Hands on with Kata's Pro-Light ReportIT-10

There are probably dozens and dozens of shoulder-style camera bags available on the market at any give time offered by a wide variety of manufacturers. Many of them are basically the same. A rectangularish box type of thing with a strap and dividers inside for separating and protecting camera gear. So what is the difference between them? Well, primarily consruction quality, how equipment is accessed, and details.

The ReportIT series was designed for use on the go and is all about access to gear quickly and easily. For the purposes of this review, the smallest size of the series, the ReportIT 10-PL, was used. Obviously the larger sizes will be heavier and hold more equipment.

There are only five fasteners on the entire bag, streamlining ways in and out of the interior. To get into the main compartment, one can either undo the buckles and lift the lid (there is an addition velcro strip that can be used to hold the lid down for extra security, or can be silenced with a flap that covers it). Conversely, the lid can be left in place and access can be gained via a zipper in the top of the lid.

There are two front exterior pockets, both of which extend across the width of the bag and are covered with the lid is closed. The one that is closest to the main compartment is just open on top, the other has the flap that silences the velcro for the main lid. Thus when the velcro is silenced, that pocket is closed, but can be left open by tucking the silencing flap inside. The innermost pocket has dividers for organizing accessories and such. There is another large pocket across the width and almost the entire height of the main compartment on the backside of the bag with a zipper closure.