First, be sure that you purchase the 467i and not the plain Kata 467. The "i" is for "improved" and Kata has added some useful features to the 467 which I believe makes this backpack the best one of this size. I don't believe another brand backpack with these same features exist...at least not for this price. I've never owned a Kata bag before, but I was familiar with their build quality and knew that they offer features that are well thought out. Currently, I have been through a total of four previous DSLR camera bags and I've finally found a keeper!
Features that sold me on the Kata 467i:
1. The Kata "Insert Trolley" slot for securing (sliding over) your carry-on luggage handle through while traveling.
2. Tripod/monopod/umbrella/water bottle lower mesh holder and upper securing strap
3. Lightweight (3.7 lbs) and high quality materials used throughout.
4. Bright yellow interior (every compartment, even the laptop area) for easily locating bag contents.
5. Top accessible laptop storage is much better than side accessible lap top storage (Lowepro FP 250). I no longer need to lay my bag on its side to get to my lap top. This Kata easily fits my HP DV6 16.5" laptop.
6. Center chest strap to relieve some of the weight from your shoulders
7. The padded floor of the top compartment unzips and folds up, allowing access to the lower camera compartment. This is great for accessing your camera when space is a concern. (coach airline seating)
8. Does not have the typical huge hip/waist belt to get in the way and dig into your back when its not being used (99% of the time), just a simple nylon strap and clips instead.
9. Rain cover is included.
10. The top handle is awesome and very comfortable carry when not having this strapped to your back.
Update:
It has been a couple weeks after purchasing this bag and I am still extremely happy with it. Now I should probably list what camera gear I normally fit into this. Nikon D90 with MB-D80 grip mounted to a Nikon 50mm 1.4 prime. Alongside that I have a Tokina 11-16 2.8 and Nikon 35mm 1.8 prime. This all fits in the lower camera compartment. A Nikon 70-200 2.8 (inside the Nikon zipper case) fits snugly in the top compartment parallel to the ground. There is a little room to spare on the top of this compartment too. After all that, there is still room for miscellaneous things like a small rocket blaster, small table top tripod, SD cards etc. in the front zipper pockets. I hope this helps!
Update 9 months later:
Still going strong. Since my last review I have sold the D90, MB-D80 grip, and 11-16 Tokina. Now using a D700 (no accessory grip) and 16-35 f/4. The 16-35 fits perfectly in the bottom side partition, and the D700 attached to 50mm f/1.4 fits with room to spare in bottom main compartment. Still an excellent backpack and highly recommended.
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Why the DR-467i: I was looking for a bag that could hold more accessories for long trips or a hike than my smaller sling bag. I don't own many lenses, so I knew I didn't need a bag that could hold a million of them. I also wanted to be able to carry an iPad. I purchased the Kata 3N1-22 ($120) first because it had the convenience of a sling bag that could also be worn as a backpack. However, I found it to be too deep for the compact Pentax K-x and regular lenses. My gear was able to jiggle around too much. The top compartment was surprisingly small for such a hefty bag. This was due to an inefficient use of space in the lower compartment, imo. It wasn't very easy to access some things, either. I then decided on the DR-series. I got the DR-467i ($80), in particular, because it could also fit my 17" MBP, and the "i" (improved) version holds a tripod on the side. I've decided this bag is a keeper, so here's my review.
First Impressions: In contrast to the 3N1-22, I was pleasantly surprised at how much storage space this bag has outside of the camera compartment while retaining a slim profile overall. Like any Kata I've handled, the build quality of the bag is exceptional and the brightly-colored interior makes small items easy to find, any debris easy to spot, and is soft, smooth, and protective. The zippers and tabs seem to be durable. It's easy to swing the bag around one shoulder to your chest and not difficult to access your camera from there. The bag also sits freely upright on the ground, so there's no need to lay it in the dirt when you take it off.
Lower compartment: This camera compartment fits 4-5 loose lenses and a body with lens. I don't have that many lenses so I keep the included Kata rain cover in this compartment, as well as spare batteries, charger, and my PS camera. The dividers are, of course, rearrangeable and of nice quality. When fully unzipped, this compartment pulls out far enough to be perpendicular to the bag, safely allowing you to access your camera gear with the bag laying flat, should you choose to. This compartment is also removable, allowing you to transform the bag from a camera bag into a regular one. It fits my K-x nicely.
Upper Compartment: They top compartment is spacious. You can fit several bottles of water in here! If you don't have that much to carry, the pull straps will compress the bag so that nothing bounces around inside. This compartment has a few organizer pockets, and it can easily fit an iPad in landscape or portrait.
