Manufacturer: Kata
Model: DR-465 Digital Rucksack
Price: £55
www.kata-bags.com

This year Kata introduced the new Digital Photo Series (DPS) and with it a number of quality bags that combine protection with the most up-to-date bag technology.

The DR-465 Digital Rucksack is one of the range.

This launch is ideal for the photographer who wants to go out for a day’s shooting, bringing a laptop and carrying extra kit to cater for a variety of shots. There is also ample space in the top compartment for a couple of items of protective clothing should the weather turn.

What immediately struck me was how comfortable the bag was to carry, its additional straps ensuring a firm hold on the body, but not causing any overbalancing.

The main camera compartment can hold two DSLRs with mounted lenses, as well as four other lenses, and a flash unit. The top compartment can store personal gear, and there are a couple of useful zipped pockets for storing memory cards, wallets etc.

What I did find additionally beneficial was the concealed front/middle compartment that conceals a zip and offers the user a chance to keep something hidden away. In a world where thieves are brazen enough to try to steal things from zipped pockets on the back of such rucksacks, this secret compartment can give a new level of security.

By removing the padded bottom camera insert, you can easily convert this rucksack from a camera bag to a daypack when not shooting. As well as the option to carry a tripod, the DR-465 has a rain cover too.

Verdict:
Ideal for a photo day-trip, this bag has room for your kit as well as wet weather gear so you can snap away but also be ready for the clouds to come in

Pros:
Secret compartment at front

Cons:
Straps sometimes need re-tightening

What Digital Camera Score: 89%