Hi my name is Pete Hill and I am the VP of Design here at Lowepro.
Earlier this summer I attended the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City. While the show is not focused on photography it is a great place to look at new materials and trends in rugged good-looking bags. It also represents my professional roots, with more than 25 years spent designing products in that industry. With such a long history in outdoor, the show is a great place for me to catch up with old friends and now their children.
At this summer’s show I was introduced to the niece of and old friend, Todd Skinner. Todd, a professional rock climber, was killed in a climbing accident a few years back and his passing left a void for me as it did all of his friends and family. So it was a real pleasure to meet his niece Becca. A college student and a hard working photographer, Becca was in Salt Lake to meet up with Lowepro photographer Chris Noble to work as his photo assistant on a shoot in West Water Canyon.
After meeting her I took a look at her blog and her site . It’s the work of a young photographer, but one that is putting the time in to create sincere work. As family of an old friend I wanted to make sure she had the right bag to support her work. The one she chose was the ProRunner 450 AW. She needed the size for all her gear and her computer. I am looking forward to getting her feedback.
Being a progressing, young photographer, I needed a bag that was going to allow me to hold my current gear in various situations. Although all the compartments inside are not filled up (yet!), the ProRunner 450 is my dream camera bag. The organization of the backpack helps me breathe easier and all of the pockets help my keys, wallet, sunglasses, etc., find a spot to stay while I’m photographing.
The backpack was really great to fly with, I could take it as a carry on and feel like my equipment was safe. I also recently took it out in the mountains to shoot mountain biking. The padded shoulder straps and hip belt made it extremely comfortable to hike with and I could fit a down jacket, first aid kit and water bottle in it along with all my camera gear.
I’m psyched I chose this bag, it is so versatile! I’m looking forward to taking it with me on my future photographic excursions.
Hi, Becca —
Thanks for your comment. It’s always great to hear when our bags are working out well.
Check in from time to time and let us know what you’re up to. We’d love to hear about your upcoming projects.
I bought the Mini Trekker Classic about 10 years ago and I have been your web site but I can’t find it. Are you still making it or is it discontinued. I bought it Sligo Ireland and the person who sold me it said I could put a compter in the front as it was big enough I bought it. I had to put extra padding in it, but it works, as it not made for that purpose it does the job.
Hi, Peter —
The Mini Trekker Classic was discontinued some time ago — but it’s great to hear that yours has served you well for so long! We have a new line that I think you’ll also like — it’s the Pro Runner Series. The Pro Runner 350 AW is probably the closest in size that also has a spot for your laptop. Check it out and let us know what you think…
keep up the good work pete, the mountain bike photography community cetainly love your stuff – as i do (but as i keep saying to riders stop using black so much).how about some camo or bright colours for us show offs? ha ha
I look forward to hearing her feedback as well, if that would be possible :). It’s always interesting to hear how other people’s experiences are going with a bag – particularly if you consider buying that particular Pro Runner model (i.e. the 450 AW), obviously ;).