Anyone Try the Lowepro Pro Runner 450 AW Backpack?

[BenJohnson]

I currently use the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=718913

I love the Flipside 400, but I've just about outgrown it. Currently I've used it to lug around the following:


Gripped 7D w/70-200 2.8 IS attached
Gripped 40D w/17-55 2.8 IS attached
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Canon 580 EX II Flash
Canon EF 2x II Extender
Kenko Pro 300 DG 1.4x TC

As well as memory cards, batteries, chargers, microfibers, blowers, caps, etc, etc.

Fits great (see HERE (http://benjohnson.smugmug.com/photos/581694187_uBKpT-L.jpg)), but I've recently picked up another 580 EXII, 70-200 f/4 IS, and 300mm f/4 IS. I wouldn't necessarily need to carry around 3 telephoto's, but it'd be nice to have the option if I wanted! I'd still like to be able to keep a lens mounted to each one of the bodies, so I'm basically looking for a new bag with enough room to add at least 1 telephoto (2 if possible).

I started searching and came across the (apparently) new Pro Runner 450 AW. The backpack version (no wheels) is under $200 and appears to be HUGE compared to anything else from Lowepro (or anyone else) in the sub $200 price range. Even a laptop slot, which would be nice for travel (supposed to be carry on approved). Everything else that I think would be big enough seems to cost considerably more!

It looks like (see below) if I just reversed the hood on the attached 70-200 f/2.8, then I could leave the 17-55 attached to the body in the top section of the bag. The 300mm could fit along the left side, and I could put the 70-200 f/4 along the right if needed (or various other lenses/accessories if I don't need another telephoto. With or without the second 70-200, I think I could fit an adequate number of extra lenses/accessories.

Am I just being deceived by the pictures, or is this bag as big as I think it is? Could I fit my entire kit?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/multiple_images/item_images/IMG_149477.jpg

[BenJohnson]

No one?

[jchargu3]

im looking at buying the 450 for when I pick up a 5d and 70-200, its a BIIIIIG bag, playing with it at the photo store was a joy theres LOTS of storage and the bag is comfortable (albiet it was empty) when I had it on

HOwever im also needing a smaller bag for Disney/theme park trips and so on so I dont carry EVERYTHIN with me,.... Theres times where I just want one body and a couple lenses with me :)


the 450 is definitely a nice bag, with tripod holder and cover, I think it would do well for you, however if you buy more you'd run out of room quickly enough, and may want to go bigger

[BenJohnson]

I wish I could find it locally. I might need a slightly bigger bag (with laptop slot) for airline travel fairly soon. I think this would be big enough to fit all my gear.

[Pachekin]

Does Someone of you have the Lowepro Pro Runner x350 Rolling AW Backpack......i have a 5d, 50d with VG, 24-70 2.8L 70-200 F4L,85 F1.8 50 mm f1.8, 17-40 f4L, 10-22mm, can i get all this is that one??

[BenJohnson]

Thread hijacker! :p

[vitacura]

I am looking at this bag as well, I went to two local shops that carry Lowepro bags, but no one had them in stock. I hate to get it online before seeing it in person.

[xMClass]

Thread bump. I'm also looking into this bag. If anyone has opinions on the Pro Runner series speak up!

[DeaconG]

Just picked up the Pro Runner 300 AW Monday. Quick impressions:

The Good: Built to the usual Lowepro high standard. Shoulder straps work well. Not a heavy beast like my Vertex 300 (a little over three pounds). Decent layout, with more than enough dividers.

The Bad: It takes my full current kit, but JUST barely (see my sig). If you use your lens hoods along with your lenses you're probably going to lose at least one slot (I can get my Sigma teleconverter in ONLY if I'm willing to give up the hood on my 17-55, which ain't happening). I'm not too thrilled with the front pocket either-sticking my medium Rocket Blower in it causes a noticeable bulge. If you're going to be carrying accessories you may want to get some of their Slip Lock attachments (I ended up ordering a Lens Case 1N and a Slip Lock Pouch 30).

Overall, it's what I wanted (a backpack alternative to my Tamrac Pro 12), but it's not 100 percent...I'd give it a 90 percent. If you don't pack telephoto or supertelephoto zooms on a regular basis it would probably work better for you.

[BenJohnson]

Thanks! Photos?

[BenJohnson]

I went to the local shop and looked at the Pro Runner 200. They didn't have any of the larger ones in stock. Looks very nice. Seriously considering picking up the 450 to replace my Flipside 400.

[xMClass]

Reading around it says that the 350 fits a regular SLR, I wonder if it'll fit my 1 Series... I don't need all the room that the 450 has.

[BenJohnson]

Reading around it says that the 350 fits a regular SLR, I wonder if it'll fit my 1 Series... I don't need all the room that the 450 has.
I'm 99% sure that all of the LowePro bags of this style will hold a 1-series or gripped body, but to be safe you should probably double check in person.

[BenJohnson]

Scratch that. I just looked up the depth of the Pro Runner's. The 450 is 6.7" deep, and the rest are only 4.5" deep :(

[xMClass]

Well that sucks. I guess it's back to looking at some Thinktank stuff.

