The Chrome Industries Hondo 18L Pack is a sleek design with good eco credentials. It’s a great size for everyday use and there are loads of storage compartments – though the water bottle holders are small. It’s also water resistant, but there’s limited ventilation at the rear which can cause sweat patches.
The Hondo isn’t a cycling-specific backpack, but with a capacity of 18L and a total of 11 pockets, it’s a useful size for commuting. For more options, check out our guide to the best cycling backpacks.
> Buy now: Chrome Industries Hondo 18L Pack for £116 from Chrome Industries
The internal layout of the bag is practical, featuring seven sections. Among these, there’s a padded sleeve for laptops up to 15 inches; my 13-inch model fitted in comfortably. Additionally, there’s a Velcro internal pocket and plenty of open compartments for notebooks, pens and various other items, with some room for your lunch too.
On the outside, there are two zipped pockets – one of which is padded and useful for storing your phone or sunglasses. The distribution of pockets is well done but my only niggle is with the two water bottle pockets positioned on either side of the bag. Chrome says that these pockets fit water bottles up to 2.5in in diameter. I managed to just about wiggle a 500ml standard Chilly’s bottle in, but a standard cycling water bottle wouldn’t fit. This wasn’t an issue during my commute, as I used my bike’s bottle cages, but is something to consider.
I appreciated the number of storage compartments as it meant everything stayed securely in place while I was riding.
The Hondo is made from recycled materials and has stood up well to the general abuse of a backpack. The water resistance is impressive – water beads up on the fabric and rolls off quickly. The main compartment zip and bottom front pocket have a storm flap that helps keep the stuff in there dry. Additionally, the top front compartment has a sealed zip, providing added protection for your phone if you choose to keep it in this padded compartment.
The two straps offer minimal padding, yet I found them comfortable on and off the bike. There’s also a removable chest strap for extra support.
What the straps lack in padding, the back of the bag makes up for, making it comfortable to wear off the bike. However, unlike cycling-specific backpacks, the padded sections aren’t as pronounced, resulting in less airflow over your back which can cause sweat patches.
A feature of the Hondo that I was intrigued by is a strap on the rear running down the middle that looks like a seatbelt strap. This is there for you to horizontally attach the backpack to a suitcase handle, allowing for convenient transportation. Neat.
It’s available in three colours: black, Royale (a sort of burgundy) and Castlerock Twill (grey), which I think all look smart.
Value
At £116, the Hondo 18L Pack is pretty expensive, but the overall quality is great.
Apidura’s City Backpack is more expensive at £130 but it does feature a fully waterproof design and is bigger, with a 20L capacity.
The Craft Cadence Backpack also scored highly for its toughness and organisation, as well as being fully waterproof. It, too, offers more capacity at 21L and comes in slightly cheaper at £99.99.
The Proviz Reflect360 30L backpack is cheaper still at £69.99, and while it’s not as high quality as the Hondo 18L Pack, it scored well on waterproofing, organisation and reflectivity.
Overall
This is a very good quality and well-organised bag, that’s great looking too. Although it’s not specifically designed specifically for cycling, it does a decent job, particularly for steady commutes where you’re less likely to build up a sweat.
> Buy now: Chrome Industries Hondo 18L Pack for £116 from Chrome Industries
Verdict
Great quality backpack that works well for short and steady rides, with plenty of storage compartments
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Chrome Industries Hondo 18L Pack
Size tested: 18L
Tell us what the product is for and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Chrome Industries says, “The perfect blend of sleek design and added organization makes the daily grind a daily groove. Updated iconic styling and just the right amount of organization make the 18L Hondo an instant classic.”
It’s a daypack designed for everyday use but does a decent job on the bike.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Chrome Industries lists:
Volume: 18L | Adjustable T-Lok shoulder straps
Water bottle: Up to 2.5″ diameter
Height: 17.5″| Width: 10.5″ | Depth: 4.5″
Weight: 2.14
Materials: 900D recycled Polyester, 1680D recycled Ballistic Nylon, & 600D recycled Polyester, with a 150D recycled Polyester liner
Feels really well made and has stood up to the general abuse of a day-to-day backpack well so far.
It’s not 100% waterproof and breathability is limited at the rear when using it cycling.
No issues so far.
Shoulder straps are comfortable and it’s a good size for daily commutes. Comfort could be improved with increase ventilation at the rear of the bag.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
As a backpack for everyday use it performed well and does a decent job on the bike, particularly for short, low-speed commutes where you’re less likely to get sweaty.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The size of the bag and number of pockets to keep things organised.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The small water bottle pockets! And limited breathability when cycling.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
It’s on the more expensive side but there are bags that cost more, such as Apidura’s City Backpack.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
It’s good: a sleek-looking backpack that can be used on and off the bike with plenty of storage compartments. The overall quality is great, which helps to justify the price.
About the tester
Age: 23
I usually ride: specialised tarmac sl6 My best bike is:
I’ve been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
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