Review – Chrome Industries Summoner Backpack

Chrome Industries Summoner Travel Backpack
Intercity travel should not mean heavy rigid cases that swallow up your belongings like the kitchen sink. The Modal collection from Chrome Industries is a range of versatile and durable bags that will allow you to stay organised and flexible on your travels—both on and off the bike. The Chrome Summoner Backpack is the mid-sized 32 litre rucksack from the brand, and it has proven to be a superbly designed travel bag.

Chrome Industries were the pioneers behind the original sling bike messenger bag. More than 20 years ago in the city of Boulder–Colorado the brand created the now famous bag out of seatbelt buckles and straps, five bar webbing, and double-lined bombproof interiors. Their strapline now reads 'Building Indestructible Gear Since 1995'—a claim that they reliably hold true to.

Chrome Industries bags are not just built to last in the urban jungle though, they are also designed to be practical, lightweight, and stylish. The Modal collection is all about fulfilling those aims for daily travel and adventures.

The Summoner Backpack was a new release for the 2019 season, and is a bag focussed on organisation and access.

The Summoner is a rucksack by design, but it adopts the classic clam shell two compartment approach normally found in hard-shell suitcases. The intention is to divide clothing and kit from tools, laptop, and other work essentials; so that you can easily access both as you travel around.

The main zipper opens the bag out into two sections: the rear section is for clothing and can also be accessed from the outside of the pack; the inner section against your back is intended for everyday tools—with dedicated pockets for a 15 inch laptop, notebook, pens, and other small essentials. For ease of access, the laptop sleeve can also be accessed from an external zipper, similar to the clothing compartment.

Pocketing is a traveller's best friend, and the multiple pockets inside the Summoner rucksack make it easy to store items safely, without losing them in the cavernous depths of a stereotypical travel bag. The clever additional of three quick-access pockets on the outside of the rucksack is a further design detail that enhances organisation—they are perfect for items like sunglasses, keys, wallet, and phones.

The Summoner supports the obsessive organiser (a.k.a. the efficient traveller). Yet, it is also a supportive and satisfying pack to wear. On a recent trip to Copenhagen I walked over 20 kilometres with the bag fully loaded, and its padded back panel and straps make for a secure and comfortable carry. The four 'cinch' straps on the corners of the bag are a smart detail to stop the bag's contents bouncing around if you need to jog or ride with the pack.

Along with the great practical and wearable nature of the Summoner, it also undoubtedly holds true to Chrome's strapline—this a bag truly built to last. The quality fabrics, YKK zippers, and the signature five bar webbing all ooze durability and demonstrate bombproof strength. This is a bag made to be used year on year.

Certainly, I have thoroughly enjoyed testing the Chrome Summoner, and it continues to be a faultless performer. It makes travel simple, easy, and efficient; but it does so in a durable, smart, and clever design. Swing it over your shoulders and you will have many great adventures.

>> View the Chrome Industries Modal Collection here <<

Chrome Industries Summoner Travel Backpack

Chrome Industries Summoner Travel Backpack

Chrome Industries Summoner Travel Backpack

Chrome Industries Summoner Travel Backpack

The Chrome Industries Summoner Backpack was provided to Lifeinthesaddle.cc for testing 


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