Anyone use a Kata 3n1 Bag?

[Gooberlx2]

Looking for a new day bag for my Pentax K7+18-55WR, 55-200WR and probably some kind of third lens + flash.

I have a Lowepro Rover AW II, which is nice, but a smidge larger than I care to carry on simple day hikes. I also rather hate that there's no quick access to the gear at all.

So looking at new options, the Lowepro Slingshots and Kata 3n1's seem well liked. I'm really attracted that the 3n1 has the configurable straps, to change between sling and regular backpack.

Just wondering if anyone here has experiences and/or opinions on these bags; or other alternatives.

 

[xchangx]

Looking for a new day bag for my Pentax K7+18-55WR, 55-200WR and probably some kind of third lens + flash.

I have a Lowepro Rover AW II, which is nice, but a smidge larger than I care to carry on simple day hikes. I also rather hate that there's no quick access to the gear at all.

So looking at new options, the Lowepro Slingshots and Kata 3n1's seem well liked. I'm really attracted that the 3n1 has the configurable straps, to change between sling and regular backpack.

Just wondering if anyone here has experiences and/or opinions on these bags; or other alternatives.

I've got it and like it. It's a little wierd at first getting used to the straps in the sling position (crisscross), but you can put a lot of equipment in the bag. I have a D300 + 70-200 in the main compartment with a 16-35 2.8 and a flash on the side of the main compartment. The top area allows for snacks/water for hiking or a change of clothes.

They have a newer version with a laptop holder you you may want to look into.

 

[Gooberlx2]

They have a newer version with a laptop holder you you may want to look into.

Just pulled the trigger on that model at B&H. Thanks for the heads up. A local store had some bags (for a helluva inflated price). I went out during lunch and sized them up. The 3n1 seemed more comfy to me than the LowePro Slingshot or the Tamarac Evolution 6.

edit: Reading reviews of the 3n1-22 model, they say the laptop slot is also great for a camelbak when hiking....perfect!

 

[Gooberlx2]

Well, got the bag and it turned out to be really uncomfortable. Its stiff shape just doesn't sit against my back well at all. That the straps aren't full suspension also hurts because then the bottom of the bag sits against my ass, with the top leaning away from my back. Feels like it doesn't sit high enough.

Maybe the one I tried on before was comfy enough, for the short while in store, because it was the larger 33 version. I have a feeling that after a few hours of hiking, that would be pretty uncomfortable as well.

So I'll be returning the 3n1.

I really tested out the 3n1 as well as I could at home today. Loaded it up and wore it around the house for a couple hours I think, in each of the various strap configurations. But it just didn't sit well on my back in any configuration or position. Maybe the 22 was just too small for my frame, or too stiff and boxy. I don't know.

A lot of people do appear to love this pack, and I can see the potential, but it just won't work out for me.

....Not all is lost today though. After fiddling around with my Lowepro Rover AW II (being all sullen and disappointed), I discovered that the padded area is just a removable insert. So I removed that, placed it inside my Dakine Blade ski pack, and it fits pretty darn well. The Dakine is super comfortable and awesome for hiking (full suspension, wide straps, hips/chest secure, adjustable everything, water bladder area, pockets, etc... been using it for the last few years). It also has a side accessible zippered door, which is one of the things that really attracted me to the Kata, and others like it.

One benefit of using the Dakine, is it doesn't look like a camera pack at all. I intend to find some velcro to sew or glue to the inside walls of the pack, to make the insert more secure. Maybe also find something suitable to work as a rain cover. But beyond that, I think it'll work out really really well.

Wish I had tinkered with and discovered that the Rover's pad was just an insert a couple years ago.

So I'll just take my $95 back and be happy with this frankenpack I've created. Perhaps a new lens will be in my future instead.