If you're looking for gear that can handle the daily grind of city life, you're probably already familiar with Chrome Industries. Loved by bike couriers and urban commuters, their bags are the definition of rugged, combining weatherproof durability with a sleek, utilitarian style that just works.
That iconic roll-top backpack and street-ready vibe have made them a go-to for anyone who needs functional gear that looks good. But if you’re ready to explore other brands that nail that same blend of toughness and style, here are 18 similar brands worth checking out.
You might know Thule for their car racks, but their backpacks and travel gear are just as tough and reliable. They excel at smart, durable bags designed for active people, with a huge focus on functionality and protecting your tech. While Chrome is all about that urban street style, Thule’s vibe leans a bit more into clean, Scandinavian design for travel and outdoor use, making them a great option if you need a bag that works for your commute and your weekend getaway.
Shop now at thule.com
Patagonia is famous for its commitment to sustainability and creating rugged outdoor gear that lasts a lifetime. Their backpacks and messenger bags bring that same durability into the city, using eco-friendly materials that can stand up to anything. While Chrome offers a definitive urban grit, Patagonia's gear has a more outdoorsy, trail-to-tarmac feel. If you value environmental impact as much as performance, Patagonia is an easy choice.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Herschel blends vintage style with modern features, creating some of the most recognizable backpacks out there. Their designs are cleaner, more minimalist, and often more colorful than Chrome's, focusing on everyday style rather than pure utilitarian function. While they might not be as bombproof as a Chrome bag, they offer solid durability for daily use and a timeless look that fits in anywhere.
Shop now at herschel.com
If you love functionality but crave a more polished, professional look, meet Bellroy. They specialize in super-smart, minimalist bags, wallets, and tech accessories made from premium, eco-friendly materials. Where Chrome is rugged and built for the streets, Bellroy is refined and perfect for the office. They excel at organization, creating slim silhouettes that keep your gear tidy without any extra bulk.
Shop now at bellroy.com
Home of the iconic Kanken backpack, this Swedish brand knows a thing or two about making gear that lasts. Fjallraven focuses on timeless design, sustainability, and serious durability, using their signature G-1000 fabric that can withstand years of use. Their aesthetic is more classic and heritage-inspired compared to Chrome's modern urban edge, but both brands share a deep commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.
Shop now at fjallraven.com
Topo Designs makes colorful, durable gear with a distinct mountain-meets-city vibe. Their bags often feature bold color-blocking and durable, weatherproof materials, perfect for anyone who wants their gear to have a little personality. They share Chrome's passion for quality materials and US-made products but swap the all-black urban aesthetic for a brighter, more classic-outdoorsy feel.
Shop now at topodesigns.com
Mission Workshop is like Chrome's high-end, even more technical sibling. Born in the same San Francisco cycling scene, they create exceptionally weatherproof, modular bags with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Their gear is built for performance in the harshest city conditions, with technical fabrics and a lifetime guarantee. If you're willing to invest in top-tier performance and love a clean, futuristic look, this is your brand.
Shop now at missionworkshop.com
Another classic from San Francisco's messenger culture, Timbuk2 is famous for its customizable and seriously tough messenger bags and backpacks. They offer a more accessible, and often more playful, take on urban carry gear compared to Chrome. The biggest draw is the ability to design your own bag, choosing from countless colors and fabrics to create something uniquely yours while still getting that legendary durability.
Shop now at timbuk2.com
For the urban professional who carries a lot of expensive tech, Everki is a top choice. Their backpacks are designed with an obsessive focus on organization and laptop protection, featuring checkpoint-friendly designs and smart compartments for all your devices. While their style is more corporate and commuting-focused than Chrome’s rugged streetwear look, they don’t skimp on quality, offering a lifetime warranty and incredible durability.
Shop now at everki.com
Eastpak makes straightforward, durable, and affordable bags with a youthful, streetwear feel. They’re a classic for a reason, offering no-fuss backpacks that are built to be tossed around every day. If you want a reliable bag that feels more casual and comes at a friendlier price point than Chrome, Eastpak delivers that classic, dependable style that's always in trend.
Shop now at eastpak.com
Coming from the world of serious hiking and backpacking, Osprey knows how to build bags that are comfortable and incredibly high-performance. Their "Active Everyday" line translates that technical expertise into packs perfect for city life, offering ergonomic designs and excellent organization. While they definitely skew more towards an outdoor-tech look, they are unbeatable if comfort and support are your top priorities for a daily commuter bag.
Shop now at osprey.com
As a leader in snowboarding, Burton understands how to make gear that withstands abuse from both the elements and the user. Their backpacks are tough-as-nails, often featuring weatherproof fabrics and skater-friendly details like board straps. Their vibe is younger and more rooted in board sports culture than bike messenger culture, but they share Chrome's commitment to building rugged gear that you can rely on.
Shop now at burton.com
REI's in-house brand, Co-op, offers fantastic value on thoughtfully designed outdoor and urban gear. Many of their daypacks are made with durable, recycled materials and feature practical designs perfect for a daily commute or a weekend hike. The aesthetic is clean and understatedly outdoorsy, much like Patagonia, but often at a more accessible price point. It’s a solid, reliable choice that emphasizes function over flashy branding.
Shop now at rei.com
For the minimalist traveler and commuter, Matador is a game-changer. They specialize in ultra-lightweight, packable bags made from advanced weatherproof materials. While a Chrome bag is your sturdy workhorse, a Matador bag is the sleek, ultralight alternative you can throw in your luggage or use for light-and-fast daily missions. They deliver impressive durability in an incredibly small and convenient package.
Shop now at matadorup.com
Positioned at the premium end of the spectrum, Briggs & Riley is for the professional who demands the absolute best in durability and design. Known for their lifetime guarantee that even covers airline damage, their bags are built to an incredible standard. Their urban backpacks offer clever organization and a highly polished look, trading Chrome's street aesthetic for one that is ready for the boardroom or first-class lounge.
Shop now at briggs-riley.com
Aer designs sleek, minimalist bags for the modern city professional with a "gym/work" mentality. Their products are incredibly well-organized, with dedicated compartments for your laptop, gym clothes, and daily essentials, all wrapped in a clean, all-black ballistic nylon shell. They offer the same durability and weather resistance as Chrome but with a sharp, office-appropriate aesthetic that’s all about stealthy efficiency.
Shop now at aersf.com
Hailing from Australia, Crumpler makes bold, functional, and super-tough messenger bags and backpacks. They are known for their quirky designs, bright pops of color, and unmistakable durability. A bit like Timbuk2, they offer a more expressive and playful alternative to Chrome’s strict utilitarian vibe, without sacrificing the toughness needed for daily city biking and commuting.
Shop now at crumpler.com
Peak Design created its reputation with ingenious, beautifully engineered camera bags that have since evolved into everyday carry gold. Their backpacks are defined by smart, modular organization, weatherproof materials, and a sleek, modern look that's unbelievably functional. If you carry any kind of tech or camera gear, their clever access points and configurable dividers are mind-blowing. They match Chrome's durability with a higher-tech, creator-focused edge.
Shop now at peakdesign.com
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