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October 24, 2012 Comments (2) Gear Reviews

Clik Elite Sprint DSLR Waist Pack Review

picture of the clik elite sprint pack from the side

 

As an ultra runner and photographer, I like to take my DSLR on some longer trail runs.  Over the years I tried using a large pack but it did not allow me to move fast and comfortably through the mountains.  Using a larger pack was just too bulky and didn’t offer quick access to my camera.  Easy access may not bother some, but taking the pack on and off repeatedly is cumbersome and rarely fast enough to capture pictures of wildlife.

The Clik Elite’s Sprint Camera Waist Pack (a sister company of UltrAspire) has been the solution to my camera pack needs.  This waist pack supports most DSLRs and lenses (up to 7 inches in total length).  My Canon XSi with an EFS 55-250 lens fits perfectly.

picture of clik elite sprint dslr pack

Clik Elite Sprint DSLR Pack

Here are the overall benefits I found:

1.  Loaded with a DSLR, the pack does not bounce even when I’m running fast.

2.  There’s a neoprene back that hugs the camera, which not only keeps it in place but also accommodates variations in camera body sizes.

3.  The construction is durable and made to last.

4.  During my testing, no sweat or moisture entered the camera storage area.

5.  Access is quick and easy.  I have found three ways I can quickly access the camera.   First, I’ve learned to reach behind my back unbuckle and unzip the pack, having the camera in hand in less than 10 seconds.   Second, you can spin the pack around your waist putting the camera in front for quick access.  Finally, if I’m running with my training partner she’ll often grab the camera for me.

This pack really rocks for runs up to 3 hours because:

1.  The side waist pockets are large enough to hold GU packs and miscellaneous supplies.

2.  Simple handheld water bottles are all I need to round off my equipment needs.

With the addition of a small bladder pack or filtration system (like the Swayer Squeeze), I’m confident the pack can support your needs for more hours as long as your water and fuel allow you to be out.

The Sprint offers versatility as well.  In addition to using the Sprint for my camera, I recently deployed it at the Pony Express 100 Ultramarathon as my primary support pack.  I comfortably wore the pack for 8 hours over 32 miles.  I was able to pack gloves, warm hat, headlamp, jacket and long sleeve shirt in the main storage area.  In the side compartments, I stashed 4 AAA batteries, 5 GU’s and 2 packages of Chomps.  For hydration I used one handheld water bottle (with refills along the way).

So, if you’ve been looking for a pack that allows you to move fast, stay out for hours and holds a DSLR, the Clik Elite Sprint is the one to try.

Below are pictures of the pack but also the pictures we had an opportunity to take because we had a DSLR.

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2 Responses to Clik Elite Sprint DSLR Waist Pack Review

  1. RickNP says:

    Thank you for the review! One question, though: Did you find the handheld water bottle getting in the way of grabbing and using the SLR? I’m concerned that will be the case for me so I was going to try a hydration backpack, but that kind of defeats the purpose of the ClickElite at that point. What are your thoughts?

    Thanks in advance!

    • mkreuzer says:

      Hey Rick. I can see what you are saying. I just set or throw my water bottle to the side. A pack is going to be bulky and running might be tough. Hiking and packs seems to work but the waist pack works better when running. If I was going out for more than 3 hours I would probably move or add sometype of pack because of the need for additional food, water, safety items. I hope that helps.

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