Review – Chrome Bags

A messenger I am not (unfortunately – don’t forget about me Jeremy!), but a daily bike rider I am. When one rides a bike most places, a bag is a good thing to have. Better yet, a weather proof, comfortable and simple to use bag is even better. For this I use Chrome bags. Sewing out of San Francisco, Chrome uses what seems to be the industry standard Cordura (a high-performance Nylon66 product) as well as a heavy duty “truck tarp” liner system that keeps everything on the inside dry in inclement conditions.

I actually own two Chrome bags. I have a Citizen Messenger bag for most everyday use. At 1400 cu. inches it allows plenty of room for my work clothes and laptop during the week and on the weekends it will easily hold your 12 pack plus some. Then there’s the grocery getter, the massive Backbone Messenger backpack. At 2400 cu in, there’s enough room in there for my 3 year old son with room to grow. This one usually comes out for the grocery trips like I mentioned or if need be, due to the amazing water proof liner, can be used for a cooler in a pinch. Good shit.

Additionally, the way in which the Cordura and liners are sewn together provides for multiple compartments on the inside given you need to keep your junk separated. Both bags have a zippered pocket for the more important items, this is where I keep an extra set of keys to my locks as well as things like memory cards. Also, there are 3 smaller pouches that are good for all your pens and markers. The Backbone features an additional hidden pocket that I wish my Citizen had, but oh well.

Now, like most messenger bag companies, Chrome bags are not cheap. But, like the sign at the tattoo shop reads, “Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t good.” You get what you pay for. I’ve been using these bags for sometime now and they hold up like nothing else I’ve had. I know a few messengers that swear by them as well and that’s always a good endorsement in my book.

My only complaint would be the signature chrome belt buckle closure. While I like the buckle itslef, it’s that flashy chrome I am not a fan of. Apparently I am not the only Chrome customer that feels this way as there has been a recently released all black Citizen bag with a black buckle. Very nice. All in all Chrome shit rules from what I can tell. You can find them on the web at ChromeBags.com or visit On Your Left Cycles & Bike Couriers Bike Shop and see what they’ve got in stock. Where ever you go, be sure to tell them Fuck Gas sent ya.