Oct 9 2008 --- This is not intended to be a thorough review but only a quick assessment of the new Kata 3N1-20 Photo Sling/Backpack. Here is Bogen-Kata's link of this bag http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=KT%20D-3N1-20&productDescription=3N1-20;%203in1%20Sling%20Backpack&curBrandId=BKT&market=MKT1 . It's main competition from Lowepro is the Slingshot 200 AW, seen here http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-200-AW,2035,4.htm . The SS 200 AW has enjoyed immense popularity since its release a few years ago while the Kata 3N1-20 is a fairly new release that sports some nice perks. Here is a very popular and informative YouTube video of the Kata http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI9ww1cSeSw

I already own the excellent Lowepro Flipside 300 [see http://products.lowepro.com/product/Flipside-300,2083,14.htm ] and was looking for a "sling" bag to go along with it. So I recently picked up both the SS 200 AW and the 3N1-20. Again, this is intended to be only a QUICK ASSESSMENT of the 3N1-20 (vis-a-vis the SS 200 AW), not a thorough review.

Let me begin with my conclusion: I like the SS 200 AW better overall, so I am keeping it. But let me tell you what I do like about the Kata over the Lowepro. First, it LOOKS much better. It has an advanced, robust, techie-look to it along with its bold black, red (strap), and yellow (inner paddings) coloring. It just looks mean and sleek and has that "ooh-ahh" look to it. Second, I like that it can MORPH from sling to backpack to X-style. Having a "sling-only" can get tiring after a few hours (especially if the bag is full), so it is real nice to be able to transform the bag instantly to backpack mode. Third, you can also make the sling work for either left or right-handed photographers. Nice! So these are the three main things going for this bag. But let me move to my gripes about it.

First, the bag is quite "technically-designed" and this makes for some difficulty in real-usage and doing things quickly. For example, the main use for both the SS 200 AW and 3N1-20 is accessing the camera/lens quickly in "sling" mode. With the SS, you simply sling it in front of you and unzip. With the Kata, you sling it over (and not as smooth as the SS because of one movable pad) and then you have to unzip, release a quick-snap, then continue to unzip. It just takes longer to do with more "steps" involved. In addition, the zippers don't fully close due to these quick-snaps on each side which block the zippers, so some elements can get through, albeit only a negligible amount for most uses.

Second, the top compartment isn't completely sealed off from the main camera area, so it is possible for fluids to seep through.

Third, I like that the SS has a *built-in* AW cover. The Kata simply has a little stand alone pouch inserted into the main compartment and you have to remove the cover from the pouch to cover the whole bag. You then need to find a place for the small pouch (which is not a hard thing). The quality of the SS cover is better too.

Fourth, the Kata, being so technically innovative, also results in too much "clutter" with straps and snaps and loose ends sort of all over the place. You can hide some of these things by packing them into the back area (think of a turtle), but it is just a "lot of stuff". The SS is just more practical and simple. I like that at day's end better.

Fifth, I like the feel and thickness and comfort of the SS better than that of the Kata, especially the main sling section. It "slides" smoother during the actual sling-motion, and it feels better when it sits on the shoulder. The quality just seems a slight notch up with the Lowepro unit.

Sixth, with the two snap-release buckles as an integral part of the sling feature, you can't really "open up" the entire main compartment to get at your equipment/lens easily. It's just hard to really get your gear in and out of the smaller sections of the main compartment. With the SS, you can unzip the entire area pretty much without the hassles of the snap-buckles. This is actually a big gripe of mine about the Kata sling.

So, while I REALLY like the LOOK and IDEA of the 3N1-20 (they also have a smaller and larger unit), in practical use I just like the overall simplicity and quality of the SS 200 AW. But try out the Kata for yourself; you may end up deciding the pros outweigh the cons. [NOTE: You can GOOGLE these bags and find plenty of comments and reviews, especially of the SS 200 AW.]