This Kata bag (R102) was engineered to carry a LOT of stuff, protect it, and let you haul it comfortably around. Notice the padding in both the front and back of the pack. The back padding is especially nice since it keeps the gear from poking you in the back...particularly important when you are on a tough or rocky trail.

Take note of the rubber coated handle and the mesh lined backpack straps! The mesh on the shoulder strap helps with the ventilation and will reduce chaffing. This kind of attention to detail is found through out the entire product. We can't say enough about the excellent quality of this bag.

The hardware (zippers, clips, hooks, ties) are all premium grade. They adjust, swivel, slide, and stay exactly when and where you want them. The designers really thought about each detail and made their choices from the user's perspective...kudos!

The foam inserts all have velcro ends and thus are fully adjustible. I like this setup much better than the foam cutouts for the obvious reason that the case can be easily be reconfigured for other gear. We plan to convert this case for our AdventureCam at some point.

Another unique feature of this bag is the "quick access" panel in the center of the pack. The foam padded section is zippered to allow direct access to the middle of the pack...great for getting to the camera section without having to fumble with the entire pack.

The next segment of this series will show you just how much gear this bag can hold. We'll have a full "In The Wild" report for you after a few months of using this bag.

Kata is a company that designs, develops, and manufactures high quality “Carrying Systems ”. KATA's products are mainly targeted for professionals in the Video-Photo, Defense - Security, and High-Tech Industries markets.

We think their gear are perfect for the type of traveling we love to do...rugged, but relaxed.

This series of reviews will be done over the course of the next six months. The first in the series will be a look at the case itself, the second review will be our initial impressions after the first outing. The last report will be our "In the Wild" review where we'll detail our findings of how the gear hold up after a few months of use.

So check back periodically and see how things are going. We are as eager as you to see how this Kata Bag hold up to our abuses!

Reviews:

1. A Look At The Bag.

2. How Much Can It Hold?

Review Summary:

Initial Impression- Excellent

Usability- Excellent

Durability- Test in progress

Price- Good