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 enlarge | Brand: Bogen
Category: Photography
List Price: $185.00
Buy New: $109.95
You Save: $75.05 (41%)
New (9) Used (1)
Avg. Customer Rating:  45 reviews
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3.7
Dimensions (in): 13 x 5.9 x 17.7
MPN: KT R-103
Model: KT R-103
UPC: 719821251651
EAN: 0719821251651
ASIN: B0009PYV6K
Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Worked like a charm! October 3, 2008
My wife and I went on vacation this month to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. I would have had to drive 500 miles a day on average to do the vacation we wanted, so instead of driving, we took the AMTRAK Empire Builder from Chicago to Shelby, Montana and rented a car there. It was a really nice vacation, but we have a lot of baggage when we travel. Being a real geek, I have to have my camera and all it's accouterments, a laptop, an iPod, cell phone, car power converter and all the associated chargers. I had to keep my bags down to three that I could carry some distance, and my wife was limited to three as well.
Now that I have set up the scenario, I needed to change my camera bag to something that would hold all my camera and electronic stuff and also carry a carbon fiber tripod on the outside - I wasn't going anywhere without that! I have a sling-style bag from Lowepro that works well around town, but it would be of no use on this trip, so I started a search that ended with the Kata R-103. What a great bag! I even sprung for the InserTrolley so I could wheel it around when I got tired of carrying it, but that turned out to be of limited use. I did use it, but carried a smaller bag on my back at the time. I could have carried it the whole time because it is comfortable. Real comfortable after you get it broken in. Not only did I haul all my electronics about 7000 total miles in it, I even took several hikes with just the camera gear and tripod in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. While it is a little hard to get into and out of when I want to change lenses, it really did what I needed. Also, having the shoulder strap attachments for the camera was an extra bonus - that took all the weight off my neck and allowed my hands to be free much more often than if I would have had the camera on a regular strap because I would have been steadying and holding the camera often. With the Kata system, the camera almost becomes an extension of your body - you just have to be careful you don't turn quickly and knock someone out with the lens protruding from your chest, or the tripod protruding from your back!
All in all, I really like this bag and will probably replace my Lowepro with it even for day trips and around town. However, there are a few shortcomings you might want to consider. The outside pockets are few and small - I was able to keep my passport and iPod in one and a cell phone and a bunch of packets of LCD / Glasses cleaners in the other, but that was about it. Everything else I needed was inside and I had to take the bag off to get to it, especially with the tripod attached. Also, when opening the bag to get inside, I consistently opened the outside pockets as well. They were tight because of the small size, so I didn't lose anything, but I could have had I not noticed quickly. Allow a good amount of set-up time and watch the video on the Kata website so you don't have to fumble around with all the extra straps and stuff. It took me a little trial and error to get all my stuff stored properly and in a way that made sense (and balance!). The zippers were quite stiff at first, but they loosened up quickly with use.
I kind of wish I had bought the next size up, too, because I am about maxxed out in the R-103. I have a feeling I would be maxxed out in any bag, though!
 Awesome backpack! Comfortable, Cheap, holds a lot September 29, 2008
I was looking for a good backpack that'll protect all of my shooting gear as well as my 15" Vaio laptop. I tried several backpacks from different manufacturer, but nothing protects like Kata R-103.
This backpack is not too big but has enough space for 2 DSLRs, 1 flash, 3-4 lenses including one fast 70-200 lens, some lens filters, 1 rocket blower, etc. It comes with a nice neck strap that has built in pockets for 1 CF card and 2 AA batteries. As a bonus the backpack can hold a tripod too.
I guess when fully loaded (with laptop), it becomes too heavy for hiking or roaming around. Without laptop, it's the most comfortable backpack I have ever used.
The rain cover is nice, protects from rain/heat. Build wise, it's very sturdy and well padded (I think it has best padding).
Interior color is yellow, great for finding things in almost total darkness (I encountered such a situation while shooting a fireworks show)
I definitely recommend this backpack to all who need a safe, comfortable, sturdy medium size backpack. Kata products are great.
Solid! Comfortable, holds a lot. September 21, 2008
After reading several reviews, I decided on the Kata R-103. I needed a backpack to hold camera equipment as well as a laptop. This has met my needs. I can hold a macbook, a Nikon D300 with 70-200 lens, flash, a couple spare lenses as well as a small Sony HDR CX12 video camera, plus miscellaneous items (batteries, lens filters, cleaning supplies, etc). The outer shell is rugged, sturdy and well designed to provide protection to your valuables. Although I have not tried it yet, I should be able to attach my tripod and or mono pod to the back pack as well. The only real limitation is me (how much I', willing to carry over an expended period of time). The back pack can certainly handle it.
For traveling on airplanes, this R-103 comes in handy too, with easy access to the laptop (for security checks), whiles allowing you to carry everything in one bag. Before I has this back pack, I would carry two bags; a regular back pack (with laptop) and a camera bag.
The yellow interior makes it very easy to find each piece of equipment.
This is a very highly recommended product in terms of protection, convenience, and design.
Awesome backpack to portect my investment! September 16, 2008
I would have to say that the R-103 is amazingly awesome for my needs. I love to travel and I wanted a backpack which also carried my 15" Mac Book Pro along with my Canon DSLR, lenses, and all other accessories. Plus it also has enough space for my Canon HV-30 camcorder. I am definitely without a doubt completely satisfied with KATA brand bags and would not even consider purchasing anything else.
If your looking for a backpack that's well padded, well designed, and most importantly comfortable then look no further. For anyone that wants great protection for your investments, I highly recommend KATA!!!
Great bag functional, comfortable, practical. August 29, 2008
This is a great bag, I have a Canon 20D with battery grip, 70-200mm F/2.8, 12-24mm f/4, 28-105mm, 35mm, 50mm, card reader, macbook pro 15", bag of 24 AA batteries, canon 430ex flash, 250gb external drive, note pads, extension tubes, pens, and the power cord for the laptop in the bag. Other than being heavy, the bag fits comfortably, and rides on my scooter with me. Other than needing an extra divider or two, this is a great bag. Comes with nice camera strap, tripod carry strap, and several little pull tight bags that can stick to the inside with Velcro.
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