43 Photography

3n1-22 The Great Compromise…

Pros: Easily Accessible Equipment, Roomy, Strong Construction, Adjustable Harness, Comfortable

Cons: Hard To Access Equipment

Best Uses: Storing Gear, Transporting Gear, Protecting Gear

Describe Yourself: Photo Enthusiast

I spent a lot of time looking at photo backpacks and I settled on the Kata 3n1-22. I believed that Kata offered the best style and function vs value.

I assumed the -22 would fit my needs and after looking long and hard to find one in person to play with, I ordered it from the great folks at Adorama. The bag showed up in a timely manner and I set off to pack it up.

The reason I settled on this bag is because it seemed to be a versatile arrangement with a good balance of photo gear storage and personal storage. Upon inspection the build quality is excellent, namely the zippers, and I believe it will hold up for me over the long run.

The main storage compartment is arrangeable in numerous configurations, and while a little bit deep, meaning that the camera body in my case is significantly shorter than the available depth in the bag, so the camera tends to float a bit in the middle. This added depth does allow you to store lens on end, or stood up, so you can haul a bit more gear with you if you desire.

I like the rain fly and other various small pockets on the bag. I like that the center divider zips out so that longer telephoto lens could be easily stored inside by sacrificing the upper storage compartment. Another notable design feature is that when laying on its back, the gear storage compartment can be completely opened, allowing you access to your smorgasbord of choices contained within.
When in sling mode the integrated and intelligently placed clips keep you from unzipping too far and dumping your cargo on the ground. I like the versatility, it is a well thought out design.

The 3n1 function of the bag allows it to be packed as a back pack or a sling which is nice for me because I use various forms of transportation to get to what I want to shoot and there is always a secure method of securing the bag to me while at the same time providing easy access while on site. The side access also works great from the seat of the car or while at family functions etc. because you can keep you gear secure and in one place while remaining mobile.

The corners opposite the sling side access are a bit difficult to access while in sling mode, as is the opposite upper side pocket, this can however be planned for while packing your gear into the bag. This bag has plenty of room to make it heavy enough to remind you it is on your back and while it may not hold every lens in you collection, it will most certainly hold the important ones.

A few accessories I would recommend with this bag are the available tripod holder, as well as the external lens cases should you need them.

The bag comes with a small media storage bag for memory cards as well as the rain fly. I will also be ordering one of Kata’s diy divider kits so that I can better make use of the depth. With a horizontal divider I will be able to stack two of the smaller primes and open up one side for a longer telephoto in the 400mm range completing my arsenal.

Overall I am very please with my purchase and plan to continue a working relationship with Kata Bags and Adorama. Once again I feel the bag is sturdy and well built, Adorama is a no hassle equipment vendor and it was a pleasure to do business with both of them.

I am writing this review for you… I do not receive compensation of any sort from either of these companies and I hope you find this helpful.

Gear list that I currently pack…

Canon sx200is
Panasonic GH1
Panasonic 14-140
FD-m4/3 adapter
Minolta-m4/3 adapter
Canon FD 50mm 1.8
Rexagon MD 28mm 2.8
Minolta MD 135mm 2.8
Tokina FD 70-210 3.5
Tokina FD 50-250 4 macro

Various filters, SD cards, and a smile!

(legalese)