Chrome Kadet Sling Bag (Reviewed)

We’ve reviewed a number of different bags, from knapsacks to smaller slings that feel like a small messenger bag. What if you wanted something that was compact, and hugged to your body once it was stored on your back? For those, you’ll want something specifically designed for bike messengers. Say, something like the Chrome Kadet Sling Bag.

Am I a bike messenger? Absolutely not. I do travel around on a bike now and again for exercise, and back in the day I had a motorcycle (Honda VLX, for those curious) so I understand the need for a bag that is not going to shift around on you as get going. At the same time, you’re maybe not always carrying around a ton of stuff. If you just need to carry, say, a jacket, your phone, and a notebook, the compact Chrome Kadet Sling Bag is where it’s at. The 9L volume can hold a bit, but it’s not so large that you’re tempted to carry everything with you.

Wearability

For those not going about on two wheels, the Chrome Kadet Sling Bag is still helpful. In the photos here, I’ve packed a softshell jacket and an iPad, and it held it just fine (would be simple to get a backup battery in there and some snacks as well). Once it’s slung onto your back (ignore the fact that I forgot to get the secondary strap actually under my arm in the photos), it holds in place firm and steady, not moving or bouncing around on you.

Need to get into the bag? You could use that large seatbelt-style buckle to take the bag off, if you wanted. Alternatively, you can release the secondary strap, loosen the main strap, and move it around in front of you. Once you’re done, it’s just putting things in reverse, and you’re on your way. Not following that? I get it, it’s tricky to envision until you do it (or see it). So, to help that, here’s a video right from the experts at Chrome:

Chrome Kadet Sling Bag

In other words, the Chrome Kadet Sling Bag is built to stay on your back, and give you quick and easy access to what’s in it without actually needing to take it off. Or, if mass transit is your jam, you could easily sling it around to the front while you’re sitting, and then back to your back once you’re back on your feet.

Chrome Kadet Sling Bag: Visibility

Now, if you’re worried about visibility because you’re out before sunrise (or after sunset), Chrome has you covered. For our review, we were sent the “Night” version of the Chrome Kadet Sling Bag. What this means is that the large front panel is actually reflective. In regular light it doesn’t stand out, but hit it with a flash (or, you know, a pair of headlights) and it’s reflecting the light back at the source, letting them know that there’s something there they should be avoiding. The photos up above show you the difference, as well as how the cinch straps have some reflective elements as well.

Kadet Sling Bag: Organization

Inside the waterproof zipper of the main section, you’ve got some smaller pockets on the back panel that could give you some organization (say, of an eReader, tablet, or a notebook, as well as some pens) to keep things held in place. Past that, most of the volume of the bag is just an open space, meaning you can pack in whatever you need. Just pack carefully so your lunch doesn’t end up under something heavy, you know?

Final Review

You certainly have options when you’re looking for a bag to use regularly that doesn’t have to swallow a laptop. Of those, if you’re active, you want something that can hug tightly to your body as the Chrome Kadet Sling Bag does. Don’t need the reflective element? Not to worry, there are a variety of other color options, with pricing ranging from $69.99 – $100. Check out all the options, and order your own, directly from chromeindustries.com