Middle Compartment and Pockets: There's also a middle compartment that has a good bit of room. This is where I keep my cleaning supplies, including a big rocket blower, and there's room for more. The outer pockets on either side of the zipper for the middle compartment can hold extra batteries, memory cards, and filters. I have a few filters in individual cases in one and my IR remote and extra SD cards in the other. There are no dedicated card or filter holders on the bag, but these pockets work well enough.
Tripod Holder: There's nothing special about the tripod holder, but it is nice that you can conceal it when not in use. The mesh pocket that holds the feet stows away into a zipped pocket, and the strap that holds the top of the tripod is easily removable. I would prefer the strap to have a buckle, but I guess Kata was afraid of it coming off while you're using the tripod if you don't re-buckle it. The mesh pocket can also hold a water bottle when you're not carrying a tripod, however, Kata failed to include this mesh pocket on the other side, which would've allowed you to carry a water bottle AND tripod.
Laptop Compartment: Pretty straightforward. The manufacturer's description indicates that this bag will fit most 15" laptops, however, it does fit my 17" MacBook Pro quite well. The front and back of the compartment is safely padded. You can fit a hydration system in here, too.
The Back of the Bag: The back is comfortable when you're wearing it, although the shoulder straps could use some more padding. I bought some dark-grey sheepskin seatbelt covers to use on them. You might be okay with them, though; my shoulders got ripped up in the Army, so they're more sensitive to packs. The straps have a metal ring on each, made for Kata's Reflex E camera strap. The Reflex E can snap to the rings on the bag so that you don't have to wear the camera around your neck. The back has Kata's trolly loop, too, that they call InserTrolly. The waist strap is simple and effective. I've felt no need to have a padded one. Kata included an elastic strap-keeper on the waist belt but nowhere else. Needless to say, strap-keepers on the rest of the straps would have been nice. This bag is compatible with Kata's EPH system that allows additional bags to be attached to this one. There are four nylon loops on the bottom made for this. I wish Kata had placed these loops further back towards the center on the bottom of the bag, though, because they dig into my back if I don't flip them out first. They're all right if I make sure I flip them back. There's also one of these loops on the top near the carry handle.
Rain Cover: The included rain cover fits very well. It is secured around each shoulder strap by velcro taps. Although these velcro tabs are thin, they appear to do just fine. The cover is easy to get on and off, as well as stow back into itself. I have not tested it in a downpour, but I'm sure it's better than nothing, at least.
Conclusion: With only a few minor shortcomings, this bag's pros heavily outweigh the little cons. For anyone who isn't carrying a boatload of lenses but needs the option of packing for travel, hiking, or a long shoot, including a laptop and tripod, I think you'll be happy with the Kata DR-467i backpack.
Best Deals for Kata DR-467i Digital Rucksack -Green
Why the DR-467i: I was looking for a bag that could hold more accessories for long trips or a hike than my smaller sling bag. I don't own many lenses, so I knew I didn't need a bag that could hold a million of them. I also wanted to be able to carry an iPad. I purchased the Kata 3N1-22 ($120) first because it had the convenience of a sling bag that could also be worn as a backpack. However, I found it to be too deep for the compact Pentax K-x and regular lenses. My gear was able to jiggle around too much. The top compartment was surprisingly small for such a hefty bag. This was due to an inefficient use of space in the lower compartment, imo. It wasn't very easy to access some things, either. I then decided on the DR-series. I got the DR-467i ($80), in particular, because it could also fit my 17" MBP, and the "i" (improved) version holds a tripod on the side. I've decided this bag is a keeper, so here's my review.
First Impressions: In contrast to the 3N1-22, I was pleasantly surprised at how much storage space this bag has outside of the camera compartment while retaining a slim profile overall. Like any Kata I've handled, the build quality of the bag is exceptional and the brightly-colored interior makes small items easy to find, any debris easy to spot, and is soft, smooth, and protective. The zippers and tabs seem to be durable. It's easy to swing the bag around one shoulder to your chest and not difficult to access your camera from there. The bag also sits freely upright on the ground, so there's no need to lay it in the dirt when you take it off.
Lower compartment: This camera compartment fits 4-5 loose lenses and a body with lens. I don't have that many lenses so I keep the included Kata rain cover in this compartment, as well as spare batteries, charger, and my PS camera. The dividers are, of course, rearrangeable and of nice quality. When fully unzipped, this compartment pulls out far enough to be perpendicular to the bag, safely allowing you to access your camera gear with the bag laying flat, should you choose to. This compartment is also removable, allowing you to transform the bag from a camera bag into a regular one. It fits my K-x nicely.
Upper Compartment: They top compartment is spacious. You can fit several bottles of water in here! If you don't have that much to carry, the pull straps will compress the bag so that nothing bounces around inside. This compartment has a few organizer pockets, and it can easily fit an iPad in landscape or portrait.
