TEST: With a volume of 7 L, the Chrome Tensile Hip Pack is the largest hip bag in our test. Since it is intended for use with drinking bottles, the volume should be particularly generous. You can find out how the hipbag performs on the trail here.
Chrome Tensile Hip Pack in the test
Chrome - founded in 1995 to produce bicycle messenger bags - is taking a different approach with the Tensile Hip Pack than most of the competition. The stylish hip bag looks less designed for sporting use. This is evident, for example, from the fact that the hip bag does not have a back padding and relies on a narrower strap with a metal buckle. The hip bag is therefore aimed more at bikers who use it as a lifestyle product and only want to use it occasionally on the trail. The materials appear very robust and promise a long life.
Facts & figures
Compartment layout & inner workings
When you divide up the Chrome Tensile Hip Pack, you immediately notice the large volume. The compartment facing the back has inside pockets that can hold your wallet, cell phone and tools. You can also find a closing clip here. There is also space for one piece of clothing here. The middle main compartment easily holds two additional items of clothing as well as a spare hose and pump. For example, you can store tools, bars or a smartphone in the large front compartment.
In addition to the generous amount of space, there are two pockets in which you can easily store a 0,75 L bottle each. They can be secured with compression straps and also have a rubber strap that prevents the bottles from falling out.
Overall, the interior is rather simple, but still practical. The compartments are easily accessible, although one would wish for a larger opening for the two large compartments. You won't find any fin pockets - they would probably ruin the stylish look.
Strap & adjustment options
The strap, in particular, shows that the Chrom Tensile Hip Pack is, as mentioned, intended more as a lifestyle product. This is reminiscent of a car seat belt and is therefore not the most comfortable if you fasten it very tightly. The belt is adjusted on one side - this works well and easily, but the management of the remaining belt strap is rather clumsy.
Compression straps can be easily adjusted and largely serve their purpose as long as you are traveling without bottles. With bottles, the straps have little effect unless the hip pocket is generously filled.
In action & on the trail
Contrary to expectations, the Chrom Tensile Hip Pack performs quite well on the trail - provided you don't have any bottles. Due to its large volume, it is only half filled with our test contents and therefore sits quite well on the back. This changes as soon as you go to the maximum level. The slight wobble then becomes clearly noticeable and the wearing comfort decreases. This is generally not that high, which is due to the narrow, non-padded strap. The compression straps do their job quite well, but are only really useful if you are traveling without a bottle and therefore without drinking. The generous storage space is largely easily accessible, but handling would benefit from a fold-out front compartment with a few slots for tools.
