Our relationship with Chrome bags here at Folly HQ is one of great importance. Even before they started sending us their new line of bags to test and review, we were already sold on their quality and style. I remember visiting the Chrome store in SF earlier this year and was so happy to see how their brick and mortar store totally resonates with what they’re doing online. Everything is designed with intentionality and durability, not to mention with great style and finesse.
So when we got word from Chrome about them wanting us to review their new line of bags, well you could imagine how awesome that was. We aren’t even a year old yet but the fact that Chrome sees us and trusts us to deliver an excellent review is nothing short of significant. So without further ado here is my review on the new Chrome district bag. Enjoy!
First impressions
Upon first sight the Chrome District is nothing short of sleek. The smooth lines and simple shape of the bag give me a major bag boner. And just like it’s brother, the Chrome Delta, this looks to be cut from the same Darth Vader cloth. It’s the blackest of blacks, but you can pick it up in Berline Blue and Woodland as well.
The simple rolltop construction is a perfect fit for this bag. It doesn’t impose itself on you, but fits naturally within your day to day life. You can pack it up and go with comfort knowing even if you get caught in a downpour your goods are well protected. That’s important when you carry such valuable goods like we do here at Folly.
But I think what really sets this bag apart for me is the way it fits on your back. The shoulder strap design makes for a completely comfortable haul. Whether you’re just grabbing it to go to the store or you’re packing it up for a long weekend, it’s going to be a comfortable ride. The sternum strap is always an added bonus as well.
Test Ride
When you live in Texas in the middle of summer you really only have two questions to ask yourself; Do I want to sweat in the morning or in the evening? Either way you’re going to face some serious heat. Lucky for me, this morning was only in the low 80’s for a quick ride to the store. I downed my first cup of coffee and set out on the road. Packing the bare essentials made the trip to the store light and easy. The bag fit like a glove to my back and didn’t slow me down at all.
1 carton of soy milk, a 6-pack of Modelo Especial (the official beer of Folly), and two bananas later my bag was packed and ready to go. The storage capacity of the Chrome District is nothing short of surprising. It may look like it won’t hold a lot, but its got plenty of room for you. The ride home, with the bag fully packed, was still easy. The only suggestion I would make for anyone carrying beer is to make a homemade padded insert for the bag. The cans kept digging in to my back and since the bag itself doesn’t have any padding built in, it made for an uncomfortable situation. It’s a minor detail, but one that I won’t overlook next time. However, I was happy to see my bananas survived the ride home without being bruised or totally destroyed.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for a bag that fits well and has the style to match, then the Chrome District is what you’ve been waiting for. It doesn’t require the flash and bling of other bags to make it stand out. It’s the little things that matter. And in this case the subtleties are what make all the difference. Plus, you know since it has the Chrome seal of approval on it this bag will last you for years to come.
