Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack
The Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack (Black) is a multi-featured professional backpack designed to provide the best carrying, storage and working solutions. The pack is made from lightweight, durable Ripstop nylon and polyester mesh exterior, with a TST (Thermo Shield Technology) rib structure that provides protective zones for the camera where it will most likely be impacted by shock, vibration and Aeriform foam that is made of perforated super light laminated and reinforced EVA and EPE foams. It is also has additional protection from a specially formed, foam encased, spring steel Spine Guard and Aluminum Skeleton stave arcs across the mid section. The Yelloop interior is a bright yellow material for viewing the contents with ease and attaching any optional Modi-Vers dividers. The modular interior allows removal of various components that are not necessary for a specific shoot.
The Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL backpack has a main compartment that is designed to hold 2 to 3 D-SLR camera bodies, up to 8 lenses (space for up to 500mm but with tripod mount dismantled), flash and many other accessories. Use the modular Aeriform dividers and Cocoon Pouches to custom fit the needed gear. Access to the main compartment can be from top, bottom or any other point; so if a specific item is needed the bag opening will not expose its content to prying eyes. A rear laptop slot will hold most laptop computers with a screen up to 17". An external top pocket and 2 side pockets can carry many accessories. A flexible pocket on the other side will easily carry a water bottle. There is a double purpose pocket on the bottom front of the bag can be used either for additional storage or as a docking base to secure a small tripod.
The Bumblebee Backpack has a tripod sling that can be attached to either the front or the side of the backpack and a detachable Double-sided Elements Cover with mesh pocket that is used for protection in all weather and environment conditions. There is an Aeriform camera strap which is light, flexible and airy that can be used individually or interconnected to the two designated loops on the backpack harness. The pack has a carry handle and an advanced ergonomics harness system that consists of a Gecko Harness made of molded EVA foam harness straps that has 3D tapered thickness. Micro hatch texture secures it in position firmly and comfortably and its shapely contour fits the body organically, a soft molded 3D foam back for comfort, support and ventilation and a Clinch-Clasp Sternum Strap that has an aluminum clinch connection. It also consists of an adjustable and removable waist belt that will fit itself perfectly to a photographer's shape and build, 2 specially designed connection strap loops for the included Aeriform camera strap and an EPH (Ergonomic Photo System) that is designed with connection tabs to enable using other Kata products. There is an Insertrolley connection for placing the pack over a rolling bag handle; when this is in use the harness tucks out of the way and waist belt can be removed and stowed away.
- Construction
-
- Lightweight, durable Ripstop nylon and polyester mesh exterior
- TST (Thermo Shield Technology) rib structure provides protective zones for the camera where it will most likely be impacted by shock, vibration
- Aeriform foam is perforated super light laminated and reinforced EVA and EPE foams
- Specially formed foam encased spring steel Spine Guard for ultimate structural protection
- Aluminum Skeleton stave arcs across the mid section
- Honeycomb panels are formed and shaped rigid honeycomb reinforcement panels
- Spider Webbing Straps are thin and narrow nylon and Polypropylene straps, that are super strong and durable
- Modular Aeriform dividers will comfortably organize additional lenses and accessories
- Recessed Duraflex buckles are reduce surface buckles for extra light functionality
- Yelloop interior is a bright yellow material for viewing the contents with ease and it can attach optional Modi-Vers dividers
- Zipper closure
- Compartments
-
- Main compartment is designed to hold 2 to 3 D-SLR camera bodies, up to 8 lenses (space for up to 500mm but with tripod mount dismantled), flash and many other accessories. Use the modular Aeriform Dividers and Cocoon Pouches to custom fit the exact gear needed. Access to the main compartment can be from top, bottom or any other point
- Rear laptop slot will hold most laptop computers with a screen up to 17"
- Tripod sling which can be attached to either the front or the side of the backpack
- Detachable Double-sided Elements Cover with mesh pocket is used for protection in all weather and environment conditions
- Pockets
-
- External top pocket
- Two side pockets
- Flexible pocket on the other side will easily carry a water bottle.
