The Chrome Romer is a basic two-strap commuter backpack. While I definitely have a fondness for smaller backpacks like my old Dually, lately I’ve been finding that mid-size backpacks like the Yalta and the Romer are just right for me.
The Romer measures 16” wide, 17” high, 6” deep, and weighs in at a very respectable 3 lbs. And despite its light weight, Chrome didn’t skimp on the materials—1,050 denier nylon outer shell with floating 18 oz. truck tarp liner, a lightly-padded back panel and padded shoulder straps with alloy adjustment buckles and Velcro accessory strips.
Under the flap, things are extremely simple and functional. There are two zippered exterior pockets, the main compartment and a separate large interior slash pocket. Off to the bottom right there is one exterior pocket that’s just the right size for holding a water bottle. Unfortunately, my favorite pump, a Topeak Road Morph, doesn’t play well with the integrated pump holder, but it’s just as easy to stash it inside the bag or grab a different pump.
And that’s about all I’ve got to say about the Romer. As much as I like it, it’s basically a simple, high-quality, no B.S. messenger backpack. It does exactly what you expect, and nothing that you don’t want it to. There are certainly bags with more features, but at some point you have to ask yourself, “Is all of that really necessary?”
The Romer is available in five different color schemes and retails for $120.
Check out www.chromesf.com