Ok, so I’m a bag fetishist. Or rather, I like whatever I’m carrying to be well protected while not causing me any unneccessary pain. And you know, the right tool for the job and all that. And with the whole being mobile and carrying lots of gadgets around-era going on, why not share this overlooked part of full blown consumerism as well. In any case, I like bags and have quite a few…
First, a quick look on my most trusted friend, the always-on-my-bag Chrome Citizen messenger bag. I’ve had it for almost two years and apart from general wear and tear and the beatiful camo pattern going a bit pale where it touches the back, I have to say it’s still as good as new. It doesn’t do anything fancy; one big compartment, a small pocket on the front for keys and other small items and the usual place to put your pens — as if anyone ever had the need for that. It’s waterproof; the big compartment is surrounded by some rubbery fancy material I’m sure has a classy name I can’t remember and is flowing freely within the Cordura outer shell.
The strap is heavily padded and has an extra strap for holding it in place — a feature that can function as extra security as well, should someone decide to push the big trademark buckle on the front. It’s incredibly convenient not having to take the bag over the head all the time, so if you just get to unbuckle it yourself, it’s kinda clever.
I’ve had my hands on a lot of other messenger bags that of course is the obvious choice when you go around by bike a lot (go Copenhagen) but this is by far the most comfortable. One thing it doesn’t do, however, is being the usual shoulderbag. The strap simply isn’t long enough and is shaped in a way that doesn’t make that an option — which is fine by me; it’s not healthy anyway. The adjustment of the strap (which by the way is seat belt-ish) is pull-in-one-end, release-by-pulling-the-metal-ring-at-the-other-end which works fine but maybe isn’t as smooth as the Timbuk2 heavy-duty plastic buckle. A matter of taste, I guess.
It’s big enough to hold a 15″ laptop (I’m carrying a 12″) but isn’t padded enough for that use — you’ll need a seperate laptop sleeve for that (more on that later). Due to it’s shape, it holds quite some stuff but quickly gets uncomfortable if you don’t pack it right. Ideally you should always have a laptop or similarly flat against your back, which is pretty much the only thing I can think of that woudl go against recommending this rugged piece of equipment. So it’s hereby recommended.
(I’m thinking of doing more reviews / recommendations. If you think that’s a stupid idea or just consumerism at its worst, leave a comment.)