I’m not going to lie, I’ve always thought chest bags for guns and gear were a bit dorky. That was until two things happened – I started carrying my 35lb toddler on my back in a ruck, and I started riding a bicycle. All of a sudden, appendix carry was an extremely uncomfortable option. So on the advice of basically the entire internet, I bought a Hill People Gear Runner’s Kit Bag. Bottom line up front: I love it and I wish I had embraced the chest bag earlier as a solution for carrying a pistol when I’m active.
Hill People Gear Runner’s Kit Bag Features
Hill People Gear makes several different sizes of chest bag. The bags are designed for people who are going to be performing outdoor activities that might make carrying a gun and other gear on your waistline uncomfortable. Today we’re looking at the bag I selected, the Hill People Gear Runner’s Kit Bag, in “medium” size. This bag is made of high quality 500d Cordura nylon just like the original kit bag. I went with Ranger green for my bag since it makes the bag look fairly discrete in most environments. Keeping a low social profile on the trail is important. I don’t want gear that screams “gun” to Susie Soccermom.
The HPG Runner’s Kit Bag has two pockets. The main pocket is for your concealed handgun. On the Runner’s Kit Bag in medium, that compartment is large enough for a full size Beretta 92D. It also fits a Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp in 10mm, which has a 3 inch barrel. It does not fit any of my RDS equipped handguns.
I have found however that I don’t particularly enjoy carrying a heavy handgun in the main pouch. My Ruger LCR in 327 Federal basically alternates between living in my Phlster Enigma and the HPG Runner’s Bag now.
The front admin pouch on the Runner’s Bag has two pockets in it. These make good spots for some cash or ID/credentials. I have mine set up with the contents of a Phlster Pocket emergency wallet. That means when I’m out on a run I’ve got a compression bandage, a clotting agent, gauze, and gloves. Additionally I can just squeeze in an iPhone 12 and my house keys. That’s a lot of kit packed into a small area.
Wearing and Using the HPG Runner’s Kit Bag
The adjustable straps mean you can tighten the bag as needed. I’m not the biggest dude, and was able to sufficiently tighten the bag to where it wouldn’t bounce excessively while running. My primary use cases for the bag are when I’m rucking and riding my bike. It’s nice to be able to wear shorts that don’t have pockets and still have on-board storage and a gun within relatively easy access.
However, accessing the gun isn’t THAT easy. I mean it is, but you have to unzip the bag to get at it. Don’t think that you’re going to win any speed draw contests with the Hill People Gear Runner’s Kit Bag. A well executed draw with this will involve using your situational awareness to try and be ahead of the curve. Think of it like a fanny pack but up on your chest.
But is the HPG Runner’s Bag worth the $91 it costs? Yes, absolutely. Well, caveat to that. Do you go outside and do stuff? Rucking, hiking, running, biking? If you don’t do that and you’re just in your mom’s basement playing Call of Duty, then don’t spend 90 bucks on this. But if you do ever want to see the sunshine, the HPG Runner’s Bag is absolutely worth it.
