As the father of a two-year-old (and soon to be father of two) I’m always on the lookout for easy-to-use, everyday sort of bags that I can try out instead of using larger backpacks. I usually don’t need to store much of my own stuff in a bag – maybe just my keys, wallet, hand sanitizer, and my inhaler. I’m typically storing things for my kiddo like tissues, bibs, an extra pair of clothes, toys… basically anything that my son may need while we’re out and about the town. So, when I was offered the opportunity to check out the Chrome Kadet Sling Bag, I jumped at the chance.
Chrome Industries is well-known as a brand that caters its products to cyclists, but speaking as someone who definitely isn’t one, I think it’s high time for Chrome Industries to be considered more as a lifestyle brand for city-dwellers in general. The Chrome Kadet is a simple, yet incredibly effective sling pack that can easily be considered essential for anyone who needs to be hands-free while still being able to store all of their essentials.
The Magical World of Chrome Industries
via Chrome Industries
Despite the company being in operation since 1995, I admittedly wasn’t very familiar with Chrome Industries prior to receiving the Kadet. I soon realized, however, that I was very much in the minority in this regard.
When it came to testing out the Chrome pack, I pretty much threw it right into the fire. The product was delivered the day before I left for a family vacation in California, which would include two fun-filled days at Disneyland, one day at Universal Studios Hollywood, and plenty of trips to local foodie destinations over the course of a week. The Kadet was certainly going to be utilized a lot during my review period.
On our first day of vacation, we headed through the Disneyland security line first thing in the morning. As I unloaded and opened up our bags to be checked, the security guard asked me what I thought of the bag so far. It was 7:30 am and I was still waking up, but I told him, “So far, so good,” to which he responded that he was in the market for a new bag and was specifically looking to snag the Chrome Kadet. I elaborated a bit more, telling him that I liked the weight, durability, overall accessibility of the pack, and its ease of use. That, apparently, made up the security guard’s mind right then and there, exclaiming enthusiastically that he was going to pick one up. What’s funny is that the exact same thing happened again the next day when my family went to the California Adventure side of Disneyland. Different Disneyland employee, same result. (I wonder if I can get a commission for the sale?)
It was clear that the secret was well out about Chrome bags in Anaheim, which resulted in me being a bit tougher in my overall review process – a bit more scrupulous than usual. Chrome Industries, however, makes it easy to see exactly why the brand has been in business since 1995. The Kadet is pretty special.
Sleek and Stylish
via Chrome Industries
Let’s start with the design of the bag. The Chrome Kadet is a minimalist’s dream come true. It’s unassuming and nondescript, which I think is part of its appeal. The Kadet is made from Chrome’s signature military-grade material, and it’s both water-resistant and durable.
The sling bag can be worn comfortably over one shoulder and is adjustable to fit anyone of any size, which is important considering that I’m a pretty tall guy with an extra-long torso. The strap – which attaches via an aluminum seat belt buckle – is also padded for extra comfort, and it doesn’t rub up against my neck like a lot of sling bags tend to do. The bag also features an included stabilization strap that wraps around your chest for added support. The chest strap is also adjustable to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. Chrome Industries was definitely thinking about all the little things when they designed the Kadet.
The pack features a single main compartment that’s spacious enough to store all your essentials, and it has a smaller front pocket for quick-access items. The main compartment within can be accessed easily as well – I can just quickly unzip and grab what I need without having to put the pack down. That’s been really clutch when we’re on the go and I need to get snacks or my phone in a hurry. If you’re planning on using the pack to tote around your Nintendo Switch, there’s not really a dedicated space for the device. I just utilize a thin case to house the console for a little extra protection, which I then place within the Kadet’s main compartment.
Taking the Kadet to the Next Level
via Chrome Industries
The zippers are pretty standard, which is fine, but I’d love to see some sort of anti-theft locking mechanism like traditional travel bags tend to have. Having that added layer of security would make me a lot more comfortable wearing the Kadet in a crowd (like at Disneyland). I added a small carabiner to the zipper to keep it a bit more secure, which didn’t really impact the pack’s ease of access. I know this sort of feature isn’t necessarily needed for typical daily use bags, but I don’t think it would hurt anything either.
After a week of using it for at least eight hours each day, the Kadet was still in great condition, speaking to its overall durability. There are different color options available, so if you’re trying to match your other Chrome Industries gear, you’ll have plenty of options as you shop.
Your Go-To Chrome Bag
All in all, I’m really impressed with the Chrome Kadet. It’s well-designed, comfortable, and perfect for everyday use or travel – especially at the reasonable price of $90.
I can see why Chrome Industries has become such a special brand and is still going as strong as ever in 2022. The Kadet has turned me into a believer. So much so that I’ll definitely be taking a look at what else it has to offer, coincidentally, since I’ll be traveling to Portland, Oregon later this year, which just so happens to be where the global headquarters is located.
If you’re in the market for a new everyday type of pack, stop your search. The Chrome Kadet is one of the best options out there, whether this is your first sling pack or one of many.
A product sample was provided to GamingPizza for this review. The Chrome Kadet is available now from Chrome Industries’ website. Sign-up for the company’s mailing list to receive 15%-off of your first purchase.
