Case Logic KDB-101 Kontrast Pro-DSLR Backpack (Black)

This is my 3rd Case Logic "Pro DSLR" bag with the SLRC206 being my previous/last bag (that I used for 3 years). I haven't field tested it yet but have done my preliminary tests at home.To start, this new bag easily transferred all of my gear over and had some room to spare. The hammock system looks like something I'll actually use with this bag, the previous bag with its "floating" hammock system never worked for my needs so I just removed it.I love having the mesh nets on the sides for water bottles (something I deeply missed not having on the SLRC206).I love the sturdiness of the DuraBase as the bag easily sits upright fully loaded with gear.Ease of access to everything in the bag is also appreciated, the SLRC206 made it difficult to pull gear out when loaded at the bottom of the bag.Unfortunately not everything is perfect or an upgrade from the SLRC206.To start, the grab handle at the top of the bag is somehow even worse than the one that came with the SLRC206 (which was a complaint back then as well). It's thinner, still positioned at the back of the bag so it feels off balance, and doesn't feel like it will last if used often. One hard pull and I'm fairly confident it will tear at the seams.The straps are narrower and thinner with less padding than the SLRC206 so when fully loaded you can feel them begin to dig into your body.Internally, I really wish they kept the zippered pockets in the clear /transparent material.The final flaw which I hope isn't a fatal one long term: the cushioning for your lower back isn't supportive enough so the DuraBase digs in hard into your lower back.I shoot in rough conditions and I do not baby my gear so let's see how long this bag can take it.Once I do a proper field test I will update my review accordingly.2022 UPDATE: After a few years of use, this backpack has held up so I bumped up one star!I honestly haven't found another bag that has the capabilities this one has, especially for the price. I bought the PGYTECH OneMo and although more comfortable, it is not even on this bags level so I returned it.Just wish the base of this bag didn't dig into my lower back, otherwise excellent.2025 Update: STILL like new, NO ISSUES. This is truly a remarkable camera bag. I've looked for replacements but I always end up keeping this one. I'm a professional photog/cinematographer that frequently travels for shoots, this thing has been amazing.

This thing has been amazing. It stands on its own most days, has a nice and tough bottom to protect equipment, and has enough space for a full flash, a few lenses and hoods, and other trinkets as you need them. Camera comes nice and easy out of the top of the backpack for quick access, but you can also lay it on its back to get easy access to literally everything. Straps have held up, I've taken it hiking with no issues. It is a little bulky and slightly heavier than the average backpack, but that is mainly because of the base. Would highly recommend if you care about your equipment but don't need to squeeze through tight spaces.

