droolicious : backpack

The Babble Review - Kata 3N1 Camera Bag

Chris Ford — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Taking photos with my DSLR camera - especially taking photos of my kids - has become one of my passions. But the problem for me and most parents is, how do you deal with carrying a big expensive camera while still dealing with kids and all of the stuff that they require? In fact, I've spoken with many parents who have complained of this same problem. So I've been searching for the perfect camera bag, and although I think ultimately the idea of a "perfect" camera bag may just be an illusion - I might have found a pretty close one - the Kata 3N1 Camera Bag.

My complete review after the jump.

At the bare minimum, my requirements for a great camera bag are it needs to hold my camera, two additional lenses, a flash and have a space for some personal items (cell phone, keys, water bottle etc.). Also, I was really looking for a bag that would work as a sling, so I wouldn't have to constantly be taking the bag off to grab my camera to take a picture. This part is especially important for parents trying to deal with kids and a camera at the same time. The great thing about the Kata 3N1 is that it met all of those bare requirements, plus had a lot of features that, while I wasn't specifically looking for them, have proven to come in very handy.

The Kata 3N1 holds my Canon 50D with a lens on the body, as well as a medium telephoto and 50mm lens in the bag. It also holds my external flash as well as all of the other normal stuff you'd want to carry in a camera bag (memory cards, extra batteries, remote trigger cords etc.). It also has a decently sized compartment at the top for personal items. But the best part about the bag is that it works as a sling as well as a backpack. The bag can be configured to be a right-handed or a left-handed sling, as well as a backpack for when you're hiking or know you won't need the camera at a moment's notice. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's the only left-handed sling camera bag on the market.

When taking pictures with kids, this sling feature is immensely helpful. I took the bag to birthday parties, to the park and other outdoor activities; and whenever they did something cute or spontaneous that I wanted to take a picture of, I could just twist the bag around my body, pull open the top and have the camera ready in a matter of seconds. In fact getting to most of the other stuff in the bag was equally easy - but it will depend on how you set up the bag for yourself.

The other great thing about the bag that I love is that while it holds a lot of stuff, it really isn't that big or bulky. I tested the Kata 3N1-20 which is the medium-sized bag in the line, and it seemed there was a place or a pocket for every piece of gear (memory card pocket, easy access external pouches for filters or batteries etc.). And to me at least, the look of the bag doesn't scream "I've got an expensive camera over here! Check me out!" It really just looks like a small black backpack, which is important not just for modesty's sake, but also safety (cameras in bags that don't necessarily look like camera bags are less of a target for thieves).

Besides all of that, it's got all of the things you'd expect in a camera bag from a company like Kata. There is a waterproof cover for the bag in case it rains, a great handle on the top of the bag and very sturdy construction. Oh, and it also has the signature Kata yellow interior lining - which might not seem like that big of a deal, but anyone who's dug around the bottom of a black camera bag looking for a black camera accessory can understand how cool this feature is.

In fact, I tried very hard to find a problem with the bag, but ultimately I came up short. It's not even that expensive, especially considering how expensive the camera and gear you're putting into it likely is.

The bag won't hold a laptop or every last item of your camera gear (like a tripod) so it might not be great for long vacations or trips. It also won't hold a lot of the kid-stuff that parents sometimes have to lug around so it won't work as a camera/diaper bag combo, but it has become my personal day-to-day camera bag and is my absolute recommendation for parents with a DSLR camera.

You can check out the Kata 3N1 camera bag line at Kata-Bags.com.
Or purchase the Kata 3N1 20 for $99.95 at Amazon.com.

Value Meal Backpack For Fast Food Junkies

Lisa Estall — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 03:20:00 GMT

Are you a fast food junkie? This Value Meal Backpack may be something you may want to wear to show your love of all things fried.

Even the inside is lined with a nylon french-fry print. I personally wouldn't wear it but my son would since the pattern would probably remind him of a Happy Meal.

The price for this is a whopping $35. You can find it at fredflare.com

Hop Along With A Bunny Bag

Lisa Estall — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:51:00 GMT

Dante Beatrix backpacks have been featured at Droolicious before, however I wanted to showcase this bunny backpack as I think it would make a great gift for Easter.

