Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack (Light Gray)

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

Finally, a backpack that is comfortable to wear even when I've stuffed it full! I recently filled it with a Canon 5D MarkII, 3 lenses (one 70-200),3 batteries, 4 cards, a Hoodman, an Expodisc, an Arctic Bufferfly, and a 17-inch MacBook Pro. And, it still fit into the over-head bin on a cross-country Delta flight. The zippers are durable, and the straps - and frame - are comfortable. Now I can sell all the other packs I've spent a small fortune on...only to be disappointed.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

This is a lightweight, well constructed backpack with storage for both camera gear and personal stuff.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

While visiting NYC for my 50th, had to see B&H in person (a must see!).My husband and I splurged on this bag because it seemed to have everything I had been looking for in a backpack camera bag (all-in-one for computer, lenses, cameras x3, plus room for miscellaneoous) AND that it would be all together for taking on airplanes. How majorly disappointed i was to be told on four different size planes, including 737, that it would have to handed over to the Sky Check folks (are you kidding me?)because it would not fit in overhead storage. Thankfully, the first time,I had a bag I could empty the contents into, and handed the backpack over. Then, I had to go prepared and each time was same.Now, there's no way I'll try again - what a waste of money. Otherwise, really liked it.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

I like the design of the pack with space on the top for personal gear. It easily fits a jacket, some snacks, and a flash bracket. I've got a D300s, four lenses and a flash in the main compartment, and there is still quite a bit more room. The computer pocket is quite large, and I use it to hold a water bladder when I'm out hiking without the computer. There are several small external pockets that I use for storing batteries, memory cards, the rain fly, car keys, etc. The main complaints about the pack are 1) It is fairly large, and I'm not sure it would be allowed on all airlines as a carry on, but it holds what I need it to. 2) The waist belt is really large. I'm not exactly petite (5'8", 140 lbs), but I have to cinch it down to its smallest size, and then it just fits. However, I've also tried LowePro and ClikElite packs and I had the same problem with them.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

This is a usefull size backpack with room for photography equipment plus some personal items. The top section could easily store additional photo gear if you provided protective cases or organizers. Left as an open area it is great for a light jacket, lunch, etc. My Nikon D3S fits snugly in the well protected bottom with room for lots of extras down both sides. Kata has very impressive workmanship and this bag looks fantastic. Kata spent some time thinking this design through. It is very comfortable. I think a backpack is a good choice for many outings and during those times I have not found one that can beat the "222" for my needs. Empty it is hard to believe how light it is and even loaded it is the most comfortable pack I have ever had on. All straps as provided are very long and will fit extremely large persons, or with a quick pull shrink to fit persons of lesser stature. The mesh between your back and the pack is great for hot weather. Kata you have impressed me. This is an a time I paid for a premium product and received what I paid for. If you do not need the personl storage, Kata has the "Prolight" dedicated fully to photot-gear storage. I recommend the "222" without hesitation. The silver looks fantastic.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

[...] I reviewed measurements before purchase but was concerned this pack might prove a little large for what I wanted. When unboxing it I thought it would have been perfect if 3" less thick but otherwise perfect. Placing my D3s into the pack it was obvious Kata knows what they are doing. The large Nikon fits perfectly but needs all the packs thickness as provided. I am a large man and all straps fit me so should go around anyone and Kata is the first manufacture I have seen to provide ample strap length. I tried many other packs including other Kata models at a local vendor and had e-mailed Kata prior to purchse regarding their strap lengths. (Kata customer service had responded timely to all my questions.) Empty it is hard to believe the 222 pack is so light. Quality of this product is in line with it's price. Comfort is outstanding. If using the camera straps from the shoulder harness it appears Kata selected on the side of caution choosing clips less likely to come loose and destroy a camera over instant ease of removal. Considering I saved for 2-years for my D3s I am happy with having to take a few seconds to get the clips worked off the loops and it seems easier after the first few times. Kata spent some time and thought on this bag and it looks fantastic. I read opinions that backbacks were not a good way to carry equipment but have never been please with any shoulder bag owned. I agree no one way to carry equipment is ideal all the time but for those outings where a pack makes sense I have not seen one better made, better looking, lighter or more comfortable. The mesh back support and air space between it and the pack will be appreciated on our hot Texas days. The extra space at the top of the pack is perfect for lunch or personal items and extra camera gear could always go there too. Thanks Kata!

