Review: Kata EPH "System": R-103, T-214 & W-94

In the past I've provided individual Kata bag reviews in this forum (links are provided at the end of this review), but now that I have all of their bags in their "EPH System," I decided to do the following systems review. This should be rather unique, as most of you probably haven't seen such "systems" approach to carrying photographic gear. For some, this might turn out to be amusing at best; for some, a degree of curiosity raised; and for some, your need being met. Whatever the case may be, here it is for your enjoyment! (Photos below are courtesy of my 11 year old son.)

What is Kata EPH ("Ergonomic Photo") System?

While all Kata line of bags are designed for single bag use, some of their bags are also designed be used together in modular, ergonomic combination that provides comfort, flexibility and extra storage.

The Kata bags that can be used in this innovative modularity and shown below, are: 1) R-103 Backpack; 2) T-214 Torso-pack; and 3) W-94 Waist-pack. Each of these bag is Kata's latest. The earlier and older model bags can be used as a system, as well. These bags come with linkable clips to conjoin one another.

Who It is For?

It is for those who need to carry more than what one particular bag or two can hold. It is also for those who desire flexibility and creativity in the way they want to carry their gear.


The Whole System - Side View:

Awesome review!!!

I love my Kata bags.

Like both of you I too love all three of my Kata bags!

I was about to say... I'm not a huge girl. I would think more than a couple of bags would be pretty hard on the old frame. I'm considering something like this for my class this summer. How bulky is the front bag? Is it hard to take pictures with it on?

GetMe wrote in post #12077431
I was about to say... I'm not a huge girl. I would think more than a couple of bags would be pretty hard on the old frame. I'm considering something like this for my class this summer. How bulky is the front bag? Is it hard to take pictures with it on?

Of the three bag, EPH system, I use the torsopack (the front bag) the most when I just need to use one bag. I'm 5' 8" and 150LBS so you can have some perspectives looking at the images. I don't find that it's hard to take pictures with it on at all. It's very useful bag in situations where you need a quick "draw-and-shoot," such as during hiking or some other outdoor activities. It's also great for changing lenses without having to put your bag down. If you're smaller than me, though, you may find it a bit too large for your frame.

Hi all,
Just completed my Kata bag gallery with the T-214 torso.AFAIK,this bag is no longer in production and I felt that it's the "5 to 12" moment to grab one...my local Kata dealer doesn't have it anymore so I jumped to this eBay offer:
http://www.ebay.com …_trksid=p3984.m​1439.l2649
So far,so good...as expected,the T-214 is what I hoped for it to be:confy,configurable and INCREDIBLY WELL made.
However...the main reason I decided to post in this thread is a EPH system....well,let's name it "little flaw":the use of SlikClip as to put together the modules:
http://www.seattlefabr​ics.com/Siamese%20Slik​%20Clip.jpg
Having for a few years the smaller backpack R-101 and the W-94 in heavy use,I noticed that after a while the SlikClips "went south" (one of the small claws holding in the "shut" position brokes invariably,making it unusable).
Tried to replace them,no luck...there are a few vendors out there but none of them looks willing to sell these little plastic pieces for a normal price and/or to send them overseas.
This led to a replacement,the ITW Nexus Grimlock Carabiner:
http://www.kitbag.com.​au …/312/grim1__780​84_std.gif
While they look more massive than the SlikClips,they surely offer a way bigger security level.The only problem with them appears if the EPH loops are too tight (wich was exactly my case with the R-101),making the GrimLocks' insertion a little harder...but it can be done.Once mounted,I'm totally relaxed about the bags' safety.
Of course,there are many more options to replace the SlikClips: ordinary carabiners,etc,etc...j​ust wanted to share with you my solution.
Regards,