The Kata HB-207 Hiker Backpack is designed to accommodate either 2-3 digital or film SLR camera bodies with up to eight assorted lenses (up to 400 mm f 2.8) or a DV camcorder; both with accessories. A separately accessed top compartment will hold your working camera with lens installed for quick removal, or a variety of accessories. Large rear laptop compartment, two soft TST open pockets for water bottles, small tripod etc., and an assortment of pockets all work together to provide a carrying and protecting solution for outdoor photographers.
The HB-207 has TST protection safeguards for the camera compartment and the bottom of the case while keeping it light. The case is set up with Modi-Vers modular dividers, and additional Modi-Vers dividers kits are available. A tripod can be carried while attached to the backpack by using the included tripod holder either on the front or the side of the backpack. The Omega advanced harness system is designed to allow for ultimate adjustment of all features; shoulder straps, 6 point adjustable hip belt, and lumbar pad, ensuring the perfect ergonomic fit for each individual carrier. When not in use, the harness can be neatly folded out of the way to allow for easy storage and to allow the addition of the optional DTS Insertrolley.
| Material |
Exterior: TST (Thermo-Shield-Technology) is thermo-formed nylon in a protective "ribshape" construction. It is a double cord, water and dust proof, high tenacity and abrasion-resistance fabric. Interior: Cross-linked, closed cell PE+EVA shield that provides insulation from cold, heat and moisture as well protection from impact and shock. |
| Type of Closure | Zippers |
| Exterior Dimensions | 15.3 x 11.8 x 25.2" (39 x 30 x 64cm) (LxWxH) |
| Interior Dimensions | Main compartment: 11.8 x 7 x 22.4" (30 x 18 x 57cm) (LxHxW) |
| Design | Multipurpose backpack with dividers, hidden straps and a tripod holder |
| Tripod Holder | Yes |
| Waist Belt | Yes, hip belt |
| Accommodates |
2-3 Digital of film SLR camera bodies with up to 8 assorte lenses (up to 400 mm f 2.8) and accessories DV camcorder with accessories |
| Carrying/Transport Options |
Omega advanced harness system Handle Hip belt Optional DTS Insertrolley |
| Weight | 6.1 lbs (2.8kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Mostly pros some cons
After searching through reviews online, I decided topurchase the HB-207. Users had lauded its comfort, ease ofuse, and versatility. The bag is very sturdy, comfortablydesigned, and has the capability of holding...Read complete review
After searching through reviews online, I decided topurchase the HB-207. Users had lauded its comfort, ease ofuse, and versatility. The bag is very sturdy, comfortablydesigned, and has the capability of holding a ton ofequipment. In fact, there are times when I have loaded downthe bag to the point that it didn't meet airline carry-onweight expectations. Nevertheless, because it is abackpack, I've never been asked to weigh it or check it atthe airline counter.The bag is a bit large for casual use. I would notrecommended it as a day pack due to its bulky girth. Thebag is also not as convenient as a traditional shoulder bagwhen it comes to accessing your gear. Despite its size,however, it still comfortably fits in an airline luggagecompartment.The rear laptop compartment fits a bit snug. If you areusing a Mac or a small, slim computer, you should be fine. But if your computer measures greater than 15 1/2 x 11 x2, you'll be shoving and prodding just to get it to fit.In conclusion, the bag's pros consist of sturdy,well-crafted design, comfort, space, versatility, and, to adegree, inconspicuousness. The cons might be it's lack ofeasy access on the field and its girth, rendering it uselessfor day trips. But the bags pros far outweigh the cons.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Not for heavy duty use
I use this backpack to carry a Panasonic HPX170, laptop and support gear for heavy travel for a TV network. I have gone through two now, with the zipper coming apart in the same...Read complete review
I use this backpack to carry a Panasonic HPX170, laptop and support gear for heavy travel for a TV network. I have gone through two now, with the zipper coming apart in the same place on both packs. (where the zipper track bows out to follow the contour of the backpack) I would recommend this pack for someone who uses it for occasional use but not for someone who needs to open and close it often. It's a shame because I love everything about it. It holds all the gear I need and can still fit somewhat easily in the overhead bin of most airlines but I can't afford to be stuck in the middle of a story in a remote area with things falling out of the pack because the zipper won't close. [...]
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Reviewed by 27 customers
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
I use this bag to carry around a full medium format system. It carries as much as my Lowe Pro Nature Trekker, and weighs a lot less. Also, the yellow interior makes it much eaiser to spot and find things in this bag. Very well made and comfortable, even loaded to the max. My third and favorite backpack.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
High quality backpack but a bit too heavy for your back even before you load up your gears.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
I purchased this backpack to store my DSLR gear on an upcoming trip through India.
So far, I really love it. The padded waist and shoulder straps make it really comfortable and it doesn't start to feel heavy until you've been wearing it for a long time.
It has plenty of room to accommodate all my gear and I'm not even fully maximizing the space, so it will continue to serve me well after I've expanded my kit to include a second camera body and additional lenses. The tripod holster is really convenient and I love the fact that I can unzip the bag to access my gear without needing to remove the tripod.
The single most useful components are the included mesh bags that attach to the interior of the pack with velcro. They make organizing and storing my smaller, miscellaneous pieces of gear very convenient.
My only complaints are that the top compartment and side pockets could be a little larger to provide easier access to larger or more cumbersome gear.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
Good backpack, excellent construction. Only needs to be more useful in some access points.
Pros
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
I use this backpack to carry a Panasonic HPX170, laptop and support gear for heavy travel for a TV network. I have gone through two now, with the zipper coming apart in the same place on both packs. (where the zipper track bows out to follow the contour of the backpack) I would recommend this pack for someone who uses it for occasional use but not for someone who needs to open and close it often. It's a shame because I love everything about it. It holds all the gear I need and can still fit somewhat easily in the overhead bin of most airlines but I can't afford to be stuck in the middle of a story in a remote area with things falling out of the pack because the zipper won't close. [...]
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
Just received my bad and love it. It is in great shape and I love the fact that I can keep everything in one bag!
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
Absolutely love it!
Lots of space and accessories available for expandability.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
#1. This is a big backpack. If you have concerns about the size of the backpack, reconsider getting a bag instead. Backpacks are big. If you are putting a Canon XH-A1/G1 size camera in it, then you will be pleased with the space, and the fit.
Kata make great bags, and this is no different. The straps are well padded and the whole unit feels well built and built to last.
I carry a Canon XH-A1S and all of it's equipment (shotgun mic, cords, lights, tapes, chargers, batteries...etc.) and everything stays put.
As far as carry on goes, I have not traveled with it yet, but I doubt it will fit under your seat.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
This pack was recommended to me from a friend that has used Kata product in his pro photography business. He said that the pack would be great for me and as my company grows and my equipment that I would start fitting right into the pack. I love the versatility and compartments. I like it!!! one thing that doesn't have anything to do with the actual product...I don't like the logo so I took a sharpie to it. you can still see it but it's not as prominent
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
This back pack is well built is and able to handle my Cannon XH-A1, 17" Toshiba Laptop and all my extra gear. I am very happy with the purchase.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
I first used the bag on a week long shoot with a Sony Z7, two wireless mic setups and camera accessories. It was able to fit plenty of gear in the bag and was impressed with how relatively comfortable it was to carry.
After a week I was getting tired of lugging around the bag, which weighed around forty pounds with gear, but I couldn't imagine how bad it would have been with anything other than this Kata.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was the lack of storage space on the sides of the bag. There are two sleeves that you can slide water bottles into, but they aren't very safe as they don't zip up. It would have been nice to have pockets that sealed where you could store batteries or other things for quick access without worrying that they might fall out during transport.
Even with the lack of side pocket storage I'd still strongly recommend the bag.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
I use this to transport my Z1U. It protects the camera well. Stores lav, cables etc. Compact. Wroks well on trolley. Opens wide for easy access. Good side and top pouches. Adjustable velcro partitions useful.
Drawbacks: The top top while it does open wide and porvide access requires more room than I would like. I sometimes wish I bought the shoulder bag but this is great for those not shooting with a P.A. Makes transport very easy with the wheels.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
This is a very large bag that holds all of my equipment. I've got it loaded with a D80, D300 and 4 lenses including an 80-400 and a 70-300. Plus it holds filters, charger, SB800 flash and a 17" HP laptop along with other odds and ends.
It is very comfortable to wear even with this load although it isn't for short torso folks. I'm 5'9" and have no problem with it.
It won't work as an airline carryon but that isn't an issue with me. I would only carry what I was going to use in a smaller bag.
I own another Kata bag and it is excellent as well.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
Backpack very useful, clever design, excelent materials and big. Everything can be handle with this equipment in a mobile production situation, specially if you work with Panasonic HVX 200 and a laptop to store data. In the pictures the product do not seem to be so big, but it is.
Anyway... it is a nice product if you have this kind of demand: mobile and adventure situation.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
I really like my Kata backpack, it neatly fits my Sony EX1 and a good range of accesories. The backpack is comfortable to wear with plenty of adjustment available for the straps. There are lots of pockets to stow things and the laptop compartment which snuggly fits my 15" HP laptop rounds it out nicely. It feels really rugged and seems to give great protection for my precious camera gear. It looks good too!
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
I picked this up before heading to a remote overseas shoot where I was working as a one-man crew. I packed in everything and the pack routinely carried 30 lbs of equipment including my HVX200, 2 Firestore drives, 2 sets of mics and much more. It's very rugged and, although it's a bit on the large size for airlines, it was accepted as a carry-on. The slot for the laptop easily fit my 17 inch MacBook Pro.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
If you're sick of shoulder camcorder bags this backpack is the right one for you.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
I needed a bag that would fit all my gear, and this is it!
I am able to fit 6 lenses, my D300 w/grip, an SB800, a tripod and monopod, with room to spare. Being that it is a backpack makes it easier to carry, and reduces the load on one shoulder or the other as with duffel-type bags.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
Its like it was built to my requirements. It fits my P2 camera, an external hard drive and the 17" laptop with plenty of room to spare. Heavy duty zips and padding seemed designed to last. I'm looking forward to taking it around Europe.
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Comments about Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack:
I needed a large bag that could hold all my equipment and especially my 17" Mac Book Pro that could be carried with lots of camera gear. Then put on my back or transported in it's own trolley, i.e. be very versatile to get around. It holds a lot of kit and it very malleable with the velcro inserts. Kata's quality is superb, 4-5 months ago I bought their hexabag with trolley for 6 light stands to be lugged around. The trade mark yellow inside is brilliant in low lighting conditions. I am very happy with my purchase.[...]
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