- Double purpose pocket on the bottom front of the bag can be used either for additional storage or as a docking base to secure a small tripod
- Carrying options
-
- Aeriform camera strap which is light, flexible and airy and can be used individually or interconnected to the two designated loops on the backpack harness thus providing frontal carrying for a camera by using shoulders instead of having an additional strap around the neck
- Carry handle
- Gecko Harness includes molded EVA foam harness straps that feature 3D tapered thickness that provides extra cushioning where it counts. Micro hatch texture secures in position firmly and comfortably and it's shapely contour fits the body organically
- Soft molded 3D foam back for comfort, support and ventilation
- Clinch-Clasp Sternum Strap has an aluminum clinch connection
- Adjustable and removable waist belt will fit itself perfectly to a photographer's shape and build
- Two specially designed connection strap loops for the included Aeriform camera strap
- Ergonomic Photo System (EPH) is designed with connection tabs to enable interconnections with other Kata products
- Insertrolley connection for placing the pack over a rolling bag handle; when this is in use the harness tucks out of the way and waist belt can be removed and stowed away
| Material |
Exterior: Ripstop nylon and polyester mesh exterior Exterior: TST (Thermo Shield Technology) rib structure Interior: Aeriform EVA and EPE foam Interior: Yelloop lining Interior: Specially formed foam encased spring steel Spine Guard Interior: Aluminum Skeleton stave |
| Type of Closure | Zipper |
| Exterior Dimensions | 13.4 x 11 x 20.5" (34 x 28 x 52cm) (LxWxH) |
| Interior Dimensions |
12.6 x 7.1 x 19.7" (32 x 18 x 50cm) (LxWxH) Computer area: 12.6 x 1.6 x 18.9" (32 x 4.0 x 48cm) (LxWxH) |
| Tripod Holder | Yes |
| Waist Belt | Yes |
| Accommodates |
2 to 3 D-SLR camera bodies with 8 lenses (one up to 500mm without mount), flash and many other photo accessories Laptop computer with a screen up to 17" |
| Carrying/Transport Options |
Carry handle Gecko backpack harness |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs (2.97kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 34 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
91%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable (25)
- Roomy (24)
- Attractive (14)
- Durable (13)
- Lightweight (13)
Cons
- Not enough pockets (5)
- Heavy (3)
Best Uses
- Protecting gear (14)
- Transporting gear (14)
- Travel (13)
- Storing gear (10)
- Commuting (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Practical (8), Modern (6), Photo enthusiast (6), Career (5), Semi-pro photographer (5)
- Primary use:
- Business (8), Personal (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (10)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great Backpack
I bought this backpack as a way to carry all of my gear on a plane with me when I traveled. I wanted to have a bag I could carry easily and one that would...Read complete review
I bought this backpack as a way to carry all of my gear on a plane with me when I traveled. I wanted to have a bag I could carry easily and one that would fit in overhead bins so I didn't have to worry about checking it. This bag is great, very large and spacious. I carry a Thinkpad T510, Sony GY-HM100 video camera (+batteries, charger, filters, media), Sennheiser wireless lavs, Nikon D70 (+3 short lenses, batteries, charger, filter, media) and external hard drive. I also strapped a Manfrotto Tripod to the outside and stored the head inside with the rest of my gear.
Cons: Laptop sleeve is tight, hard to pull the laptop out at security. This bag will NOT fit in the overhead on smaller planes. I was lucky and they let me put in the closet up front or cram it under the seat in front of me but that is not always a guarantee. It did fit in the overhead on my last flight which was on a larger plane with 3 seats on each side of the aisle.
Pros: plenty of room for tons of stuff, love the modular inside. Very light bag which is great when you're carrying tons of gear like me. Excellent waist strap which is really important when you load the bag up.
Overall I would recommend this bag. I had also ordered the Karachi Outpost Backpack, Pro Runner 450 AW Backpack, Pro-Light Beetle-282 PL Backpack
and Tenba Shootout Backpack, Large, to try them all out and see what worked best and all of the other bags seemed HUGE to me. I put them next to my carry-on suitcase that I usually take on a plane and they were bigger. The 220PL was also the lightest of the group.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not as impressed as I thought I would be
I bought this because I knew it would hold everything I have and then some (which it does, btw). I planned on using it around town but it turns out it's huge on ...Read complete review
I bought this because I knew it would hold everything I have and then some (which it does, btw). I planned on using it around town but it turns out it's huge on me (5'4, 110lbs) so I'll just keep it for on location shoots and for holding gear that I'm not carrying with me for the day.
Things that are great about this bag is the fact that it holds so much and it is definitely protecting all of the gear.
What I did not care for were the shoulder straps, I personally think they are awful. They're rubber and not cushioned enough; if you're not using ALL of the straps and buckles then this bag quickly becomes uncomfortable. It would be so much better if the straps were made with fabric and padding like so many other backpacks on the market.
I'm also not a fan of the bulkiness and size of the bag - BUT - it does hold a ton of gear, so that is to be expected.
This bag is great for keeping gear protected at home, or for taking to a shoot where you don't plan on carrying it around for a long time (the straps are just too uncomfortable for long periods of time IMO), and as a backup bag on shoots.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 34 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Adjustable Harness
- Comfortable
- Roomy
Cons
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
Update to previous review - Email and phone correspondence has dropped off . Very disappointed with Kata customer service. Tried to fix spine zipper several times to no avail.
