3 backpack reviews: Kata Bumblebee UL-222, Lowepro Primus AW, Dakine Sequence

This is not a direct comparison between the bags as I have used only the Primus AW. However, these are my observations, measurements and impressions. Sorry for poor background / lighting; this was a quick shoot.
The rulers used are either 6" long or 18" long. I only have 1 camera, so it is a bit difficult to put my camera and gear in there to pose for photos.

Lowepro Primus AW. Paid $80 via Adorama @ Ebay.

Pros: nice colors, well padded. Weight is 4.5 lbs.
Cons: material is rough on skin, adjustable chest strap has a tendency to slide vertically, limited space for camera lenses, no dedicated notebook compartment though a 11.6" notebook will fit in the upper compartment, unable to find much use for outer exposed compartment (though it is fine for small jacket).

Kata Bumblebee UL-222.

Pros: ventilated mesh back works well - cool on back during limited testing, expensive (cost was $240, but $55 rebate is available currently). Weight is 5.4 lbs despite all of the goodies (weight trimming measures worked), good attention to small details, large and padded laptop compartment.
Cons: thinner material in non-camera area. Some zippers not that smooth when using them. Biggest bag of them all (which is a plus or minus). Waist strip is a bit too lightweight but is nicely ventilated.

Dakine Sequence.

Pros: lots of pockets, inner bag may come in handy, heavy duty zippers. Price paid was $35 new (but it was on clearance! - very lucky deal on Black Friday)
Cons: heaviest of the 3 at 5.8 lbs, top compartment is barely usable. No good safe place to put even a small notebook computer without it getting in the way constantly.

If you have any questions, please ask away. Otherwise, in the next week or so, I'll keep the Kata and sell the rest.

Main reason which I decided to keep the Kata:
* I REALLY hate having a sweaty back
* The Lowepro Primus AW fabric is very rough on skin, kind of like 400 grit sandpaper. The chest strap keeps moving around.
* The Dakine Sequence has no place for notebook. Very top compartment is too small for me.
* It has the same chest strap design as the Lowepro, so likely the chest strap will also be very likely to move around.
* The chest strap rubber shock absorber is way too weak to provide any help.

The one thing about the Kata that is useless is the "spine guard" and its associated pocket. I rather put a real piece of foam in that otherwise useless bowtie shaped pocket.

David Yi wrote in post #11406922
If you have any questions, please ask away. Otherwise, in the next week or so, I'll keep the Kata and sell the rest.

Main reason which I decided to keep the Kata:
* I REALLY hate having a sweaty back
* The Lowepro Primus AW fabric is very rough on skin, kind of like 400 grit sandpaper. The chest strap keeps moving around.
* The Dakine Sequence has no place for notebook. Very top compartment is too small for me.
* It has the same chest strap design as the Lowepro, so likely the chest strap will also be very likely to move around.
* The chest strap rubber shock absorber is way too weak to provide any help.

The one thing about the Kata that is useless is the "spine guard" and its associated pocket. I rather put a real piece of foam in that otherwise useless bowtie shaped pocket.

Where did you purchase the kata with a rebate?

I bought a Lowepro Primus about 1 month ago. I used it for my carry on bag for my trip to Vegas.

So far I love this bag. I actually put my 11.6" Acer Netbook (in a neoprene sleeve) in the outer compartment. I put my sunglasses / jacket / and other stuff in the upper zippered compartment.

I did go to Walmart and bought a 3 pack of industrial strength Hook and Loop and added 2 more "compartments" for lenses in the lower section.

I haven't had any issues with the sternum strap moving on me... in fact, I find it really hard to move, so once I got it set in the right place, it is staying.

I am going to Disney Land later this month and will be taking this pack too.

I do really like the Kata Bumblebee, but don't really have the $$ to try it out right now.

The Kata is much more expensive and in a different league imo. Similar priced bag from lowepro and Dakine will be more comparable.

I think the Kata is a excellent bag, but there are bags that are more durable and robust, which of course weigh more and are stiffer and boxier.

kingdavidd wrote in post #11409938
Where did you purchase the kata with a rebate?

On Ebay. Kata has a rebate going on until 01/15/2011. $55 off. That brings the price from $240 - 55 (rebate) - 12 (Mr rebates) - 4.8 (ebay bucks) = about $168. Which is a very good price for bag of this caliber.

I'll take that dakine off your hands for the clearance price you bought it for 8)