First Look - Chrome Metropolis Messenger Bag

No matter who I speak to about the Chrome Metropolis, they all agree it's one hell of a bag. Rob at Chrome sent this one my way shortly after I broke my wrist in mid-May. In those 9 (or so) weeks, this bag has been used to carry everything from groceries, trailbuilding tools and 12 packs of beer, to important papers, camera equipment, beach gear, maps, water clothes, videos, laptops and children's toys (I'm sure I'm missing some items here - this thing has carried virtually everything I own at one time or another).

As the name would suggest, the Chrome Metropolis Messenger Bag is just that, a professional quality messenger pack. The bag measures 26 X 14 X 7 and will carry 2000 cubic inches of cargo inside it's weatherproof interior. There's at least 3 "stash" pockets, some pen and pencil pockets, a zippered compartment and a ton of space inside this bag! Enough for all but the bulkiest loads (which can be carried on the outside of the pack - more on that later). The bag's most recognizeable feature is the seatbuckle strap connection. Using a real-deal seatbuckle like on your grandpa's 64 T-Bird, this allows for easy bag removal without having to hoist the pack over your head. To be honest, I only found myself using it with extremely heavy loads, as the strap also uses a "D-ring" adjustment just below the buckle. Adjustment is easliy done one-handed and comfort of the pack is second to none.

When the Metropolis first arrived, I must admit, I was a little confused at the plethora of buckles. There's 3 straps and 6 buckles. The first 2 buckles seemed obvious enough, they help secure the bag's flap, (usually unnecessary thanks to the hook and loop flap closure) but there were another 2 located just underneath the flap on the main body of the bag. I finally figured out the other 2 buckles purpose after stopping by the local hardware store to purchase a mattock. These "extra" buckles should be used to carry and items too large to fit inside the bag. Back in Calgary, I'd seen "real-life" messengers carrying long cardboard tubes (like the one you've got those old Farrah Fawcett posters rolled in) in the same way I carried this mattock home. Simply wrap the straps once around the item in question and buckle up. When hiking up to an trailbuilding project, it also carried a rake, shovel and 4 litres of water. Granted, my back was a little stiff shouldering the heavy load, but the bag is showing no sign of fading under pressure. The other 2 buckles are used in conjunction with a stabilizer strap that crosses either just beneath your armpit or around your waist to secure those heavier loads.

When I was at the recent World Cup and Joyride events on Canada's west coast, I had full opportunity to test the bag's weatherproof properties. It pissed down for 3 full days, while I hiked in the mud capturing the events. The inside of the bag was as dry then as it was in yesterday's 40C heat. It made a handy umbrella for me when all I took to the mountain was a T-shirt and pair of shorts. It was also a great way to smuggle beer onto the course, which brings me to my favorite part of the pack - you don't need to remove it to get at what's inside. Simply spin it on your shoulder open the flap, and voila - you're in!

All of Chrome's Messenger line of bags are available left or right handed, I've used the right hand version that runs across your left shoulder. Chrome also offers a selection of "optional" accessories, like a radio and cell phone/Mp3 holsters and a laptop sleeve. Did I mention the exposed straps have reflective piping? As far as I can tell, there's little this bag lacks for. It's comfortable, durable (try carrying over 50 lbs of tools and water in the pack you currently own) and easy to use.

Since leaving the city for Nelson, I've found myself foregoing the auto for sefl-powered transportation much more frequently. It's nice to easily carry everything I could possibly need into town without the nagging feeling if I've forgotten something it's a tough walk or pedal up the 10%+ grade to what I need. It's safe to say I use the car much less thanks to the Chrome Metropolis. Hell, over a year, I'd bet I save well over its $120 US price in fuel alone.

Whether you call it a purse, man-bag, pack or messenger bag, the Metropolis or its 3 other family members, the Kremlin-3000cu in, Citizen-1200cu in and Mini-Metro-1000cu in, all available in too many colors to list, are a must have for anyone needing to transport goods on or off the bike.

For more information, or to purchase your very own Chrome Bag, visit the Chrome web site.