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

The Backpack is superlatively suited for carrying my camera gear whether over land or through the airport security checks. It is roomy, having plenty of space to stash batteries and what not without being crowded, yet, it is wonderfully light. The comfort of packing the backpack can't be overstated - the integrated metal frame lifts it off my back, keeping me cool, the straps comfortably molded to my shoulders. And, it's really good lookin'. Highly recommended in spite of the cost.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

Very well done, good construction.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

holds everything i need for hikes and walks. great for travel. love the layout of the bag. protects everything. great overall bag. the only bad thing is the color. it gets dirty easily and shows it because its white/grey. would have loved it in a darker color

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

I have for many years used a LowePro Computrekker AW backpack and it has provided excellent service. However, over time my equipment has grown and now, with a D3 plus four lenses, flashgun and all the accessories that have somehow managed to find funding approval from she-who-must-not-be-named, it is now full to capacity and WEIGHS A TON. As I travel a lot, this is a problem as it becomes uncomfortable to carry after a short while. The Kata Bumblebee fixes this instantly. It is capacious, comfortable, lightweight and simply perfect. The inside compartments are well though-out and easy to configure and there are pockets aplenty. Slightly concerned about the scuff resistance of the light grey finish, but no problems so far. In sum, is this the perfect backpack? At the moment the answer is a resounding YES

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

This pack is awesome! I love all the compartments and is great padding. The pack is ultra light--surprisingly so! The aluminum structure on the back helps with the balance and ability to handle the weight. Really impressed! The pack was a little longer and wider than I anticipated, but with it's lightness, it's all good.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

I use it when I need all my lenses (ie. 80-400mm, 18-200mm, 24-85mm F2.8, 50mm, in addition to my speedlight, camera, filters, etc. I like the zipper inside pockets for safety in case the lenses fall out. I don't like the double compartment. My top compartment is empty and the bottom is tight. Even if I open it, the zipper only opens half of it. I also don't like the way it holds the tripod. It either too loose or tight and the belts are not easy to open and close.Finally, it came with a brochure of matching waist pack but it is not available anywhere. I think it is too much money for what it offers.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

I bought this pack to replace my aging Lowepro Computrekker, mainly for use in long walks/hikes and to carry my gear when I'm traveling.

First off, this bag is extremely good looking and appears to be extremely well made. Although the shoulder straps aren't made of fabric (they're a rubbery foam material), but I don't get the impression that they'll crack or tear or anything.

For me, the best part of this bag is the aluminum frame that keeps the back off your back and keeps you from soaking your shirt. I had a chance to test the real-world effectiveness of this while hiking in LA's Griffith Park and it was a remarkable difference from my Lowepro. The straps are also comfortable for hiking and infinitely adjustable, so you can find just the right fit.

Although I love this bag, there's a few things I would change. First, it has lots of pockets, but they seem like they were not designed by photographers...for instance, the Lowepro has clear, zippered pockets for memory cards and such, but the Kata has nothing like that, so you are forced to put memory cards in a bigger pocket with no way to keep them organized or held in place. Also, the waist strap is a bit thin and seems like an afterthought and, like others have said, the rain cover isn't attached, so it's just one more thing to keep track of.

All negatives aside, this bag is perfect for my needs and was well worth the relatively high price.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

I am not unusual. I need to safely store my photography possessions and I need to transport it securely, at times when I also want all my "stuff and my computer as well as my "usual" stuff,i.e cell phone, wallet, keys, papers.
My challenge, having recently acquired quality camera and lenses, was how to EASILY, SAFELY, COMFORTABLY store my gear and then carry it all with me,
I am a slightly built woman. Too many of the "sturdy" equipment bags are too heavy and bulky. Nor do i want to rely on the ubiquitous thin canvas tote or messenger type bags. The Bumblebee lets me carry EVERYTHING in Lightweight backpack which I find easy to carry with shoulder straps which have built in a harness making for distributed weight and the pack sits jus so slightly away from my back so air circulates. Movable, Removable,customizable thick foam padding let me fit in all my lenses ( Including a long , heavy telephoto) and DSLR and accessories. There is room for seven or more lenses. The computer compartment is not a stepchild but is well padded and secure. And there are zipper compartments plus a zippered center "well" with plenty of room for personal stuff.To be sure, this is not a slim girlie back pack but it is not a huge hulk, either and I cannot say enough about the comfort carrying it.The one possible drawback - although I am of mixed mind here- is light silver gray color. Handsome but I fear it will show the "schmutz" much sooner than if it were dark colored.
I have what I needed and wanted. I can pick up and go, travel with all the gear and at home, my camera and gear can "live" in the Bumblebee. I don't need a separate purse or computer bag. My large and small tripods and monopods can also be attached securely.
The bag is not inexpensive but my Macbook Pro and Olympus camera body and lenses do not deserve any less than the best.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

