Runnur: Fanny Pack for the 21st Century

A glance at the leaflet for the Runnur, a glorified fanny pack for the 21st century, hints that the product offers far more than multiple pockets.  Along with a nylon strap for valuables, the wearer also receives an immediate nonchalant air of hipness, as indicated by the photos of a smiling California girl, a skateboarder, and a girl on a bike, all confident in the style and security offered by their Runnur toting system. The construction is simple: it's a basic black strap sewn in a pocket-covered loop, made to be worn from left shoulder (kept in place with non-skid material) to right hip.

Still, I couldn't help feeling that the sleek, all-black stylings of the Runnur (though an alternative option is available: black fabric with red stitching) would be better suited to a darker, more barbaric society. Trying on the Runnur, I imagined walking, slow-motion, as a background of eye-searing explosions burned behind me. More of a modern-day bandolier than simple hipster accessory, the Runnur invites confused gazes, as though passers-by expect the wearer to pull a hand grenade out of the valuables pocket instead of folded cash.

While the leaflet also provides explanations for each pocket's function, a few of them seem rather unlikely. For example, the glasses case is mysteriously located on the back of the strap and it offers only minimal cardboard padding. One good shove and you're picking shards out of your back. Nevertheless, it's a useful place to store a small Moleskine notebook.  Similarly, it's hard to imagine keeping a cell phone or MP3 player in thin polyester pockets, and the pockets are not big enough to fit an already incased cell or MP3 player. For the most part, the I.D. pouch, the long pocket for cash, credit cards and valuables, and the bottle pouch are all functional. The Runnur is a great option for those who want to travel with only a few items without destroying their pockets.

Pros: Look like a futuristic assassin and carry the essentials without resorting to a bulky bag
Cons: Flimsy polyester fabric, monochromatic design