San Francisco based Chrome Industries announced the availability of two new backpacks this week, the 29L capacity Yalta rolltop, and the larger 49L Brigadier, which functions as a backpack that converts into a duffel bag. Chrome is billing the Yalta as a commuter and weekender bag, while the Brigadier is better suited for “the serious traveler.” See what both bags are about after the break.
Yalta
The Yalta starts with a dedicated laptop sleeve that can store up to a 17″ laptop. The outer shell material is Tarpaulin, a weatherproof, heavy gauge canvas material, and the inside is lined with a 14 gauge tarp material.
A side zipper opens up the tarp-lined laptop pocket. Chrome used an EVA foam back pad to give some cushioning between your spine and whatever goes in the sleeve pocket.
A chest strap stabalizes heavy loads and Chrome’s signature metal buckles allow for easy adjustment up and down the back. At $120, the bag isn’t cheap, but Chrome offers a lifetime warranty so you don’t have to worry about replacing it. It’s available at both the New York and San Francisco retail stores, as well as through their online shop.
Brigadier
The much larger Brigadier is designed to be easily convertible between a backpack for daily use and a duffel for longer travel.
Just like the Yalta, the Brigadier has a side-zip laptop pocket.
The Brigadier’s shoulder straps stow away inside, the top cinches shut, and straps wrap around the outside to turn it into a duffel bag.
Because it pulls double duty, there isn’t much back padding when it’s acting as a backpack, but its all-in-one appeal will make up for it for some travelers.
The Brigadier, which comes only in black, is in stock at both of Chrome’s retail stores and online as well, with Chrome offering $8 flat-rate shipping on all its bags. Order online and get more details via Chrome’s site.