[xMClass]

Went to the local camera shop to check these out. The 350 isn't deep in enough for my 1 Series & gripped bodies. And the 450 is too HUGE. Very nice bags though, lots of room. Nice upgrade over the old Computrekkers.

[Rocktoe]

Just got the 350 AW. It's pretty darn great and packed with features.

[BenJohnson]

Well, I ordered the Pro Runner 450 AW, and it just arrived today!

It is HUGE compared to the Flipside 400. More thoughts to come once I load it up :)

[Sam6644]

do you still have this bag? Can you post some photos of it on your back? I'm interested in this and the 350 and I've been wondering how big they look while on someone's back.

[BenJohnson]

do you still have this bag? Can you post some photos of it on your back? I'm interested in this and the 350 and I've been wondering how big they look while on someone's back.
I still have it. I will try to take a photo of it on my back sometime.

[huntersdad]

I picked up the 450 this week. So far, pretty pleased. I sold my Vertex and actually wanted something slightly smaller and lighter. It is lighter, not much, if any, smaller. The big advantage over the Vertex is the laptop pouch is on the back of the bag, not the front, making it balance better.

The interior is is deep, so it should hold a 1D series (it holds my gripped 50d) and would hold a 70-200 2.8 with hood in shooting position attached to a body with lots of space for other gear on the sides. This bag also has clips on the outside to help keep the inner closed when hiking, storing or whatever (nice safety feature).

The outer pouch is big and would make a great place for a change of clothes or raincoat. The built in pockets seem a little small to me. The inside zippered pockets are nice and roomy, giving plenty of room for other small gear, manuals and so on. As a nice addition, there is a small zippered pocket on the outside of the front of the bag which could be used for batteries or whatnot to keep you from having to dig around inside or open the bag looking for them.

Shoulder straps seems nice and well padded. The waist belt can be tucked away when not in use but it creates a bulge in the lower back area. I have not worn the bag with the straps tucked it.

As is common for Lowepro, it has the tripod holder, which is a nice feature. Monopod holder on the side and a couple loops for attaching Sliplock attachements. Also has the AW cover.

Again, thus far, I am pleased with the bag in almost all aspects. I do wish the outer zippered opening was laid out a little better with more built in slots, but so be it. Haven't traveled or hiked with it yet but I think it will be more than up to the challenge. I believe I'm going to like it.

[Jahled]

Great bag, I did a review a while ago:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4846171861_3df79f4bb0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39097844@N03/4846171861/)
Lowepro Pro Runner 450 AW (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39097844@N03/4846171861/) by Jahled71 (http://www.flickr.com/people/39097844@N03/), on Flickr

Edit: Here you go

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=912867

[ccd]

Well, I ordered the Pro Runner 450 AW, and it just arrived today!

It is HUGE compared to the Flipside 400. More thoughts to come once I load it up :)

Have you guys ever taken it into cabin of an aircraft? Does it fit in overhead bin and/or under the front seat of an airplane? Please share your experiences.

[BenJohnson]

Yes, I've stowed it in the overhead compartment. I don't think it would fit under the seat, but I'm not sure.

[ccd]

Yes, I've stowed it in the overhead compartment. I don't think it would fit under the seat, but I'm not sure.
Hmm. Thanks.

[huntersdad]

I had the 450 for a while Until I picked up my 500. The bag is very big and very customizable. It is also a little heavy as you should expect.

OP, it should comfortably hold all your gear.

It will fit under an isle seat on an aircraft, although if you are tall, I would put it in the overhead bin.

[hotelfm]

Nice bag. A friend of mine just got one. The quality is amazing. I don't need a bag, but I know that is gonna be my next bag!

Fotograf i Århus (http://www.nowandthen.dk/losninger.html)

[*Jayrou]

Tough one buying bags... I have a Lowepro AW400 Stealth Reporter and just purchased a Vanguard Up-rise 48 (http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=vanguard+uprise+48&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=paENT8XxFcWX8gPWvIysBg&ved=0CE4QsAQ&biw=1280&bih=841) Backpack .. I did look a the runners too.

[xxmxaxrxyxx]

am thinking about getting one of these...to hold all my gears...

[GMCPhotographics]

Do you think this backpack will be able to carry a 400 f2.8 L IS, a 70-200 f2.8 L IS II, a 24-70 f2.8 L and a 16-35 f2.8 L II and a pair of DSLR's? Maybe I should be asking If I could carry that lot too!

[Bianchi]

Had one, wasn't happy with the depth, as I like to carry my camera's on end, takes up less real estate.

Went with the Think Tank Antidote v2 It allows camera to be carried on end, beacause of its depth, and allows more equipment.
Now I'm a happy camper!!!

[Bianchi]

Do you think this backpack will be able to carry a 400 f2.8 L IS, a 70-200 f2.8 L IS II, a 24-70 f2.8 L and a 16-35 f2.8 L II and a pair of DSLR's? Maybe I should be asking If I could carry that lot too!

Easily...

[SMP_Homer]

Do you think this backpack will be able to carry a 400 f2.8 L IS, a 70-200 f2.8 L IS II, a 24-70 f2.8 L and a 16-35 f2.8 L II and a pair of DSLR's? Maybe I should be asking If I could carry that lot too!

Yes - may as well look at the x450 - by Lowepro
Close to the same size, backpack and wheels...