Lowepro Pro Runner x350 AW DSLR Backpack (Black)
The Pro Runner x350 and x450 AW DSLR rolling backpacks delivers a convertible, streamlined and urban-inspired solution for pro photographers and photojournalists who carry their gear through crowded airports and busy city streets. It’s purpose built for superior protection and maximum flexibility as photographers work and travel. This easy-to-convert design fits a DSLR with attached lens up to a pro-sized body with grip and 300mm f/2.8 attached lens (x450 AW), laptop, tripod and multiple accessories, plus a few personal items. From its fully padded interior to it’s patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover, the Pro Runner AW thoroughly safeguards valuable gear. Each pack includes: spring-loaded trolley handle; premium wheels; checkpoint-friendly laptop sleeve; Hideaway Tripod Mount system; rainflap lids; SlipLock attachment loops; multiple storage pockets; memory card pockets; and more.
Lowepro Pro Runner x350 AW DSLR Backpack (Black) Features
- Easily converts between a backpack with a 5-point adjustable, padded backpack harness, a rolling case for easy transport through airports
- Designed in size and weight to fit most airlines' carry-on requirements
- Removable, checkpoint-friendly laptop sleeve will fit most 15.4" widescreen laptops
- All Weather AW Cover protects camera and gear from the elements
Price: $229.95
User Reviews about Lowepro Pro Runner x350 AW DSLR Backpack (Black)
This is a well made carry on for camera equipment that can be adjusted for a "regular" carry on in a pinch. The structure is sound. All sides are padded well and shaped functionally. The dividers are padded and stay in place with velcro so that you can move them, and adjust the size and placement, or remove some all together. It is big enough to hold a professional camera, and several lenses. It also will hold my husbands medium size professional video camera that he takes to film hunts. On the front is a compartment to hold a laptop, it is zippered and well padded. The pull handle and wheels function well and are durable. Overall this is an excellent piece of luggage to protect film and video equipment. And in a pinch all the velcro dividers can be removed and it can be used as a carry on bag. -- Very well made and padded. A trust worthy and durable travel piece.
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1ZYJI41632OSD QUICK SUMMARY: See my video review! Excellent, professional-grade photographer's DSLR travel bag is rugged and tricked-out to the max. Aside from it's rather heavy weight and high cost, there's not much to dislike. Recommended!
WHAT I LIKED:
- Tricked-out to stow lots of camera accessories, including even a nice 15" laptop sleeve (which I didn't show off in my video review) and pouch
- Shoulder harness permits toting photographic equipment wherever wheels won't roll
- Weatherproofed so expensive equipment won't likely get water damaged, even in a downpour
- Versatile and customizeable to fit your unique travel needs
WHAT I DISLIKED:
- It's heavy enough that, once fully loaded, it would be difficult to stow this bag in an airplane overhead bin
- The tightness of the zippers can make it difficult to zip/unzip around the bag's corners
- I disliked the spring-loaded, extensible handle which I fear will spring out of the bag unexpectedly
CONCLUSION:
I'm not a professional (or even semi-professional) photographer, but if I were, this travel case would be a terrific investment to safely stow and move my equipment to various shooting locations. But it won't replace a very lightweight, compact camera case that you'll also need and want. -- Excellent choice for transporting your camera equipment to remote locations
This is simply the best camera bag I have ever owned. It easily carries my dSLR, a 150 - 500mm lens, a 18-200mm lens, a 70-300 macro lens and all the stuff I need to do my nature photography. I can also carry a laptop in its own (provided) case. There is also a great tripod carrying arrangement. It has a very comfortable padded hipstrap that you can tuck away, along with the shoulder straps, when they not needed. Its very comfortable as a backpack camera case, or as a carry-on case. It also has its own set of wheels and extensible handle so you can wheel it around! They really seemed to think of everything for this beauty. I am very happy with it! I would recommend this to anyone looking for a really good camera case. -- This is my idea of a camera bag!
