Chrome Industries has released the Niko Camera Backpack 3.0. Designed for street photographers and videographers, it’s bigger and designed to be more customizable — and therefore more comfortable.
Chrome has been making durable and functional camera bags for more than 25 years and has a reputation for producing accessories that are tough, weatherproof, and unassuming. They are also designed with a plethora of features that cater to fast-moving creatives.
According to the company, the enhanced bags and straps were designed based on input from experts — including action, street, and adventure photographers — to ensure that both the features provided and the design overall, give users a proper upgrade.
The updated $280 Niko 3.0 Backpack weighs four pounds when empty and is capable of carrying multiple cameras, lenses, tablets, laptops, and more with its 25 liter capacity. The design features “doors” at the top, back, and sides to provide access to the cameras, computers, and gear that is stored in the main compartment.
The Niko 3.0 backpack also includes a larger laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 16-inch device like a MacBook Pro, as well as a secondary pocket designed for storing an iPad or small tablet. Like most bags, the interior features a velcro-based divider that can be customized to accommodate most users’ individual preferences.
Chrome says the backpack is made of 1050D nylon shell and waterproof base and is bluesign-approved. The company also claims it is ideal for treks over long distances as it features an adjustable cushioned shoulder strap, a new sternum strap with a buckle, and a padded hip belt. The improved design also includes cargo straps on the sides which allow wearers to attach additional gear such as tripods, water bottles, or other supplies.
The $145 Nikon 3.0 Camera Sling is an entirely new product for the company. Its nine-liter carry capacity is targeted at street and urban photographers that need quick access to equipment while on the move. The sling is made from the same materials as the 3.0 Backpack, including an adjustable strap with a quick-release buckle, and weighs about 2.1 pounds when empty.
The company says that the cross-body sling can also be adjusted to be worn around the waist, potentially allowing it to work in tandem with the 3.0 backpack for even more storage while on the move. The sling features a top-zip opening to the interior that can carry a camera and lens and can be customized into multiple configurations to carry more than just camera gear. The interior of the bag has multiple pockets and fold-out flaps that contain spaces for cables, documents, batteries, film, and memory cards.
The $25 Niko Camera Wrist Strap and $40 Shoulder Strap are designed to keep access to a photographers cameras fast, light, and reliable. The shoulder strap includes a classic stabilizer strap to hold everything tightly in place while on the move, allowing for easy access worn cross-body or shoulder carry style.
The wrist strap is meant for photographers who do not need or like the larger and longer shoulder straps but still want a level of security and safety to ensure they cannot drop their favorite cameras. Both straps feature a quick-release side buckle allowing for easy movement between both carry systems.
The updated bags and accessores can all be perused on the Chrome Industries website.