BIKE & GEAR

First Look: Chrome’s The Niko

Easy access for those Kodak moments

Published: 07/17/11 16:56

Chrome has been designing bags with simplicity, functionality and of course durability, since day one. That day was about 16 years ago when a couple of guys, who needed a tough bag, “got the toughest materials they could find, headed into their garage and started sewing.” Those toughest materials included seatbelts from used car lots and vinyl fabric from old furniture.

And that tradition carries on today with the Niko, their pro camera carrier.

No longer do you need to look like a tourist while transporting your expensive camera safely. Those awkward shaped, square camera bags with an over the should strap, that despite the giant shoulder pad, or maybe due to it, never sit right.

The Niko is a single shoulder messenger bag, and of course, flaunts that classic Chrome feature, the seatbelt buckle that doubles as a bottle opener. It also boasts a top grab handle, with a cross-chest load stabilizer to give the added security while riding your bike or tree climbing to reach that best vantage point...and get the perfect shot...uh, wait.... ohhh... wait... right there... uh, almost got it.... okay, hold on.... crap, the lighting isn’t right anymore...

The 1,000 denier weatherproof Cordura outer shell keeps your camera safe rain or shine, and hopefully monsoons too, because that’s what it feels like outside my door right now.

The Niko also comes stocked with plenty of compartments for all those essential camera accessories. Got to make sure you’re prepared for every lighting situation. The main compartment can be customized to hold an SLR camera, lenses, the flash and if you’re old school, extra film. There are also side velcro straps to carry a tripod or a bike pump.

As with all of their products, the Niko is well-made and built to last... for life, guaranteed. And for the price of $95US, that’s a pretty good deal.

All photos courtesy of Chrome.