This bunny bag is named Esther and is sized for children ages 2-5. Perhaps stuff it with jelly beans, chocolate eggs and a stuffed animal if you are giving it as a present?

Price is $38. Visit Dante Beatrix.

Carry Valentines in this Piggy Backpack

Lisa Estall — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:45:00 GMT

Will this little piggy go to the market? This Pig Bag has enough room to store toys, snacks, and lunch money but not a standard size folder, according to the description.The inks and paints are non-toxic so safe for kids. It's also...

made of lightweight nylon so easy to carry. With its felt purple ears and smiley face with hearts, how could you leave this indoors?

Priced at $19.95 and sold at Oompa.

How Does Sasha Obama Carry It All?

SunnyChanel — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:00:00 GMT

How does the daughter of our next president carry her books, snacks and homework? In this Trans by JanSport Super Max Backpack in purple camouflage. This extra roomy bag will surely have enough room for all the school work she’ll be getting from her brand new school Sidwell Friends, the above photo is from her first day of school. You can pick up one of these water-resistant, very durable and sturdy backpacks from Amazon for $29.95.

Cutest Backpack Ever!

SunnyChanel — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:30:00 GMT

For those toddlers and kids who like to (finally!) carry their own stuff, this cat backpack will totally make them purr. Corny, yes but oh so true! Nothing’s cuter than a toddler purring. And if they don't like carry their own stuff, this will make them want to. The backpack is 100% cotton hand knit , is super soft, is lined and has a zipper closure. You can get one from Giggle.com for $42.

ABC Kids Expo 2008: Dabba Walla Lunch Bags And Backpacks

Chris Ford — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:58:00 GMT

In India, the "dabbawalla" (Wikipedia entry) is the guy who collects the hot lunches of office workers from their home, brings them to the office, and then returns the empty boxes back. In America, Dabba Walla is a company that makes really cool neoprene lunch bags and backpacks.

What I liked best about Dabba Walla are the designs. Big and colorful, they're a lot cooler than the typical mass produced cartoon character stuff you'll get at a normal department store. And they had a stop light design, which I totally loved.

Dabba Walla bags, $38 for the luch bag and $48 for the backpack. Available at the end of October 2008. Check them out at DabbaWallaBags.com.

ABC Expo 2008: Little Life Animal Pack Backpacks

Chris Ford — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:32:00 GMT

OK. So my picture isn't the greatest, but the Animal Pack backpacks from Little Life are seriously cool. Well, more like seriously cute and useful, which together I suppose adds up to cool. A small daypack for your little hiker, a rain hood for fun and a tether for mom and dad? Never mind, it's seriously cool.

The Animal Pack comes in four animals (ladybug, cow, bee and turtle) and the hood of each is designed for each animal. So the bee has antennae, the ladybug has eyes etc. It's also designed for those parents who want a tether for their child and a have a child doesn't want to be tethered. "See Billy, I'm not putting you on a leash, it's just a fun backpack that daddy can hold on to at the same time!" (The tether is not for me, but I can see how it would be useful hiking).

It's been available in the UK for a while now, but it's coming to the USA on November 15th and will cost $40 to $42. It will be distributed by Rock Gear Distribution, but you can check out the product pages at LittleLife.co.uk.

Japanese Randoseru Backpack

Chris Ford — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:03:00 GMT

I realize I've been writing a lot about backpacks, but I've found another that I also had to share. It might not have a pigeon or a cuddly character, but the Japanese Randoseru backpack is so cool you might be able to get your kid to use it for multiple school years.

According to the product page at Modernseed, the Randoseru is a "cultural icon in Japan." I've never been to Japan, so I'll have to take their word for it. What I do know is it looks cool, looks durable, and is the kind of backpack I would hope my kids would want to use. Cultural icons cost you though, which is probably why the Dora and Spiderman backpacks of the world aren't exactly worried.

Randoseru backpack, $169.00 from Modernseed.com

Back to School with Oompa and Pooki Backpack Giveaway

elizabeth leach — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:30:00 GMT

September used to mean a new notebook and a new backpack. I took a lot of care in choosing the perfect notebook and the perfect backpack. Things haven’t changed much for me! Oompa has a fantastic selection of only the very best backpacks. If only I had Oompa when I was still in school.

