A new bag

I've been taking time, lately, to record a video series on flash for people like me who are new to the subject of on and off camera flash. Two more parts to put up on Viddler and things will return more to normal around here. That doesn't mean that it has been all quiet on the western front.

I'm in the middle of a few days walking; twenty miles down and another twenty to go before I return to work on Friday. Having to remove all the gear out of the Expedition 8x is proving to be a real pain. So much of a pain that I've done another load of bag research. I've even exchanged a few e-mails with Lowepro; but I've settled on the Kata 123-go-30. I didn't go for another Tamrac because of the lack of space for non-photo equipment.

In its favour is a good balance between equipment and space for stuff that supports a day hike. It can hold a reasonable number of lenses and also a tripod using the extra (looks bit floppy) foot holder.

On the downside appears to be no external loop for a pouch; I like to keep my water bottle easily accessible. I'll have to work out a way around this.

Many modern designs are trying methods that allow a backpack to sling. The Kata has an X strap ability, but I'm not sure how well this will work with breasts. I'm also intrigued to find out how much/little padding/support is there for the back. Looking at the pictures, I don't think it will be as comfortable as the Tamrac.

There are two things I feel are missing from everyone's designs. One is easy access to the mobile phone; an ability to get at the phone without having to take the pack off is a real plus. Some safe, velcro phone pouch on the shoulder would be good. At the moment I'm attaching my phone holder to one of the shoulder strap rings.

The other is the lack of rain cover for the tripod. No one seems to have cracked this design issue yet. From all that I've seen, the moment a tripod is attached, all the weather protection options go out the window.

More details and a full review when it arrives.