Chrome Industries started out making messenger bags for cyclists, geared primarily toward bike messengers working in urban areas. Riders quickly picked up on Chrome’s solid design characteristics and in the past two decades the San Francisco-based firm has added a variety of different types of bags as well as apparel and accessories. For much of the company’s history though, products have been geared toward those powering two wheels by sheer human force, not the gas-powered sect. This all changed early in 2014 when Chrome introduced its new line of Motor gear, debuted at the One Motorcycle Show in Portland, Oregon. Though we were cheated out of attending this year’s One Show by a winter storm, Chrome made good on its promise to get some of its new bags in our hands for product testing.
I’ve been using the Chrome Motor Barrage Rolltop Backpack (MSRP $240) as my daily carrier for a while now, and it’s proven to be comfortable and convenient. The straps are wide and slightly padded, plus there’s a sternum strap that secures via seatbelt buckle which helps to distribute weight. An EVA foam back panel also adds to the overall comfort of the bag, primarily when using it off the bike without a riding jacket. For the most part I’ve worn the Barrage over my ICON Vigilante jacket with a back protector, making the foam panel unnoticeable. Overall, when loaded with a laptop, tablet, brake disc lock, work papers, lunch and all the other odds-n-ends I carry around during the day, the Barrage is hardly noticeable when cinched and buckled for the ride.
The exterior of the Barrage is simple and understated, but a closer look reveals an impressive attention to detail. First off, all the components of the pack are sturdy. The cam lock compression buckles on the arm straps are industrial strength metal and the HD Ballistic Nylon shell is rated to be four-times as strong as other Ballistic nylons on the market. The company also coats the fabric with a rubberized, abrasion-resistant layer to further improve durability. Luckily for my health (unfortunate for a review), I’ve not had the chance to test its abrasion-resistance claims in a real-world scenario but can attest, to the touch at least, that the fabric is exceptionally robust.
I am particularly appreciative of the elastic bands on each of the exterior straps, (barring the main rolltop closure that is) which keep loose ends from flapping around when coasting at speed.
The Barrage’s main compartment features a floating bucket liner made of 18 oz. truck tarpaulin and welded-waterproof seams. The few times I’ve been caught out in a light rain, the bag has completely delivered in terms of saturation protection.
This is my first rolltop backpack and the design wasn’t my favorite initially, mostly because it’s so deep when the top’s unfurled. I have a tendency to be somewhat disorganized with backpacks, so finding a particular paper in a hurry, for example, is already a problem. Add to that the fact that I can’t just zip a flap and see things face-on, but have to stare down a rectangular portal into a minor abyss and things become somewhat frustrating. Another minor gripe is that to access anything in the main compartment you’re almost certain to have to take the bag entirely off. The zipper-less aspect of the bucket-liner is great for keeping moisture out but a hindrance to those looking to sling a pack off one shoulder in order to grab something out of the bag.
Where the design has come in really handy though is during quick stops when you need to just drop something in the pack and go. It’s a quick access feature that takes seconds to unroll and roll back up, and in the time I’ve been using the Barrage, I’ve grown to like the rolltop.
That’s not the only storage space either, as Chrome includes a fold-down tool panel on the outside of the pack. Two weather-resistant zippers run down either side of the flap while the top is secured with a thick strip of Veloco. Once opened, you’ll discover numerous pockets designed to fit tools, parts and other items needed during longer rides. Side pockets are available for small items or water bottles and a full length compartment opens at the top of the roll section for additional storage. There are two expansion straps on either side of the bag that increase its carrying capacity from 22 to 34 liters. It’s also got Velcro strips along the shoulder straps to fit accessory pieces like the Chrome Industries Flip-Down Phone Pouch, sold separately.
All-in-all the Chrome Motor Barrage bag is a great choice for communing and short, weekend-length rides. It’s also a nice-sized carry-on piece for air travel that would easily get a person through a few days away from home. A big plus for me is that it’s badging and color profile is subtle but its overall look is unique. It’s also built to stand-up to abuse. The interior can easily be wiped clean if you find yourself having to transport greasy parts and it’s dependable to keep electronics safe from those unexpected showers on the ride home from work.
