backpacks comparison - which one is better?

i am looking for a good backpack, and did some researches over internet, and narrowed down to 3 bags (unless someone can point to me a better option, that will be thankful)

I am looking at either:
Lowepro Flipside 400AW
Lowepro Fastpack 250
Kata 3n1-22

I am considering comfort, storage space (other than camera - ie.. bottle water, laptops, etc) , easy to take out camera, durability, security (safety) [i.e. not easily been pry open from the back unnoticed),..

Anybody uses these bags before can give a honest opinions?

Thanks

I have the 400AW. Main reason I bought it because equipment is accessed from the back. No chance for people to steal from the front instead.

I like the 400AW, but only complain is it doesn't hold much and on a camera such as D700 the height isn't deep enough.

u can try lowepro computrekker aw.
Not bad.
can bring a lot of gear.
but 1 thing i don like is the bag too big...
Haha...

View it here http://www.google.com.my/search?q=lowepro+computrekker+aw&hl=en&rlz=1C1GPCK_enMY366MY367&prmd=ivns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=5GetTdKeH5D6sAOxyuiSAw&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CA0Q_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=653

PLEASE BUY LOWEPRO!!!! T.T

desmondlau wrote:PLEASE BUY LOWEPRO!!!! T.T

u got commission frm lowepro ah ? ahahahaha

dear whykay,

i have a 3n1-33, its bout the same as the 22 version, oni size diferences. d 22 holds a netbook i suppose, d 33holds a 15''.. from my usage of the 33, i find it very easy to access my gears. u aint hv to take ur bag off ur shoulder to reach for ur camera or a frequently used lens or even the rain cover if it pours suddenly unless u want to reach other lens or equipment u hv to take off ur shoulder. its pretty much secured too in my oppinion, theres two clips to unclip before one can unzip ur bag, even if they unclip it n they stil have to reach for the zips. it has room for a lot of gears, and 2 camera bodies with lens attached (one has to attach a shorter lens).

the comfort is acceptional, with 3 carrying configurations, normal backpack, sling or 'X' style. but i think one will never like slinging heavy gears and 'x' style seems to be more secured during long walks or journey.. it also comes with a waist belt too. the top compartment has lots of space for ur filters, cleaning gears, a 500ml water bottle or 2.. or perhaps a spare raincoat..
the material used is pretty sturdy, at least me banging it, or scratching it against rocks or bangs during outings, its stil in nice shape. no harm to gear. d paddings were also acceptionally light and offer much protection and dampings.

d drawback however lies on the tripod carryin capacity. kata wants you to spend extra cash bout rm66 to get a holder for the tripod which is attached to the bag itself. when u dont carry a tripod, u can opt to put a water bottle there theres also a trolley slot but once again, kata wud want u to buy the slot for easy carrying at the airports or whatever.

i rate the 33 4/5 which i think d 22 is worthy too.. if u do plan to upgrade ur gears in d near future, do consider the 33.

however so, there are some other great bags out there, dont be to focused on the brands above.. try this http://www.bagexposure.com/. i dont quite remember which forum member posted it, but credits to him.

my review r based on kata 3n1-33, which i reckon is pretty much the same as ur 22..

that website has got several interesting backpacks and prices that are pretty worthy. happy buying hope u'l find ur perfect camera bag.

thanks, derek...

i dun not bring my laptop/ notebook out, but mayb my ipad only..thus 33 is out, (too big)..then 22 is an option..

about the tripod, without the tripod holder, the kata bag cannot actually hold a tripod ? really ?

mmm, i see. hence the 22 wud b a good fit. u can.. but its a makeshift method which really stress the bag. theres a loop right below the upper handle, near the top compartment.. clip or tie it there.. nother way is to fit the tripod in btween the top handle. but tripod holder aint much of a prob, since tripod do come with bag these days.. i personaly rather carry the tripod seperately, can act as a weapon too, especialy so much camera thieves loacally.. placing a tripod at the bag or by the side of the bag will affect the weight distribution which in turn will cause u to have aches at certain part later?

btw..is the size of lowepro fastpack 250 almost same as kata 22 ? i think the price almost the same...just that lowepro does not support 'X' way of carrying the backpack

among those 2, i think ur better of with the kata.. its more spacious anyway. fastpack looks pretty cramped? best way is to compare both side by side prior buying. then u'l knw which is best for u.

i usualy carry a smaller sling if im just out on short trip.. the kata r for longer trips.. so getting a bag depends on ur usage n purpose.. if its only for small amount of gears, thn smaller bags are better

i browsed the internet, and found the dimension (int and ext) for kata 3n1 22 and lowepro fastpack 250, almost the same...

not sure which shop have both items, so can compare side by side..many shops sell only either lowepro or kata...

anywhere in KL sellling these 2 brands together? any ideas ? so can check

go hunt in low yat? low yat has got quite a lot of shops selling i suppose? gota go try ur luck there..

whykay if u r looking for a flipside 400aw black color, contact me.. brand new rm400...

cj wrote:whykay if u r looking for a flipside 400aw black color, contact me.. brand new rm400...

Good price! I got mine for RM430/RM440 back then.

cj wrote:whykay if u r looking for a flipside 400aw black color, contact me.. brand new rm400...

thanks..let me think about it...now my mind tends to swing to Kata 3N1 22...might go down to spore to look at the prices..as i heard prices there cheaper..if decided on lowepro, and spore price not as attractive,..will keep you in mind...thnaks

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