[Series: 【 Minor Good Guide] Vol. 28: Montbell Products with Unexpected Functionality.

Classic items from established brands are truly great. As the name “classic” suggests, they have a long history and reliable features, so you’ll never get tired of them no matter how old you get. But this series is aimed at those with a bit of a contrarian streak. Here, I’ll introduce some lesser-known but truly compelling items from those brands. For the 28th installment, we’re featuring a hidden gem from Montbell.

Photo_Arata Suzuki
Styling_So Matsukawa
Text&Edit_Yuri Sudo

It goes without saying just how advanced ’s technology is. However, what I’d like to focus on this time is the brand’s skill in striking the right balance.

U.L. Knapsack ¥3,300

From summit hikes to everyday errands like visiting a public bath—this backpack is versatile enough for a wide range of situations. The key feature is that, despite its simple appearance, it’s packed with a variety of hidden features.

This 30-denier nylon double ripstop fabric, with a silicone coating on both sides, is so thin that light shines through it. It’s also an ultra-lightweight material. Best of all, it’s said to have excellent tear resistance, so it won’t give way even if you handle it a little roughly. Since it’s packable, you can even slip it into your luggage as a secondary bag when traveling.

In addition to the main compartment, there’s a small, packable pocket on the inside that can be used to store small items. It’s clever how they’ve kept the design simple without overloading it with features, tailoring it to the situation.

Batik Salon ¥2,090

With its vibrant orange color evoking images of a hot country, this piece is called a “batik sarong.” It is a traditional Indonesian dyed fabric.

Of course, you can use it as a throw for your bed or sofa, but there are also some ideas that are quintessentially *Montbell*. Made of rayon with a lovely texture and cut in a generous size, it’s incredibly handy—whether you wrap it around your waist over your swimsuit or throw it on when you need to change outdoors. Just tuck it into your bag or slip it in between other items—it’ll become a handy accessory to support your outdoor activities.

Even items that seem ordinary at first glance may actually have hidden features, or be designed to deliberately avoid overloading them with functionality. I’m constantly amazed by Montbell’s masterful balance of what to include and what to leave out.

Filming Location Note: Artist Nanami Okayama’s bedroom. Her favorite new purchase is a rainbow kite.