My first impression was that this bag is extremely light and roomy. I take a d300s and a 70-300 f4-5.6 lens and at least one wide angle (usually a tokina 12-24). The bag is plenty large for me to carry additional filters, flash, cleaning supplies etc, chargers and even my 10X42 eagle optics binos (all in the padded lower compartment). Fully stuffed, it was still a breeze to wear making it great for travel. I imagine once on location, most items can be stored to minimize weight in the field. I will be testing this bag in Costa Rica in September and imagine that weight will not be an issue. A hydration bladder would be nice but I can carry a 1000 ml nalgene in the side pocket no sweat (though a hydration bladder would be nice--I imagine it's next to impossible given the laptop holder). The top compartment is large enough for some food and a rolled up lightweight rainjacket. I do wish the rain cover was attached to the bag via a pouch on the underside--it's too easy to lose and carrying it around requires losing at least one pocket's worth of space.
Perhaps most importantly, the bag carries very well. I am a big guy (6'4" 225 lbs) and it is long enough for my torso. It fits close to the back while its design allows for free airflow--important when I'm walking through the desert. The hip belt is effective, but like most day pack type bags, not nearly robust enough (again, a weight saving measure no doubt) though I wish the hip-belt straps didn't taper so much (they easily get twisted). Properly fitted, 35 pounds of weight (as a test) was distributed perfectly. One thing however was that the aluminum frame would occasionally make contact with my shoulder blades--annoying on small hikes with little weight, but potentially problematic on long hikes fully loaded.
A few mild criticisms: One, the bag could be streamlined--the straps are really thin which probably cuts down on weight, but makes them more difficult to maneuver and it seems they get tangled easily. The hip belt adjustment straps are also way too long and are constantly getting caught on twigs, branches, etc.. Additionally, the front accessory pouch (one of the places you can carry a tripod) is just that--a pouch. Kata should add a few small pockets to hold filters and flash cards etc., in the event you don't carry your tripod there, it's just a big black hole.
Two, I'm not entirely sure what the spine guard does (I know what it's supposed to do) but it's flimsy and seems like a gimmick. It also makes opening the lower camera compartment significantly more difficult--I just took the spine guard out.
Three the foam harness takes some getting used to. I'm also apprehensive about the lasting power of the foam. After a few uses, there were clearly stress points around the shoulders where the foam bends and supports the most weight. It seems that the straps will develop cracks sooner rather than later. I think, large, padded cloth straps would have been a better bet.
Four, the tripod attachment seems to be an after thought--while it's there, the tripod bag is just another loose thing that can get caught/easily lost.
Five--this bag will get dirty! I like the light color--the bag doesn't heat up in the sun nearly as much, but setting it down, particularly in a wet/muddy situation will have it looking worn in no time.
Overall, I really like this bag for both it's modularity and comfort and think this is a good choice for those looking for a day hike/photo bag hybrid.
UPDATE: I've now had the bag several years and have taken it into the field many times including very hard/dirty/long trips to Costa Rica and Southern Thailand and the bag rocks. The straps are still holding up fine. The frame does continue to dig into my shoulders a bit but it's not bad. The tropics are what they are and it sucks carrying any amount of weight around in soggy wet conditions, but this bag makes it easier than most!
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This is my 2nd Kata bag. I also own (and still use) a DR-466. I needed something larger to hold my 70-200 2.8 mounted or un-mounted that was also a daypack. I had looked at the quick access offerings (Fastpack 350, Aero 85, 3N1-33, Evolution 8) but decided that quick side access was not that big of a deal. For me, a light, comfortable daypack type bag with plenty of space for gear is what really mattered. I also felt like the quick access bags were just a tad shy on the space I was after.I bought and returned and Aero 85, bought and returned a 3N1-33, considered the evolution 8, but kept coming back and eyeing this bag. I loved the space it offered and it appeared to be the highest performance as far as comfort (weight of pack, weight distribution, and air flow on my back). I also really liked the design. The one thing holding me back was the color. I looked for as many reviews as I could, and it appeared in some of them it was a little bit darker than the Kata produced images.
So... I ended up ordering it. I was really excited about what it could carry, the layout, and the comfort potential. After it arrived it did appear slightly darker, but not much. I immediately noticed the quality of materials and felt like I was in a different back pack/daypack league than I have ever been before.
So that was my thought process, this is what I think of the bag.
The color is fine and it's growing on me. It is light weight (until you load it of course). I am very extremely impressed how it distributes the weight and feels on my back. It is extremely comfortable and distributes the weight so well, it felt like I had much, much less gear in my bag. It felt that good on my back! My back did not get super hot like it has with other packs. You will still experience some warmth in certain temps, but that should be no surprise. But this bag is better than any I have ever owned (this is my 5th camera backpack).
The shoulder straps are super nice. I read some people are concerned, don't be. That same material I have had in one of their straps (can't remember what it is called, it was just a bag strap I bought a couple years ago for switching between shoulder bags and my 70-200 2.8 bag). Very nice straps, comfortable and they conform to your shape.
I don't care about the included camera strap. Nice idea if I use the loops for a camera I will modify something from the brands of straps I use.
Plenty of space throughout the bag. The top compartment is a nice size, plus the laptop sleeve is great for many things when not carrying a laptop. If your carrying a netbook then you have room for that and other stuff in that compartment.
The tripod mount is nicely done, blending in well and I like the side or back option.
Not sure what else to say, I am very impressed with this bag, glad I went for it, and am so glad I have it. I love the performance and functionality, as well as the layout and features. I personally would like an option for a slightly darker gray version, but it really is not that big of a deal.
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I've had this bag for about 2 weeks and used extensively on a recent field trip out of town with my daughter. I do have numerous camera bags, but I was looking for a travel bag that can double as a camera bag.Things I like:
Ergonomics: The bag has many pockets allowing you to carry a large DSLR (Canon 1D series), including 4 lenses, one of which a 70-200 f/4.0, an additional PS camera, charger, extra batteries, laptop, and a small compartment for day travel. The harness does a great job at distributing the weight on your bag,
Ease of use: All pockets and compartment are easy to get to, the adjustable belts are easy and quick to adjust.
Capacity: See above
Padding: Very adequate.
Weight: feels extremely light.
Things I do not like:
Color: just ugly color, I prefer darker colors, and more rugged looking exterior (similar to the 3-N-1 series)
Space efficiency: The lower padded section can be removed and a zipper opened to connect both the top and bottom sections providing you with a larger space, however the combined space is not padded, ergo defeating the purpose. I was hoping to stow a small tripod along the the camera equipment, but that is not possible.
Tripod harness: A vented somewhat rugged looking pocket can be attached to the bag and act as tripod harness/carrier. From experience, you end up losing any additional accessories that are not permanently attached to the bag. It would ave been nicer to provide for a permanent tripod solution.
Size: The bag is actually larger than it seems from the pictures on the web, however it does hold a lot.
Overall I am pleased with the purchase and would recommend it. I am planning on using it for an oversea trip to carry 2 cameras, few lenses and small accesories.
Honest reviews on Kata Bumblebee UL-222 Backpack -Gray
Purchased the bag about 2 weeks ago. Just made a trip from Arizona to Taiwan. Very comfortable and well balanced bag. I am short so I did require some adjustment to get all belts into the right place. It will take a few trys but well worth the time. Best to load up the bag with most of the equipment while making the belt adjustment. One critical point, be sure to adjust the belt that controls the amount of slack between the backpack and soft cushion strap. Makes a big difference on the bag rides on the back.Has the following in the bag:
Canon 5d2 (no grip), 70-200 F/4 IS, 24-105L, Sigma 50mm f/1.4, 580ex II, kenko extension tubes
Dell 15" laptop + power cord
Misc stuff for traveling and camera
There is still room for at least one more 6" lens.
No issue at all fitting the entire bag in the overhead compartment on Soutwest airline and Eva Airline. No issue with security regarding the Aluminum frame. Laptop was easy to pulled out and restored.
I did not have a tripod with me on this trip so I don't know how well the tripod holder works. Decided to put the monopod in the luggage instead.
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