Kata Bumblebee UL-222 Backpack -Gray

This is my 2nd Kata bag. I also own (and still use) a DR-466. I needed something larger to hold my 70-200 2.8 mounted or un-mounted that was also a daypack. I had looked at the quick access offerings (Fastpack 350, Aero 85, 3N1-33, Evolution 8) but decided that quick side access was not that big of a deal. For me, a light, comfortable daypack type bag with plenty of space for gear is what really mattered. I also felt like the quick access bags were just a tad shy on the space I was after.I bought and returned and Aero 85, bought and returned a 3N1-33, considered the evolution 8, but kept coming back and eyeing this bag. I loved the space it offered and it appeared to be the highest performance as far as comfort (weight of pack, weight distribution, and air flow on my back). I also really liked the design. The one thing holding me back was the color. I looked for as many reviews as I could, and it appeared in some of them it was a little bit darker than the Kata produced images.So... I ended up ordering it. I was really excited about what it could carry, the layout, and the comfort potential. After it arrived it did appear slightly darker, but not much. I immediately noticed the quality of materials and felt like I was in a different back pack/daypack league than I have ever been before.So that was my thought process, this is what I think of the bag.The color is fine and it's growing on me. It is light weight (until you load it of course). I am very extremely impressed how it distributes the weight and feels on my back. It is extremely comfortable and distributes the weight so well, it felt like I had much, much less gear in my bag. It felt that good on my back! My back did not get super hot like it has with other packs. You will still experience some warmth in certain temps, but that should be no surprise. But this bag is better than any I have ever owned (this is my 5th camera backpack).The shoulder straps are super nice. I read some people are concerned, don't be. That same material I have had in one of their straps (can't remember what it is called, it was just a bag strap I bought a couple years ago for switching between shoulder bags and my 70-200 2.8 bag). Very nice straps, comfortable and they conform to your shape.I don't care about the included camera strap. Nice idea - if I use the loops for a camera I will modify something from the brands of straps I use.Plenty of space throughout the bag. The top compartment is a nice size, plus the laptop sleeve is great for many things when not carrying a laptop. If your carrying a netbook then you have room for that and other stuff in that compartment.The tripod mount is nicely done, blending in well and I like the side or back option.Not sure what else to say, I am very impressed with this bag, glad I went for it, and am so glad I have it. I love the performance and functionality, as well as the layout and features. I personally would like an option for a slightly darker gray version, but it really is not that big of a deal.

I'm not really sure what to make of this bag. It's pretty. It's very light. It has a lot of very well thought out pockets for non-camera things. The straps are very comfortable. Overall, there are a lot of very well thought out parts to this design.Then there are several not-so-well thought out parts. First, it is made for a 17" laptop. Yes, the description is clear, but I frankly bought it in spite of that. I can't imagine lugging a 17" laptop very far. I need to fit a 9-12" laptop, which unfortunately seems hard to combine with lots of camera gear.Second, the bag is very, very, deep. Kata calls it "width", and it is almost 12 inches. The interior compartment is 7.5" to accomodate a pro-size SLR, but in return, it means that a lot of other things will flop around. If you have a non-pro size SLR it will not fit very well. I personally want to keep a 24-70 lens mounted to the camera, and a 70-200 in the compartment. The 24-70 and camera will have a couple of inches of vertical space, and the 70-200 has almost four inches of space to move around because the compartment is so deep. I think the only way I would feel comfortable carrying the 70-200 in this bag is if I propped it up on top of a bunch of bubble wrap, which seems to somehow defeat the purpose of the bag. The bumblebee is just so deep that it does not have a good way to carry lenses very securely. Even carrying a 60mm macro lens vertically leaves several inches for that lense to jump around in. In addition, the exterior width of 12 inches is three whole inches more than the legal carry on size so you may not be able to carry this bag on with some airlines.Finally, the flap for the camera compartment is very poorly designed. It won't stay open so you will find yourself doing something to force it open while you are accessing that compartment. It ought to be possible to include some kind of strap or something to keep that flap open.I'm a bit disappointed in this bag. I had really hoped it was going to hold a standard set of lenses more securely than it does. It may work very well for you, but I am returning mine.

I've had this bag for about 2 weeks and used extensively on a recent field trip out of town with my daughter. I do have numerous camera bags, but I was looking for a travel bag that can double as a camera bag.Things I like:Ergonomics: The bag has many pockets allowing you to carry a large DSLR (Canon 1D series), including 4 lenses, one of which a 70-200 f/4.0, an additional PS camera, charger, extra batteries, laptop, and a small compartment for day travel. The harness does a great job at distributing the weight on your bag,Ease of use: All pockets and compartment are easy to get to, the adjustable belts are easy and quick to adjust.Capacity: See abovePadding: Very adequate.Weight: feels extremely light.Things I do not like:Color: just ugly color, I prefer darker colors, and more rugged looking exterior (similar to the 3-N-1 series)Space efficiency: The lower padded section can be removed and a zipper opened to connect both the top and bottom sections providing you with a larger space, however the combined space is not padded, ergo defeating the purpose. I was hoping to stow a small tripod along the the camera equipment, but that is not possible.Tripod harness: A vented somewhat rugged looking pocket can be attached to the bag and act as tripod harness/carrier. From experience, you end up losing any additional accessories that are not permanently attached to the bag. It would ave been nicer to provide for a permanent tripod solution.Size: The bag is actually larger than it seems from the pictures on the web, however it does hold a lot.Overall I am pleased with the purchase and would recommend it. I am planning on using it for an oversea trip to carry 2 cameras, few lenses and small accesories.