r/ChromeIndustries

Image 1 — Side-by-side comparison: Did Chrome construction actually change between 2012 and 2021?
Image 2 — Side-by-side comparison: Did Chrome construction actually change between 2012 and 2021?
Image 3 — Side-by-side comparison: Did Chrome construction actually change between 2012 and 2021?
Image 4 — Side-by-side comparison: Did Chrome construction actually change between 2012 and 2021?

Side-by-side comparison: Did Chrome construction actually change between 2012 and 2021?

I have two Chrome bags in my collection: one with a date stamp of 11/20/12, and another one from 2021.
There is a lot of talk online about Chrome transitioning to lighter materials or changing their build quality over the years, but holding these two side-by-side, the construction and weight honestly feel pretty identical to me. They both have that classic, rugged feel.
For the gear heads and Chrome historians here:
Did Chrome actually alter the core 1050D nylon shell or the thickness of the truck-tarp liner between 2010 and 2021?
Or did the major weight-shedding and material redesigns only happen much more recently (like the 2024 overhaul)?
Would love to hear if anyone knows the exact timeline of when the standard builds actually started feeling different, or if anyone else has compared these two eras!

u/Realistic_Hunt_3589 — 2 days ago

Is lifetime warranty actually good or bad if things rip or breakdown? Seems mixed based on other people's stories

I was thinking about buying the barrage 22L backpack but seems like the quality gone down and also it's made out of recycled materials which from experience know it's probably going to breakdown overtime.

I guess I wouldn't care if they actually honor their lifetime warranty but seems like a mixed bag from other people's stories.

Wanted to know if they will actually back their claims for warranty if things start to rip or break?

Also wondering why some get bad experience with no help?

reddit.com
u/swiggyu — 2 days ago

Midtown messenger

Anybody has Chrome Midtown messenger 20l and care to share an opinion? I’m no r/manybaggers but ober the years I’ve amassed quit of collection of different bags and I’m trying to trim it down a bit. I own 2l sling, tote and kadet. Kadet used to be my main edc, but since getting small sling its pretty much enough all the time (keys, powerbank, cellphone, edc pouch and even kindle) while the kadet moved in the Goldilocks zone of too big for everyday carry and too small for work commute with laptop, water bottle, snack and maybe some change of clothes. For this purpose I bought tote, but I don’t like the narrow opening and its not that comfortable for longer rides.

I’ve been looking at kadet max, but during searching online shops I stumbled upon the Midtown messsenger X-pac for €100. I like the versatility, big opening and dedicated water bottle pouches. Only thing missing is the padded strap with buckle and cross strap, both of which I think I can add later…

If you have other recommendations I’m open to them, but mainly I’m trying to get you to talk me into buying this bag😁

u/Accomplished-Milk769 — 6 days ago

My Kadet Max, Modified!

I think I'm finally happy with where my setup is! Mauve X Kadet Max, shock cord used for jacket/extra stuff retention. The design wasn't my idea, my partner actually did it with the help of user "u/PHILIAL"'s drawn guide. Just wanted to share :) Hope you all are having a great day

u/TheHeadless3 — 8 days ago

Incredible Warranty Experience/New Citizen 15L Quality Report

So I know the internet is a much safer place for haterade and trolling--and I swear I'm just a customer and not a paid shill (though I bet a few folks here won't believe me, regardless)--but I recently had a pretty astonishing experience with Chrome that I thought I should share here for anyone considering a purchase: Back in 2012, I bought a 15L Citizen messenger bag--and have been using it on average 4-5 days a week ever since, biking to work and/or play all over New York. After nearly 15 years of bad weather, grit and grime (not to mention about a half-dozen times flying off my bike and eating some serious shit with that bag on my back), the worst thing that's happened to it (aside from a few light abrasions from the aforementioned shit-eating) was that the velcro for the main flip started to lose its grip after being opened and closed, oh, I'd guess several thousand times. (In fact, a couple of months ago, I even posted here asking for tips about who/how to repair.) Anyway, I reached out to Chrome itself for ideas, and after Juniper at the Help Desk asked me a few questions about having either the receipt or the inner tag with the "made on" date (the answer to both of which was no), I sent a few more pics of the problem... and they sent me a brand new 15L Citizen! That's right: Nearly 15 years old, no receipt, no other proof of purchase, nothing--and they still stood by their lifetime warranty!

I've now been using the new one all week and want to report: While I've read a number of posts here about Chrome's declining quality, I have to say I compared it pretty closely with my old one--and everything (aside from the design changes) seems pretty much the same: Durability/density of webbing, buckles, etc., thickness of fabric and lining, overall weight and substance. So, in a world of shitty products from shittier companies, I thought I should let folks on here know that at least my experience with Chrome was absolutely neither of those...!

reddit.com
u/Final-Company7436 — 7 days ago

Added a pouch in ulock compartment

Recently received my kadet mini, it's almost perfect for my EDC but since I don't bike a lot the back compartment always feel wasted.

I've tried putting fabric velcro but it didn't work well, it won't stay on and feel insecure.

I looked around my house and found some board game dice trays I bought long ago. When you fold it in half it becomes a nice flat pocket. The size is also perfect for the ulock compartment. It also has a sturdiness that will stay put without moving around.

Now I can put some random stuff in it. If I want I can also add a snap on button, but I think it's good enough!

Hope this little trick helps anyone who wants to addon to their kadet mini without messing up the bag 😗

u/Inevitable_Bee_6547 — 10 days ago

Help identify year & model ❤️

I recently spotted this at a garage sale and it got me thinking about models before the iconic belt buckle came in.

Does anyone know specific details about this as I’m considering getting it or not!

u/sgray84 — 10 days ago

Off to another adventure

I wish I could post videos of this bag getting pounded in the rain. South East Asian weather changes so much.

u/lamboo001 — 12 days ago