in post #6751535
Thanks for all the posts guys - the Kata seems like the ticket...

Yeah, just to add my €0.02 worth, the Kata R-103 holds a surprising amount, up-to a 1D with 300 f/2.8 attached or 400 f/4 DO attached.

In my case I've filled it with my 5D + Battery Grip, 40D, 17-40, 24-105, 100-400, 50, 135, 430 EX and Apple 15 Powerbook and there was still room for filters, chargers, plugs, sunglasses rocket blower etc.

I had the 5D+24-105 and 50, in the middle section, the 100-400 and flash on the left, the 135, and 40D on the right and the 17-40 on the top.

It should definitely hold what you've listed and remain comfortable.

Cheers,
-- Colm.