Buy Kata HB-205 GDC Hiker Backpack for DSLR system or DV/HDV camcorder

Customer Ratings:

I originally bought the KATA 502 backpack because I was worried this one wasn't big enough, but the 502 is TOO BIG. it's over airline specifications and just generally gigantic. This one (205) is a much better sized option, with plenty of storage space.

In the main compartment I can comfortably fit my DVX100B, extra lenses, charger, batteries, two microphones, tapes, external hard drive, filters, and a whole mess of cables. My 17" widescreen laptop (in a sleeve/case) fits easily into the back and is well protected.

I have always gotten through airport security just fine, but I did have trouble the first time I tried to fit it in an overhead compartment. Now it's fine, I just learned not to overload the outside pockets when flying (empty them if you can). It gets pretty heavy anyway, so think about your back too!

Generally, a well constructed and designed bag. I bought it to eliminate the number of extraneous bags and cases I usually travel with, and it's perfect for that. Only took off a star because of my overhead troubles.

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This fantastic bag is a perfect fit for my DV production gear: A Panasonic DVX100 with several mikes, a wide angle extender and several smaller items. It is a tight fit, though, but I wanted to have the ability to carry the bag on board commercial flights. The next model up, the HB-207, is slightly larger with a top pocket and a laptop computer sleeve, but it's out of the question as a carry-on item.

The shoulder straps could use a bit more cushioning but two automobile seatbelt covers wrapped around them have solved the problem for me. I recommend you look into the Porta-Brace line of pro video backpacks before buying. They're the industry standard for video and film production and their products match or better the Kata's features at nearly the same price.

Finally, another good point is that the bag doesn't look too flashy or expensive, so you won't walk around with a 'rob me' sign on your back, like you would with some other video packs. The weather cover does have a very large Kata logo printed on it, though. Overall a good investment.

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I use this to carry an HMC150, headphones, mic, digital recorder, extra batteries, charger, couple notepads, my memory cards and a few other odds and ends.

Sounds like a lot because it is. This baby hold it all and looks fly on the inside with the dope yellow fabric. I like how it's customizable, though my setup is pretty much the same as the one in the example pic. For people with DSLRs this is probably a really nice feature (side note: I keep my GH2 in a different bag by Kata; that's right, I'm a lifer). Also, all the additional stuff you can add to this is pretty slick. I'm gonna be walking around with 16 cameras, 45 lenses and more, all strapped in and rigged up with the other bags and holders that clip on to this guy. Gonna look like one of them magnetic X-men freaks, absorbing all the camera gear on earth.

I've had it for several years and it doesn't show much wear and tear. It's pretty waterproof without the cover on, but it's nice that it has a raincoat as well. I got a matching one and now me and my homedog look ill cruising the streets. I got him on my back and I know he's got my back cause he's comfy as all get out, which is very important. You clip that little thing that connects the straps and your back is feeling straight up G, even with 30lbs of gear on your back.

The only problem I've ever had with it is that I keep my SD cards in the back zip-up pockets and I'm somewhat of an idiot and don't always remember to zip those parts. I hold it against the bag, personally, so yeah.

Seriously, I've loved this bag since I got it. I trust it to keep my babies safe and it does. A genius designed this thing.