a review by Jason Piper
The Runnur mini backpack is easily the best essentials travel bag anyone can carry. It has the ability to carry your ID, 4 credit card sized items, two pens, your phone, MP3 player or camera, sunglasses, a regular sized 20oz bottle, and a misc pouch for snacks or headphones.
The front side of the Runnur contains the first five items (possibly the most expensive and/or frequently accessed items) and are kept right at your mid-torso. The other less-accessed items are behind you, and the bottle pouch sits right on your hip keeping everything balanced. This great “bandoleer” comes in several colors including canvas, black (with red or black stitching), silver, or plum. The unit I picked for testing is canvas.
I picked this up from an exhibitor named Andrew on the show floor of Macworld/iWorld, and from that point forward I never took it off. I immediately packed it with all the goodies I had on me including business cards of vendors, business cards to hand out, a 20oz bottle, my iPhone (with extended battery case), ID, debit card, cash, and receipts. As the vendor originally mentioned, the addition of a bottle in the bottom pouch really helps keep everything in place. The weight was evenly distributed and a leather-like material resting on my shoulder kept the Runnur from sliding, even when moving around, bumping into people, or walking through the show floor of Moscone West.
During the flight back to Missouri, I was concerned about the TSA, and how they would treat the Runnur. They considered it the one "personal item", which means you can still have your backpack, briefcase, or other carryon without issue. I found this to make the flight very painless, and was able to store my backpack and keep the items I wanted within reach. A simple D-Ring at shoulder strap meant I could pick it up and get to all items very easily. The Runnur attracts as fair amount of attention since nothing like this product (except bullet bandoleers) has made it to the general public. People are shocked by how heavily you can pack the Runnur, yet once you put it on, you don't notice it at all.
I can’t say that the Runnur has any technical downsides, Andrew (the designer) and the entire Runnur team have carefully planned out a spectacular product keeping in mind the location, frequency of use, and size of each pocket. The product is well-crafted and definitely seems like it will stand up to the test of use and time.
My Dad also got a silver version which he demonstrated at our user group meeting. Although he probably won’t wear it with a business suit, it will certainly go on trips for convenient and secure transport of personal items he used to put in his many-pocketed Scottevest. It is definitely a step up.
In conclusion, I recommend this product to everyone. Whether you are traveling, going to the zoo, hiking in the back woods, riding a motorcycle, or just tackling everyday life, there is no reason to not have a Runnur over your shoulder keeping you in line. At only $39, it is a practical and reasonable buy. Learn more about this and related products from Red Street Ventures at http://www.gorunnur.com.
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