Chrome industries makes some very interesting messenger bags. They are styled for high visibility and built for durability but there is something very compelling about them. I recently bought a coupon from Gilt City redeemable at Chrome Industries. So what to buy?
My initial thought was go for what they do best, a messenger bag. Specifically the Citizen. But ballistic nylon and the like are not exactly my thing so I kept looking. The Niko sling is also very pretty but I don’t use the Lowepro Slingshot I have. I was also tempted by the Mini Metro but my Medium Filson Field bag already covers that size quite handily.
Then I stumbled on a Chrome’s limited release waxed poly collection which promises the utility you are used to from Chrome but the look and feel of waxed canvas. I am intrigued. My current daily carry is a waxed cotton polyester hybrid from Fjallraven. It does a great job of repelling light rain and it looks great. I did a 2 month write up on it.
I have been to the Chrome Industries Portland store and I tried the regular Citizen on. It’s big and it’s bold. The thing I like the most about it is how high it sits on your back. The buckle is both very convenient and kind of annoying. I almost bought it then but what would I do with a screaming yellow messenger bag.
I swear that they had several color options only a few days ago but I hemmed and hawed and now brown is all that is left. Still the brown is a beautiful bag so I took the plunge on Chrome Industries Waxed poly Citizen.
I’ll write a review once I have lived with it for a little bit. If you have a chrome bag and have something to say about it please leave a comment or shout out on the social media channel of your choice.