Chrome Bags--Anybody seen/used them?

Yes, I use the messenger bag daily to commute . They are downpour proof (not submerging :p), the main flap goes over the opening and close it tight (similar to a waterproof bag).
Great quality on work and material.
Of course I also use it to carry my camera/lens for everyday use. But if I were to shoot all day, I prefer my Domke, for easy access. The velcro on the Chrome does attract attention.
 
I only have an old Timbuk2 messenger bag. It works, but it's not the most comfortable. I spent hours just this weekend researching a good replacement. I want something really sturdy, comfortable and well-made that will last a long time and doesn't look like a camera bag. And big, since I want to carry all kinds of things, not just camera stuff. After reading message boards for a ridiculous amount of time the following were left on my list:

- Chrome. Citizen or Metropolis. For a dedicated camera bag the Mini Metro might be the best.
- PAC. Seems to be regarded as the Rolls-Royce/Leica of messenger bags among actual messengers. I love the X-strap.
- Bagaboo Workhorse. Much like PAC, but considerably cheaper. Like PAC it also has the optional second strap for heavy loads.

They all seem to be very well-regarded and are handmade in the US (except the Bagaboo which is made by an ex-messenger in Hungary). The Chrome cannot be customized while the PAC and the Bagaboo can be totally customized any way you like it (both looks and features) since you're in direct communication with the people making it for you.

For inserts to make it into a camera bag, this one from Tenba seems to be the most recommended. A couple of examples:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/coffeeguy/4597431887/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jopasm/3522941400/in/set-72157617911380201/
 
I have a Chrome bag for my laptop. Fit and finish are nice and it's held up well over the last two years or so. I see a lot of people around town with their messenger bags as well.
 
Concerning the Chrome bags--do you guys think the seatbelt style buckle is a pro or a con? I'm not sure a "quick-release" strap is the best option. Any opinions? However, the removable waterproof liner is a huge selling point in my mind.
 
Hmmm, not sure what the utility is of that buckle? I use a Timbuk2 bag every day that doesn't have that kind of buckle and can't imagine what I would use it for. I guess it could be useful to disconnect the strap so you can attach the bag to a rack of some sort, but I always wear my bag over my shoulder.

I use the Tenba insert that andersju posted above and it's a very nice insert. I will say, though, that while I find it perfect for a full-size dslr and lenses, I've grown to prefer the thinner Domke inserts for RF and even TLR stuff. The Tenba is a large insert with thick padding, which makes the bag seem bulkier. The Domke inserts are thinner and work better for me for small RF lenses, and one of their inserts fits a TLR very nicely. It's not as protective but I'm pretty careful with my bag. To me the Domke inserts are very pricey for what they are, but they do work and I haven't found a cheaper alternative.
 
I've been using Chrome Mini Metros for my main camera bags, w/inserts from Billingham, Tenba, etc., for over 5 years. as nlubis noted, properly closed, they are definitely downpour/rain waterproof (& I can add beerproof, too).

I like the seatbelt feature & it was 1 of the main selling points for me--it lets you take the bag on or off without having to pull it over your head. Friends have semi-jokingly pointed out that it could be a problem if someone maliciously poked the button, but it's never happened in real life.

Chrome bags are definitely not for those who don't like velcro. I like the extra security provided by the velcro & the noise is rarely a problem because I normally get my gear out before shooting (leaving only extra lenses & accessories in the bag).

wilonstott said:
I was looking around and found these.
Material looks waterproof, but I'm not sure.
Might make a decent camera bag--with inserts of course.

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/
Click to expand...
 
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dfatty said:
Hmmm, not sure what the utility is of that buckle?
Click to expand...

It's because if you're a bike messenger (which the bags were designed for) you sometimes carry really heavy stuff in your bag, so sometimes it's easier to release the buckle than lift it over your head. I don't have a Chrome bag, but I bike commute with a Bailey Works super pro, which is similar (and superior IMO) to the Chrome bags, mainly because it's got more pockets. One time I had two cases of beer in my bag, yes they hold a lot.. heh, and the buckle made it way easier to get the bag off my back.
 
Interesting bags, I've surprisingly never seen one. For a small bag I'm loving my Crumpler at the moment but the Chrome Mini-Metro looks kind of cool.
 
Never really use the buckle, but definitely make sense about carrying heavy stuff. You can also find a black buckle option, very nice imo if you go with the all black look (the logo is red).
I also use domke insert to make compartments in the bag. I've had mine for at least 2, maybe 3 years.
 
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