The chrome bags have the pull tab thing to loosen the strap, I generally loosen the bag a bit when I sling it around and then re tighten it when i put it back on the back. I love my metropolis, it seems near bottomless, yesterday I got a blender, a pot, and a bunch of food in it to make dinner and it still fit comfortably, and likewise when I carry a few books or my computer and a notebook it fits like its the perfect size for the job. I would say you will be able to get it plenty tight and they are quite well designed bags.