Kata HB 207

[Fixer]

Has anyone used the above as a bag for their LF setups? I am considering it, the other choice is the Lowepro Computrekker AW or Plus AW.

[T Hoskinson]

Has anyone used the above as a bag for their LF setups? I am considering it, the other choice is the Lowepro Computrekker AW or Plus AW.

Not me! No way I'd try to drag that sort of thing up a mountain.

My current LF (8x10) bag:

http://www.gregorypacks.com/us/?opti...details&cid=21

Gregory Baltoro 70

Volume 70 liters

Weight empty 2.52 kg

Can comfortably carry up to 25 kg

[Fixer]

Not going to climb any mountains. It just for moving the camera around. Am using a Magmum AW now and its killing it. Mines a 4 X 5 Omegaview 45F. I have managed to pack it down into its various components. But would like a comfy pack to lug it along. What don't you like abt the Kata or the Lowepro? Is it the Ergonomics?

[Mark_S]

I have a Kata Panda 401 which I use for LF, mostly 4x5. It is sturdy, a good size, well made, and conveniently divided into two compartments. There is a little flap thing which holds my camera in the lower section, with open space on the bottom and sides, which helps to protect from impact. Very happy with the bag.

I have my 8x10 in a Kelty Redwing backpack, which is good, but doesn't provide the kind of protection that I get from the Kata.

[T Hoskinson]

Not going to climb any mountains. It just for moving the camera around. Am using a Magmum AW now and its killing it. Mines a 4 X 5 Omegaview 45F. I have managed to pack it down into its various components. But would like a comfy pack to lug it along. What don't you like abt the Kata or the Lowepro? Is it the Ergonomics?

Yes, the ergonomics. I do go up and down mountains with my LF cameras.

[CGross]

I have an HB-207 which I have loaded down with my Hasselblad setup and I do like it. It is not as comfortable as my Photobackpacker Kelty pack which carries my Sinar F 4x5, nor as comfortable as an Expedition 7 bag I have. The padding on the shoulder harness could be better and the waist belt is not designed for skinny people!! And it does not carry a tripod well.
I like it because of the configuration and protection I can get with it and the yellow makes it easy to see things. It looks huge on your back though...kind of like a turtle shell!!

I think there would be better and cheaper options for carrying your Omega. For example the Kelty packs that Bruce sells at Photobackpacker.com are very nice and I think the price is right.

[Fixer]

What abt the computrekker AW plus? The Kata and Lowepro are the option i have access to.. Getting the kelty or the photobackpackers will be too expensive.

[CGross]

I have no experience with the Computrekker AW. Lowepro packs have a very good reputation.
If you have access to them before you buy then I would take your gear and see which one would fit it best and feel the most comfortable.