Adorama has a really good deal for the Kata DR-466 with a National Geographic monopod for $69.99. I paid that much just for the bag! Link:
http://bit.ly/cnZML0
For a solo trip to Washington, D.C, I used this backpack during all my walks around the city. I will be taking this backpack with me on my Japan trip next month as well. Even while carrying some heavy equipment, the backpack on the felt well balanced on my shoulders. Clipping on the cross-strap across my chest further helped distribute the load, allowing me to walk comfortably for hours.
Just to give you an idea of how much this seemingly small backpack can carry, I'll just list everything I took during my trip.
The bottom half of the backpack, accessible from the front, stored my old K20D, DA* 16-50mm, DA 10-17 fisheye, and a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens.
This bag also has multiple pockets and large zipper in the upper half. I stored a Metz flash, portable reflector, spare batteries, keys, maps, and other knickknacks in the top compartment. In the small zipper pockets, I stored some Cokin filters, adapter rings, and a filter holder, remote releases, spare SD cards, and sunscreen.
There is even a water-bottle holder on the side, though I actually used this to carry a small portable tripod.
As if that wasn't enough, there's also a laptop sleeve at the back of the backpack that I stored my MacBook in.
I was able to store all of this stuff in the DR-466 and still stow it beneath my seat on the airplane as carry-on luggage; that should give you a good indicator of the size of this backpack. The best part is that the sleek look of the Kata bag doesn't immediately make you recognizable as someone that might have some expensive equipment (though carrying the tripod on the side sort of eliminates that illusion).
If in heavy torrential rain, you can also use the included rain jacket. It's incredibly yellow, so I don't like to use it, but it's there if you get caught in a downpour.
- Jason