Chrome Industries waterproof bags — First look

New line of all-weather panniers, bags and packs

Courtesy

Published: February 19, 2014 at 8:17 pm

Long known for its iconic messenger bags, San Francisco-based Chrome Industries has a new line of waterproof panniers, bags and backpacks designed with touring and commuting in mind.

The company's new weatherproof line is constructed using RF welding and a proprietary, knurled interface between the 600-Denier Nylon upper panels and the Hypalon lowers. Chrome claims its ‘Knurled Welded’ method of fabrication results in bags that are 70 percent lighter than traditional waterproof bags.

Front Rack Duffle 40

This 40-liter rack has a padded laptop sleeve large enough to accommodate a 15in macbook pro : this 40-liter rack has a padded laptop sleeve large enough to accommodate a 15in macbook pro - Courtesy

This 40-liter front rack is designed to mount to flat, Pouteur-style racks. Inside the duffel is a padded laptop sleeve large enough to accommodate a 15in MacBook Pro. External straps allow the user to lash additional gear to the outside of the back. When not needed for bike use, it can easily be put into service as general purpose waterproof duffel.

The Front Rack Duffel is available now for US$100.

Saddle Bag Rolltop 20

Long known for its iconic messenger bags, san francisco-based chrome industries has a new line of waterproof panniers, bags and backpacks designed with touring and commuting in mind: long known for its iconic messenger bags, san francisco-based chrome industries has a new line of waterproof panniers, bags and backpacks designed with touring and commuting in mind - Courtesy

These 20-liter waterproof panniers are designed to be mounted to a traditional rear rack via Chrome’s slotted mounting system, which bolts onto existing racks and is included with each pannier.

Off the bike, these panniers can be slung over the shoulder with the included straps or carried as a tote.

The Saddle Bag Rolltop is available now for US$160.

Urban EX Rolltop 18 & 37

The compact 18-liter urban ex 18 has a padded sleeve for an tablet such as an ipad, while the more voluminous urban ex 37 has a padded laptop sleeve that can fit a 15in macbook pro: the compact 18-liter urban ex 18 has a padded sleeve for an tablet such as an ipad, while the more voluminous urban ex 37 has a padded laptop sleeve that can fit a 15in macbook pro - Courtesy

As you may have inferred from the names, these rolltop backpacks bags have 18 and 37-liters of storage capacity, respectively.

Both bags feature padded, EVA foam back panels and sternum straps fastened with Chrome’s signature mini seatbelt buckle. The compact 18-liter model has a padded sleeve for tablet such as an iPad, while the more voluminous 37-liter version has a padded laptop sleeve that can fit a 15in Macbook Pro.

The Urban EX 18 retails for $120, while the larger Urban EX 37 retails for $160.

For more information visit www.chromeindustries.com.