We are not accepting orders at this time. Online ordering will resume Monday, May 28th at 9:45PM EDT. Our SuperStore and offices are currently closed and will reopen on Tuesday, May 29th at 9:00AM EDT.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patronage.
The Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large is designed to fit a digital SLR camera with grip and a long-range zoom lens attached, 5-6 extra lenses and accessories. It uses TST RIB structural protection for the equipment. The pack has three carrying options in one; changing from sling to "X" position to backpack and back again. It is fast and easy by using the quick release buckles. The bottom main compartment of the pack holds equipment and uses the modular dividers to custom fit the bag. The large top compartment will hold personal gear or additional gear, and it has internal pockets and a MP3 player pouch.
Two external zippered pockets allow quick access to accessories without opening the main compartments. In sling position, the bag easily swings around from back to front to achieve quick draw access to the main camera and extras lenses. In backpack position and "X" position, the equipment can be comfortably carried for long distances. The included chest belt and balancing hip strap helps take the load of heavy equipment off the shoulders. The 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.
| Material |
Exterior: Reinforced Nycore grid fabric Interior: TST rib structures protection Interior: Yelloop and smooth lining Interior: EVA + PE closed cell foam |
| Type of Closure |
Zippers Buckles |
| Exterior Dimensions | 12.6 x 7.5 x 17.7" (32.0 x 19.0 x 45.0 cm) (LxWxH) |
| Interior Dimensions | Main compartment: 11.6 x 6.3 x 11.8" (29.5 x 16.0 x 30 0 cm) (LxWxH) |
| Tripod Holder | No |
| Waist Belt | Hip strap |
| Accommodates | Digital SLR camera with a mid-range zoom lens attached, 5-6 extra lenses and accessories |
| Carrying/Transport Options |
Shoulder strap Chest strap Hip belt |
| Weight | 3.5 lb (1.5 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Overall Excellent Photo Backpack/Sling
I needed a backpack bag that would hold my Nikon D300 with the Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 VR zoom attached. My vetted choices came down to either the Lowepro Slingshot 300 or the new Kata...Read complete review
I needed a backpack bag that would hold my Nikon D300 with the Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 VR zoom attached. My vetted choices came down to either the Lowepro Slingshot 300 or the new Kata 3N1-30. Both are very large bags, and while there were others worthy of consideration, these two were at the top of my budget range.
The Lowepro is a nice bag (my brother owns one and loves it), however, I gave the nod to the Kata for a couple of reasons. I like the yellow interior - very easy to find small parts even in low light. I like the flexibility of converting it from a sling to backpack. Finally, I personally like the styling better than the Lowepro (which is functional but homely). The Kata, in my opinion, doesn't scream "camera bag" quite as much as the Lowepro.
The Kata is generally well designed and exceptional quality. The interior dividers are configurable to the user's specific needs, access is flexible providing for easy swing around "quick draw" as well as through the traditional rear flap. Initial configuration was a little cumbersome due to the restricted ability to fully open the rear flap. This limits easy access to the uppermost compartments, but once I figured out how to fit everything inside it was fine. There is ample room in this bag for a large SLR with lenses and attachments. My D300 with both MB-D10 and the 70-200 attached fit snugly in the horizontal position. However, finding an additional spot for my 17-55 f2.8 was a little more challenging. (Note these are both relatively large lenses with even larger hoods). I still have room for my flash and another small lens or accessory, but that's about it for the main compartment in my case. There is an additional compartment in the top for other stuff (flash cards, batteries, charger, lunch, etc). The extra straps for converting to a full backpack tuck neatly out of sight. The pack is very comfortable to carry, even with a heavy load.
Pros: Overall design is good (with exceptions noted below) and the quality of construction is excellent . Very manageable and comfortable to use. Very spacious and flexible for varying needs.
Cons: I would really like for it to have some means of attaching a tripod or monopod (something the Lowepro omits as well). For a pack of this size, that seems to me to be a reasonable expectation. Also note there is no compartment for a laptop - not important to me, but perhaps for others. My biggest gripe is the inability to just lay the thing out fully open on its back (note the product photo - that's as far as that rear flap opens). It makes configuring the compartment dividers very awkward.
Acknowledging those limitations and the fact that no camera bag is perfect, the 3N1-30 or one of the two smaller versions should impress you. You'll be hard pressed to find a better pack in this price range.
Bottom line: I'm happy with my decision to purchase this pack over the Lowepro and highly recommend it. I'm only giving it 4 stars for the omission of a tripod/monopod attachment and the awkward main compartment access. Despite those caveats, this is an excellent, albeit not perfect, large camera backpack.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Suppressing Disappointment
This is my 4th Kata Bag, I have a HB-207 that is the best bag I ever owned, a DR-467 which is a great Day Shooter pack, and a small shoulder bag...Read complete review
This is my 4th Kata Bag, I have a HB-207 that is the best bag I ever owned, a DR-467 which is a great Day Shooter pack, and a small shoulder bag for when I have An SLR at the beach... Quality and design have always been top notch with Kata. I needed larger then my DR-467 with no laptop pocket and enough room for 2 bodies and about 5 lenses (one telephoto). This bag seemed perfect.
