What a buckle will do…In this case what a broken buckle will do…
When you lose the use of a good bag that went through five years of serious partnership, you have to understand that you’re up for major shifting mode, which is why I entered pure panic mode when the main buckle of my long-time Chrome ‘Bomb Box’ bag splintered into plastic pieces in the Detroit airport last month.
I immediately called and emailed Chrome Bags for info on the buckle and bag. However, I was stunned by the lack of customer service that was given out of their San Francisco headquarters. And I’m telling you people…I tried and tried several times reaching them to no avail, but I guess the classic messenger snobbery has just infiltrated into their customer service…Just horrible service over the phone and complete radio silence via email…Good riddance.
What a shame because the ‘Bomb Box’ bag that I went to war with over the past six years in San Francisco, two grad degrees in Chapel Hill, and a stints in New York City and Chicago has passed on due to buckle wear.
Yet, don’t fret for the Midnight Rider…I shifted to InCase’s nylon backpack that has incredibly raised the bag play to a whole new level.
The ballistic nylon is incredibly light. The bag has mesh pockets, easy-to-stash pockets, and 2 main compartments, and I’m able to fit a 15″ laptop in a plush lined faux-fur compartment along with two SIs, a Wired and a hardcover book.
The bonus is that the strap is heavily padded and light enough to maneuver when cruising through airports and in-and-out of taxis. To top off the features, the bag has a clean enough look to bring into meetings and do your thing.
I’m thrilled…
Incase bags and products are often found in Apple stores. However, I discovered this bag at the incredibly chic travel store, Flight 001, on State Street in Chicago. (If you travel a ton, and you’re in Berkeley, SF, Chicago, the LA, NYC, or the BK, you’re in luck. This store has a lot of cool travel products that ooze with cool and class.)
You can also buy through Turntable Lab. These guys know their stuff, and pick-up some tunes for that run. You shall be sleek.
Jettin’,
BD