Kata has taken the idea of a sling bag to new heights with its 3N1 line. Designed for multiple configurations—right and left-handed sling options and two different backpack alternatives—the 3N1 actually should be called a 4N1 (maybe 5 if you count carrying it by its hand strap). But the point is that the bag is adaptable and does double-duty as a sling and as a backpack.

The bag is available in three sizes: 3N1-10, 3N1-20, 3N1-30, ranging in size (external dimensions) from 8.7 x 6.5 x 16.1 inches to 12.6 x 7.5 x 17.7 inches. I tested the mid-sized 3N1-20 model, with outside dimensions (LxWxH) of 9.3 x 7.5 x 17.3 inches and weighing 2.9 pounds. Its main compartment, which can hold a digital SLR camera body and maybe 3-4 short lenses and a flash, measures 8.7 x 6.3 x 11.8 inches.

Two side pockets and a top compartment provide room for various small accessories and personal necessities like cell phones, sunglasses, etc. Alternatively, the top compartment can hold a camera body like the Nikon D90 or its bottom shelf can be unzipped (but not removed) to open up more vertical space for the main compartment.

A Bag or a Puzzle?
Before you can appreciate this bag, you have to decipher how it works. The Kata 3N1 may be the only camera bag that comes with multi-page instructions and has an online manual. Not that it’s difficult to configure—at least not after doing some experimentation or reading the directions.

Perhaps the most important thing to learn is that if you’re left handed, you need to attach the black (not the red) strap to get it to sling properly; right handers, need to use the red strap. More critical is figuring out which side of the bag is up when it’s positioned as a sling bag so you can pack the compartment accordingly. Setting it up as a regular backpack was a snap although I never would have thought of crossing the 3N1’s straps across-the-chest in an X-configuration.

The way the bag was set up when I got it didn’t work for my gear so I needed to reconfigure the entire compartment. I ended up recruiting some padded dividers from other bags to ensure a snug fit and think that Kata should include extra dividers or bring back its Modi-Verse kits. I was able to squeeze in a Nikon D700 body, an SB-800, 3 short/mid-sized lenses (the longest being the Nikon AF-S 24-70mm) and a D90 body in the top compartment.

With the D90 in the top compartment, I had to rely on the two side pockets for CF and SD cards, batteries, a Lens Pen, tiny notebook, keys and a Blackberry. I also threw the “elements” cover – which comes in its own small pouch and not sewn onto the bag – into a side pocket. The only thing that was missing from my gear was a tripod and, other than jerry-rigging something to attach to the bag’s D-ring, I couldn’t find a convenient way to attach it.

I tried using the bag in every configuration – even the left handed sling – and quickly discovered that only a couple of them work for me. The sling, of course, is convenient if not always comfortable for women (more about this later) but the straps can be adjusted quickly and easily and the quick release worked well. The most efficient backpack/sling combination starts with the X-position (straps crossed over the chest); from there, just detach one of the straps and swing the bag around to the front.

Not Exactly Female Friendly
However, having straps criss-cross one’s chest is not all that female-friendly (depending on body type, of course). So, if you’re a woman who doesn’t like the fit of a sling bag or messenger bag, then you may – as I did – opt to wear the 3N1 like a regular backpack. The bag is fairly narrow and, even fully loaded, is nicely balanced. It takes a little more time to go from backpack to sling bag but it’s well worth the effort.

Although the bag is well made and obviously the designers put a lot of thought into making the 3N1 adaptable, I have a few complaints. First, some zippers don’t close all the way; rather, the gaps are covered by the straps of plastic snap closures. Second, the “floor” of the top compartment is partially zipper but leaves a gap in one corner large enough to let a stray AA battery slide through to the main compartment (and your lenses). And because the top compartment is not sealed well, it’s not a good place to stow anything that may leak such as sunblock or a water bottle.

Design faux pas aside, the bag is well made and I never worried about gear being damaged in its well-padded compartments. The top carry handle is large enough to provide a solid grip and the bag can be attached to an optional trolley or rolling suitcase handles for travel. The Kata 3N1 won’t replace my other camera bags and although I’ll probably use it more as a backpack than a sling back, it’s always good to have the options this bag offers.

The Bottom Line
Despite a couple of minor flaws, Kata’s multi-purpose 3N1 camera bag lives up to the promise of being a versatile, well-made multi-purpose bag. Though it's a little tough to figure out and it's not exactly female friendly, Kata deserves kudos for coming up with an innovative design in its first effort in the crowded sling bag category.

Pros: Multiple configurations including sling bag for left-handers; well-made; comfortable to wear in standard backpack mode

Cons: Tricky to figure out; design doesn’t allow zippers to fully close; top compartment should either be convertible (totally remove bottom shelf) or sealed tightly so nothing can fall into main compartment
Price: $149

Further information: www.kata-bags.com