Quick access packs - The bits they don't mention ?

I'm curious about the bits that don't seem to get mentioned with some of the quick access backpacks like Kata 3n1 and Lowepro Primus AW.
For example - with the Primus, what about getting the camera back in ? In reality, is it as easy as getting it out or do you have to take it off and put everything down.

With any of them - How well do they hold their form if they are fully packed and then you take the camera out ? Are they still comfortable to wear ?

Are they still comfortable to wear with a tripod (190XProB) and head (804RC2) in the tripod holder or does it flop around or upset the weight balance too much ?

When you "just slip it off your shoulder" with a tripod in there, does it fly out or clobber the wife or skewer you in the nether regions ?

Any other aspects that a salesperson might not mention or that didn't cross your mind until you'd owned one for a while ?

Thanks,

Steve.

SteveInNZ wrote in post #7346386
Are they still comfortable to wear with a tripod (190XProB) and head (804RC2) in the tripod holder or does it flop around or upset the weight balance too much ?

When you "just slip it off your shoulder" with a tripod in there, does it fly out or clobber the wife or skewer you in the nether regions ?

For the tripod: I think it's best to take off the head... but either way, you definitely feel the weight of the tripod when you wear it. It doesn't necessarily tug the bag off your back, but I didn't like the torque created when I wear it so I moved the securing strap off the D-ring and onto the top handle. This helps keep the tripod closer to the bag when I'm walking (it doesn't bounce as much). I have the Kata 3N1-20, by the way.

As for as slipping it off your shoulder... of course you could whomp someone with it, but I'd say it's pretty secure (if you secure it properly -- just letting it sit in the little cradle isn't a good idea!).

SteveInNZ wrote in post #7346386
I'm curious about the bits that don't seem to get mentioned with some of the quick access backpacks like Kata 3n1 and Lowepro Primus AW.
For example - with the Primus, what about getting the camera back in ? In reality, is it as easy as getting it out or do you have to take it off and put everything down.

The camera goes back in my 3n1-30 just as fast. You do have to zipper it back up and click the buckle, but that's pretty quick.

With any of them - How well do they hold their form if they are fully packed and then you take the camera out ? Are they still comfortable to wear ?

With the 3n1-30 the bag holds form really well. I have my mini HD camcorder in the upper compartment, a 70-300 in the main compartment (above where the mounted lens goes) in my normal configuration. I've had the 40D and 24-70 lens out for two days and the camera area is fine.

Are they still comfortable to wear with a tripod (190XProB) and head (804RC2) in the tripod holder or does it flop around or upset the weight balance too much ?

Depends on your definition of "too much". With my 055XPROB and 488RC2 on it, sometimes it's a bit floppy when using one strap. Using two straps or the chest strap makes it better.

When you "just slip it off your shoulder" with a tripod in there, does it fly out or clobber the wife or skewer you in the nether regions ?

The Kata carrier holds the tripod pretty darn securely. I'm sure if I tipped the bag upside down and shook it for a few minutes the tripod would come out. But, for normal use it seems very secure.

Any other aspects that a salesperson might not mention or that didn't cross your mind until you'd owned one for a while ?

When I get a chance I'll buy a Kata T-214 or something similar for when I don't want to carry everything (camcorder, tapes, lenses, flashes, remotes, wires, chargers, kitchen sink).

Thanks,

Steve.

dan

lowepro fastpack is realy good , but it dosent have a proper tripod holder