As you all know, the UL (Ultralight) movement has become one of the mainstream trends in outdoor activities like mountaineering, speed hiking, and trail running. Enjoying activities with lightweight equipment isn't limited to hiking; it also applies to bicycle touring. Here at Circles, we have been proposing UL-style items from brands like OMM and Yamatomichi that can also be utilized for cycling activities.
A major role in the growth of the UL movement has been played by the many small garage brands that exist not only overseas but also here in Japan. Deriving from MYOG (Make Your Own Gear: a style of making your own gear), they start by making good things for themselves and their friends, which eventually gains a reputation, leads to sales, and for some, becomes their full-time profession. At its root is the philosophy of "making what you use yourself."
With that in mind, let's look back at the opening phrase, "It started in a messenger company's garage."
A little before the fixie boom, when the profession of a messenger was just beginning to take root in Japan, the messenger bags used to carry documents and packages were, of course, built to be durable, but they still suffered from wear and tear and malfunctions under the strain of hard daily work.
Back then, many messengers used imported bags from overseas, so repairs meant sending them back to the country of origin. Both being without their work tools for a long period and the high cost of repairs were major bottlenecks. The messenger bag maker RESISTANT was born from the idea: if that's the case, why not just repair them ourselves?
Now, that was a long introduction, but what I’m introducing this time is their answer to the question: What can happen when a messenger bag maker takes on the challenge of a super-lightweight backpack?
Rather than just imitating a UL-style backpack, this is a pack that aims for the lightest possible weight while packing in the knowledge and philosophy they have cultivated over the years. Furthermore, it is designed with a focus on water resistance and toughness. It weighs in at just 480g (manufacturer measured value)—as light as a plastic bottle. When you actually pick it up, you'll be surprised at how light it is, far beyond what its appearance suggests.
I mentioned its appearance, but at first glance, the Delight looks similar to the BOND and HOPE I introduced previously. That’s no surprise, as it uses the same Cordura nylon for the outer shell to ensure durability is not compromised. The double-wall structure, featuring highly water-resistant Cordura ripstop silnylon for the inner layer, is modeled after the Cordura x tarpaulin combination used in traditional messenger bags. However, by switching from heavy, tough tarpaulin to ripstop silnylon, they succeeded in achieving significant weight reduction while still retaining some resistance to tearing.
The shoulder harness is designed to be the right length, tailored for Japanese frames. While aiming for light weight, they’ve pursued convenience by including stabilizers and a sunglasses holder. Naturally, it uses a mesh panel to ensure ventilation during the summer months.
It features a roll-top opening, and the buckles can be adjusted depending on the load capacity. Personally, I'm drawn to these fine details. It has one simple inner pocket—the "not too much, not too little" approach is just right.
And the X-shaped drawcord is a great feature, with a length that can be adjusted just like a tent. Basically, it acts as a compression system for the main compartment, but it's also useful for tucking away an outer layer you've taken off. There are three pairs of drawcord loops—top, middle, and bottom—so you can customize it to your liking.
True to the "light" in the model name "Delight," this is the lightest backpack in RESISTANT's history. This is not a UL mountaineering backpack, but rather a lightweight backpack made by a messenger bag maker. Its intended use is focused on commuting by bicycle and everyday use. The origins of UL garage makers and RESISTANT are very similar, and the underlying spirit of "making what you use yourself" is the same. The Delight was designed with the pride that it would be nonsense to discard their own identity just to mimic a trend.
Please come by the store to see it in person, try it on, and experience its excellence for yourself. In addition to the popular midget, which had been out of stock, we have also received the slightly larger midget plus.
Also, RESISTANT accepts custom color orders for their bags. Please feel free to consult with Circles if you are interested.