I use the backpack to carry my photograph equipment everywhere, it also has room to carry my extra stuff.
this bag is great because it has a well padded compartment for the camera and lenses, it's comfortable to wear, it has many pockets and brings rain cover and a tripod holder.
i haven't found a downside, I think this backpack is exceptional and has a perfect size to carry everything you want, plus you can convert it into a conventional backpack making the camera compartment off.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

Lots of extra pockets, places to put everything. I travel by air with my camera gear, fits under the seat, carries my lunch, ipod, phone,computer and all my camera gear. All in one place one carry on, all safely with me not under the plane. Have not hiked with it yet although it is very comfy around the airport.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

I have been looking for a nice book bag style camera bag for a while. I became a fan of Kata bags since I got one for my video camera and it was just what I needed.

After looking at a few bag makers I decided that Kata was still the way to go. This is a light bag with a decent construction, nice solid frame, and ample space for a smaller kit.

I can get my D90 with battery grip and about 5 to 6 lens ranging in size. 3 Medium to large size lens and 3 smaller lens. I also have my speed flash in the main compartment. I still have a little bit of room so I might be able to add one or two more smaller lens or a medium sized one.

The laptop compartment is nice and big, the personal item section is roomier than I had expected. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase.

One con that I guess I have is that when opening the bottom main section you really have to hold it open. That's not a major pain but it is a pain none the less. I believe the bumblebee 220's layout allowed you to completely open the face of the bag. Its not a deal breaker but it is something to consider.

Bottom line its a great bag with enough room for a smaller kit, its lightweight, sturdy, and designed well for the most part.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

If you want a pack that splits its main compartments into a place for photo gear and personal gear, this is the pack to get. Can't be beat for its ergonomics, build quality and storage options.

Extremely lightweight pack that will hold enough photo gear for an average consumer/prosumer and in many cases, even a pro. You can easily fit one body and up to three or four lenses in this (two if large telephoto lenses), a flash unit, and all the little accessories we all need - extra battery, charger, memory cards, filters, etc... I fit two bodies in the pack with four prime lenses, plus my flash, with extra room yet. There are seven pockets in total - counting the laptop sleeve, each with its own unique shape, or holders, so that everything you carry finds its right place - pens, notebooks, filters, food, clothes, etc... Plus, I use a Gitzo 2540EX with Cullman Magnesit 35 NM head, and with the included tripod carrier I carry everything I need equally balanced and in one pack.

The bag feels like it is rugged and high quality and ready for a long hike. To me, it looks great, fits great, and feels great. If the Bumblebee came an optional darker color, I would get that so my pack didn't show all dirt smudges and black streaks.

Kata is high quality and I highly recommend them. The included neck strap (which can attach to the pack's shoulder straps to take weight off of my neck) is super comfortable against my neck and incredibly light. It's so lightweight. I used the neck strap with a Nikon D200 and a couple of lightweight primes for a full day, and my neck wasn't sore or tired in the least.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

This bag is wonderfully designed and made, and will hold A LOT of gear. The bag really is surprisingly light for a full size pack, something you will certainly appreciate if you fill the pack with heavy photo gear. The rubber shoulder straps are a bit off-putting at first, but after a day of use they molded to my body and are much more stable and comfortable than traditional cloth straps. The bag has plenty of room for a light coat or other non-photo related items in the top compartment, but is sorely lacking in dedicated storage pockets for things such as extra batteries or memory cards. The neoprene water bottle pocket on the side is a very welcome addition and illustrates the amount of thought that went into the bag. Also, the spine guard thing seems unnecessary and made the photo section of the bag difficult to open, so I simply removed it. I have carried a medium sized tripod on it (manfrotto 190xprob) with no problem on the side of the pack, but anything larger would have thrown the pack offbalance. Placing the tripod on the center of the back of the bag distributed the weight better but removing the tripod to access the bag was a real pain. I bought the bag with a student discount and feel it was worth the price, but at full retail I would recommend holding it in person before buying to make sure it will fit your needs.

Comments about Kata Ultra-Light Bumblebee-222 Backpack:

Extremely light backpack; laptop holder fits my 17.4" inch screen. Camera is well protected. Lots of storage space. Spine guard is not very strong and I can imagine I will take it out for trips. I do wish the rain coat had a small pocket dedicated to itself. At this time I can only give it 4 stars because I have let to use it on a trip.