New Kata Revolver backpack

molested_cow · Nov 14, 2012

The Revolver-8 PL | Kata Bags

Interesting concept, but I wonder how well it works in real life. Looking at the way it is configured, I suppose the camera will have to be stored without the lens attached, or with a very short lens.
I currently use a Kata backpack as well. I forgot the model number, but it's the one that can change between a backpack and a single sling bag. Anyways, it has side access and the good thing about this "traditional" design is when I need to change lens, the empty compartment where the camera was supposed to be becomes the temporary place to park the lens that I just removed before I put on the next one. With this revolver design, I won't have a place to park the first lens once I dismount it from my camera. May be I am not understanding the design from what I see on the website.

Another thing is, my Kata held its form well for the first few months. Now, the inner partition foam pieces doesn't stay as they should. The velcro is giving up and the bag's overall shape isn't as well-held up as it used to be.
The revolver design requires the bag to hold its shape. If not, I can imagine the rotating motion to be rather difficult.

Derrel · Nov 14, 2012

They really,really need a video to demonstrate the fitness of their concept. I looked at their still photos and thought, "WTF??? Where's the video??? I need to SEE how this thing ACTUALLY works." I dunno...backpacks are so...not designed to "shoot out of"...they are designed to pack stuff to someplace, but once you get to that someplace...then the pack needs to be set down and worked out of...I dunno...I'd rather work out of a vest, or fanny pack, or a combo of those two, or even a traditional shoulder sling bag like a Tamrac, Kiwi, or even an old Domke F-series soft-sided canvas bag...

Maybe this new Kata design is the best thing since sliced bread...but what I saw was not convincing...maybe I missed a link to the video? They DO have a "Media" labeled page, but I could not find a link to this new-fangled bag on it.

I too wonder how it works in real life. So,so many products promise the world, but end up delivering far less than a township...

Overread · Nov 14, 2012

I've seen an animated GIF of it in an advert somewhere once or twice. The thing is it "sounds" like a neat idea, but honestly considering the lightness of the bag I suspect that it simply would not work under heavy use. Further I wonder if its going to be one of those features that basically won't work as well as displayed (ie actually turning the internal pouch might be all but impossible unless the bag is not only packed a certain way, but also held a certain way - rather defeating it if you've got it held at an angle (because you've not taken it off your back).

It looks more gimmicky than functional to me - or at the very least a hassle that defeats the speed its supposed to gain. I'd love to be proved wrong, but I just can't see how it would work reliably without adding a lot more reinforcement into the back structure (ie weight).

Thing is if you really want to be on the move whilst shooting - shoulder bag or a photo vest is going to be better. And if you're shooting in a more wild location you can always just wear the vest to location then slip the lenses from the backpack into a lens pocket once you're closer to your intended working area (that said heavy duty vests seem to do very well for holding gear and distributing the weight).

molested_cow · Nov 14, 2012

The thing with vest is, while extremely functional and convenient, it makes me look too much like a photographer.

2WheelPhoto · Nov 14, 2012

Must be same company that makes the baby backpacks i see the women wearing in the FRONT

TCampbell · Nov 14, 2012

I found a video on Youtube: Kata Revolver-8 PL BackPack Camera Bag - YouTube

Overread · Nov 14, 2012

molested_cow said:
The thing with vest is, while extremely functional and convenient, it makes me look too much like a photographer.

Thing is if you need a whole backpack to store your camera in chances are - you already look like a photographer

The Vest is then just another part of the uniform

Ps - noticed one thing I would dislike about that bag, it has no padded waist band, which means that the waist strap is almost useless unless you're wearing thick clothing, ok in winter, but a nightmare in summer when you might dress more lightly and then that waist strap, if set tight, will dig into you (esp if you've got some heavy glass).