BAG OFF: Thinktank or Kata?

[peeker]

I have not become a bagoholic... yet, and want to select one bag for a 10 day trip to Rome.

I have narrowed it down to two and need some experienced opinions.

Thinktank Streetwalker Pro vs. Kata 3N1-30

My version of options:
Thinktank Streetwalker Pro benefits:
- can carry a laptop and not leave it at hotel
- lockable zippers
- exterior pocket for water bottles
- "made for photographers"

Kata 3N1-30 benefits:
- Sling option for easier access
- sectioned off compartment on top

I have read MANY postings and see opinions in both ways. Looking for a few opinions between the two.

Okay... go!

Scott

[Daniel W.]

Well I can't offer specific opinions, but as far as a laptop, are you sure you'd be wanting to carry it around all day? Initially when I traveled I had the same thought, but I ended up leaving it in the car all day.

Maybe look into getting a pac-safe or small pelican case that you can cable-lock to a drain pipe or whatnot. I'm a think tank fan because of the force behind it (great folks designing), as Kata is also made for photographers, TT is made by photographers.

[sporkthedork]

+1 on TT.

[Joe_Lorenzini]

I didn't read the initial post yet but will chime in for the ThinkTank.

Ok, now I'll go read it...

[Hunkbud]

The Kata will hold more than you'll want to carry. Body and 70-200 plus 4-6 more lens and flash plus storage for even more gear. Converts to a back pack. Won't hold a lap top though.

[aerosolcheese]

You should also consider the Tenba Shootout Series backpacks.... I had a Kata 3n1-20, but just replaced it with a Tenba shootout medium sling and I think the build quality is far superior. For some reason, the 3n1 stuff is not as well built as the other kata stuff...

[jhom]

If you are planning on a TT Streetwalker for you laptop, you will need the HD model not the Pro model.

[AndrewCCM]

TT is the stuff...

[Abel]

TT makes great products.

i bought a Street Walker & a Street Walker Pro. I opted to keep the Street Walker and sell the Pro model since it was designed for pro style camera bodies (deeper bag) and cameras with battery grips etc.

the model youre wanting that accepts a notebook is the Street Walker Hard Drive I havent seen one in person but judging by the photos its pretty beefy..
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_products.html

[TexRex]

Thintank is big but feels secure and holds my laptop

[bfmpa]

I had a Kata 3N1-30 and everything felt so tight when placed in it. The camera was not really that easy to extract. Now I have the TT Streetwalker HD to carry the gear from place to place and the belt pouches for fast access.

[Mark Kaplan]

I can't give much input on the 3-n-1, but I have a Kata R-103, which is awesome. Holds two bodies, several lenses, SB-900, Macbook Pro, etc, etc. The only downside, is that there isn't much room for non-camera/laptop specific items. The new R-106 adds some removable side pockets and a much better waist belt. Both have a laptop compartment that opens on the side.

The R-series Kata bags are nigh-indestructible, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

[peeker]

Thanks everyone for the input... Although the sling bag looks appealing, it would be best for travel w/o a laptop. Looks like Thinktank, here I come...

Scott

[Broseidon]

I've been following Zack Arias' blogs for a while and he swears by ThinkTank.