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Kata R-102 GDC Rucksack for DSLR Cameras and Camcorders | 
 enlarge | Brand: Bogen
Category: Photography
Buy New: Too low to display
New (5)
Avg. Customer Rating:  14 reviews
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4.7
Dimensions (in): 13 x 7 x 16
MPN: KT R-102
Model: KT R-102
UPC: 719821237792
EAN: 0719821237792
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | TST (Thermo Shield Technology): Layers of Woven Super Nylon & Closed Cell Foam Heat Molded into a Strong Exoskeleton Creates a Semi-hard Shock Proof Case | | • | Super Nylon: A Mil-Std. Double Cord, Water & Dust Resistant, High tenacity and Abrasion Resistance Fabric |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The compact R-102 is designed to hold a mini DV camcorder its accessories, like charger, batteries, cables and additional gear. The special design gives quick, separate access to the camcorder in the central compartment, while the rest of the equipment surrounding it remains secure. The R-102's ergonomic harness includes a unique shock absorbing system, 5-point adjustment mechanism and 2 C-Straps to take the camera load off your neck.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 9 more reviews...
 The Best DSLR Bag August 29, 2005
32 out of 32 found this review helpful
I am putting a Nikon D70 in the Kata 102 and while it is snug, I know I can put a larger camera in the section designed for the camera. Kata's product information states that the "R-102 is designed to hold a Digital/SLR body with 80-200/300mm lens attached, extra lenses or a mini DV camcorder and many more additional accessories."
I am not disappointed in the quality of this bag. It has YKK zippers that, for outdoor products, is the gold standard in construction. The stitching and material are top notch.
The R-102 comes with a system to attach a large tripod to the backpack. It consists of a "pouch" to hold 2 of the tripods legs and then a strap to hold the tripod securely at the top. You can still open the bag and all the zippers with the tripod attached. Another feature that is indicative of a well designed backpack is not only is there the "main" zipper that opens the pack in half but there is another zipper in the front of the bag that opens only enough to reveal the camera section and nothing else.
The bag is only one part of the "Kata system." I can attach a waist belt harness and additional "hip" and a shoulder type bag to the front of the waist sling if I wanted. It does not mealy have shoulder straps but a built in section of material that takes much of the weight off the shoulders and transfers some of the weight to the area between the shoulder blades. I have never seen anything like it.
The bag is not gaudy but close inspection of the bag might reveal that it is not a normal backpack. In addition, with the tripod attached it is pretty obvious what is going on. I feel safe in my town but for areas where there is a lot of crime one might consider a less "techkie" look the bag has for a more plain design (of course leaving the tripod at home). If a person put all the extra accessories on the bag you would definitely attract attention.
I like to ride my bike for exercise and fun. I used to use a shoulder bag that was not designed to be worn on a bike although I could do it, but because it was so awkward, I rarely took my camera with me. With the backpack, I have already developed the habit of putting it on before I leave my house. I have my camera and mini-DVD inside. If I know I am specifically going out to get pics I attach the tripod, if I am just going out for an errand or whatever I will still don the pack but leave the tripod at home.
I really like the bag compared to my shoulder bag. I can fit a sandwich in the R-102, attach a water bottle or whatever. In addition, it comes with a strap system and neck strap to hold the camera outside the pack, attached to the pack so the camera is not wrapped around your neck. This is really a great feature. The camera is secure but available for immediate use. This additional harness can be quickly and easily be removed when not in use. I don't like a bag with all kind of extra straps that hang down. In addition, I do not fly but I read that the bag complies with airline regulations concerning carry-on luggage. The K-102 will fit in an overhead compartment or under the front seat of a passenger jet.
The backpack's shoulder straps are thick and padded and is a pleasure to wear. I have been taking my camera everywhere with me and taking a lot more pics as a result. Loaded, it is not too heavy and can carry the right amount of goods. I have looked at other packs and while bigger they also look a lot more heavy.
I am very impressed with this bag.
How much stuff can this bag hold? February 16, 2005
8 out of 12 found this review helpful
The Kata bag (R102) was engineered to carry a LOT of stuff, protect it, and let you haul it comfortably around. How much stuff? We took our typical "on assignment" setup of camera gear + tool case and managed to put it ALL into the R102!
Kata is a company that designs, develops, and manufactures high quality "Carrying Systems ". KATA's products are mainly targeted for professionals in the Video-Photo, Defense - Security, and High-Tech Industries markets.
We think their gear are perfect for the type of traveling we love to do...rugged, but relaxed.
Go to [...] to read the full reviews.
