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Kata KT D-3N1-30 Sling/Backpack (Black) | 
 enlarge | Brand: Kata
Category: Photography
List Price: $189.00
Buy New: $124.95
You Save: $64.05 (34%)
New (5) from $124.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  4 reviews
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3.7
Dimensions (in): 12.6 x 7.5 x 17.7
MPN: KT D-3N1-30
Model: KT D-3N1-30
UPC: 719821289630
EAN: 0719821289630
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Easily convert your 3N1 from a right-handed sling to a left-handed sling or a backpack | | • | Features "Thermal Shield Technology" to ensure optimal camera protection | | • | Included rain cover folds neatly away into an integrated pocket | | • | Fast, one handed camera access with "Quick Release Buckle" | | • | Waist strap is included to provide maximum comfort to your back when using the 3N1 in backpack mode |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Why choose between a backpack and a sling when you simply can pick up one of the new Kata 3N1 bags and get the best features of each type of bag? These unique bags provide ultimate freedom designed with three carrying options in one bag: right-handed sling, left-handed sling and backpack. Quick access to a camera has never been faster with a sling that offers a quick release and one-handed bag opening for camera access. Left-handed photographers can celebrate as they discover the first photo bag that can be configured as a left-handed sling. When not in a situation that requires quick camera access, convert the 3N1 into an ergonomic and comfortable backpack. All these product features come in a package that includes the unique combination of protection , light weight and style that has become Kata's calling card.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Overall Excellent Full Sized Photo Backpack/Sling September 4, 2008
17 out of 17 found this review helpful
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. I may end up getting something smaller for occasions where I won't be using the large zoom - perhaps the 3N1-10, W-94, or one of the DR series packs. Definitely Kata, though.
 Kata Sling/Backpack October 15, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a functional, well-made backpack that swivels from my shoulders to my chest so that I can readily get to my equipment. There is sufficient room for a long telephoto lens plus other lenses. The padding is thick and protective.The bag works well for carrying my large dslr and lenses. I recommend it.
A large well built camera bag October 26, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Why did I buy the Kata 3N1-30?
I've given up on the quest for the perfect camera bag and now realized that I need several camera bags just like I need several lenses. For a short day trip a small camera bag suffices. However, I needed a bag that let me safely carry multiple zoom lenses, a camera body, battery chargers, and a GPS for a 10 day trip.
Does the bag hold the equipment safely?
On our full flight it fit easily under the seat. There are basically two compartments in the bag. The interior main compartment is 11.6" x 6.3" x 11.8". The manufacturer claims that the bag will hold A D/SLR with battery grip & long-range zoom lens attached as well as, 5-6 lenses, flash + personal gear. Will it? If the 5-6 lenses are prime lenses--definitely. It is a bit harder if the lenses are professional zoom lenses. However, I did manage to get a nice long (400mm f4) zoom and a wide angle in the bag along with a couple of prime lenses. Of course with a bit of creative packing I also got a GPS and a couple of chargers into the main compartment. The equipment is protected by padded dividers--Kata calls this its Modi-Vers System. The system allows you to create compartments that meet your requirements. The divider can be cut with scissors to any desired size. Attach the newly cut divider to another divider or the walls of the bag with a Velcro connector. The top compartment is quite roomy and can hold chargers, memory cards, and even a paper-back book or two for the plane trip. The two side pockets are easy to access and can be used to hold filters, and an extra set of batteries. They do bulge into the top compartment and steal space though. I truly wish Kata had put an easily accessible external pocket big enough for the paperback book, plane tickets, and maps. I hate opening the top compartment everytime since I'm afraid I'll spill all the other items in that compartment.
A really neat feature is the removable Media Kit. You can use it to store memory cards or batteries and remove it from the bag (it's attached with Velcro) when you need it.
The Kata 3N1-30 does include a rain Cover is included to protect against rainy conditions. The rain cover folds away into an integrated pocket. Without the rain cover the bag is not 100% sealed against moisture. There are a number of points where the zippers do not meet and leave a small hole through which rain could enter.
Is the bag easy to carry?
The bag weighs 3.3 lbs--fully loaded a lot more. It is made easier to carry by the well padded straps and the option to carry it three ways. It can be carried as a sling bag on either the left or right shoulder or as a backpack to spread the load. Frankly, getting in and out of the plane I used another option, grabbing the bag by it's top handle and walking along the narrow aisles. I just had to be a bit careful about not tripping over the dangling straps. In backpack position and "X" position you can comfortably carry your equipment for long distance walking when needed. The included chest belt and balancing hip strap helps take the load of your heavy equipment off your shoulders.
unique camera bag October 30, 2008
This bag is a combination of sling bag, backpack and traditional carry bag. It's multiple uses and capacity are what appealed to me. It can be worn as a sling bag (either shoulder), two strap backpack, or carried with the comfortable handle on top. It is easy to get at the contents, and it is not too large to fit in airline overhead compartments. KATA bags are always well padded, and my precious camera gear is safe. There is a fairly large compartment at the top that can be used to store just about anything (lunch, a jacket, etc.) that adds to it's versatility. Note: it does not carry a laptop.
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