Pros
- Adjustable Harness
- Comfortable
- Easily Accessible Equipment
- Roomy
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Storing Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
Transporting and protecting the equipment with high level of quality and design.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Roomy
Cons
- Hard shoulder straps
- Poor zipper construction
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
Had this for little more than a year before one of the red, plastic pull tabs attached to the zippers broke off (didn't force it). Then, the zipper along the spine derailed and cannot get it back on track. Shoulder straps are tough around the neck area when carrying a heavy load (switching weight distribution from the hips to the shoulders to vary during a six-hour hike). Overall, it's light, roomy and fits well save for issues above.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable Harness
- Comfortable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
I purchased the backpack for transporting my Sony F100 camcorder. I find it light and my camera and all the stuff fits. Also I can put my laptop in it, which is the bonus when I have to travel.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable Harness
- Comfortable
- Roomy
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Storing Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
This bag is everything I expected it to be when I ordered it. It has ample space to carry everything I need to carry with me all the time, with groom to grow. The various levels of adjustment are a major plus, and makes carrying a lot of gear very easy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Roomy
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
The backpack is a great way to store all of my equipment, however, feels very bulky when on. It is larger than I anticipated but has great potential for storage and transport of my materials.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Comfortable
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Computer
- Travel
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
well made, but i think it is more useful for the people who has more than 3 lenses.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adjustable Harness
- Comfortable
- Easily Accessible Equipment
- Roomy
- Strong Construction
- Versility in useage
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Keeping gear safe and sou
- Protecting Gear
- Storing Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
I use my pack for my camera equipment and other items.It is much more than I expected. This pack is equal to any pro pack on the market. It is light, roomy and able to do more things than you can shake a stick at; you can reconfigure the interior to match any kind of equipment you may have. I am very satisfied with this purchase. [...]
Pros
- Adjustable Harness
- Comfortable
- Roomy
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Hard To Access Equipment
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Storing Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
I bought this back pack to replace my Lowepro SlingShot 202 AW which gave me a sore back on long walks.
The Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL is both bigger and FAR more comfortable. It has very sturdy construction to protect your gear and the harness fits like a glove!
Be careful though as it is quite big. I'm 6'2" and 85kg it is big on my back so if you have a small frame it might not be the bag for you.
The only other con I can think of is that you have to take the bag fully off your back to get your camera out which can be a bit of a pain when you have all of the buckles done up and adjusted nicely.
All in all it is an excellent bag.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Accessible Equipment
- Roomy
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Uncomfortable Straps
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Storing Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
I have a Canon 40D, four lenses, a flash and some cleaning kits, cards, card reader, etc. and there's still quite a bit of room left over. It's definitely big enough to expand my collection, which is why I bought this bag, but it's also pretty big in general, it kind of looks like a hiking backpack. But such is what you sacrifice for the room.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Adjustable Harness
- Comfortable
- Easily Accessible Equipment
- Roomy
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- No room for personal gear
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
I used this back pack for 11 days at the Tribeca Film Festival over all I love this pack, before I switched I was using the canon backpack for several years. I wanted something that would fit my needs. Those needs were it had to not scream camera backpack, it had to have enough room for all my gear, it had to come with a rain cover, and it had to hold a tripod. This bag does all of it and I can even use the one strap used to carry a tripod to secure a light sweat shirt. Be warned this pack does get heavy I was carrying a 27 pound backpack all day. If you adjust the straps right, use the waist belt correctly, and pack your bag wisely it will help the bag feel lighter. To me I love the pack I wish it came in grey though, and I wish there was a pocket to carry another layer of clothing just incase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Storing Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
Really good back pack for camera gear. It comes with a lot of accessories and features like camera strap, a bag for larger tripod, etc. I really like this product. the only issue is that there is not much space left for any other stuff to carry (for a day hiking) and The laptop compartment is to tight for my HP 15.4".
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Accessible Equipment
- Roomy
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Storing Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
Everything is great except shoulder straps.
They are really uncomfortable.
The backpack is light and roomy but straps are real downside.
First planed to get lowepro pro trekker but it does not have quick access as this one.
