"God is in the details."
While there are various theories as to who coined this phrase—frequently cited in the worlds of art, design, and beyond—it generally means that obsessing over the finest details enhances the perfection of the whole.
This phrase fits the Play Wallet by MINIMALIGHT perfectly—a wallet that is exceptionally easy to use despite its very compact and simple structure. While the product itself is quite small, every aspect—from fabric cutting and folding points to sewing locations and techniques—is precisely engineered and manufactured at a factory trusted by the designer, resulting in a product of incredibly high quality. Within the details of such a small product resides not the soul of a god, but that of the designer.
The Ordinary Pack, which MINIMALIGHT launched last year, is another product that embodies "God is in the details." This compact 17-liter backpack is a perfect match for that sentiment.
【MINIMALIGHT】
Ordinary Pack
PRICE: 22,000 JPY (tax included)
COLOR: Coyote, Dark Green, Black, Slate Grey, Grape
SIZE: Approx. 27.5cm × 43cm × 16cm
VOLUME: 17L (Main 13L + Front Pocket 2L + Side Pockets 1L × 2)
WEIGHT: 358g (395g including waist and chest straps)
MATERIAL: X-Pac VX21, Polyester double raschel mesh, 4-way Stretch Poly
ORIGIN: JAPAN
Concept: "The mountains are everyday, the city is everyday."
The Ordinary Pack is designed around the concept that "the mountains are everyday, and the city is everyday." It’s a simple pack that features the functionality required for day hiking, yet is easy to use in the city as well. Because it’s a compact pack, the components selected are as slim and small as possible. We kept the design as simple as possible to ensure that while it retains the necessary outdoor functions, it doesn't look overly "outdoorsy" when used in the city.
The main material is X-PAC VX21, which has a bit of thickness and firmness. It is lightweight and highly durable, and it maintains its form to a certain extent even when the pack is not full.
U-shaped opening for easy laptop access
The main compartment is accessed via a top zipper. It is sized to fit a 13-inch laptop, even inside a case, and features a simple interior structure consisting only of a pocket for a back pad. We chose a zipper rather than a drawstring or roll-top closure for convenience in urban use. Additionally, we opted for a U-shaped design because a large vertical zipper can be cumbersome when gear is attached to the sides. This shape keeps the opening rigid and wide, making it easy to put items in and take them out, while also making it easier to see what is packed inside.
Front pocket equipped with a loop to secure keys or a wallet
The front pocket is gusseted, providing two liters of capacity. It also includes a fixed loop so you can keep your wallet or keys in a consistent spot for easy retrieval.
1-liter side pockets fit Nalgene bottles perfectly
The side pockets are made from a combination of X-PAC and an elastic stretch material. They feature internal elastic on the top edge to hold cargo securely. They can accommodate items like two 350ml cans, two 500ml plastic bottles, or a 1L Nalgene bottle.
Side straps for securing poles
The side straps located above the side pockets can be opened, closed, and tightened using buckles. You can use them to secure poles, hang clothing, or attach lightweight snowshoes. I tested them with a bicycle frame pump I had on hand, and it held it securely in place.
Chest and waist straps for doubled stability
The back panel and shoulder straps use 3D mesh for comfort during active use. By using the included waist and chest straps to secure the pack to your body, it can even handle vigorous activities like trail running or mountain biking.
I’m sure you’ve fully grasped the specifications of the Ordinary Pack and agree that it looks like a user-friendly backpack. However, personally, I find myself grinning as I look at even finer details, such as the loops placed next to the zippers, the angle of the shoulder strap attachment, the placement of the padding, and the shape of the gussets and bottom that connect the fabrics.
And the comfort you feel when carrying a heavier load is...
Of course, I believe that products from many manufacturers are shaped by the precise designs of their creators, but as someone who knows the person behind this one, I can’t help but picture the face of a designer who has an incredibly strong, in a good way, obsession with these details.
If you are looking for a compact, user-friendly backpack, this is the one!
