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Chrome knows bags, and like any creative company a number of employees, along with countless customers, fancy themselves a photographer. Last year I had heard that a camera bag was in the works, and just recently the Niko was born. Many camera bags leave something to be desired when it comes to all-weather use, and the Niko is designed to bring the messenger bag construction we’re all used to to a camera bag. It has quick access pockets and a central pocket customizable for for whatever photo gear you regularly carry with you. About the only thing I could live without on a camera bag is the quick release buckle iconic to Chrome—I’ve had more than one jerk drop my bag off of my shoulder as a joke by hitting the button when I wasn’t ready for it, and a whole bag of photo equipment is the last thing I need someone dropping on the floor for a cheap laugh. The Niko is available for $95 and carries the usual Chrome lifetime guarantee.
I’ve been testing one of these for a couple of months now and have to say I’m really pleased. It’s the right size for most applications, not too small yet not too big. It’s comfortable on the bike or hiking around. I really like that the main compartment is customizable so I can arrange the padding depending on my needs that day. The main compartment zippers were a little stiff at first, especially making their way around the corners of the zipper, but they seem to have broken in a little bit now.