Stuff i carry in it:
5D mkII
canon 17 4.0 ts-e
zeiss 35 2.0
canon 50 1.4
canon 24-105 IS
zeiss 100 2.0
canon 300 2.8 IS
canon 580ex II
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable Harness
- Comfortable
- Roomy
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Storing Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
Bought this bag about 3 months ago and have had the occasion to travel with it several times. I love the minimalist style and thoughtful construction of this pack. Zippers, so far, have worked great and I've been using it in very cold conditions. I've also snowboarded three full days while wearing this pack. The 220 PL version has the laptop computer sleeve. That said, if you're using this bag to "set-up shop" on the slopes or backcountry then it's a manageable size. If your plan is to board/ski with it all day, I think it's just a little to big (the laptop compartment probably adds about 1.5-2" in width to the bag)and there are probably better (meaning, more compact) choices. Aside from that, the bag is very comfortable. Shoulder straps are about as well made as you'll find. Hip strap, same thing. Very well made and comfortable backpack (I'm 6'2" 195 lbs and the hip strap fits to a T). While boarding, I did take a high-speed fall (5D, 17-40, 50mm, 70-200 in the pack) and landed right on my back. Didn't feel a thing and nothing inside the pack was damaged whatsoever. I'll be hiking a lot this spring and summer and expect this bag to get much use. Just a few complaints (if you want to call them that), there's a lot of excess strap hang. Shouldn't be a deal breaker because you can tuck away the excess or use tiebacks to keep everything nice and neat if need be. There's not a bottom of the bag entry to quickly access your camera. You have to unzip the entire pack flap to get at your equipment - it would be nice to have one more set of zippers at the bottom of the pack to be able to quickly get at your tools. End of the day, these are minor speed bumps to a very well made and constructed bag. The fact that I took a memorable spill on a steep part of a mountain, on a snowboard at high speed, and didn't feel a thing or damage equipment is about the best descriptor I can give about the 220-PL.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable Harness
- Comfortable
- Easily Accessible Equipment
- Roomy
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Not Enough Pockets
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Storing Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
Perfect system bag for carrying full set of gear. Easily fits my Canon 7D with 70-200mm f/2.8 II attached, 3 additional lenses, flash, and more. Solid construction and not too heavy for it's size which is quite large but ok for me since I'm over 6 feet tall. Very comfortable to wear while shooting and easy to get on and off but not as convenient as a sling pack for quickly changing lenses.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable Harness
- Comfortable
- Easily Accessible Equipment
- Roomy
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Protecting Gear
- Storing Gear
- Transporting Gear
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
This backpack is great for all my equipment. Everything is snug and protected and the pockets are removable. I highly recommend this bag to anyone who likes to lug around all of their photography stuff. I would buy again.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Durable
- Protective
- Roomy
Cons
- Bulky
- Uncomfortable
Best Uses
- Storage
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
I bought this because I knew it would hold everything I have and then some (which it does, btw). I planned on using it around town but it turns out it's huge on me (5'4, 110lbs) so I'll just keep it for on location shoots and for holding gear that I'm not carrying with me for the day.
Things that are great about this bag is the fact that it holds so much and it is definitely protecting all of the gear.
What I did not care for were the shoulder straps, I personally think they are awful. They're rubber and not cushioned enough; if you're not using ALL of the straps and buckles then this bag quickly becomes uncomfortable. It would be so much better if the straps were made with fabric and padding like so many other backpacks on the market.
I'm also not a fan of the bulkiness and size of the bag - BUT - it does hold a ton of gear, so that is to be expected.
This bag is great for keeping gear protected at home, or for taking to a shoot where you don't plan on carrying it around for a long time (the straps are just too uncomfortable for long periods of time IMO), and as a backup bag on shoots.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Great Features
- Lightweight
- Roomy
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
I'm a professional, but I could probably STILL shave just a few inches off of this pack, mostly depth wise.
The design is fantastic, the durability seems great, and very importantly the protection for gear is paramount (partly resulting in the pack's depth I'm sure). My only minor complaints are with the size, as I mentioned, and the straps. I could blame myself for the size since I didn't check it out in person. I'm a little confused as to why Kata's Bug 203PL pack is so similarly priced but smaller. I found this out after I went to B&H in person after my purchase to make sure I couldn't get something better. The straps at first seem excessive, but presumably another facet of endless customization should you desire.
In the end, I decided to keep this pack rather than get the 203PL. Both more bang for buck and greater flexibilty and room for growth. Superior design from what I can gather as well. I'm sure when the time comes I'll be glad I got the larger pack. It's ideal for someone really seeking customizing and strength to toss around. very stable, can stand upright. Not really for little people though. I could fit my field camera plus a bunch of other stuff in here. Great bag.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Comfortable
- Great Features
- Lightweight
- Roomy
Cons
Best Uses
- Outdoor Photography
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
Semi-Professional photographer use this backpack to carry my equipment around. Used many otehr styles and brands but noting cometes with this one. Light, all the space that I need and conspicous.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Roomy
Cons
- Not Enough Pockets
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Travel
Comments about Kata Pro-Light Bumblebee-220 PL Backpack:
This pack allows ALL your gear to come on the move with you, without being weighted down by a shoulder bag. It also fits in the overhead compartment of the plane.
- Primary use:
- Business
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- Original: $26.00
- Save: $11.10
- Price: $14.90
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