I have a Lowepro Vertex 300 AW Backpack which easily holds two bodies, a lot of lenses and a lot of accessories but it doesn't have wheels. The Lowepro Pro Runner x350 is small by comparison. It's adequate for a single body, a flash, a couple of lenses and strangely enough a l5.4" laptop.
This product can either be rolled or used as a conventional backpack. There is some padding between the backpack and your body which makes it more comfortable. The three piece telescoping handle is sturdy. When you're not using the backpack straps they can be secured behind the padding and are almost not visible. The interior is configurable to accommodate your needs.
OK, there is one thing that concerns me. I just got back from a trip and compared the depth of the Pro Runner x350 to my normal carry-on luggage. The manufacturer claims it is 13" deep which is fine; however, if you fill it up, the depth is over 14" (which exceeds the airline's maximum depth). On a 737, this will be a very tight fit in the overhead compartment when fully loaded because the opening is about 14".
The construction is excellent and the materials are top quality. There are heavy-duty zippers and Fastex straps to secure the main compartment. The laptop bag fits my Dell 15.4" laptop perfectly. You're still going to have to remove the laptop for the TSA agents. BTW: They confiscated a can of tuna saying that it was a liquid -- Geniuses! They also took my insect repellant claiming it was a poison (TO BUGS -- Hello). But I digress...
I'm used to a larger pack so the Pro Runner X350 seems a little small. If you need more room, take a look at the Lowepro Pro Runner x450 AW DSLR Backpack (Black) which is considerably larger and not that much more expensive.
-- Great for a reasonable amount of gear
This roller bag would like you to believe it's a backpack, but don't be fooled. At just under 10 pounds, empty, she's a backpack meant to train marines. However, as a roller bag for high end cameras and all their accessories, she's well equipped for even the pickiest traveler.
Pros:
-Large diameter, easy rolling wheels for smooth rolling over mixed terrain
-Push button telescoping handle easy to use
-Well padded interior with velcro-attached padded dividers makes for easy customization for your set-up
-Rubberized carry handle for when you want to work your upper arms - otherwise known as lift the bag up
-Several attachment loops on the outside to hold tripod, etc...
-Webbed and padded backpack back slightly reduced massive amount of sweat you will be sporting when you use this as a backpack
-Snazzy backpack straps tuck into back when not in use (pretty cool and keeps the straps out of the way)
-Very thick zippers with rainflaps over them give me hope it will last, but even if it doesn't: Lifetime warranty!
-Outer pocket - several little storage areas to keep things organized, one clip, and... padded laptop sleeve
-Attached pull-out luggage tag for personal information - I don't like flashing my name, and this is a nice touch
-Laptop sleeve: I'm kind of over the moon about my zero shock sleeve, but this one is nicely padded and fits my 15" powerbook with room to spare (which means it may not be great for smaller laptops) - also has shoulder carry strap included, which is a nice touch for going through airport security
-Attached all weather cover pulls out of the bottom of the front of the bag from its own little pocket, meaning it is separate at all times
Cons:
-VERY DEEP - lists at 11.2" deep - I think it may be just a little too deep for the overhead bin of some planes, check before you fly
-Very heavy - over 9 pounds empty - the thought of carrying this as a backpack is daunting - it also is a bit awkward to do so despite the padding on the back - however, at 5'3" I just don't have the frame to make this work - both because of the size but also the wide straps, big male types may do better
-No water bottle holder - this can be remedied by using one with a carabiner clip and attaching it to one of the carry straps - honestly, I'm not sure where they would have put this, but you'll want water if you plan on carrying this as a backpack.
-There won't be much room to put other bulky stuff in here after you are all packed up, not a negative, but just a head's up.
Bottom line: If your camera equipment costs more combined than a used car, this is probably the bag for you. If you are a pro, without reservation, this is a smart purchase. If you are a well-equipped amateur headed to Alaska on a cruise ship - get it! No seriously, it is a really nice bag and if you have a DSLR and several lenses you are carrying, this at the minimum should be on your wish list. I don't really have much negative to say about it because they really have anticipated every need (except the water bottle, which is minor). The details and quality are really top notch. -- They call me Big Bertha