Hello everyone, it’s Chan-Mai!
Walking in the mountains, setting off on a journey, riding a bicycle, spending time in the city.
RawLow Mountain Works continues to create gear that connects all of these activities with ease.
They are one of the brands that have a long and deep relationship with Circles, and Ryotaro-san, who founded the brand, is someone we consider a dear friend connected through cycling, long before we see him as a brand representative.
The first time I met Ryotaro-san was... about five years ago at an outdoor event. I was a huge fan of the RawLow Mountain Works BAMBI X-Pac Edition backpack, so I was genuinely moved to see the person behind it in the flesh. It’s not often that you get to imagine the creator of the products you use.
RawLow Mountain Works will be holding a POP UP STORE at Circles, featuring their first new releases in a long time!
Since we have this opportunity, we thought we should have Ryotaro-san come back to Nagoya! (He’s actually from Nagoya.) So, it’s been decided that he will be at the shop as well. This is a rare chance to take a close look at the world of RawLow Mountain Works in person. Opportunities to meet him directly are few and far between, so please make sure to enjoy plenty of conversation with him.
The week before, they are hosting EZO (Enter Zone Outdoor 2026) in Hokkaido. Ryotaro-san is also the one planning and running this event. It feels like this will be a special pop-up that brings the atmosphere of the northern wilderness and the lingering memories of that trip straight to Nagoya ⛰️
About RawLow Mountain Works
RawLow Mountain Works is a Japanese mountain gear brand that started in 2015. It was founded by two designers who have been involved in bag making for over 20 years, and they offer gear that moves between mountains, travel, and daily life, with a focus on backpacks.
Their charm lies in the fact that they don’t just focus on lightness or functionality, but truly imagine the lives of the people who use their gear. It’s the balance between solid practicality, proven by extensive field testing in the mountains, and a look that feels natural even in the city, that makes them so uniquely RawLow Mountain Works.
Whether it’s hiking, before or after a ride, taking your bike on a train, walking around a travel destination, or your daily commute and shopping—these are tools that effortlessly blur the lines between outdoor and everyday, cycling and walking. It’s that sense of closeness that makes them a brand that fits perfectly into the "bicycle lifestyle" that Circles proposes.
The highlights: the classic & the new models!
The item I want you to pay special attention to at this POP UP is the long-awaited Bike’n Hike Saddle Bag.
This iconic RawLow Mountain Works product, which can be worn as a backpack, has been produced since the brand's inception and has now been updated. It follows the materials and design of the new Colorado Pack, resulting in a more heavy-duty finish. By revising the internal reinforcement and strengthening the side gussets, the stability when mounted to the saddle has been significantly improved.
Furthermore, this time we are offering a Circles exclusive color: Blue!
It’s a special color you’ll want to take along on your bike trips, around the city, and of course, on your hikes.
And another newcomer is the Colorado Pack.
This is a model with a revised capacity, designed as a large-capacity lumbar bag that is easy to use for low-altitude hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and more. It is available in two sizes: the new Medium, and a Small size similar to the previous Nuts Pack.
Equipped with adjuster belts on both sides to fine-tune the fit, it can be used comfortably even during intense movements like MTB trail riding or when carrying heavy loads. Made from tough 1000D nylon and treated with a highly water-repellent finish that can withstand light rain, it is truly a heavy-duty piece of outdoor gear.
RAWLOW MOUNTAIN WORKS POP UP STORE
Date and Time: July 18 (Sat) – July 20 (Mon/Holiday), 2026
Location: Circles 2F
*Ryotaro-san will only be at the store from July 19 (Sun) to July 20 (Mon/Holiday).
Please come and experience the free-spirited atmosphere of RawLow Mountain Works gear for yourself at our store.
We look forward to seeing you all!
