Release Issued by Kata:

National Geographic Earth Explorer range Expands at Focus On Imaging Photographers don't just capture the environment, they care about it too.

The Earth Explorer range from National Geographic is manufactured using environmentally friendly, naturally sourced materials, including hemp and cotton. The range is finished in khaki with solid brass buckles, so you'll find the right size for your gear, and travel in explorer-style too.

February 2007 sees the arrival of new products in the National Geographic Explorer range, and you can see them for the first time on the Kata UK stand, P10, at Focus on Imaging.

The Earth Explorer Small Backpack adds to the medium and large versions already available, and provides a brilliant solution for those looking for protective storage that doesn't compromise the amount of space available for non-photo gear.

The Earth Explorer small backpack will be available from March, priced at £99.95.

A lower, padded, compartment has dividers that allow you to customise the space to hold a camera/camcorder and accessories. A second upper compartment holds all you need for a day out exploring - food, clothes, maps etc. This section closes with a large pull tight flap and, if necessary, the divider between this and the camera section can be removed to make one large space.

External pockets and pouches will accommodate many items such as stationery, wallet, binoculars, GPS and mobile phone. If you still need more storage, special connecting points and straps included allow you to tie on more. A pull out side pouch carries a water bottle and loops on the base of the bag are for attaching a tripod or monopod.

Comfort is paramount when exploring, and Earth Explorer backpacks have an advanced harness system designed to allow adjustment of its padded, ergonomic shoulder straps with specially designed brass buckles, ensuring the perfect fit for each individual user. Any intrepid explorer knows that the weather at the top of a hill can change in the blink of an eye, and the Explorer backpack comes with a rain cover to ensure that when the weather gets rough, your stuff stays dry.

Developed in response to demand, the Earth Explorer Midi Shoulder Bag sits between the existing medium and small shoulder bags.

The Earth Explorer Midi shoulder bag will be available from March, priced at £59.95 Designed to hold a midi-DSLR, a point and shoot or a mini DV camera, the Midi will also store personal items and has a rear concealed pocket for storage of important documents like passports and tickets - essential for exploring!

Removable inserts in the main section of the bag help you customise it to fit your camera, and a padded panel can be folded out to reinforce the base of the bag. Like the backpacks, there are connecting loops for attaching extra items if you manage to fill the two large and two small pockets that the Midi provides.

A wide, padded shoulder strap and sturdy handle create comfortable carrying, and an innovative roll up flap provides unrestricted access to the contents of the bag. This flap zips shut when the bag is closed, as a double defence against dust and grit.

The Earth Explorer Small Waist Pack consists of two protective pouches on a waist strap platform, which can be independently positioned and adjusted to provide an individual fit to the wearer.

The Earth Explorer Small Waist Pack will be available from March, priced £34.95

The smaller of the two pouches is padded to provide extra protection for a point and shoot camera, along with an external accessories pocket. There is also a rear flat pocket for accessories or personal items. The second pouch provides storage for personal items or more accessories. The unique design of the waist belt has buckle and press stud closing, ensuring great security while you are exploring.

Complimenting the range, two new sizes of Earth Explorer pouches are now available, taking the range to three - Perfect for compact cameras and accessories. Prices from £17.95

For more information on the new National Geographic ranges, contact KATA UK Ltd on +44 1293 823232, or visit www.supporthexperience.com

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