Kata KT DR-466 or Lowepro Fastpack 250?

[arich]

I need a bigger day-pack and I've come down to these two.
Kata: Amazon.com: Kata KT DR-466 DPS Digital Rucksack: Camera & Photo

Lowepro: Amazon.com: Lowepro Fastpack 250 (Black): Camera & Photo

I want something that will carry my 15" Macbook Pro, 40D, 85 1.8, short telephoto (think 24-135), 2 430EX II's, 3 CyberSync receivers/transceiver, eneloop batteries/charger, canon charger, MBP charger.

I absolutely LOVE the exterior look of the Kata, every time I start to have misgivings about it I just look at the outside again and become convinced that I should buy. It also has a rain cover and I like the bright yellow interior so I can find random crap quickly.
HOWEVER. I've read that some people think the interior nylon is flimsy and I'd like to find something that lasts.

I've yet to read a bad thing about the Lowepro but in all honesty I think that the exterior is butt-ugly and I'm having trouble getting over that. I also strongly dislike the grey interior.

Phew, ok so that's it. Does anyone have thoughts/experience with these bags?

[SpeedRacerSlots]

It all depends...
What I have told all my friends that ask about which bag....
Take your gear with you and go down to HCE.
Tell them that you would like to fit your gear to a few bags.
They will say ok.
Take your time. Place it, move the dividers around, etc.
Make sure you put ALL the normal crud in there to make sure it fits to your liking.
Find the bag that fits you.

[arich]

I buckled for looks and got the kata, I love how it stores my gear, I wish that the laptop slot was just barely larger so my 15" MBP could fit w/ it's neoprene sleave but thats the only complaint I have

[Nocturnus]

I got a Kata 467.. I like it. Though my 17" HP laptop is a tight fit. Like the looks and all the storage..

[dspeed]

My DR-467 has lasted several years of moderate use with no discernible wear.

Dave

[toverman]

I think you'll be happy with the Kata; the company has a well-deserved reputation. I have a few Lowepro bags and can recommend the products and company without hesitation.

The Lowepro you linked too isn't all that pretty, but I didn't think the Kata was, either. You should get a pink Hello Kitty cover so that nobody knows what cool gear lurks beneath!

[Nocturnus]

Buy the Kata. Look at how sad it is.. :(

[dmcantrell]

It's tough to tell from the lowepro website how much stuff can fit in the Fastpack 250.

Here's a site with more photos for a variety of different bags : CAMBAGS.COM Camera Bag Review Resource for DSLR Cameras

Also the Lowepro Slingshot line of bags has a weather-cover that is very handy, and I think they just added the Slingshot 350 which has a laptop storage.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by Nocturnus

Buy the Kata. Look at how sad it is.. :(

It's hungry for more stuff!

[kbutler84]

Old thread bump, but I felt inclined to chime in.

I have had both. First the Kata; until our (then) new puppy got ahold of one of the straps. It was a good bag. However, now I have the Fastpack 250, and love it. If I were doing it again, I'd go straight for the Fastpack.

[arich]

Went with the Kata and couldn't be happier! I really don't think it's possible to fill the thing up, I've put in: 40D, 5DmkII, 28-135mm, 85mm, 70-200mm, 2 430EX's, cybersyncs and assorted small accessories. I <3 it =D