Kata D-Light LighTri-310 Torso-Pack -Black Review

Customer Ratings:

I was looking for a small camera bag to take on an overseas trip with me (to put in the carry-on). It needed to house my:

Olympus PEN E-P3 12.3 MP Live MOS Interchangeable Lens Camera with 14-42mm Zoom Lens (White),

Olympus MSC Lens MSC 40-150mm R f4.0-5.6 for Digital PEN Cameras,

Olympus MCON-P01 Macro Converter, and

A spare battery (STK's Olympus BLS-1 Battery 1800 mAh).

I don't even remember the number of bags I looked at, read reviews for, etc. Somewhere someone mentioned a Kata bag as an alternate choice and so I went to check it out. After reading another set of reviews, looking at the manufacturer's website and the different sizes they offered, I finally settled on the LighTri 310. When it arrived, I could hardly believe that the box UPS delivered contained a camera bag it was just so light-weight and small. Mentally already preparing to have to send it back, I opened the package and was actually surprised by the spacious interior and small footprint this bag offered. Here are my thoughts on the LighTri 310, in no particular order:

PROs:

Extremely light-weight. Before seeing this bag, I thought my Lowepro Rezo 110 AW Camera Bag was not too heavy but the Kata beats it with ease.

Narrow depth. The problem I had with the Lowepro was that it was a bit too deep to comfortably store in my carry-on and be able to also get all the other stuff in that I needed for the trip. The Kata makes this exercise a lot easier.

Bright-colored interior. Things don't get lost and are quickly distinguished from each other.

Good weight distribution. Even fully loaded with all of the above, the bag feels quite comfortable when worn.

Rain cover which covers the front and top of the bag in case of a downpour.

Small exterior pocket is useful for spare batteries and maybe a USB cable (Note: It is too small for the charger unless it is a very compact one with no cable attached).

Sufficient padding while at the same time flexible enough to be squeezed a bit. It is a happy medium between a rigid and a soft bag but more on the soft side.

CONs (not too significant but wanted to mention them anyway):

The one thing that bugs me the most (and is the reason for the 1-star deduction) is that the interior divider cannot be fastened just anywhere inside the bag. Only roughly half the length of the two interior sides is of a material the divider can adhere to. The other half is slick nylon which one cannot fasten the Velcro-d divider to. This interferes with the usability of the bag as cameras with long lenses cannot necessarily be accommodated if one plans to also carry a second lens in the divided compartment. In other words: The camera compartment cannot be made long enough in such instances. When my 40-150 mm lens is attached to the camera, it fits very snug indeed, and the divider is almost not attached anymore because it is forced over to the nylon half of the bag by the length of the lens...

The rain cover is great I just wish it could be stored inside the bag in much the same manner Lowepro stores its rain covers (in a small "flap" on the outside of the bag). As it stands, the Kata cover must be attached via its plastic carabiner to the outside of the LighTri, or inside with/underneath the camera/lenses. Both ways are not too convenient the cover or the camera would get wet before the cover could be attached.

I wish the shoulder strap was at least slightly padded and could be removed. I like to take off shoulder straps when I travel for the simple reason that it is more space-efficient to fold up the strap separately from the bag.

SUMMARY:

Despite the few issues I see with the LighTri, I think it is a great and well-made bag for anyone who is looking to go light and does not want to bring all of their photographic equipment with them. Would buy it again.

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I don't like bulky camera bags. I don't carry a lot of gearprefer to be somewhat of a minimalist. I suppose that's why I resisted getting any sort of DSLR until recently. Finally took the plunge and bought a Panasonic GH1. Someday, I will get the 20mm lens, but for now will have fun with the 14-140. So I was looking for a bag which would hold my GH1 with an additional lens in the future and maybe a flash (though when I get the 20mm lens, I probably won't use the flash much).

I was debating between this and the 312wasn't sure from the description if the 310 would be big enough. Well, it definitely is big enough. If fact there a couple ways to fit the camera into the bag, depending on your preference. And there will be plenty of room for the 20mm lens. Plus I could easily fit another battery (if I decide to get one), SD card, etc. It BARELY fits the camera and a flash (with no room for the 20mm), so if you want to carry a flash at all times, I would suggest going bigger.

The strap is nice and lightweight and I've adjusted it so that the fat parts sit on my shoulder with the camera on my back and on my side. I'm guessing the 312 strap would be a bit more comfortable (it looks like it's padded), but I don't mind carrying my minimalist setup all day. The double zipper is nice for quickly taking my camera out, but it takes a bit longer to put it back in. Overall, it's just what I was looking for!

Best Deals for Kata D-Light LighTri-310 Torso-Pack -Black

Used for my Sony nex-5n compact system camera. Fits body and two lenses (one 55-200) perfectly plus an extra battery and lens cleaner. Included rain fly is useful. Light and comfortable. No regrets.

Honest reviews on Kata D-Light LighTri-310 Torso-Pack -Black

Very convenient for a DSLR, a prime lens and a zoom lens. Great design and comfortable to carry and use.

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Most camera slings are giant bags that don't work for mirrorless shooters. Thus a compact sling like the Kata LightTri-310 is highly desirable to make the most of the size advantages that mirrorless cameras make possible. Since everyone's requirements vary, I'll state mine clearly: I wanted a sling that keeps both my hands free when I'm not shooting, is waterproof or covered in case I get caught out in the rain, is just big enough for a mirrorless camera (I have a NEX-6), a lens, lens cleaning supplies, and a spare battery. Finally, it had to be high quality, look good, have usable ergonomics, and be durable. I ordered and sent back quite a few bags until I found this little gem.

Since the pros and cons have been covered well in other reviews, I'd just add that this is not for shooters with lots of equipment or complex needs. It is, however, ideal for maximizing the all-day comfort and quality that the mirrorless camera revolution has brought to photogs everywhere. It fits essentials and gets out of the way, and will likely last. Would buy again.