Chrome Industries Kadet Slide Sling Review

The Chrome Industries Kadet Slide Sling is an excellent crossover between a messenger bag and a sling. It offers 9 liters of capacity with durable materials that make it perfect for everyday essentials. This sling provides ample space and flexibility, allowing it to function as either a small messenger bag or a larger sling, depending on your needs.

While the sling closely resembles Chrome Industries’ Kadet Sling in most aspects, it distinguishes itself with a modular buckle system, allowing you to swap it out for options available for purchase separately. It is particularly ideal for those looking for a flexible crossbody storage solution, especially bike commuters who need to carry U-locks. This focus on cyclist-friendly features is not new for Chrome Industries, which is known for incorporating safety and storage features that cater to bike commuters. The bag also includes a stabilizing strap that prevents unwanted sliding while in transit.

External Components

The Chrome Industries Kadet Slide Sling is made from a durable 1050D nylon with a PU backing, making it weather-resistant. It features YKK zippers with an AquaGuard coating on the main pocket but not on the front or secondary compartments. On the back is a dedicated space for U-lock storage, which adds convenient functionality for bikers. On the front, a Chrome Industries Hypalon Logo prominently promotes the brand’s identity with additional subtle detailing throughout the rest of the sling. The bag includes compression straps on both sides and the bottom, which can be multipurpose. They include a reflective coating for visibility, are easily adjustable, and serve as attachment points for attaching extra gear to the exterior.

One of the standout features of this sling is its swappable buckle system that accommodates the standard large 2″ slide closure and different color and pattern options, including Chrome’s iconic seatbelt buckle. While swapping the buckle isn’t particularly convenient on the go, the process remains relatively straightforward. The included buckle provides excellent security and durability, though its metal components can be noisy, which is not great in quiet environments. The metal parts tend to clank up against each other. One notable limitation of the included buckle is that it does not easily disengage, requiring you to put on or remove the bag overhead when wearing it crossbody style. However, it includes a built-in bottle opener, which is always nice to have in a pinch.

The primary carry method for this sling is crossbody, like a messenger bag. It features a smooth, seat belt-like strap that is wider than typical for enhanced comfort. It’s even cushier due to a padded section with breathable mesh material. For added stability during wear, the bag includes a stabilizer strap with reflective stitching for visibility. This stabilizer strap is removable when not needed; just undo the hook-and-loop fastener and thread it out of the adjuster.

Fit Notes

The Chrome Industries Kadet Slide Sling has a noticeably larger form factor than other bags with similar capacity. It comes in a couple of different color options, with this burgundy version having a distinctly casual appearance due to its materials and design. The durable nylon exterior has a canvas-like feel and aesthetic, giving it a more laid-back look, similar to heritage backpacks but in sling form.

Inside The Sling

The front compartment of the Chrome Industries Kadet Slide Sling features a 150D recycled polyester lining and a single zip closure with a zipper dock. This compartment lacks an AquaGuard coating, which could prove slightly problematic if you get caught out in the rain. This compartment works perfectly as a simple, quick-access space. Its lack of interior organization makes it most suitable for small everyday items like lip balm, gum, hand sanitizer, and even small wireless headphones. However, due to the lack of padding and organization panels, we recommend being cautious when storing sensitive or fragile items here, as the gear inside tends to move around freely.

The main compartment on the Chrome Industries Kadet Slide Sling also takes a rather minimalistic approach. It features a dual zipper opening with an AquaGuard coating and provides a wide opening for easy access and visibility of the gear inside. The organization inside is intentionally minimal, with a large slip pocket, two pen or stylus loops, and a metal carabiner at the top for securing keys. While the compartment can accommodate up to a 7-inch tablet, it’s worth noting that there’s no dedicated padding for protection, though the back panel does offer some cushioning. Most of the space functions as an open storage area for various gear. One notable feature is its expandable design, allowing the sling to fit more gear as needed. When not needed, the compression straps allow it to be flattened to maintain a slim profile when not fully loaded with gear.

The Chrome Industries Kadet Slide Sling is a versatile sling that walks a fine line between a messenger bag and a crossbody sling. Its durable 1050D nylon and semi-weather-resistant features make it particularly well-suited for bike commuters and urban adventurers. The swappable buckle system is a fun and creative way to add a touch of individuality to the sling. While the sling’s simplistic and minimalistic approach to organization may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it excels in durability and practical urban use. It offers a casual aesthetic with thoughtful cyclist-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable everyday carry solution that can adapt to a variety of use cases while maintaining a sleek profile.