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Kata DR-467i Digital Rucksack (Black) by Kata
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Kata Model: KT DR-467I-BB Color: Black Product features: - TST Rib Structural Protection
- Converts easily from camera bag to daypack
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Kata DR-467i Digital Rucksack (Black)Customer Review: Improved...but still lacking just a little Summary: 4 Stars
I was searching for the perfect versatile backpack...and this one is close. There is a lot to like about this bag. This is the 467i which is the improved version of the Kata KT DR-467 Digital Rucksack (Black). With the current rebate that is being offered for the 467i there is no reason, not even price, to purchase the Kata KT DR-467 Digital Rucksack (Black). The main "improvements are that the bottom camera padding can be removed and the center divider ripped out. This turns it into a regular backpack for when you are not planning on carrying all of your camera gear and are only tossing in your point and shoot. The other improvement is the mesh bag and strap which is designed to hold your tripod (As shown in the picture. Here the idea was good, but the execution was lacking. I will explain in detail what was lacking and what I have done to work around the issue.
WHAT TO LIKE
There is a whole lot to like about this bag. I was looking for a do it all bag. I wanted one that was large enough to carry 2 SLR bodies with battery grips attached and a variety of lenses, carry my 15" Macbook pro, have room for lunch and a couple of other things, have a way for carrying a tripod, be extremely durable, be comfortable and be less than $100. Additionally I wanted a rain cover...but figured I would purchase that separately.
The Many Good aspects of the 467i
1. Although when I first unpacked this bag I was disappointed at how narrow the bag was. I figured it would not fit all I wanted. When I opened the bottom section (camera compartment) it did not open very wide and I figured it would be a real pain to get the camera in and out of it. After pulling this section open and reclosing it several times it loosened up and seemed to fall out better giving good access to the compartment. What do I have it this compartment? 1 SLR with battery grip and 75-300mm zoom attached. Tamron 90mm macro lens with hood on, 380 EX flash, 50mm prime, set of 3 extension tubes, 18-55mm lens, 3 extra batteries. It is all easily accessible.
2. The computer pouch is very nice and easily accepts my 15" Macbook pro. It looks like it could probably handle the 17" version, but as I do not own one I have no way to test that. I feel confident my laptop is well protected.
3. The upper compartment has enough room to hold a second SLR, lunch, and a few other odds and ends. There are little pockets for other items. There are places for pens, a small notebook etc. I have one minor gripe in this section which I will address lower down.
4. This does have a strap for carrying a tripod, but his area is lacking. Please see next section.
5. The case is very durable. This is my second Kata bag and one of the things that I think they do best. Very sturdy. You know your gear will be well protected in this bag.
6. Comfort is quite reasonable, especially when you do not have it filled with everything you can fit in it. It does get heavy when fully loaded, and the waist strap is pretty worthless...also see next list.
7. The value of this bag is incredible. I was searching for a bag for under $100 and found this (with the rebate) for under $80!!
8. Bonus this comes with its own rain cover. No need to wonder if you ordered the right size for your bag!
My Minor Gripes with the 467i
1. I previously owned another Kata bag and the interior was such that you could put dividers in any position as the Velcro would attach anywhere to the yellow liner. I erroneously assumed this would be the same way. While the bottom compartment you are able to rearrange. The top compartment is lined with a smooth material that Velcro does not attach to.
2. The mesh bag for putting tripod legs in is too small. My tripod is only slightly longer than the one pictured but does not fit. I am able to get only 2 of the tripod feet in the mesh bag, and that is fully stretched. Even when I only put one foot in the mesh bag it is still difficult to remove the tripod. This is because the mesh catches on the leg release latches on the tripod. Basically this was a nice thought but does not work practically. I now use the mesh bag to carry a water bottle. The biggest water bottle I am able to carry is an 8 oz. Don't even dream of putting in a normal 16 oz. bottle. I have found a way to carry my tripod. I move it to the other side of the bag (this allows me to use the mesh for water bottle, plus the tripod on the other side balances better when only slinging this on my right shoulder) I take the strap on the side of the bag and slip two legs through it and then move the top strap and put it through the handle and tie off the top. This works much better than how they designed to carry a tripod.
3. My final gripe is that the waist strap is just a one inch thick strap that does not really help in carrying. Once this bag is fully loaded it is heavy and if you are hiking any distance it is nice to have a waist strap that helps support the weight. This strap has no padding and being so thin it just cuts into your waist. I had read elsewhere that it was removable, which I like, I just did not realize that it was completely worthless and should just be permanently removed.
QUICK SUMMARY
This is a durable bag with a lot of good features. It is an excellent value for the money. It does almost everything one could ask for, but it has some small design flaws that could be improved to take this bag from almost outstanding to truly outstanding. If those items were fixed I would take this from 4stars to 5 stars. I hope my experience with this bag will help you make an informed decision on your purchase.
Description of Kata DR-467i Digital Rucksack (Black)The DR-467i Digital Rucksack features a unique TST RIB structural protection for two D/SLR with mounted lens, 3-4 lenses, flash etc. + personal gear, laptop and small tripod. By removing the padded bottom camera insert you can easily convert this rucksack from a camera bag to a daypack when not shooting. The main compartment holds a D/SLR in top grip position while the modular dividers system will separate, organize and protect lenses, flashes and other accessories to suit your particular needs. The middle separating divider easily zips open for full bag access.The dedicated rear padded compartment will protect a laptop or hold paperwork. The large top compartment will hold personal gear or additional equipment, and the internal pockets and mp3 player pouch will allow you to organize your personal effects as efficiently as your photographic gear. Ample external pockets allow quick zippered access to supplies and a water bottle/ tripod support pocket pulls out from a side pocket. A loop on both shoulder straps allows you to connect external pouches to carry a cell phone or mp3 player. Included rain cover folds neatly away into an integrated pocket and can be hung out to dry on the small buckle next to the handle, or tucked away for storage in one of the pockets. When carrying, a chest belt and balancing waist strap are available for ultimate comfort, and the rucksack is also compatible with the Kata Insertrolley if wheel along transportation is needed.
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