I thought the concept of sling and backpack with the crossover would
work great.
First problem:
If your much over 5'9" and 240 Lb... this bag will not fit... the waist strap is only about 38" the Shoulder straps are too narrow for a bag designed to carry this much stuff. Also conveniences I am used to with Kata bags are absent. No D-Rings on the straps. No top shoulder adjustments.
Loaded this bag is really not comfortable, and can be downright painful for hikes past the corner store.
Second problem. Adjustable internal pads are a bit thin, and the spacing
doesn't accommodate pro lenses - The image of the camera with the telephoto and 4 lenses is not reliable, it's canon's f/4 lenses not f/2.8.
Lastly: the sling is too short for someone my height (6'1"). When the bag is pivoted to the front position even with the strap at full length the opening is at mid chest height and it's difficult to get the 2 zippers open.
On the good side it does make a platform to rest the camera on. between shots.
Given that I opened and used the bag for testing I feel I can't honestly return it. And I wouldn't saddle a friend with the problems of this bag.
so I'll have to eat the cost and make do with my well loved other two
Kata bags
I hope this in not a sign of future releases from Kata....
Reviewed by 82 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
The bag is well constructed.
I like the fact that it gives you the option to hide the extra straps.
It is roomy for all of the lenses and camera.
The only thing that is a bit weird is how the flap opens to access the main compartment, it feels like you are bending it out of its design....
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
I found this to be a high quality pack, and think it will last a long time. I'm still on the search for the perfect bag/pack, but this one comes pretty close. It holds my Canon 5D with a lens attached. I keep the 24-105 on it. I put the 70-200 in the upper pocket of the lower compartment. In addition to that I have the 16-35 and a nifty-fifty along with a 2x teleconverter all in the lower compartment. The 5D also has a battery grip installed. The upper compartment is great for memory cards / filters/ etc. One downside - I like keeping the lens hoods on, and I can on the lens that's attached, and the one in the top slot. But can't keep the hood on the lenses that are tucked in the pockets along the bottom of the bag. Although it holds a lot, the bad gets pretty heavy after walking a couple miles with all the gear in there. If I could carry all this at half the weight that would be awesome, but the gear does weigh a lot. Nothing you can do about that.I would recommend that if you're carrying as much as I did on a hike longer than a mile or so, certainly try and use the belt strap. It makes a world of difference. I wish I could carry my tripod on this as well, but I have a good size Gitzo, and it's just not happening with the additional tripod holder. Maybe with a travel tripod that would work. Overall, I'm satisfied with the quality and what it holds. I did have to take it off though to get at the 70-200 lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
This is the pack I've been looking for. Very rugged, spacious, and comfortable. Easily will hold all of my camera gear: 2 DSLR's with lenses, flash, and all of my remote gear. Includes a rain cover. Great backpack. A very good value. Maybe not the best pack if you are in a hurry to retrieve your camera
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
If you are looking for a well designed, comfortable bag, look no further. There are a lot of choices for a sling bag but Kata has produced a durable bag that will not disappoint. First the bag is very comfortable to wear even fully loaded. Kata put plenty of padding into the straps so they don't dig into your shoulders. The bag design is clean, simple and doesn't scream look I'm a camera bag come steal me. There are ample compartments for extras and I truly love being able to hide the straps when not in use. The bag is just small enough that it will slide under a passenger seat on a plane. The bag's main storage area is easy to configure for your body and lenses. The yellow colored interior is sheer genius because it enables you to see your gear.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
The 3 in 1 sling backpack is great holds all you need for an outing. I looked for a long time before I made this purchase. It easily holds my 5D with 4 lenses and other periferal equipment
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
Holds what I need for most events. Fits nicely on my back and is comfortable. I appreciate the buckles as a back up to the zipper on the camera compartment. There is plenty of padding for the camera and for my back. I am not real fast at getting the camera out, but that is not a concern for me.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
I just got the bag so I haven't had a chance to us it in practical situations and I don't have any feedback on the backpack/sling functionality. I will be taking it on a trip to Mexico in a few days so I will write a more detailed review after the trip. I did, however, want to post an immediate review to clarify something I couldn't find out until I actually got it and tried it myself.
