Gear Review: Lowepro Photo Runner 100

Photo_Runner100_Stuffed

Photo courtesy of Lowepro

 

I am an enthusiastic amateur when it comes to photography.

Taking photos is a hobby I stumbled into as an outgrowth of my outdoor trips.

I enjoy taking photos and have received some nice compliments on them over the years.

Enough where I invested in a DSLR camera for the options and the quality of the photos.

It is heavy to schlep at times, but I enjoy the results.

taking-photos

Taking photos at the outlet of Arapaho Lakes. PCO Mark Thomas

Having easy access to my camera is key.  If the camera is buried in my gear, I am less likely to use it.

So how to carry the camera?

A simple solution I found that fits my needs is to use a Lowepro Photo Runner 100. It is a solution I have been using ~5 years now.

This bag is technically shoulder bag, but can also be used as a waist pack.  More importantly, from my view point, it can easily be fashioned as a chest pack when backpacking.

Winter backpack in RMNP. PCO Andrew Skurka

The camera bag is weather resistant, has enough compartments for two extra lenses (though, I rarely use that feature) and some other storage space for SD cards and similar. It is durable and protects the camera for off-trail hiking and even falls.  Not intended to haul gear, I will occasionally stuff a map or liner gloves in the pack as well for convenience sake, too.

The bag is not lightweight..but I am hauling a heavy camera in any case.

Someday I may splurge on a fixed lens camera, but for now, the Lowepro Photo Runner 100 is a very good solution when I haul the DSLR.

Sometimes the weight is worth it…

 

Disclosure: This camera bag was purchased with my own funds.  The MSRP is $50, but it can be purchased for under $40. Mine was purchased at the great camera store in Boulder called Mike’s Camera. Started in Boulder, Mike’s now has some other locations and an online presence.  I have no affiliation with this store other than having excellent service in the past from them.

 

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KidA
KidA
10 years ago

I tried something similar for a year or so for hiking and random wanderings…. then I discovered this gem:

https://peakdesign.com/store/?c=clips

I’ve found the number of pictures I take has quadrupled and as a result, I get quite a few better shots during my wanderings.

I stow my camera when it rains, but the clip really makes it easy (unclip, shoot, reclip) to access my camera.

Sean O'Connell
Sean O'Connell
10 years ago
Reply to  KidA

LOVE the Peak Designs “Capture” clip! I have a Nikon DSLR that I take on backpack trips and hikes. I use a shower cap to keep dust and moisture off it? I wouldn’t want to ski or do anything where I might be more prone to falling on it.

It is ABSOLUTELY the best camera accessory I have purchased!

Aaron
10 years ago

This looks like a nice solution – As I started carrying larger cameras on backpacking trips I was faced with the issue of where to carry everything as well and found myself passing up photo opportunities when the camera wasn’t accessible. I think the chest pack method is the way to go – Have been using the ZPacks Multi-Pack which keeps the camera easily accessible, carries a few accessories, and offers good water resistance as well as dust protection for those desert trips. 🙂

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