I cannot overstate how inconvenient the laptop sleeve location is to the use of the bag. Putting it in the front of the bag puts an immediate limit to how the bag can form around its content. If you're moving anything other than flat pack objects you're either getting them crammed against your back or they just won't fit. It functionally makes the laptop space an either/or pocket. Plus, my electronics are now *outside* of the full waterproof area of the bag. Ergonomically, I feel like this one is worse than my old soma that I replaced with this, but that may just be me. It's well built and there are thoughtful parts to it, but my use for it as an office commuter bag is limited by the unusable laptop compartment.

I buy a lot of Chrome products. I really like the brand. I thought I would add this Citizen 24L to my collection because I felt my current favorite(suede large cadet)was a little too small as my personal item on flights. I typically tuck it under my seat. Anyway, the reviews on the 24L were spot on. The two pockets under the flap are way too shallow. The lack of pocket in the big compartment means everything just gets tossed in to a sack. The seat belt clip is light which might be a good thing. I can’t tell if that is a cost savings move but it’s definitely different than all my old Chrome bags. It has a bit of a cheaper feel. I don’t think this was a good choice particularly since you’ve got to unclip and flip open to access anything. Prefer the zippers on the cadet plus all the organizer pockets. I give 24L four stars because it’s still a nice bag but whatever space I think I was gaining wasn’t worth it to lose all the organization features and conveniences of the cadet. Hope that makes sense.

I'm an old school messenger guy from NYC (I'm 60) and when I was on the road for work I depended on a roomy bag to fit all of ny daily gear. I thought the redesign with new pockets was going to be ROOMIER. That is so NOT THE CASE. The new pockets offers more flexibility but what you've done is trim down the interior space to make up for the redesign in materials and the interior is ACTUALLY SMALLER! Well you've lost a long time customer. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER MESSENGER BAG EVER! THIS IS MY LAST BUY FROM YOU GUYS! I was about to buy the limited edition too but I've got plenty of older messenger bags and I was mostly a Timbuk2 guy till they sold out to be more popular and it seems Chrome has gone the same way. You can't fit shit in this as a messenger bag. Thank the heavens I don't work on a bike anymore because all I can see is cost cutting in this new bag. NEVER AGAIN!

The bag is definitely beautiful. However, I had the previous version of this for 15 years, and I do feel like we've lost some of the best features. The lack of a pocket on the back of the bag is really unfortunate; so that now the only access to pockets or storage means you have to lift the flap. Sometimes--when traveling, or on a bike with a basket, you want to keep certain things easily accessible. Similarly no pen holders, or small zip pockets on the inside also is unfortunate. Finally, the buckle tion feels very very light compared to my previous one.