I needed a versatile bag that would fit my 5D MkII, 70-200mm f/2.8, 100-400mm, 24-105mm f/4, 50mm f/1.4, and flash (430). This bag not only fits it all but all the lenses fit with the lens hoods on!!!!! That says a lot consisting the size of the lens hood for the 70-200 and 100-400. It's definitely a snug fit but it fits and I Di t see any issues with it being too tight.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
Most of photography is done while walking about though small towns, city streets as well as the wilderness. In all instances I want to travel with what I need and have it easy to get at. For the 3 in 1 sling backpack (Large) does the job. It holds Canon 7D with Canon Battery grip, Canon 70-200 L with lens shade attached in shooting position. Quickly accessible through the side. Also in the back Canon 17-40 L, Canon 530 flash, Canon 60mm Macro, Canon 5D and Canon 400L. Plus cables, batteries, filters, cards, a set of collapsible reflectors, rain coat and other odds and ends. This bag is small but with some carefull arranging it fits a lot!.
Comfort is very good on short and long walks of ten miles or more. Nice for roaming city streets also. Best part it really does not scream camera bag at you.
I never carry water bottles inside a bag. I attack two with D rings to the outside. If you use a Ipad that will fit in the top compartment at a slight angle.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
Its hard finding the right bag, as each person is different. For me, i was looking for a sling style backpack that can access my camera from the side. I also wanted to be able to carry couple lens and small accessories. This bag fit the bill in my case. It is nice and padded, and the dividers are easy to configure. I even had room to stick a lite weight rain coat. I also got the accessory to attach a tripod. With these attachment, its not easy to access the front flap with out removing the tripod accessory.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
I pack a Mamiya RB67 with a 127mm lens attached, a Canon A-1 with 50mm attached and 1x 28mm lens, 205mm zoom lens. In addition I also pack a Digisix light meter, 15+ rolls of 120 film, the Kata weather-cover, a multi-tool, spare parts and caps, cleaning supplies, pens/pencils/markers, all booklets and information sheets on my equipment, 2x journals and spare padding to reconfigure the interior whenever i need. My wife has the Medium which holds, comfortably, a digital camera body+ standard lens, as well as a zoom lens and an additional film camera body+lens+wide angle lens. It will also carry whatever accessories i listed above.
Keep in mind -- the more equipment you pack the heavier the bag will be.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
I love to travel and hike with my gear and this bag gives me the best of everything. Perfect as a sling, great as a backpack, convenient to toss in the car just in case an opportunity pops up. So Versatile! Tons of room but not bulky, very nicely made with lots of storage options. Well thought out Kata!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
Easy, Quick access. Comfortable
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
I reviewed a few bags before deciding. I chose carefully as I recieved a gift card from my younger brother for my birthday. I was wanting a bag for some time and never had the money to get one. so with the 75.00 gift-card...I literally cried tears, was soooo excited!!! Chose this bag as it was everything I was looking for all in one. I have a disc issue in my neck so the "multi use" straps are perfect. There is also room for me to grow with it. Now I am waiting for my rebate so I can get the tripod holder to go withit... One day I will be able to get my macro lens I so wish and dream of. I would change nothing. I took it on a day trip and that was the only bag I needed. I took everything (water, snacks, phone, etc.) and it didn't kill my neck. If I got tired I moved the straps and went on. I love this bag, and thank you to my brother Bob for the greatest gift ever!!! If I ever win the lottery...I am spending evey dime on photo equipment...After the grandkids school fund. Thank you
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
Finally I had the one Bag I could take it on Hiking with all my extras - no more selections!!!!.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
Very good bag has plenty of room to accommodate my Nikon D90 and four lenses plus a flash and a lot of accessories. The top compartment is great for the spill over that doesn't fit in the bottom half of the bag. The carrying options are all pretty comfortable and stable, although this bag took some getting used to, I love it now.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
I'm a pro photographer and use my bag daily. It much better than the last..with the side pockets to access my cams easily without opening the entire bag, its great on shoots and shooting on the fly. Totally comfortable on long hikes. Great back strap for support. Wright is distributed perfectly and doesn't feel as heavy as it should..LOVE DA BAG!!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
Strong construction very well made, easy access to camera, slightly harder to pull out extra lenses, a bit too big for my Kr + 2 lenses. Its heavy as well.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
This bag is going to be great for hiking, I haven't used it for that quite yet. Access into the bag could be simple if your just retrieving the camera with whatever lense is attached, but a little bit more complicated when you would like to exchange lenses. The extra compartment for other personal gear isn't as large as I would have liked. It seems like such a large bag but at the same time not big enough.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
This product is remarkably well made. I like the way some of the zippers are protected behind clips so to avoid having something slipped out of the pack. Compartments are easily divided and hold more weight than I am willing to carry.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large:
The bag is easily accessed while having the bag over the right or left shoulder. Just shift it around to the front, undo an easy clip, pull a side corner back and grab your camera! Great for travel.
Carries a body and 3-4 lens and accessories.
PLEASE consider this bag seriously when looking for convenience and accessibility!
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »