Kata KT DL-GP-100 GearPack Micro Backpack for DSLR Cameras Reviews

Customer Ratings:
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I purchased this bag due to it's low profile and tie points for a monopod on the side. I'll be shooting at a crowded convention and I don't need a monopod whacking someone in the hall or elevator. I think it will be OK for this, but I can't really rave about it.

Pros:

I like Kata's yellow interior and the dimensions are almost perfect for what I intend to carry

Nikon 70-200 f2.8

Nikon 24-70 f2.8

Rokinon 14mm f.28

Nikon SB-800

Pocket Wizards, Rogue Flashbender XL Pro, a tablet and various batteries, filters and memory cards

Even thought it is very low profile, I think you can still squeeze a pro DSLR in there (like my D3s) occasionally.

Cons:

It's just not built for those heavy lenses.

It's too much of a squeeze with hoods (even reversed)

The velcro is light duty and I find the lenses slid to the bottom of the bag

There isn't a ton of padding at the back or bottom (Actually, this is OK with me, just something to think about)

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The Kata GearPack DL-100 is finally a camera bag that thinks like I do.

This is an incredibly lightweight camera bag / backpack. Compared to other camera bags I've used, this is a featherweight. As with other Kata bags, protection and padding isn't sacrificed for lightweight. They have managed to put padding exactly where it is needed.

I've struggled for a long time with my camera equipment. I have a Canon 7D, the big heavy 70-200mm f2.8 IS II lens, a fat, short and heavy 24-70mm f2.8 lens, a small video camera (a Canon Vixia), shotgun microphone, and a few accessories. The challenge has always been lens hoods and packing that camera with the 70-200mm attached. And then finding a simple way to cleanly swap lenses. This backpack is nearly perfect. It lays flat on the ground and the top flap zips open to expose all the compartments. The sides are rigid enough that equipment won't roll out of the bag when open.

The Canon 7D with the 70-200mm attached and lens hood flipped around, fits perfectly down the center compartment (a 300mm f2.8 would just fit in this bag). I am able to put the 24-70mm lens hood at the top of the center compartment. The 24-70mm fits perfectly in a side compartment. And the video camera fits perfectly on the opposite side. And my Cinevate quick-change plate (the Simplus) fits in another compartment. There are still a few small compartments for accessories. The shotgun mic fits just fine on top of the center compartment. There is enough wiggle room to change lenses. I can pop the camera and lens in and out of the slot quickly and easily.

The main body has double zippers so it is really fast and easy to get that flap open to access my gear. The top flap is opened with a single zipper. The top area is for small things, memory cards, pen, paper, and a cloth. Hard gear is not a good idea in this area. I was able to toss in two 500mL bottles of water and a paperback book. An iPad fits perfectly, although it should probably be in a case, there isn't a lot of padding in that outer compartment. A 13-inch laptop would be the largest I would put in that area, a 15 won't fit or be very well protected.

The pack is beautifully made. The armbands are wide and well padded. The back is slightly curved so it rides just right on my lower back. The loop handle on top is super strong and makes for a great carrying handle. The fabric is a rugged woven vinyl material that looks like it will wear like iron. The interior of the main and top compartment is a bright yellow. I really like that a lot. The main compartment is soft velvet felt like material that feels good. It is a pleasure to feel this material as I remove my camera.

I've kicked this backpack around. The padding is just that good around all sides of my camera equipment.

What I really like about this bag, the dividers were all in exactly the spot I needed them. I hate bags that give me a big package of Velcro dividers and then expect me to customize the interior of my bag. I'm just not creative enough to figure out the best layout. I end up putting those dividers in one way and then fight with them. No the case with this Kata bag. The two main dividers are absolutely perfect for my camera and I would expect most DSLR's. I've only had to move around the simple square compartment dividers.

The difference between the GearPack-100, -80, and -60 is pretty much length. They are essentially the same bag, except for the internal lengths: -100 = 16 inches; -80 = 13 inches; and -60 = 10 inches. The product picture with this Amazon listing shows how easy it is to pack that 70-200mm f2.8 in the center, with some space at the end; two lenses side by side, and a flash. The smaller models simply give up a little extra space at the end of the lenses.

I stood and looked at the 80 and 100 for a long time. I finally decided on the 100, for a very little more money, I got a lot more space inside the bag. I would say that the 100 is the right bag for somebody with a big wide 70-200 or 300mm. The 80 will work just fine for the 70-200, but would probably be a bit tight for the 300mm. And the 60 is for the kit lens or shorter focal length lenses.

After using this bag, I'm convinced Kata is safe with their guarantee of this being the lightest weight bag you can find with excellent padding. This is not billed as a waterproof bag, there is no weather cover built in. Looking at the zippers and how they are constructed, I would guess this is a reasonably water resistant bag. The armbands cannot be detached or tucked inside the bag. That is one thing I don't like as much, the floppy straps.

I really like this bag a lot.

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This is the camera bag I have been looking for. A Simple Bag for all my camera parts and accessories.

This is my second KATA bag and I love them both. They always have great quality bags.