Green Guru Cruiser Cooler
Green Guru is a Boulder CO based manufacturer of cycling and outdoor gear upcycled and recycled from bits otherwise heading to the landfill. The Cruiser Cooler is made from recycled innertubes and an upcycled reflective Mylar insulated interior liner originally used for compostable cup packaging. Meant as an all purpose glove compartment for casual rides, the $45 Cruiser Cooler attaches with simple hook and loop fasteners and opens one-handed, with no zippers to fuss with. It isn’t as secure as I may personally want given my riding style, but for cruising with a light jacket and lunch, it makes sense. I used the Cruiser Cooler loose in my bag however, as it holds 4-5 12 oz cans or two big 24 oz ones and the Mylar liner keeps them cold far longer than they would otherwise. If I was to use it on the bike more I’d likely want to swap out the stock straps for something more secure and may wish for a snap closure at least. In the bag, it’s been more convenient than I expected having a small cooler like this around, and it never fails to elicit comments from other bike folks given the construction. See more and purchase direct at www.greengurugear.com
Chrome Citizen Night
Chrome has been at this messenger bag game for more than a minute or two, and in that time their Citizen buckle bag has become a classic. Best known for its iconic seatbelt buckle and bombproof construction, there are countless original Citizen bags in use around the world.
In the past year Chrome introduced the Citizen Night, a murdered out version of their venerable Citizen with an added twist—large reflective panels that are indistinguishable by daylight. Add to that the flat black version of their original seat belt buckle, and you’ve got one cool looking messenger bag. Not to mention one that seriously enhances nighttime safety.
Like the original, the Citizen Night measures 22” wide, 13” high, 7” deep and is made from 1000 denier nylon with an 18 oz truck tarp liner. The strap features EVA padding and there are enough pockets and organizing slots to keep your life in order. My one nit to pick is that I don’t like the way the cross strap comes up so high, feeling more like it’s in my armpit than across my ribs. But I deal with that just fine.
The Citizen Night is made in Chico, CA and retails for $160. Check out www.chromebagsstore.com