Tamrac v Kata

I'm looking to change from my Tamrac Adventure 9 to another brand, possibly the Kata DR 467i backpack. A friend of mine uses Kata (not this bag though) and I've been impressed with it, especially as it comes with a raincover and a few extra pockets.
Is anyone else using Kata bags for their kit? If so what is your experience of them?

I've used a Kata 467i for the past six months. I've found it comfortable, robust and fairly immune to water especially with the raincover. As the camera comparment is in the bottom half it would take a real downpour for it to become wet even without the raincover. The upper dual-purpose compartment is a little more exposed.

The padded camera compartment isn't that big, though. Fine for a camera and a few limited lenses but big zooms would be a squash. However, the acid test for me is how long a bag like this lasts. If it's still going strong after 2-3 years of tough and frequent use then I'd be well pleased. At the moment, too early to say. A plus for me is that it doesn't look too much like a camera bag saying "valuables inside". I haven't used any other make of camera-carrying backpack, so have nothing to compare it to.

Thanks for your reply

I'll be using a K-7 with grip and kit lens attatched, probably have a flashgun and a smaller zoom or two, for example the 50-200mm WR or 55-300mm DA-L.

I've used a Kata DR-467 for almost 2 years now. Upon arrival I was suspicious of it's durability and protection because it is very light compared to similar backpacks from other manufacturers and the main straps seemed to have weak stitching where they exit the top of the bag. I can honestly say that after a lot of heavy use my fears have been entirely unfounded.

In terms of capacity it swallows gear - I can get more in this bag than a LowePro CompuRover AW which is physically larger. I usually carry a K-7 with Pentax 16-50, Sigma 10-20, Pentax 50-135, Sigma 500 flash, 4x Hi-Tech filters, spare batteries (K-7 and AAs for the flash) and a battery charger in the bottom compartment. In the side and middle pockets I keep a polariser, memory cards, memory card reader, Cokin filter holder and a few adapter rings for the filter holder as well as a beanbag and the waterproof cover. That still leaves the top compartment for a GPS, pens and cleaning cloths with room to spare for travel documents or sandwiches etc. I use the cup holder on the side to carry a smallish tripod (Velbon Ultra Luxi L) with the top of the tripod through the compression starps - I understand the DR-467i has a proper tripod holder strap for this. I don't normally carry a laptop so I keep a foamie sit mat, a lightweight waterproof jacket and a black bin bag (because you never know when it will be handy for kneeling on, throwing over gear etc!) in the laptop compartment.

I've travelled a lot with the bag, including such abuses as 2 days of dog sledding in Sweden and a trek to the top of Snowdon in a torrential downpour and it has never once let me down. The stitching on the straps is still secure and all the buckles, zips and dividers are working fine and in good condition.

On the negative side, there is a small hole for some personal stereo headphones to exit at the top of the pack which can allow in water if it's raining and you don't have the waterproof cover on. The waterproof cover is not integral like on the LowePro bags and is also prone to slip off the top as the shoulder straps can push it off.

I've tried other backpacks from Naneu Pro and LowePro and still come back to the Kata. If ever I break this one, I'll buy another.

AFAIK Kata photographic bags are a spin-off from their main business - making equipment for the Israeli army - so you can expect light weight and durability, etc.

I have three Kata bags (two of the holster type and one backpack type).

The design and quality is first class

Just bought my first Kata last month and I like it so far, really light and comfortable and it holds a lot of gear.
I do feel that the Crumpler bags are a bit tougher make but I don't question the quality of the Kata bags though, they just feel a bit more delicate and sophisticated.

I never had a Tamrac though so can't compare it to them.

Thanks for all your advice

I've now sold my Tamrac Adventure 9 to a colleague at work so will be looking for a replacement, it will definitely be a Kata so have just got to try some out

Rob