Kata R-101 GDC review

Kata produces high-quality bags and cases for photographers and videographers alike. Apart from Lowepro, it’s probably the best camera bag I’ve seen and used so far. With experience in military equipment, you can’t go wrong using their carrying solutions. I’ll be reviewing the Kata R-101 backpack, which is in the GDC range, apparently their top-end one. Note that this is a pretty lengthy and detailed review, so be prepared for a lot of photos.

How I Did The Test

I bought the bag in late July, it’s been used quite often since then. Therefore, this review is largely based on what I think of it throughout the usage. I subjected it to some abuse during the hike, some on purpose to test its ruggedness and durability. Of course, information on fabrics, material, etc are from research online.

Exterior

The exterior employs extensive use of ballistic nylon, originally developed by DuPont for the purpose of clothing protecting the wearer from bullet shards. The material is abrasion-resistant, which is good so the bag does not really show wear. Ballistic nylon is also tough and water-resistant. The downside? It’s actually very heavy compared to other types of nylon.

It’s unique design earned it the nickname of Ninja Turtle. It’s either love or hate with this bag. It’s a pretty compact bag, in fact the smallest of this model. Bigger ones are R-102, R-103 and the largest being the R-106.

Front quarter view. Although it might seem very deep, it doesn’t fit a camera with a battery grip.

The hard ribbed outer part of the bag, located in front which looks like some sort of shell is actually the TST feature from Kata. TST (Thermo Shield Technology) provides protection from shock at parts of the bag that are subjected to it apart from providing protection from moisture.

The zippers are tight at first, but loosen up upon usage. They have a “hood” over them to prevent liquid from entering the main compartment.

Looped sides. I have no idea what are they for, but my best guess would be for attaching a tripod/monopod, which I think requires the tripod holder which is not included. It could also be add-on loops like the Lowepro SlipLock system.

For extra weather protection, the R-101 comes with a two-sided reversible elements cover. Two sides are black and silver, black for protection against the rain and silver for reflecting away heat. The silver side can also be used as a photographic reflector. The elements cover is not built-in, unlike Lowepro. It comes in a mesh bag, which can be hung outside the bag for drying. I haven’t got the chance to test the effectiveness of this.

Harness

The shoulder harness on the R-101 is generously padded. A neoprene flange is positioned to be resting on the user’s shoulders, giving extra support and wicking away sweat. Sternum straps give even more support and comfort. Kata’s Reflex E or Reflex C camera straps are compatible with the R-101 by attaching to the shoulder harness, taking the load off your neck. I have the Reflex E but I just can’t be arsed to swap it with the standard EOS strap yet. The ribbed back is firm and comfortable. It actually comes with two 25mm straps meant for the waist but I don’t really know how to attach them. Not that I actually use waist straps on any bags.

Notice the EPH tag? It shows where the EPH system is attached to the bag. EPH attaches W-92/W-94 at the bottom of the backpack, giving waist support and more space. Very smart idea, just that I’m not prepared to spend that extra RM 400 on the waist pack.

Access to Compartment

There’s the main access to the camera compartment by opening the whole front part, revealing everything in the bag. There’s also a pretty neat quick access option, which opens around the TST to reveal just the camera. Of course it’s no where near the Lowepro Primus or Fastpack in terms of agility of usage but it’s still useful in situations where you don’t want your lenses to drop out of the bag.

Interior/Compartments

The interior compartments are mainly lined with Kata’s trademark Yelloop fabric, which treats your equipment with really soft fibres that don’t mark the cameras. It’s yellow in colour to contrast with small bits that might have came off (like a hotshoe cover), making them easy to spot. Yelloop is actually anti-static, good for protecting electronic equipment.

Ample space, unless you’re probably a professional, which of course I’m not. But then again most professionals use shoulder bags, unless it’s an assignment that requires hiking or anything similar. The padding is thicker than Lowepro’s standard closed-cell versions. Positively, it gives more protection. Negatively, it cuts off some space. Those foams (or Moldi-Verse) can be detached and relocated around the bag, giving personalisation. Kata sells these Moldi-Verse foams in forms of kits just in case they’re needed.

A notebook compartment is at the back of the backpack and will fit a 13.3″ Apple Macbook. I don’t have a Macbook so I use the compartment for filters, camera/lens caps and the elements cover.

Large separate side pockets can store multiple items. I use them for memory cards and the USB drive. The other side fits bits and pieces like my drybox key.

My usual setup. Fits a 400D with 17-40/4, 10-22/3.5-4.5, 70-200/4, 50/1.8, 580EX II. The extra space above the camera houses my Omni bounce. Of course, this can be swapped for another prime lens like an EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro. Also notice there’s more space above the 10-22mm. Two mesh pouches with velcro bases (for sticking onto the interior) are included but I don’t use them.

Extra full-length pocket on the inside, opposite the camera and lenses when closed. I put cables, chargers, a card reader and extra batteries when travelling here.

Conclusion

If you like the design, want superb build and finish, well thought out features like the Yelloop fabric, reversible elements cover, great materials, that EPH system and TST tech, and don’t mind the rather heftly price, this bag is for you. If it’s too small for your stuff, consider the bigger R-102, R-103 and R-106. The R-103 is Digital Camera Magazine’s Editor’s Choice for travel camera bags. I picked it over the Lowepro Vertex 100AW, which is somewhat a competitor. Of course, features and build quality are superb, Lowepro’s standard issue. I just didn’t quite like the Vertex’s four-sided shape that makes it look exactly like a luggage bag. Okay, it’s good as a disguise but for that purpose, I’d go for the ThinkTank Urban Disguise range (the name says it all heheheh) which are actually shoulder bags but ThinkTank has a shoulder harness which enables it to be carried like a backpack. It’s a really deceptively spacious bag.

Want it? I recommend you purchase it from Yamiya E-Store here if you’re from Malaysia. The owner was at YL Camera when I was buying it and recommended it to me. If you’re from elsewhere, try Adorama or B&H Photo which are in the US. Of course, the bag is cheaper there. No, I don’t earn money for linking to those stores (: