Kata KT DL-3N1-20 3-In-1 Sling Backpack (Black)

I really struggle with camera bags. Like every bag I own, this one has some features that I like, but lacks some features that I want. I like lots of pockets and compartments for storing camera gear. This bag has one main protected compartment for storing lenses and/or camera. This can store either multiple lenses or my Nikon D800 with a 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens with a smaller lens, such as the 105 mm Micro. The top pocket can store quite a few items, such as light meter, filters, batteries, memory and so on with one small inside zipper pocket. There are two very small outside zipper pockets that I use for clean supplies. I like that the bag comes with a rain jacket and is fairly light weight. Another positive feature is that you can rig the pack to carry a tripod. Zipper quality remains a question mark. Finally, the price is right, hard to beat for the price. In the final analysis, I will stick with my Osprey sling bag. Even though it isn’t designed for cameras, it still remains closest to what I want.

I'll be honest, I almost sent this bag back when I got it. I got frustated with the configuration of the dividers to fit my needs, and the zippers which don't always operate smoothly. It also felt so light weight that I was fooled into thinking it was cheaply made. But I gave it a chance, and it turned out to be VERY well made and fits my needs perfectly.For those who don't know, KATA was founded by a couple Israeli special forces soldiers who were making their own combat gear. The company was later purchased by a huge photo equipment conglomerate, but that hasn't dumbed down the quality as far as I can tell. The materials are top notch, and they look and feel tough. Those fussy zippers appear to be designed to keep sprinkles and dust from entering the bag. (Zippers are working better after a bit of "break-in".) Of course, steady rain would call for using the included weather shield, which covers all but the straps. The padding is somewhat thin, but dense enough to protect expensive lenses, as long as you don't throw it around like an airline baggage handler.I sat myself down on the floor for about an hour and played with the velcro-attaching dividers and my gear. I have 2 small primes and two larger Canon L zooms. My goal was to be able to access all my lenses from the side zipper when the bag was slung horizontal in front of me. I finally made it work by turning a small divider sideways between the two primes. The original divider setup seems to assume that you'll pull your camera from the side and other articals from the front, but this is not practical or safe (easy to spill or drop gear). I also set it up so that once the DSLR is out, two divider "doors" on either side of the attached lens corridor open to reveal the other lenses. This works very well for changing lenses without setting anything down, which was a major requirement for me.I also learned to place frequently used filters in the upper side pocket facing me when the bag is slung horizontal. I do have to take the bag off to access the top compartment, opposite side pocket, and opposite side of main compartment, but the need to do this is not frequent. I just make sure to store things in these spots that I don't need often.The bag is comfortable to wear as a single-strap sling, but I have added enough weight in gear that I use the backback configuration with two straps for a long hike. Of course, access to the bag without setting it down is much trickier in backpack mode. I have a monster of aluminum and steel Bogen tripod and probably wouldn't use the optional tripod attachment because it would add too much weight, unless I got a lighter carbon fiber model (when I get rich).A LowePro Orion waistpack was my previous bag. It was very high quality and heavily padded and I used it for over 15 years. I could access ALL my gear by sliding it around to my front, but I was outgrowing it (no room for new gear). I have to say being able to carry on my back and still have quick access works much better than having my bag bouncing on my buns or the tops of my thighs as I move. I had to hold the LowePro steady if I wanted to run, but cinching the strap(s) down on the KATA (which adjust quickly and easily) allows me to run with my hands free (and nothing bumping my butt or upper legs).I've had the KATA for just over a month and have taken it on multiple outings without any issues. I don't expect to have any after closely examining the stiching. I would recommend the KATA 3n1 line if you need a medium sized bag that you can carry securely while on the move and still have quick access. My very first camera bag was a shoulder bag, and when it swung out, threw me off balance, and pulled me into a creek when I was hopping rocks... Well I found a better solution. $99 is a lot of money for a hunk of straps, padding, and pockets, but I carry over $3,000 worth of gear in it. So paying a little more for something well made is worth it, even in my stingy, economical brain.

The fit just wasn't right. Yes, I followed directions, adjusted straps, etc. But the fit just wasn't right and it never hung straight in the back. My son came over and we tested it on him ... it was perfect. So, it just isn't right for ME and that's the primary reason for the 2 stars. I also didn't like the "boxy" look or feel of it.Construction looks fine, zippers look secure. And I believe it would have fit my gear - SLR camera body, 70-200mm lens, Speedlite, another small lens and the essentials like batteries/cards/remote cable. I'm not sure transition from the back to front would have been easy, though, because the design is somewhat complicated. I prefer simple.I was disappointed because I expected this to work after reading other reviews. But ... Amazon's return policy was great; I returned it immediately and got a full refund. I'm still looking for a cross-body bag that will hang in the back while I'm walking/shooting.

I really like this bag. It looks smart, feels sturdy and holds my D7000 camera body and 2 lenses. It has about 4 different sized pockets/compartments other than the main section to store accessories such as extra batteries, chargers, filters, SD cards etc. You can rearrange the dividers inside the main section to fit the contents as you like. I can hook up a small tripod on the outside using the belts and buckles. So far (for about 9 months or so) it has held it's shape, I'll be curious to see how long the sturdiness lasts. This bag is good for carrying camera gear but not so useful if you are looking to have a hybrid backpack to go on hikes and such. I use this bag as my one stop camera gear backpack that I can pick and go when I travel so I don't have to think about whether I took all the accessories with me. But if I'm going on hikes, i usually just remove the camera and the extra batteries and take it with me.

Kata KT DL-3N1-20 3-In-1 Sling Backpack (Black) I returned it was flimsy not well built and way to small for my liking

Nice and cheap - compact. Fits a Canon T5i with 300mm telephoto lens attached, and has room for roughly two other lenses or more depending on their size. Two small side pockets at the top for 'stuff', and the top section is nice too - I put keys, cellphone and other small stuff there.I use this more as a backpack, however the side opening for a camera removal are nice. The way the body of the bag unzips is kind of weird and I am still unsure what the two quick clips on the bottom are used for other than to inhibit unzipping the bottom body of the bag. There are two nylon straps with sliders included but they do not have the ability to attach to the two bottom clips making them pretty much useless. You can use them to attach a tripod in a tripod bag to it.Overall I am happy with this purchase. It is certainly better than using an old book bag, much cheaper than one of the super smart professional bags. I really like the top section for holding stuff not exactly related to using my camera.

Got my old/ Original KATA 3n1 stolen during a break-in, and ordered this to replace it. There are a few things I like about the new one and a few I don't.Pros:Material is the same, and very strongAppearance wise it looks less like a camera bagHarder for a pick pocket to open the bagthere are now tripod holder strapsWaterproof cover still includedConsNo handle at the top of the bag,removed quick access buckles that allowed for easy opening,Zippers are not quite as tough as the originalOnly one pouch in the top of the bag vs the 3 earlier,Overall a fantastic bag!

Rundum eine gelungene Transportlösung für die etwas größere Ausrüstung. Sehr solide verarbeitet, Regenschutz ist auch dabei, angenehm zu tragen und absolut funktional. Und: der Rücken dankt für gleichmäßige Belastung.

It's a very good backpack, it has everything that I expected. Keep all my equipment in place and it is compact.

Excellent!

Nothing wrong with this bag.Did not work out the way I wanted. Returned it for a full refund.