Backpack review: Kata 3N1-25

I've had the Kata 3N1-25 for 2 months now and used it with the Canon 50D and now the 5D mk III so wanted to put up a review.

Here's the official product shot:


Short version: I love this backpack

Longer version: I really love this backpack...
So I decided to move from the Crumpler 7 million dollar home as the sling/messenger bag was no longer comfortable (especially on bike rides where it would swing too much). I researched bags for a while and then found the new Kata 3N1. The 25 seemed aimed at addressing some of the shortcomings of prior backpacks and, rather than going for a discounted price on the older model, decided to pull the trigger on the new one.
Bought from BH for $199 - $40 gift card rebate.

My main concern was whether the backpack would hold all that I wanted and I'm glad to report it does (but it took some doing and buying one extra piece). I currently have the following in the bag:
Canon 5D mk III with Kirk L bracket and hand strap attached to lens with hood in one side of main

Canon 70-200 f/4 IS
Canon 24-104 f/4 IS
Canon 17-40 f/4
Canon 50/1.8 (soon to be replaced with 85/1.8)
Canon 420EX speedlight

3 round filters, one grad ND, filter screw thingy

8 CF cards, bubble level

Gloves
Headlamp, LED light, remote trigger, medium rocket blower, microfiber cloths

Feisol tripod attached to front


That's a lot of stuff! :barb

Here's how it works:
I ended up having to purchase the KAMVK20 divider kit for an extra $35 (negated the rebate) as the dividers it came with are meant for stacking items horizontally. I chose to go vertical as it was the only way to get the 70-200 in there and ended up making for much cleaner and better access overall.

Here's another product photo from Kata

As you can see, they prefer the horizontal view. I took the dividers and put one long one as divider between the compartments. One side is the 'camera' side where the 5D is kept vertical with any lens I want on it. The 70-200 is a tight fit but goes in without trouble (hood reversed). Camera with any other lens goes with hood in out position.
The other side I outfitted with compartments to hold the lenses. The 70-200 compartment has a fold up velcro divider if I want a smaller lens in there and push it to hold 4 lenses. The very seldom used flash is hiding at the top of the lens side.

Bag is very comfortable to wear and I prefer the 'X' orientation (not me):

It does ride just a bit high but if I get the straps at the right length, it doesn't pull across the neck. This way I can also reach back to unclip one strap and then rotate the bag to grab a lens:


It's a really slick setup overall. There's also a spot for the iPad in the back.
Only nit is that the directions on how to attach the tripod were not very good. I started off putting the supporting strap through the plastic covers over the buckles on each side and one ended up tearing off. I realized later it's supposed to go to the top carrying holder which makes more sense in hindsight.


Otherwise, the quality of material is very, very good. It also has a rain cover that is reversible with a reflector side to use in bright sun. I took the bag to the beach and used the reflector side out and was thrilled to find the inside at a comfortable temp a few hours later (plus it kept any sand from getting in)

$200 seemed like a lot to pay at the time but the materials really are top-notch. The plastic part above seems to be more decorative than anything so I'm not worried about it.

I figured that, for a backpack that I trust to hold $7000 worth of gear, spending $200 was a small price to pay. Hope this review helps someone in the market for a backpack.