I bought this for a bike touring trip but sadly, it arrived the day after I left! That said, it is an attractive bag and seems well built. I like the fact that it has a solid insert to hold its shape (unlike my partner's bag) and the inner zip pocket is convenient. The lid is easily opened with one flick yet is secure when closed, so is a nice balance. It is also light, and doesn't 'dominate' your handlebars.
I have two minor critiques. First, the insert is helpful for holding shape when carrying something heftier in it: for me that is a camera, but the bag seems a bit small for carrying a modern DSLR and mid-range zoom (with a small prime lens instead, or an older film camera and mid-range zoom it is more than sufficient). It fits, but eats up most of the space: get the 7-liter if you want to carry such a set-up. Related, the insert could be a bit more robust but that would add weight. And the bag should include the clear top for inserting your printed itinerary.
Overall a very nice bag. I used Ortlieb Backroller Plus panniers on the journey and they were flawless. Like the build and design of the Ortliebs: I see why these are the most famous cycling bags. Should I size-up (I hate upgrading -- buy right the first time -- but I have several bikes so it is helpful) I will likely get the 7 liter version.
I'll keep it short and to the point:
PROS:
- Great, rugged material; it's built to last many, many miles.
- Ample space inside the bag (i.e., 24 oz crowler, rolled up Houdinin jacket, repair kit, hat, headphones, smashed PB&J, etc.)
- Smaller zipped pouch allows for easy access to often needed items (i.e., keys, facemask, Clif bar, bikelights when dismounted)
- Water-resistant lining in the pouch interior, I've ridden multiple times in the rain with this bag, dry as my whistle as I write this...
- Boxy, flat body allows for plenty of cargo while planting it firmly against your body, this is ideal because I hate a sloppy bag that bounces around.
CONS:
- No interior loops for key chain
- No daisy chain on the outside (maybe above the logo?) for placing rearlight when riding. But I knew that when I purchased it, I have eyes.
- Unless you are an absolute giant on two wheels, the waist strap is very long and will hang out as slack once buckled and cinched. I'm not sure why they were so generous with the webbing they used for the strap. I guess I just worry about it getting caught on side-mirrors, doors, e-scooter handles...
- Expensive. But, you're buying a bag for at least a decade and you'll have Chrome's 365 TO LIFE guarantee.
I bought this bag a few months ago and it�s been pretty handy! I got neon orange because it�s my favorite color, and also to give me more visibility when I�m on the road. It may not have been the best choice because it�s gotten some stains on it, although I haven�t really tried washing it yet. The woven texture also collects a lot of dog hairs. But the bag is sturdy, comfy, and a great size. The straps fit me but needed to be secured with safety pins so that they didn�t slip out of adjustment.