(Details on how to win the above Pooki and Co backpack after the jump...)

Pooki and Co Backpacks (above and below) were designed in Paris. Choose from regular backpack style, messenger style, and above fleece, Pooki character style. The above Mina Backpack is $30.99. The Oscar Backpack (below) is $27.99 and comes in several different, colorful options.

Dante Beatrix Little Kid Backpacks (below) are my fave. Choose from penguin, bee, bunny, shark, pig, lion, and polar bear. There is one large pocket inside backpack. ($35.99)

Allerhand Backpacks (below) have lots of pockets, a waterproof bag for wet stuff, a thermal sleeve for a drink, and reinforced straps for the heavy stuff. Allerhand Backpacks comes in three color choices. ($57.99)

Mimi the Sardine Backpacks (below) are made from Swedish cotton that is treated to be water and soil resistent. Environmentally friendly and no PVC. Choose from three styles: hybrid cars, flowers, and monkeys. ($33.99)

Crocodile Creek Backpacks (below) are bright and fun with images that toddlers love: dump truck, fire engine, ladybug, dinosaur, horse, and sunflower. There’s a large zippered pocked big enough for a notebook, a small pocket for pencils and pens, a side mesh pocket for a water bottle, and is fully lined. ($25.99)

Fleurville Kid's Pack Lunch Bag (below) is a lunch bag in a back pack. Fully insulated and easy to clean interior. "Project pocket" to keep works of art safe. Available in six colors. ($31.99)

At the end today (Friday, August 8), I will randomly choose a winner to receive the Pooki and Co Mina Backpack from Oompa. Send an e-mail to babbledesign@gmail.com with the subject header “Oompa backpack” and tell me what toy is your absolute favorite on the Oompa website. And don’t forget to give me your name and address. Good luck!

Hand-knit Backpacks from Blabla Kids

Chris Ford — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:01:00 GMT

I must be on a backpack kick, because other than my totally awesome find of a pigeon backpack, I also found these great hand-knit backpacks from Blabla Kids. The only thing I'm wondering is, how does a hand-knit backpack only cost $42?

Every backpack is lined inside and is 12"x10". There are twelve different animal choices - everything from a lion to a butterfly to a panda (shown). They're not the biggest bags, but they seem perfect for all of your kid's little treasures. And getting them to want to carry their own stuff is 80% of the battle. Or maybe 100%.

Backpacks from BlablaKids.com, $42

Mo Willems Pigeon Go-Go Backpack

Chris Ford — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:21:00 GMT

I'm in the market right now for a backpack for my two year old daughter, and I think I might have found it. The Pigeon Go-Go Backpack is too cool not to get. Not sure what it's all about? Then click the "read more" link.

If you aren't familiar with the Pigeon, then FIRST you should run, not walk, to your favorite book store and buy a copy of Mo Willem's "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" or my favorite, "Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late." After you and your children have been sufficiently indoctrinated, then come back to this blog post. By then, you'll think this backpack is as cool as I do. Plus, by the looks of the backpack, it seems the pigeon is about to have a hot dog party. And who doesn't love a hot dog party?

Pigeon Go-Go Backpack 14", $36.00 from yottoy.com

BabyHawk Baby Carrier

Chris Ford — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:46:00 GMT

I was checking out the Babble Boards last night and I saw this thread, "What is the best baby carrier?". We've always been a traditional Baby Bjorn family ourselves, but Babble reader HipMom76 had this suggestion - the BabyHawk. I'd never seen one before, but it's nice to see products that are this functional and very customizable.

The BabyHawk is a baby sling that can be used with the baby positioned in front of you (like a Baby Bjorn) or on your back like a backpack (or Asian-style "Mei-tai" sling - a term I just learned thanks to HipMom76 again). The cool thing about them is you can choose from many different fabric types and customize what your BabyHawk will look like. If you're a mom into pink stripes or paisley then they can help you out, or if you're a dad into camo they've got you covered too. The prices seem competitive with Baby Bjorn, and I really like how it converts to a back pack style carrier when your kid grows up.

See all the cool things you can learn when you check out the Babble Boards?

