I have had my chrome shoulder bag since 2008. I just bought a new one (same style), and it arrived today. I can't help but notice that the material is no where near the same. The 2008 bag (which is made out of real nice stuff) has been replaced with some more junk material (or so it seems) - Does any one have the same complaints, or has anyone heard of chrome switching up their materials??

I noticed this as well the other day while browsing the LBS. Chrome got popular with the hipsters and so their QC went down the tubes. There is also some changes in the stitching it looks like from years past.

Yes! The stitching is very sloppy, at best as well. Not just around the bag, but around the straps and pads as well. I can't speak for their other (newer) products, because I have a backpack from the same time (2008) as well, and I absolutely love it. But I don't know if I replaced that, whether I would have the same complaints.

I'm having trouble deciding on a backpack that is durable and good looking. Apparently you can only choose one

Hire one sewn, for you, by someone where you live.

I live a few blocks from the Chrome store. Looked at a few bags that interested me. Almost, did the deed but was put off by the poor quality in materials and construction, as well

For back pacs, I can't say enough about the Ortlieb bags. Goodlooking(subjective of course), durable and lightweight construction is what sold me on them over a decade ago. Can't speak for their customer service, never had to contact them for anything.

Here is my favorite, go to back pack. Its water proof, lightweight and feels great around the shoulders/back, while cycling. I've had this one for over 5yrs. Its been through everything, nature could through at it. Even, used it a few times as a one man float while swimming down the Yakima river. Everything inside, stayed bone dry

Also, makes a great beer cooler...just add ice

Ortlieb is superior to Chrome in every way IMO. North St Bags, made here in Portland, is also a hell of a lot better than Chrome.

Glad I bought my Metropolis back when the quality was there. ...and yes, Ortlieb rocks, like most German stuff that makes it to the US.

Was there any significant difference between their Pro bags vs standard stuff.

I understand some or all their shoes are made in China. I would guess, that once they got popular, they started outsourcing the regular bags and hopefully still make the top end stuff in the USA.

The Chrome bags I saw were made in China. This is completely unacceptable IMO.

OFF TOPIC RANT WARNING: Talk about something that seems completely unacceptable: I just bought an Apple Computer, right before all of this news about the Chinese govt being behind yada yada yada. My computer was assembled in the country. I'm not sure if that's irony or what, but it's something.

Other than being a little heavier, nah.

If you go to Chrome's site, they are very honest about country of origin on each product. Some stuff is made in the USA. Some stuff from China. The newer USA made bags of mine are very well made. I don't own any Chinese made ones to compare them too.

Ortlieb does rock. My new Packman2 is absolutely incredible. After a lot of soul searching, I chose it over a Chrome backpack. So far, I'm more than happy with my decision.

Ortlieb messenger bags are also the shiz (the smaller & cheaper velocity and the bigger & more expensive classic). I own the velocity and classic and they both have performed exceptionally well over the years.

Hats off to Chrome for that.

Timbuk2 did the same back in the day.

Bigger question is if there has been any reduction is sales price for the product, since it is sounding like the quality has become an issue. If they are still charging premium price based solely upon their branding instead of the former quality they enjoyed when they were promoting 'Made in the USA'... then their reputation just took a couple of hits to the chin, IMO.

You've probably got as many backpacks and the odd mess bag as k'tesh has lights by now

Don't want to hijack this thread, so I suggest you start a new one concerning what you're wanting in a backpack. Seriously- it's been a couple of weeks and I love these kinds of threads