I'm a fan of Case Logic and have enjoyed their other products for years (going back to cassette tape cases). In the 7 years since I bought my DSLR, this is my third Case Logic backpack. I started out with a TBC307, which was a perfect bag for my first small set of lenses, then got an SLRC206 as my equipment grew. I was happy with both of these backpacks, but when I wore out my SLR206, I decided that I'd try the Kontrast KDB-101. My only issue with my SLRC206 had been the lack of a chest strap and the KDB101 had that missing feature covered.All three of these camera backpacks share the same basic top loading "hammock" setup which cradles the camera with lens attached and allows easy access. The SLRC206 and KDB101 both have the hard plastic bottom which allows the bags to stand and also resist moisture on the ground as well. The SLRC206 and KDB101 can, like virtually all full-time camera backpacks, be configured in numerous ways to hold your lenses safely by re-positioning dividers in myriad configurations. In short, I am very happy with how these bags pack and with the way they hold and protect the equipment. None include a rain cover.Here is my load-out when traveling:DSLR body35mm prime11-16mm wide angle18-300mm zoom70-200mm zoom150-600mm zoomFull sized flashAccessories (charger, Giotto rocket, extra batteries, cables, cross-body strap, mini-tripod, full-sized tripod, mono-pod, and memory cards)Laptop (either 14" or 15.6")The KDB-101 can hold all of this except that I cannot fit my 15.6" laptop as the most it will hold is a 15". My 14" fits fine.For comparison, the SLRC 206 can hold all but the 70-200mm lens, tripod, and mono-pod. If I didn't take the flash then I could attach either the monopod or tripod. Part of the reason the SLRC206 can't hold as much is that the foam dividers are much thicker than those of the KDB101.For either backpack, the 150-600mm lens (mine is a Sigma) exceeds the maximum stated lens size per Case Logic (70-200mm f/2.8) and the lens will not pass through the "hammock" opening attached to the body with the tripod collar or hood attached/reversed. This 95mm wide lens will pass through with the collar and hood removed and there is room in the bag to store the collar and hood still.Also, with these bags fully loaded, I am sure I'm exceeding the intended weight Case Logic envisioned. With everything packed into it/on it, the KDB-101 weighs in at about 30 pounds! It should be noted that I only carry this bulk when traveling to and from home and a destination city. Except in an airport, I don't walk around with this much on my back. I only take the lenses and other accessories I need for that day when I'm out shooting. I also don't travel with the 150-600mm lens attached to the camera even though it does fit. I believe that lens is too heavy pulling on the camera body even with the hammock cushioning the shock.So, now that you know that the KDB-101 holds A LOT of stuff, how is it as a backpack? Well, that's where the criticisms you read in almost every negative review of this bag start. Simply put, the pack holds more than YOU can carry comfortably. When wearing the pack, the bottom of the bag just sits against your back in an awkward way . If you lengthen the straps, you move the weight lower and this makes the situation worse. If you keep the straps tight, then it helps with the pack resting on your back, but it puts more stress on your shoulders. Even if I only pack my body, flash, and a couple of lenses, it's just not great to walk around all day with. In fact, it's about as uncomfortable lightly loaded as fully loaded.It's clear that Case Logic knew they had an issue with the way this pack rests against your back as they added a very large pad at the bottom of the bag just above the plastic base to lessen this issue. This pad helps, but does not solve the problem. The chest strap helps, too, but the buckle and adjustment are not ideal. All of that negative said, in the end, I have found that with the shoulder straps fairly tight and the chest strap buckled, I can carry this pack well for a few hours with a normal load and forget I have it on if I'm engaged with other things. I would not call it comfortable, but it's not unpleasant.The other criticisms I've read regarding the top loop handle being uncomfortable or the zipper quality are not a big problem for me. It's only the back comfort that gives me pause. I discovered that my SLRC206 wouldn't make another trip for me right before leaving on a week long trip. With no time to lose I ordered two other backpacks in the $100-$150 range at the time I ordered the KDB101 because after reading the concerns over comfort I was afraid this would be a big problem. In the end, however, the features and capacity of the KDB101 were enough to make the Case Logic the winner.Summarizing:Features: 5 starsCapacity: 5 starsQuality: 4 starsComfort: 2.5 starsValue: 5 starsOverall 4 starsOne last thing to mention is warranty. Case Logic does offer a 25 year warranty. I decided to contact them about my SLRC206 even though I had well and truly "used" it for the last 4 years. They request pictures of where the bag had failed and a warranty form via email. Within 48 hours I had a response stating they were replacing my bag. Not bad.

This bag is pretty nice, it can hold a tripod or monopod on the side. It has slots that can be moved to hold different sized lenses. The bag is large enough to accommodate 2 different cameras if your kit is not too big. I typically carry only my things inside this bag but when I go out with my boyfriend I can carry his lenses inside this bag as well. There are so many smaller pockets on the top and in the front for SD cards and a small cleaning kit or a set of lens filters. This bag will get heavy when it is filled to capacity but since the straps are padded it is not that heavy. I have taken this bag through multiple state parks for long hikes and it does not bother me. My favorite feature of this bag is definitely the easy access pocket on the top for you to just drop your camera body inside with the lens on and zip the bag up. This camera bag is definitely worth the price, the quality is top notch and you can keep all of your lenses inside