The black MiniBee-120 PL Backpack from Kata may be designed to be compact, but it carries more than its weight in gear and provides more than its share of functionality. Don't be deceived by either the name or size since this pack is rated to hold a DSLR (without grip) with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, plus 6-8 additional lenses, flash, accessories and will even accommodate a 13" (33 cm) laptop. For the videographer, it can be counted on to hold a compact camcorder with all its accessories. Aeriform Dividers permit you to sculpt the "guts" to conform to whatever gear you need on a given day. For ease of use, the pack can either be opened completely or divided into two sections - upper and lower for organizational purposes. The Aeriform Dividers and Cocoon Pouches to help you get yourself sorted out gear-wise. All this is supported by a strong aluminum frame that is comfortable to carry via its Gecko harness that is molded EVA foam with 3D tapered thickness so as to provide extra cushioning where it counts.
The pack itself is made from rugged RipStop nylon that is weatherproof and is also complemented by an "Elements Cover" that both protects the pack from rain/snow but can also be used for heat deflection if the silver side is deployed. Moreover, you can use the silver side as a reflector during portrait sessions.
The tripod holding system can be used either on the back or sides for your traveling comfort. Kata has even provided a neat little water bottle pocket so you'll never be thirsty while on a day hike.
Carrying the MiniBee is easy using Kata's fully adjustable molded Gecko harness. Or, grab it by the top carry handle for rapid removal from a car or closet. It also accepts Kata's Insertrolley (sold separately) so you can load it on top of other Kata cases when rolling through an airport, parking lot or navigating narrow hallways during a gig. Just slide the MiniBee's sleeve over the Trolley and you're off. For additional storage space, the pack will also accept Kata's optional EPH System that enables you to attach additional bags to the backpack thereby increasing its footprint and enabling you to take along extra gear. As a final touch, there is an external organizer pocket for small personal items like phone, documents or wallet. The rear padded compartment is for your 13" laptop, iPad or netbook.
The Kata MiniBee-120 PL Backpack is more than multi-faceted way to travel. It's like having a camera store on your back designed to give you complete and rapid access to your gear. Strong zippers with colored pull tabs make opening and closing simple. Adjustable waist belt and sternum strap help stabilize the pack that will give you years of faithful service. Kata bags are used with confidence world-wide by pros and amateurs.
Casio
Exilim Pro EX-F1, P505
Fujifilm
FinePix S5, Pro FinePix S1, Pro FinePix S2, Pro FinePix S3 Pro, FinePix IS Pro,
Kodak
EasyShare Z950, Z980, Z981, P850
Konica Minolta
Maxxum Dynax 5D, Maxxum Dynax 7D
Leica
V-LUX 1 S2
Nikon
D40, D40X, D50, D60, D70S, D80, D90, D100, D200, D300, D300S, D700, D1, D1H, D1X, D2H, D2HS, D2X, D2XS, D3, D3S, D3X, D3000, D3100, D5000, D5100, D7000, Coolpix P100, L110, P500, L100
Olympus
E-1, E-3, E-5, E-30, E-330, E-400, E-410, E-420, E-450, E-500, E-510, E-520, E-600, E-620, EVOLT/E-300 w/14-45mm zoom, EVOLT E-410,EVOLT E-510, E-P1, E-P2
Panasonic
Lumix DMC-G10, G1, G2, GH1, GH2, FZ8, FZ18, FZ40, FZ50, FZ100
Pentax
X90, K2000, X70, K200, K200D, Optio WG-1, WG-1GPS, K-x, K-7, K-r, K-5, *ist DL2, K10D, K100D, *ist DL, DS2, DS, KM, K100D SUPER, Optio RS1500, RS1500
Samsung
Pro 815, GX-1S, GX-10, GX-1L,GX-1S, GX-20, PRO 815
Sigma
SD1, SD9, SD10, SD14, SD15
Sony
SD1, DSLR- A100, A200, A230, A290, A300, A330, A350, A380, A390, A450, A500, A560, A550, A580, A700, A850, A900, DSC-H9, H7, H50, SLT-A55, SLT-A33, Cybershot DSC-HX100V
| Material | RipStop nylon |
| Type of Closure | Zippers |
| Exterior Dimensions | 11.0 x 18.3 x 12.6" (27.9 x 46.5 x 32.0 cm) |
| Interior Dimensions |
6.3 x 16.9 x 11.0" (16.0 x 42.9 x 27.9 cm) Laptop compartment: 1.6 x 13.4 x 10.2" (4.1 x 34.0 x 25.9 cm) |
| Tripod Holder | Yes - side or back |
| Waist Belt | yes |
| Carrying/Transport Options | Gecko harness system |
| Weight |
Max. Weight (with dividers): 4.5 lb (2.0 kg) Min. Weight (bag only): 3.1 lb (1.4 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 3 customers
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Comments about Kata MiniBee-120 PL Backpack (Black):
Overall, a good backpack, but it has some strange quirks that prevent it from being truly great.
The mini-pocket on the back, which houses the fasteners that the top of the tripod can connect to, is too small to actually hold the tripod straps. The pocket should be a bit larger, and the straps should be built in.
Same thing goes for the tripod pouch on the bottom of the bag. It should simply unzip from a bottom flap instead of having to take up room inside the bag when not in-use. That's also the case for the rain-fly... it's not built in, like on many other comparable bags. All these things take up valuable space on the inside when not being used.
The straps are made of a strange material that's too grippy. They're comfortable enough (so are normal padded straps, btw), but their odd grippyness make the bag difficult to take on and off.
Some of the interior dividers lack velcro felt on one side, which can prevent you from setting up the inside of the bag the exact way that you want. Why did they make that design decision? I have no idea.
Other than those nit-picky things, the bag is great. It's very roomy and fits my gear well, without looking massive. It's also made very well, and is quite sturdy.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Kata MiniBee-120 PL Backpack (Black):
Bought this backpack to store/carry my Canon XA10 and all my gear. Works great and is very versitile! My first Kata purchase and Im very impressed with the quality. Love the tripod holder!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kata MiniBee-120 PL Backpack (Black):
Extremely comfortable bag with lots of room. I can store a body, 70-200 2.8, 24-70 2.8 and some other small lenses along with flash all the main compartment. Plenty of room for smaller accessories as well. Great idea for holding your tripod as well. Great bag and I am very pleased with it.
Displaying reviews 1-3