This series of reviews will be done over the course of the next six months. The first in the series will be a look at the case itself, the second review will be our initial impressions after the first outing. The last report will be our "In the Wild" review where we'll detail our findings of how the gear hold up after a few months of use.
 Comfortable pack November 11, 2006
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
As soon as you open the bag you can feel the quality of the Kata-102. I'm comfortable my camera and gear is safely ensconsed with in the soft yellow padding and tough outer shell. I do wish there were more ancillary storage spaces for things like my Copperhill cleaning kit, camera and flash manuals, extra batteries, charger, various cables, etc. The inside of the cover does have a narrow storage compartment but it would be better if it was broken into smaller compartments instead of one big one. Things tend to fall out when you're lokking for something.
The straps are very comfortable and seem to displace the weight very well. It is a high quality product and should serve its owner well for many years.
Don't Be So Stingy With The Dividers Kata January 9, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I've been using this pack for a couple of months now and I have to say that my over all impression is positive. I was previously using a small Lowe Pro back pack that I loved, but that my system just outgrew. The reviews that I read on this bag were good for the most part, so I decided to give it a try. Build and material quality are top notch. The zippers are nice and heavy and of good quality also, though they were a bit stiff to operate when I first started using them. Hopefully they will eventually break in. I also like that the center section of the top unzips to give access to your camera without having to open the whole bag. All in all, it seems like a good pack, able to withstand quite a bit of abuse while providing decent protection for your equipment. Now for the aspects of the bag that I'm not particularly happy with. Although the interior is fairly roomy, only 5 dividers are supplied, two of which must be used at the bottom, one on each side to support the camera body. This gives you only 4 compartments around the perimeter for extra lenses and various other accessories. Sure, Kata will sell you a pack of extra dividers, but they're rediculously overpriced, and besides, the bag should come with at least two more dividers at a minimum. Also, the only extra pockets apart from the main compartment, are two in the lid, and are so small as to be all but useless. There's also a small pocket on the inside of the lid, but, again, it's so narrow that my camera manual won't even fit in it without folding it in half. Last but not least, this bag needs a waist strap. Sadly none is included. These may seem like minor nitpicks, but, taken as a whole, they seriously detract from, what is otherwise, a very nice bag. If I had it to do over again, I'd probably pony up the extra bucks and buy another Lowe Pro.
Well made and bigger than expected March 29, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
This bag is slightly bigger and bulkier than I thought it would be. It is about the size of a small carry-on bag. It will easily hold a large SLR with zoom lens attached and 3 or 4 lenses, plus a flash, and perhaps a small bottle of water OR a small SLR body OR pocket camera. If you carry those huge pro lenses, you might only get one or two of those inside and still have room for a flash. But for most of us, you can easily fit an SLR with zoom, 3 or 4 lenses plus a flash. Or maybe 2 or 3 lenses, flash, and a 2nd body. There are 4 pockets. There is a mesh pocket inside, on the underside of the trap door. It can hold memory cards, lens filters, etc. There is a large "horse shoe shaped" zipper pocket inside that encircles the zippered lid. You can fit a lot of small items in this pocket because it's pretty big. There are two zipper pockets on the outside, alongside the trap door. These two pockets are not very big. As an example you could probably put a can of Red Bull in each pocket. But, it would be tight. Biggest faults? There are no pockets on the exterior where you can simply slide a map or magazine. And things can easily fall out of the two exterior zipper pockets when you unzip them. The bag has a multitude of loops for hanging accessories. The shoulder straps are VERY thick and well padded. The best part? Extremely comfortable to wear. The section that rests against your back is, again, well padded. Therefore, you won't have anything poking you in the back as you are walking. The trap door is a great idea. You can access your SLR quickly without opening the entire bag. The good: Thick padding, very protective. Large interior zipper pocket. The interior is yellow, making it easy to see what's inside. Dividers are movable, so you can customize your bag. Handle is sturdy & comfortable. Has a canvas pouch for attaching a tripod. Top notch quality. Has a nice, high-tech, modern look. It holds it's shape and doesn't look crumpled and frumpy. Bag looks classy without screaming "camera".
The bad: Items can easily fall out of the two exterior pockets as you unzip them. Rather pricey, but VERY well made. The section of the straps that go over the top of your shoulders is VERY thick and adds to the overall bulk of the bag. This bag is perfect for people who want to take a day hike and have their camera gear with them in a safe and comfortable package. I am glad I didn't buy the bigger R-103 model. This Kata R-102 is plenty big enough for my needs. I would have given it 5 stars if there were just a couple more places to stash small items on the outside. Otherwise, it's terrific. I am very happy with it.
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