Middle Compartment and Pockets: There's also a middle compartment that has a good bit of room. This is where I keep my cleaning supplies, including a big rocket blower, and there's room for more. The outer pockets on either side of the zipper for the middle compartment can hold extra batteries, memory cards, and filters. I have a few filters in individual cases in one and my IR remote and extra SD cards in the other. There are no dedicated card or filter holders on the bag, but these pockets work well enough.
Tripod Holder: There's nothing special about the tripod holder, but it is nice that you can conceal it when not in use. The mesh pocket that holds the feet stows away into a zipped pocket, and the strap that holds the top of the tripod is easily removable. I would prefer the strap to have a buckle, but I guess Kata was afraid of it coming off while you're using the tripod if you don't re-buckle it. The mesh pocket can also hold a water bottle when you're not carrying a tripod, however, Kata failed to include this mesh pocket on the other side, which would've allowed you to carry a water bottle AND tripod.
Laptop Compartment: Pretty straightforward. The manufacturer's description indicates that this bag will fit most 15" laptops, however, it does fit my 17" MacBook Pro quite well. The front and back of the compartment is safely padded. You can fit a hydration system in here, too.
The Back of the Bag: The back is comfortable when you're wearing it, although the shoulder straps could use some more padding. I bought some dark-grey sheepskin seatbelt covers to use on them. You might be okay with them, though; my shoulders got ripped up in the Army, so they're more sensitive to packs. The straps have a metal ring on each, made for Kata's Reflex E camera strap. The Reflex E can snap to the rings on the bag so that you don't have to wear the camera around your neck. The back has Kata's trolly loop, too, that they call InserTrolly. The waist strap is simple and effective. I've felt no need to have a padded one. Kata included an elastic strap-keeper on the waist belt but nowhere else. Needless to say, strap-keepers on the rest of the straps would have been nice. This bag is compatible with Kata's EPH system that allows additional bags to be attached to this one. There are four nylon loops on the bottom made for this. I wish Kata had placed these loops further back towards the center on the bottom of the bag, though, because they dig into my back if I don't flip them out first. They're all right if I make sure I flip them back. There's also one of these loops on the top near the carry handle.
Rain Cover: The included rain cover fits very well. It is secured around each shoulder strap by velcro taps. Although these velcro tabs are thin, they appear to do just fine. The cover is easy to get on and off, as well as stow back into itself. I have not tested it in a downpour, but I'm sure it's better than nothing, at least.
Conclusion: With only a few minor shortcomings, this bag's pros heavily outweigh the little cons. For anyone who isn't carrying a boatload of lenses but needs the option of packing for travel, hiking, or a long shoot, including a laptop and tripod, I think you'll be happy with the Kata DR-467i backpack.
I uploaded several pictures of the red DR-467i on its product page: .
Honest reviews on Kata DR-467i Digital Rucksack -Green
I was searching for the perfect versatile backpack...and this one is close. There is a lot to like about this bag. This is the 467i which is the improved version of the Kata KT DR-467 Digital Rucksack (Black). With the current rebate that is being offered for the 467i there is no reason, not even price, to purchase the Kata KT DR-467 Digital Rucksack (Black). The main "improvements are that the bottom camera padding can be removed and the center divider ripped out. This turns it into a regular backpack for when you are not planning on carrying all of your camera gear and are only tossing in your point and shoot. The other improvement is the mesh bag and strap which is designed to hold your tripod (As shown in the picture. Here the idea was good, but the execution was lacking. I will explain in detail what was lacking and what I have done to work around the issue.
WHAT TO LIKE
There is a whole lot to like about this bag. I was looking for a do it all bag. I wanted one that was large enough to carry 2 SLR bodies with battery grips attached and a variety of lenses, carry my 15" Macbook pro, have room for lunch and a couple of other things, have a way for carrying a tripod, be extremely durable, be comfortable and be less than $100. Additionally I wanted a rain cover...but figured I would purchase that separately.
The Many Good aspects of the 467i
1. Although when I first unpacked this bag I was disappointed at how narrow the bag was. I figured it would not fit all I wanted. When I opened the bottom section (camera compartment) it did not open very wide and I figured it would be a real pain to get the camera in and out of it. After pulling this section open and reclosing it several times it loosened up and seemed to fall out better giving good access to the compartment. What do I have it this compartment? 1 SLR with battery grip and 75-300mm zoom attached. Tamron 90mm macro lens with hood on, 380 EX flash, 50mm prime, set of 3 extension tubes, 18-55mm lens, 3 extra batteries. It is all easily accessible.
