Pros & Cons
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- Roomy interior space.
- Water proof lining.
- Top-flap closure allows for extra interior space when needed.
- Durable materials.
- Sufficient padding.
- Smart selections of pockets and compartments.
- Stylish.
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- Arm straps feel designed for broad shoulders.
- Heavy even when empty.
- Only available in black.
Chrome (the bicycle accessories brand, not the Google browser) made its name among cyclists by developing extremely high-quality bags designed to survive harsh urban environments. Chrome's Citadel laptop backpack ($190, direct, available only in black) lives up to the company's reputation by giving tech-toting commuters a reliable way to travel with their gear. Whether your commute takes you along bicycle paths, through cavernous subway tunnels, or just down some gritty sidewalks, the Citadel ensures your laptop and other peripherals are securely strapped to your back.
Citadel Design
The Citadel manages to afford plenty of well-organized pocket spaces and pouches without overdoing it. At 21 by 14.5 by 10 inches (HWD), the Citadel comfortably stows nearly any size laptop. The backmost area of the bag runs the length of the Citadel and then some, as a Velcro flap enclosure at the top can be adjusted to make even more room for oversized items.The next area, which zips shut, is amply lined with a soft fabric that prevents your laptop or other electronic devices from getting scratched. There's also a Velcro strap to securely hold your notebook in place, plus one more additional pocket for folders or papers. Facing the laptop on the opposite side is yet another, smaller zippered compartment, perfect cords and cables.
Three more pockets—two vertically shaped, one horizontal, and all on the bag's exterior—give quick access to essential items.
Chrome Comfort
While the bag isn't nearly as massive as the Chrome Berlin – PRO ($220 direct, 4 stars), the Citadel's weight (4 pounds when empty) and arm straps (fit for brawny shoulders) aren't ideal for petite frames. I stand 5 feet 8 inches tall and have an average frame, and the Citadel did feel a little oversized for me during my test rides.Despite its bulk, this laptop bag does have a uniquely sleek profile when it's not stuffed to the gills. Nothing ever rattles around.
The arm straps have good mesh padding that wick well if you have a very active commute. The bands for tightening the arm straps felt unnecessarily long, though you can tuck them into elastic rings to keep them from flapping while you ride or walk to work.
Like all of Chrome's bags, the Citadel feels supremely sturdy as if it will last years, making the $190 price tag a little easier to swallow. It's an outstanding bag if you carry a reasonable amount of stuff on an urban commute—unless you're small in the shoulders.
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• Barracuda Carry-On
• Bluesmart One
• more
Final Thoughts
Chrome Citadel Laptop Bag
Bicycle accessories brand Chrome's Citadel laptop backpack keeps laptops safe and other gear easily accessible no matter where your commute takes you.