ーWhich backpack do you use the most?

Ayana　For hiking, I use the MINI2 most, but overall it’s probably the MINI. I commute with it every day and use it for day hikes too.

For overnight trips, I usually take the MINI2. I move up to the THREE when colder-weather gear, a helmet, microspikes, or several days of food start taking up more space. For snow trips, it’s usually the THREE or ONE.

ーWhat makes you choose between the MINI and MINI2 in particular?

Ayana　The MINI works better for everyday use with the secure front pocket. While for hiking I prefer the MINI2 because the front mesh is so easy to access without the zipper. I can throw in my headlamp, rainwear, and other small things and grab them without opening the main compartment.

Andy　I use the MINI2 most, even in the rain. The front mesh pocket drains and dries quickly, and it gives me easy access to things like rainwear.

Once my load gets above around 7 kg, I switch to the THREE. I’m not particularly strong through the shoulders, so being able to distribute some of the weight to my hips makes a big difference, especially on steep climbs.

ーWhen do you use the ONE?

Andy　For longer trips without resupply. Whether I choose the ONE or THREE depends on the season and how much I’m carrying.

Ryo　Recently, the MINI has become the pack I use most. More than anything, it just fits my body well.

Before joining the company, I used a Size L MINI2, but once I tried an M, the fit really clicked. The back length and shoulder straps simply suit me better.

I use the MINI for everything from daily life to day hikes and overnight trips. I also like that the smaller zippered front pocket keeps me from throwing too much into the front and pulling the weight away from my back.

And honestly, I just like the way it looks.

ーWhen do you switch to the THREE?

Ryo　Basically when everything stops fitting in the MINI. From around mid-October at 2,500–3,000 m, my sleeping bag gets bulkier and I carry more insulation, so the extra space becomes useful.

If everything still fits in the MINI, though, I’d rather take the smaller pack. It feels more agile and leaves more room around my hips.

The ONE comes in when I need significantly more capacity, like when I’m carrying extra gear for my kids or want more hip support.

Mabu　I use the MINI2 and THREE most, with the MINI2 getting more use overall.

I often sleep in a hammock, and the MINI2 works really well for that. I can hang it beside me and grab things easily from the front mesh pocket.

For longer trips or unpredictable weather, I prefer the THREE. I took it on a seven-day hike in the Northern Japanese Alps, where we faced plenty of rain and strong winds. The wide opening and structured fabric made packing quick and easy, especially in bad weather when I wanted to pack up camp and get moving.

RyoI agree. The THREE stands up on its own, so it’s easy to see inside and pack quickly.

The stiff EcoPak fabric also helps the pack hold its shape, even when it’s filled close to the top. That added structure keeps the load stable and helps transfer some of the weight to your hips, taking pressure off your shoulders.

Ryo: For me, I think it really comes down to looks. A good backpack is one that makes you want to wear it.

If you really like how a backpack looks, I think you’ll find ways to make it work, even if there are things that feel inconvenient or difficult to use.

That’s definitely how I am. I often buy backpacks based on their appearance.

But once I actually start using them, there are plenty that I don’t end up wanting to keep using.

With the MINI, I happened to find something that I love the look of and that also feels great to carry. It just happened to suit me really well.

So for me, a good backpack is one that looks great and makes me excited to use it.

Ayana　That’s interesting because I barely think about how a backpack looks. For me, it’s much more about how it feels to use. When I’m in the mountains, I want to focus on my surroundings and enjoy being out there, without my backpack getting in the way.

I want something that moves naturally with my body, gives me freedom to move, and lets me reach what I need without much thought. That’s why I love the MINI2. It feels less like something I’m carrying and more like a companion.

I guess I care more about a backpack’s personality than its looks! (laughs)

ーRyo, what about you? What matters most when it comes to comfort?

Ryo A good backpack is one you barely notice you’re wearing. I think that comes down to three things: a good fit, not feeling the weight too much, and having plenty of freedom around your hips.

To maintain that comfort, I try to keep my pack weight down and think about how I can adjust my gear and packing to make the backpack work for me.

Andy　For me, access matters most. I want to reach what I need without taking the pack off.

ーSo a good backpack is one you can keep on as much as possible?

Andy　Yes, exactly. One thing that really bothers me is taking my backpack off, then putting it back on and feeling that cold sweat against my back. I’d rather just keep it on. Even during short breaks, I’ll often sit down without taking my pack off.

It also depends on how freely I can move my arms, but when everything sits in the right place, it just feels comfortable. I can hike longer without anything bothering me.

ーIt’s interesting how everyone has a different idea of what makes a good backpack. Any final thoughts before we wrap up?

Ryo　I think the way we discover gear is really important, too. I still remember how excited I was when I first tried certain products, like the 5-Pocket Shorts. Those experiences stick with you, and I think our stores should be places where customers can make those kinds of discoveries.

We don’t always get to talk this openly when helping customers, but I think sharing more of our own experiences is really valuable. The more we talk about what works for us and why, the better we can communicate that to others.

These days, you can look up just about anything online. But hearing someone’s personal experience with a product is different. I’d love to have more conversations like this with our customers.

ーHearing everyone’s experiences has given me a lot to think about, both in how we design our gear and how we communicate it. Thanks, everyone.