2. The computer pouch is very nice and easily accepts my 15" Macbook pro. It looks like it could probably handle the 17" version, but as I do not own one I have no way to test that. I feel confident my laptop is well protected.
3. The upper compartment has enough room to hold a second SLR, lunch, and a few other odds and ends. There are little pockets for other items. There are places for pens, a small notebook etc. I have one minor gripe in this section which I will address lower down.
4. This does have a strap for carrying a tripod, but his area is lacking. Please see next section.
5. The case is very durable. This is my second Kata bag and one of the things that I think they do best. Very sturdy. You know your gear will be well protected in this bag.
6. Comfort is quite reasonable, especially when you do not have it filled with everything you can fit in it. It does get heavy when fully loaded, and the waist strap is pretty worthless...also see next list.
7. The value of this bag is incredible. I was searching for a bag for under $100 and found this (with the rebate) for under $80!!
8. Bonus this comes with its own rain cover. No need to wonder if you ordered the right size for your bag!
My Minor Gripes with the 467i
1. I previously owned another Kata bag and the interior was such that you could put dividers in any position as the Velcro would attach anywhere to the yellow liner. I erroneously assumed this would be the same way. While the bottom compartment you are able to rearrange. The top compartment is lined with a smooth material that Velcro does not attach to.
2. The mesh bag for putting tripod legs in is too small. My tripod is only slightly longer than the one pictured but does not fit. I am able to get only 2 of the tripod feet in the mesh bag, and that is fully stretched. Even when I only put one foot in the mesh bag it is still difficult to remove the tripod. This is because the mesh catches on the leg release latches on the tripod. Basically this was a nice thought but does not work practically. I now use the mesh bag to carry a water bottle. The biggest water bottle I am able to carry is an 8 oz. Don't even dream of putting in a normal 16 oz. bottle. I have found a way to carry my tripod. I move it to the other side of the bag (this allows me to use the mesh for water bottle, plus the tripod on the other side balances better when only slinging this on my right shoulder) I take the strap on the side of the bag and slip two legs through it and then move the top strap and put it through the handle and tie off the top. This works much better than how they designed to carry a tripod.
3. My final gripe is that the waist strap is just a one inch thick strap that does not really help in carrying. Once this bag is fully loaded it is heavy and if you are hiking any distance it is nice to have a waist strap that helps support the weight. This strap has no padding and being so thin it just cuts into your waist. I had read elsewhere that it was removable, which I like, I just did not realize that it was completely worthless and should just be permanently removed.
QUICK SUMMARY
This is a durable bag with a lot of good features. It is an excellent value for the money. It does almost everything one could ask for, but it has some small design flaws that could be improved to take this bag from almost outstanding to truly outstanding. If those items were fixed I would take this from 4stars to 5 stars. I hope my experience with this bag will help you make an informed decision on your purchase.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Kata DR-467i Digital Rucksack -Green
PRO:
Exceptional quality, especially for the price. I don't know why, but similar bags, from other manufacturers, that offer comparable storage space typically cost 2 3x as much as this back pack. At sub-$100, this bag is a steal.
KATA makes good use of the space and the camera compartment can be removed to convert the bag into a "normal" back-pack. That being said, I don't think the rucksack will quite cut it as a school bag, per se, as the main storage compartment is still divided into two separate segments, not really making it possible to store text books or binders. But the digital ruck-sack definitely serves its purpose as a camera/laptop bag.
Well done, Kata.
CON:
I wish the rain cover wasn't gold, or was at least reversible with a "quieter" or more neutral color on the other side (like gray or black). I'd prefer not to walk around with a giant golden marshmallow on my back. It's a bit of an eyesore. :)
It would also be nice if they found a way to integrate/attach/conceal the rain cover onto the exterior (top) of the bag, like the hood of a raincoat/windbreaker is typically concealed into the jacket's collar... rather than storing it in a pouch inside the bag.
OTHER:
I can't really comment on its durability or build quality, as I've only owned the bag for a couple of days. I'm a little nervous about storing my camera and lenses at the bottom of the bag... as the bottom of a bag always absorbs the impact of a drop, but the camera "tray" seems pretty thick and reliable. Just be sure to have your lens caps with you.
The bag was shipped well, with each compartment stuffed with airbags to keep the bag "inflated", rather than folded, wrinkled and compressed to fit in a smaller box. Sure, the shipping box was huge because of this, but it was nice to not have to "break-in" the bag to get rid of that "new" look.
UPDATE (06/12/2010):
Bonus! I was wrong about this bag's ability to convert to a regular back-pack. Both the camera compartment and accessories compartment above it can be removed. I didn't notice the accessories compartment was held in place by zippers.
