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(More customer reviews)After doing some rough traveling with an unsuitable camera bag (the bag itself is very good; the use I gave it was wrong), I decided to look for something more adequate for those times when I am hiking with my camera, need to get in and out of cramped places, etc. I didn't want a regular camera backpack because of the weight and size issue, and also because I knew that I'd end up with it slung crooked on one shoulder so that I could easily reach the camera -- which is no good for a back that is not 100% on its better days.
The sling pack, aka torso pack, seemed like the ideal solution because it is MADE to be carried on one shoulder. In the Kata DT-213's case, specifically on the left shoulder (more on this later). Turned towards the front, it sits exactly where I need it to, so that I can reach in and grab my camera at a moment's notice. On my back, it is a comfortable little backpack that I hardly remember is there. The shoulder strap's length can be adjusted, so it doesn't matter if you have a longer or shorter torso. It is well padded and comfortable. Also, if I want, an adjustable and removable waist strap keeps the sling pack in place on me when I'm moving around.
Its zipper opens and closes quickly and with no effort, as it is a double one on either side of the flap, linked by a sturdy nylon cord. On the extremity there is a velcro tongue and also a plastic snap (which in my case is rarely closed), keeping the equipment safe and snug. The main compartment is surprisingly spacious. The larger division accomodates my Olympus E-30 + mounted 50-200 mm SWD f/2.8-3.5 perfectly. The two smaller divisions take the 11-22 mm lens, the EC 2.0 teleconverter and my flash. The two padded dividers can be moved or removed to resize the compartment and/or the divisions.
There are three outside zippered pockets. The roomier one will carry several memory cards and spare batteries. Another in the back lies flatter, so is only good for money, passport, etc. And a third pocket on the shoulder strap takes a cell phone, recorder or MP3 player. On its surface is a metal ring to which I can hook on my water bottle or geotagging GPS. The whole interior is bright yellow. This is something I love about Kata bags, because they never turn into black holes: you can always see in there and find what you're looking for.
As is standard, build quality and materials are first rate, and attention to detail is total, up to the rain cover. The whole bag is padded and I really feel my equipment is safe in it. I think I have found the perfect bag for day photo trips, finally.
The left shoulder issue: When I took the DT-213 out of its packaging, I thought, "Uh oh". I am left-handed and thought that carrying the bag on my left shoulder would make it awkward to remove the camera quickly. I do have to open the zipper with my right hand, but taking the camera out works equally well with either hand. Another detail, and this one for women only: no problem at all between the shoulder strap and my chest.
Sept. 2010. This bag has been everywhere and back and has proven itself sturdy, comfortable and practical. I've taken it on zodiacs and small boats and despite not ever putting the rain cover on, my equipment never got wet. It was also handled quite roughly a few times, and it has resisted very well. More importantly, it has protected my equipment perfectly. The 5* rating holds true.
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Kata KT DT-213 Digital Torso-PackThe DT-213 is a comprehensive sling torso pack which features unique TST RIB structural protection and is designed with style to hold and organize your compact camcorder or D/SLR and accessories readily accessible at any time and comfortable to carry. This unique torso pack allows you the option to either carry your gear on your back or on your torso, making it easy to switch in between to easily access your gear. Simply swing the bag from back to front to grab your main camcorder or camera for shooting. During long carrying durations a second balancing strap forms a triangle shape to the pack making it well balanced and comfortable to carry on the body.The main compartment holds a D/SLR with battery grip attached and up to 70-200 mm lens in top grip position or a compact camcorder while in the rest of the compartments you can use the dividers to store and protect additional lenses, chargers or other accessories.Two built in pockets along the back and side of the pack will store media cards, cables or other accessories while a phone/mp3 player pouch built into the main strap lets you stay organized while shooting. The DT-213 is the central element of the Kata EPH system which will allow you to connect it to several other compatible backpacks and waist packs to allow for multiple carrying possibilities and extra storage. The included rain cover folds neatly away into an integrated pocket and can be hung out to dry on the small buckle next to the handle, or tucked away for storage in one of the pockets. Includes Items: - 1 Large Divider - 1 Rain Cover - 1 Small Divider - 1 Elements Cover with Mesh Pocket - 3 EPH System Connecting Straps. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: external height: 11.02 in.; external length: 11.81 in.; external width: 6.30 in.; internal height: 10.63 in.; internal length: 10.24 in.; internal width: 5.91 in.; weight: 1.61 lbs.
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