interesting, though i almost never fly, plus i'm in Canada, so im saved from those pesky TSA rules.

Basically my only requirement its that its a backpack that can hold everything i own.

what ive learned from this is that pretty much everything works. I'll just have to go to a camera store and see what actually works for me.

kata also just came out with some sort of bumblee 210 backpack that "looks" like it'll give the 467 a run for the money. . .it can carry a 70-200 mounted, which is nice, and still have room to pack various things. . .don't know, the 467's top compartment makes it a great companion to a roller-carry on when traveling. . .

I've had a Kata 3-N-1 20 and it's been great. I just ordered a ThinkTank Harddrive backpack for the times I need a larger pack that can also hold a laptop. The ThinkTanks are kinda pricey but materials and construction are top notch.

thinktank certainly does, I've never jumped on their bandwagon, mainly because of pricing:http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/camera-backpacks.aspx.

To that end, I"ve been cautiously intrigued about the new retrospective line as a means to "combine" my get there and work there philosophy: the retrospective 30 can hold a mounted pro+70-200, several pro lenses, and an additional pro body.

But if you're hiking/biking, a backback is your only "true" option.

Personally, if you don't mind going light on lenses, the Kata 467 isn't that bad: I can hold my D90/70-200 2.8/60 2.8/35 1.8 all unmounted in the bottom compartment. Mounted, I can hold the D90+35 1.8/24-70 2.8/50 1.4 in the bottom compartment.

I love the kata for travelling because it makes the security line easier with removing the laptop rapidly; fits underneath the seat in front of me (now with all the electronics in the seats, the under-seat area has become increasingly restrictive on JetBlue or American Airlines); and it has 2 D-loops that allow me to tuck a neck pillow on one-side and a tripod on the other :-)

Thanks. to be clear, im looking for a "get there" and storage bag.

the kata 467 and the 5x both seem like great choices, i've also been looking at the crumpler bags, which look great.

does thinktank make backpacks? i'd look at some of their roller or messenger style bags but i know that i'll do enough biking and hiking to make that unpractical...

I use "technically" two types of bags.

A "get there" bag - for that, my Kata 467 or Crumpler 7MDH; usually "get there" is an overnight trip/flight.

A "work there" bag - for that, a Lowepro Toploader or Domke F-3x.

I need to sell one in each category, as it's retarded I have so many bags, BUT you get the idea - very few bags can manage to do it all. I'm leaning towards getting rid of the Crumpler 7MDH as it's too close to the Domke F-3x in functionality; it's just so padded that I know I won't break anything if I throw it on the ground.

Good luck!

I currently use a Tamrac 5X and at times I find it bulky and hard to shoot with but it's awesome for getting my camera equipment and computer to the event.

I suggest looking at Tamrac they have great bags and hold up to almost any weather condition hitting you.

wanna go small?
I went for a belt system. Very versatile and adaptable to what you need for that specific trip.
I went for think tank (major advantage in the holster with the extendable lens thing)
holster + harnas = very small and you can do anything with it!
holster + belt + x = everything you can dream of
If the lenses are not big (read not bigger than a 105 VR with 1.7 tc on it or 18-200) then I would go for an extra speed changer. You will be surprised how much you can stuff in that little bag.
Of course the lightning fast is an additional bag...

wanna go for the latter:
For storage, I use a big camera bag/case. doesn't matter what it is, as long as it's big enough...and combined with the belt system, I don't need spacers/padding, I just work out of the case with the separate bags...

Hope this helps

any pro bag will do the work, just go to photo store and play with as many bags as You want. My favorite bag for photo storage is Lowepro Stealth Reporter D650 AW, although it will be too big for Your need IMHO. Think tank is also making some nice bags and backpacks.

Hey everyone,

I currently have a Kata 3n1-100( which i LOVE) but its starting to get cramped(D60, 3 lenses and a sb-600).

Also i plan to get a D8000(or whatever) and a UWA lens (either the Sigma 10-20 or Tokina 11-16) by then end of the year.

So i need to start looking for a bag that can hold 2 bodies, 4 lenses(if not 5) a flash and a laptop. also a tripod loop or pouch would be cool.

I am undecided on they type of bag i want: something to store and transport stuff or something to work out of.

I figure i'd rather go for the former as my kata 3n1 can still serve we when i'm out. Though i still want something as small as possible (given the requirements of course)

any ideas/suggestions?

thanks