Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

I bought this backpack for my girlfriend to use to store her growing list of cameras. We store her Canon DLSR, a Sony cybershot, and small Sony CX100 handycam. Still room for lenses, batteries, cleaning supplies and such. Really like the durability of the backpack as well. I purchased a larger KATA backpack for my Sony HDV camcorder and can't say enough about their construction.

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

I use the HB-205 with my Panasonic HVX-200. The camera fits snug with two lenses, 4 batteries, and some accessories. The bag is much easier to use then a hard case and I take it to the beach on a regular basis. I shoot surf movies and would recommend this product to anyone who needs to walk long distances with their gear. Take note that a laptop will not fit, if you need your laptop you will need to upgrade to the HB-207. Well worth the price and a solid backpack that will last a very long time.

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

The Kata HB-205 backpack is the perfect carrier for a traveling photographer. The bag has great exterior looks that can easily be mistaken for a dedicated hikers backpack. Once opened, the Kata bag has ample room for two cameras with lens, a SB flash, a light meter, a telephoto lens, extra batteries for flash and camera, extra memory cards, all chargers, filters, a macro lens, and still room available. It does this all while keeping the gear all safe and secure in the included modular system. The included camera straps is a great addition since tis is usually an additional purchase for a camera bag. The included mesh bags and rain hood for the Kata bag is a welcome sight as well. The rain hood has stood up to two down pours ad a slight snow storm. I also used this cover for a VERY windy shoot on the beach and it was an extra safety feature. tis with the integrated zipper covers keeps everything safe inside. I have owned several camera backpacks and would recommend this to anyone who needs to carry a decent amount of gear safely and in style. B&H photo has the best price and with their support for all that they sale it was a no brainer for me as my next camera backpack.

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

Comortable, not too heavy , adjusts to fit really tight so it is really easy to go hiking with and got on a crazy sale. Plus it is almost bulletproof

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

This is a serious backpack. NOT compact, but for my purposes that's fine. I can comfortably carry 2 bodies, 5 lenses, flash, chargers, tripod and more. I like the rigidity of the pack itself and the heavy duty straps/belt arrangement. For people who like to go to wild places, it carries and protects your precious gear. Not a fast access pack at all... but great protection and wearability.

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

I am a small person, and photography equipment gets SO heavy. This bag is large in size, but with all the customization possibilities of the clips and harnesses- I can carry my gear for a long time. The padding on the inside is amazing, and I feel that my gear is extremely safe, even if I accidentally dropped the bag.

It holds my D700 body w/grip, D90 body w/tripod mount, SB900 speedlight, 4 lenses (including my 70-200mm f/2.8), battery chargers, and has pockets for all the other little things you need.

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

Very large backpack. Well built and with flexible inserts. Material is of good quality. I returned it because I am looking for something smaller.

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

I was considering getting the HG-207 version of the bag, but when I saw what a great price B&H had on the 205 I decided to jump. I really wanted the laptop sleeve, (the 205 does not have one, the 207 does). However I have found that I can easily fit my 13" MacBook Pro in this bag just by sitting it on top of the dividers in the main compartment. For my needs that's just fine. More and more I'm traveling with just the IPad anyway, and that's a non issue to fit in the bag.

The quality is first class; the suspension is comfortable, and the size is just right for me. Big enough for a ton of gear, yet small enough for skiing and hiking.

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

I had been searching for a bag that would fit my Canon XH A1 plus some accessories and to be honest, it was really troubling when I realized that if I wanted a backpack/hiker style pack, my budget was going to have to increase. After weeks of in depth research, the Kata edged out some other top bags in the market.
When I got the Kata, I realized where all that money went to! WOW! They had thought of everything for this bag! I am blown away at the function, beauty, and design. This bag PROTECTS and you feel confident going into the field with your precious equipment. TOTALLY satisfied!

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

Big, but not gianormous! This bag has room for two bodies, a big zoom, and a couple of fixed lenses. Good enough top shed water, although might seep-in during a deluge. This bag is perfect for use during those winter/rain potential treks. Comfortable straps and room for your H2O bottle and your tripod. A must for those looking for an almost waterproof solution without the rain-fly.

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

This backpack really surprised me. It's big enough to carry all my equipement (2 bodies one with battery pack, 1 small and 4 midsize lenses, flash, extra battery, and other stuff like filters, memory cards, etc.) and it has room to spare. Comes with 2 pouches with velcro on the bottom so they get attached to the inside of the bag, a very good neoprene camera strap (recently bought one not that good and it cost me $20), and a another pouch for carrying the tripod. Well constructed, good equipment protection and you can adjust it in so many ways for comfortable carry.But beware, it is BIG. Its not for every situation. I have 2 smaller bags, and needed one that could carry all my stuff.[...]

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

I pack this ruck for field work. I can easily carry a Nikon D300 body and six Nikkor lenses. it also fits filters, cleaning gear, extra batteries, a rain rig and my Really Right Stuff ball head. As a bonus it has a place to attach your tripod. This ruck is the best. Very sturdy, weather sealed and really protects the gear inside.

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

I also own a hard case for rougher transportation but I find myself using this backpack more often on smaller shoots. This is partially out of convenience but also because I trust it to provide enough protection for my camera and gear that is worth over 5K. It can get very heavy with the amount of things that you can pack in it (very roomy) but the waist strap helps to carry it more comfortably. The top zippered section is great for getting small things in and out quickly and the pockets in the front provide enough room for accessories, manuals, shotgun mics etc. The laptop section in the back is also very well padded and adds props to the backpack's design. I have not yet used it to carry a tripod because I own heavier video tripods.
The only aspect that I do not like is how big it is. It is bigger than my upper body. But I think it's a compromise that is worth the security that the backpack provides.

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

I use this whenever i have to walk long distances with any gear and a tripod or just if i have lots of gear. The 205 is very comfortable and and highly configurable to both your gear and your body. I've carried at once: Main compartment = a D700 and a D200 body, (lenses) 17-55DX, 24-70, 70-200, 50 f1.8, 10.5DX, 1.7 tele-converter, all 3 Kenko extender tubes, 2 77mm filters in cases, hoodman loop with case, Manfotto tripod leveling base, large nikon remote shutter release, rocketblower, EN-EL3 battery charger, D700 battery grip, extra body cap/lens cap/small accessories. Other pockets = Supplied rain cover, swiss army knife (medium sized), extra batteries, memory card wallet, lens cloth + solution, small notebook (4x6in), pen, sharpie, gray/white balance card. Outside = Gitzo series 3 tripod + ball head, Water bottle. And there was still enough room to cram a few pieces of clothing and a couple cliff bars in the bag too.
Basically it holds a ton and is still comfortable to wear, and I am a small guy 6 ft 150lbs at that!
Well constructed, durable, intelligent design. Dual body shooters will appreciate the space and clips on the shoulder straps to carry an additional body on a strap. No bad things to say about it

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

The backpack is of good size, well built and very comfortable. I can fit two cameras (one of them medium format) and three lenses. The straps and the accessory pouch for the tripod are great, I could assemble it in a regular backpacking bag and it worked great :).

Comments about Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack:

Unlike the HB 207, this back pack is smaller, no as bulky and may be better suited for day trips. I found that it held my Panasonic HV200 and accessories and I was still able to carry it for long periods and get it in the overhead bin on a smaller aircraft.

Expertise: Professional Videographer