best backpack for impact resistance

dirtbikejunkie

Looking for a good backpack to be used for covering dirtbike (offroad) races. I ride in the races to get to points of interest, and the courses are usually in wooded rough trails, so looking for something that can take a beating and possibly provide some impact protection.

I've looked at the Kata R-102, found a good review here http://www.shuttertalk.com/articles/katar102/index.php, and looks like it might do the job, but haven't been able to find them in the local shops to really check them out. Does anyone have bags from Kata and can give their opinon?

any other suggestions on a good rugged bag?

ian408

See if you can find this month's Camera Arts. There's a review of
Kata and Crumpler bags.

Most of the bags available are similar in design. That is they provide
protection using padded dividers. None of them will provide the type
of impact protection you'd experience ridding MX (I assume that's
what you'll be doing).

I use a Lowe bag. My biggest complaint is the number of cords/straps
that hang off of it. You can attach almost anything to it but try carrying
it with a monopod or stuffing it under an airplane seat and stuff hangs up
on them.

The two Crumpler's and Kata I saw today seemed pretty nice. Things pack
well and are easy to access. I do think that ridding, either of these bags
would be better than the Lowe as they're smaller and fit closer to the body
(less likely to get caught on tree branches).

Hope that helps.

Ian

bkriete

I have no idea if either of these packs are suitable for photography, not owning one myself, but what about a hard-shell pack? Or one by Oakley?

jwear

off road
what about the dust factor ????? if you are off road ,when i road my dirt bike every thing was dirty. lowenpro makes a rain tight pack and if you extra padded it would that work out ???// Jeff

dirtbikejunkie

I managed to find a local shop that carries the kata rugsack and got to compare it to some of the other brands. I do like it, one of the things that really stood out it is super comfortable, and it seems more sturdy than the other brands the shop carried. The quick access opening is cool too. I haven't checked out the shell packs mentioned above, so still might consider those. I think I will go with the kata though, eveything about seemed right for me. It's a slimmer design than most the other packs, but yet has more than enough room for gear that I pack on the race course, even has a cool holster for a tripod.