An “Escape and Evade pack”. What does that mean exactly? In a non-mil application, an E&E pack is designed to hold essential gear that you’d need in an emergency to get to safety. It can also be used as a small Every Day Carry bag for the minimalist or as a day pack for short excursions. For years, the standard-bearer in this category has been the Kifaru E&E. Many love its simple design and tough 1000D Cordura fabric. The Kifaru can also be customized by adding accessories using it’s “Dock and Lock” attachment system and MOLLE webbing.
Despite many recommendations on forums I frequent and the overall popularity of the Kifaru bag, I’ve refused to pull the trigger on one. At 14.5″ in length, the bag is way too short for someone of my height. The 1000 cubic inch capacity is very limiting and it needs an extra built-in pocket or two. A nice little pack and I love the “idea of it” but, in reality, it just wouldn’t work for me. I’d use it a couple of times and then it would be banished to my gear locker until I decided to sell it. I’m not alone judging from the number of used E&E’s I see pop up in forum B/S/T threads.
Fast forward to late last year when Tim Dumanis introduced me to his new Runt pack.
The Dunamis Gear Runt Pack
Initially, I was very skeptical because it was described as an “E&E bag” and my mind immediately conjured up the Kifaru. Tim persisted and I’m glad he did. This little pack has won me over big time!
Let me address the size issue first. The Dunamis Gear Runt measures 16″ H x10″ W x6″ D. I told Tim that would still be a little short. Dunamis will do minor adjustments to their packs so Tim offered to extend the harness length by two inches so it would carry better on my longer torso.
The adjustment made all the difference in the world. I’m not sure why I look so unhappy in this photo. The straps fit great.
Take the damn picture already!
The pack is still two inches shorter than I’d like length-wise. But, due to its overall dimensions, it doesn’t look ridiculous.
The extended straps make it carry like a larger pack.
The Dunamis Gear Runt has a capacity of approximately 1,500 cubic inches or 25 Liters. That puts it in the same capacity range as other day packs I’ve enjoyed like the Camelbak HAWG and Vertx EDC Ready Pack. However, unlike the HAWG and EDC Ready, the Runt is a top loading ruck-style pack with a large main compartment.
It can swallow a surprising amount of gear. The Runt also features dual internal wand pockets that are large and tall enough to secure a full-sized Nalgene bottle.
There are looploc attachment points and d-rings inside the main compartment on either side…
that can be used to mount hanger pouches to the interior for additional small item organization.
You can also get creative and use accessories from other manufacturers. For instance, the same attachment points can be used to mount the TAD CP-1 organizer panel. Lots of flexibility in this design.
If you prefer a hydration bladder, there’s also an internal slot pocket in the back panel that is tall enough to accommodate a 2-Liter reservoir. The pocket can also hold a frame sheet for heavier loads. Tim recommends SKDTac’s ATS frame sheet, which will fit with a little bending and grinding of the stay “to get the size and shape right”. Others may work as well.
The Runt’s straps stow away in the pocket.
With the use of the optional CHAMPS compression/attachment system, the pack can be mounted onto another larger pack as part of a system.
A top zippered pocket can hold items that need to be accessed quickly like sunglasses in a protective case, smart phone, keys, and snacks.
The carry handle is reinforced and large enough for gloved hands.
A shock cord cinch at the top just below the top lid pocket…
can be used to secure a longer item in combination with the ice axe loop. There is another shock cord cinch that can be used to secure more gear to the bottom of the back.
The pack comes in a slick and PALS version. The PALS features a 6 X 12 MOLLE panel that can be used to mount other accessories like this Kifaru 1000D Admin pouch.
I’ve used the Dunamis Gear Runt a lot as a day pack and as my car bag.
It’s small and versatile enough to serve that purpose very well.
SUMMARY
“Good things come in small packages” is a well-worn cliché but sometimes it still holds true. The Dunamis Gear Runt is packed with features while still having enough capacity for a little extra gear should the need arise. The Runt retails for $180 for the plain version and $210 for the PALS version and can be purchased from the Dunamis Gear website.
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