TARFU's Hazard 4 Kato Messenger (PICTURE HEAVY)

I have this terrible feeling that you are probably right. I know for a fact I have to get a Flip-pouch, and something tells me this is the beginning of the end for my economy. In a few months when I'm destitute and sitting in the street in a pile of awesome tacticool gear I can say "yep, it all started with Kato...the bastard!"

...and the Flip pouch is on its way. Thank god for ebay - without it I would have money to put away for a rainy day. Now I have...stuff instead

I use carabiners to lengthen the cross-shoulder strap. Same 6'2" problem.

Can't see the picture.

Gonna have to read through all this info. I have a new Kato in brown that I set up, but just didn't work for me as a Tablet/diaper bag...had to go back to my Colossus for a while and have the Kato ready to list on eBay. I may have to re-read it all before posting to auction. I would hate to find a good use for it, then have to wait 4-8 weeks to get another.

I wish more bags had the organization and CCW features of the Kato...

I too ordered the Kato from Tactical Distributers. They shipped immediately and I had it overnight. I had not seen your post, but I carry a iPad and a Fuji X-Pro 1 also. I had been looking at the Kato for a bit (photographers are always in search of the "perfect" bag). I've been a longtime user of ThinkTank gear, but wanted something a bit different.

I got it last week and already I like the feel and organization of the Kato. The biggest problem for me is the length of the strap. I'm 6-6 and a big boy, so I need an extra long strap. I called Haz4 but they were no help. The Tom Bihn strap is nice, but still not long enough, so I'm considering making my own.

Photojdoc, consider looking at vehicle safety belts. They are 50mm (2"). I will replace my strap with a modified strap when I'm back home again.

I found a workable solution. I have a Timbuk2 tote bag that had a longer strap. Ordered a Haz4 Shoulder pad from Tactical Distributers and it is now tolerable. I had called Tom Bihn about their strap and they sent their strap and some extra length of strap that my wife can patch to the end and lengthen. So as soon as I talk sweetly to her, I'll have two strap options.

Here's my modded Kato bag and my edc.


I'm carrying a 64GB iPad 2, a Fuji X-Pro1 with three lenses, my Revo sunglasses, reading glasses, Wenger stopwatch numerous SD cards, olight flashlight, SOG multitool, and my diabetes pump controller.

Good idea on the seat belt.

Agreed. I had considered that for a bit.

Here's a couple of pics of it loaded

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IMG_1003


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IMG_1009

Any concern with it being "full", and no room to add anything else?

Not too much, since I primarily teach these days and just go back and forth from home to office. Since I used to carry a full photo bag with a 70-200/2.8, 16-35/2.8 and a two pro bodies for years,this really is pretty light in comparison. As a photojournalist, I like having the three non zoom lenses with me. It takes me back to the days when I shot with rangefinders. I actually still have a bit of room in the bag for a couple smaller things.

Kato strap too short....took all the plastic hardware & swiveljunk off the strap & had a local shoe repair shop sew the ends of the strap on the bag....cost $4.

Fixt.

Ahhh, rangefinders-- the good old days.

I think I'm in love..........with this bag.
Thanks for the quality write-up.

Without a doubt, I am digging my Kato. I really enjoy using it.

Today:

Didn't see the dimensions, but is there a way to carry a magazine (reading type) in it?
Thanks

I was going to say "no" out of hand, but then actually tried.

The real answer might be - are you really attached to the magazines. Here's my effort on letter-sized magazines. In the main compartment:

It fits width-wise, but can't quite close the top or zipper without smushing it.

Here's the back slip pocket of the front flap - a better fit, although subject to bending depending on your load-out:

Decent fit ... Am able to get both magazines in (but no more)

I'll try it a few days - I thought a "no" myself til I tried that flap pouch.