BabyHawk Baby Carrier, starting at $80 from BabyHawk.com

Green Baby: Messenger Bag for Environmentally Aware School Children

chrisjordan — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 21:03:00 GMT

Finding a bag that both fits your child's body and is large enough to carry their books and school supplies can be a challenge. Not to mention also be appealing to their sense of style.

This messenger style bag by Fleurville fits the bill on all accounts. Versatile, this bag can be carried messenger style or with the back pack straps that tuck into the back of the bag when not in use. It also comes with a matching insulated lunch bag.

It's also PVC- and teflon-free, meaning this bag is environmentally friendly as well as attractive.

Available at Giggle for $50

Hand Made: Bratsack Backpack Sized for a Toddler

chrisjordan — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:02:00 GMT

Anyone who has ever been around a little kid for a period of time knows that they love to carry their stuff around. It can be difficult to find them a bag that is small enough not to hit them in the back of the knees as they walk.

Bratsacks Backpacks are made of new, vintage or recycled corduroy and fully lined with muslin. They have a drawstring cord with a fabric slider and a velcro closure for the flap. There are no plastic, metal, hard or small parts that could be choking hazards.

The mushroom backpack is shown above, but there are also bratsacks with appliques of robots, flowers, cars, pirates, hedgehogs, airplanes...

Each bratsack costs $24 and is available at Bratsack Baby Supply your own toddler.

Little Kid Backpack by Dante Beatrix: Maybe They Can Carry Their Own Crayons Now

chrisjordan — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:03:00 GMT

A backpack fit for a preschooler. The Dante Beatrix little kid backpack is perfect for carrying all the essentials for the under 4ft tall set. Pictured above is the penguin version. Backpack also comes in piggy and dinosaur versions.

One large interior pocket, with padded back and padded handles. So you will be comfortable when you are forced to carry it after the first twenty steps or so.

Available at Belly Dance Baby for $36

(more photos after the jump)

Hand Made: Zoe Doll and Backpack

chrisjordan — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 14:01:00 GMT

You know how much little kids like to carry things around with them. Well, this adorable doll comes with its own carrying bag.

Zoe doll is made from a chocolate velveteen fabric. Floppy ears, floppy feet, and a face embroidered on off-white flannel. Backpack is made from the same chocolate velveteen fabric with a blue felt accent flower.

Available at Henry and Zoe for $39.95

Back to School Drool: Room Seven School Bag Makes Me Meowwrrr!

Karen — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 15:03:00 GMT

My therapist will be getting an earful this week about the emotions I got after seeing this bag. I recall the popular girls in my classes sporting pretty pink bags and matching pencils, all the while I brought my books in a brown sack. Okay, maybe it wasn't that bad, but those girls never had anything like this!

Snag this scrumptious schoolbag and avoid future therapy for $118 at Adorables. Unless of course you insist on buying it for your son.

Back to School Drool: Sigg Ocean Kidz Backpack

chrisjordan — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:03:00 GMT

Yes, it is almost that time of year.

This adorable backpack, with it's rubbery feet on the bottom, the red tongue sticking out from the front flap, and .4L Sigg bottle, will take the sting away of going back to school. For them, not you.

Available at Sons and Daughters for $46.50

Backpack Boasts Big Sound

Karen — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 18:34:00 GMT

This backpack was only a matter of time with the influx of MP3 players our kids are toting. Save their eardrums from too-loud headphones and allow them to share their music with Global Design Concept's new NXT ™ speaker technology backpack. I know my 8 year old would love to rock out to tunes with his buddies and this way, they can sing and play air guitar to Green Day on the playground. Easy to use, kids plug their music playing device into a standard headphone jack, turn on the amplifier and press play.

The backpack, which retails from $59.99 - $79.99 was launched exclusively at OfficeMax® stores during the first quarter of 2007, and is available in three color combinations: Black on Black, Red on Black and Powder Blue on Black.

While I expected a price tag in that range, my hope is that it's durable enough to last an entire school year in the hands of a boy who drop-kicks his backpack at every destination.

Toscanella Canvas and Leather Children's Backpack

crazedparent — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 23:02:00 GMT

This gorgeous canvas and Italian leather back pack is a beauty. If you're over character totes for your kids or just love simple designs, check out the Toscanella Baby collection by Pierotucci. (This leather tote is also stunning for a little fashionista). The backpack sells for $237.00.